The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has finalized its purchase of the former 166-acre Mitchell Creek Golf Course along Three Mile Road in Traverse City, as first reported in the April 6 Ticker.

Situated just south of the East Bay, the onetime golf course is home to the Mitchell Creek watershed, which feeds into Mitchell Creek and East Grand Traverse Bay, as well as wetlands, open land, and forests. The nature preserve will be named Mitchell Creek Meadow Preserve. It will protect natural habitats and offer public recreation opportunities including new trails and bird watching. Chris Sullivan, director of land protection at the conservancy, says the property is of significant importance, protecting fish and wildlife habitats and wetlands in an urbanizing watershed.

Another benefit is the potential that existing buildings could meet the organization’s needs for office space, event capacity, and stewardship activities. The conservancy will determine a timeline for preserving the land and renovating existing buildings on the property after completing a feasibility study.