9/21/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State University Board of Trustees today accepted a gift of land in Jackson County from MacCready Realty on behalf of Douglas, Lynn and Willis MacCready, brothers and co-owners of the Michigan Seat Company.
The brothers also provided a monetary gift to establish the Lynn and Thelma MacCready Forest and Wildlife Endowment Agreement, which will be used to maintain the property for education, research and outreach programs in wildlife and forestry management.
"We are grateful to the MacCreadys for their significant gift of property," said Marti K.S. Heil, associate vice president and director of University Development. "It is especially insightful and generous that they have also established an endowment to assist in the maintenance of the property for educational purposes."
Valued at $1.45 million, the property is located six miles south of Jackson in Liberty Township. Bounded on the east by Myers Road, on the west by Skiff Lake Road, on the south by Jefferson Road and on the north by private property, it consists of 408 acres of rolling forest that is entirely wooded except for approximately 30 acres of open land. The property includes glacial hills, small lakes and ponds, natural springs, streams, trees, wildflowers and abundant wildlife. It features planted and natural stands of several different species of conifers and hardwoods, and an old apple orchard several acres in size.
The property, which will be called the "MacCready Reserve," will be used for demonstration purposes by the Department of Forestry, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, MSU Extension and University Outreach.