Land Conservancy and Saugatuck Township partner to protect 119 acres of Kalamazoo River shoreline habitat
Community support is needed for the protection of the Township’s last significant acreage along the Kalamazoo River
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is collaborating with Saugatuck Township to protect 119 acres of forest, wetlands, and the shores of the Kalamazoo River as it flows into Lake Michigan.
Saugatuck Township seeks to acquire a riverfront property and transform it into a public park with preserved natural habitats and public recreation opportunities. Protection of the land would conserve an important ecological corridor.
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has launched a fundraising campaign to secure the remaining funds needed for the Township’s acquisition of Riverside Park.
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund recommends acquisition grant for Riverside Park
Saugatuck Township applied for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant to help fund the acquisition of the property in March 2025 with a letter of support from the Land Conservancy. The project ranked competitively in the MNRTF’s selection process, and in December 2025, the MNRTF board recommended a $2.46 million grant for the project.
Accessing this public funding relies on Saugatuck Township and the Land Conservancy providing 30% of the total project cost as local matching funds.
“The MNRTF recommendation is an exciting step forward for Riverside Park and reflects both the community’s long-standing support for public natural lands and the Township’s proactive work to turn that shared value into action,” said Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco.
The Parks and Trail millage, approved by voters in 2022, enabled the Township to raise 80% of the required local match. The Land Conservancy has committed to raising the remaining 20% to help Riverside Park cross the finish line.
“Supporting local communities in conservation is a key component of our mission,” said Land Conservancy Executive Director Kim Karn. “The Township’s demonstrated commitment to preserving the important habitats here and their shared desire to connect people with nature made us confident in supporting the project.”
“Projects like Riverside Park only happen when communities plan ahead, act proactively and collaboratively,” said State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “Without the foresight of Saugatuck Township, the leadership of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and long-standing state programs like the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, this opportunity to protect a rare stretch of the Kalamazoo River and secure public access for the future would simply not be possible.”
Community support is needed
The MNRTF grant recommendation from moves next to the Michigan Legislature, where it will be considered for approval as part of the State’s appropriations process. Once approved, the Legislature will forward a bill to the governor for signature.
If approved, the $2.46 million grant along with $880,000 in funds from the Township’s Parks and Trails Millage and $200,000 of privately raised funds from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan would fully fund the Township’s acquisition of Riverside Park.
“As we await the approval of the grant, we are asking the community to help make Riverside Park a reality,” Karn said.
The family of a local resident committed to the stewardship of this natural land has generously agreed to provide a gift as match to increase the impact of donations to Riverside Park.
Donations can be made online or by mail. More information can be found at naturenearby.org/saugatuck-township-riverside-park.
About Riverside Park
The land features a mosaic of ecosystems: a meandering creek, wetlands, open fields, woodlands, and a wooded ravine that flows directly into the Kalamazoo River. These ecosystems provide essential habitat for birds and breeding amphibians. With 2,200 feet of river shoreline, it is one of the last significant undeveloped parcels of riverfront land in the Township, and directly impacts the water quality flowing into Lake Michigan, less than three miles downstream.
Initial public access features would include signage, a trail loop, and parking. Saugatuck Township is interested in developing the park further with needed recreational features in the future. With community input, future development could include: universally accessible trails, a wetland boardwalk, river overlooks, nature-based play features, an outdoor classroom, a kayak launch, a fishing pier, and athletic-use amenities, such as a 9-hole disc golf course, flexible-use athletic amenities, and a 3.1-mile cross-country trail loop. The proposed features would be concentrated in an open field area, preserving over 75% of the site for natural space and ecological restoration.
“The acquisition of this property is a transformational opportunity to expand recreation access, protect critical natural resources, and create a destination park,” DeFranco said. “Through conservation-centered design and long-term stewardship, Saugatuck Township will ensure that Riverside Park becomes a model of natural resource protection, education, and responsible public access for generations to come.”
Learn more and make a donation to support the protection of Riverside Park at naturenearby.org/saugatuck-township-riverside-park.