Webster Township and Ann Arbor are working together to bring two large farms under the umbrella of Ann Arbor’s Greenbelt.

The two municipalities are purchasing the development rights to the Smyth and Merkel farms in Webster Township. They are taking advantage of Webster Township millage funds, Ann Arbor Greenbelt monies and grants from the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and Ranchland Protection Program.

When its all said and done another 247 acres adjacent to each other on Zeeb Road will be added to the Ann Arbor Greenbelt. The Smyth Farm accounts for 100 acres while the Merkel farm brings another 147 acres to the table. 

These farms join more than 1,000 acres protected by the Greenbelt and hundreds of acres of farmland protected in Webster Township thanks to land preservation millages.  

Source: City of Ann Arbor
Writer: Jon Zemke