Save the Sibley Prairie – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

Sibley Prairie, located in Brownstown Township, Wayne County, is Michigan’s largest and highest-quality lakeplain prairie remnant—and it is at risk of being lost forever. The 440-acre heart of this rare ecosystem is up for auction, with bidding set to close on August 27. This may be our last chance to save it.

Why It Matters

Exceptional Size and Quality: At 440 acres, this is one of the largest remaining natural properties in southeast Michigan, with a rich mix of prairie, forest, and wetland.

• Top Conservation Priority: This land lies within the Brownstown Prairie State Wildlife Area—the only State Wildlife Area in Wayne County—and has long been a DNR conservation goal.

• Public Access and Recreation: Protecting this land would expand the Wildlife Area to nearly 500 acres, offering more opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation in metro Detroit.

• Ecological Significance: Recognized by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory as the highest-quality lakeplain prairie remnant in the state, Sibley Prairie supports 15 rare plant species and the state-threatened Duke’s skipper butterfly.

• Climate and Water Protection: This land acts as vital green infrastructure, helping to mitigate climate change, reduce flood risk, and protect water quality.

• Equity and Access: Safeguarding this site aligns with the DNR’s goals to expand public land and outdoor access near population centers—critically important in Wayne County, Michigan’s most populous.

Several conservation partners are ready to support stewardship or ownership, but first, we must secure the land. If sold to developers, this unique natural treasure could be lost forever. Write your letter to decision makers today to support the preservation of this vital natural area!