Liberty Township, Jackson County, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Liberty Township, Michigan
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Location within Jackson County
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 Liberty Township, Jackson County, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Liberty Township, Jackson County, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Jackson |
| Established | 1837 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.62 sq mi (92.3 km2) |
| • Land | 34.27 sq mi (88.8 km2) |
| • Water | 1.35 sq mi (3.5 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,033 ft (315 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,059 |
| • Density | 85.879/sq mi (33.158/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code(s) | 517 |
| FIPS code | 26-47360 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626613 |
Liberty Township is a community located in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a place where people live, work, and enjoy nature. In 2020, about 3,059 people lived here. The township was officially started in 1837.
Contents
Communities in Liberty Township
Liberty Township has a small community called Cedar Bank. This place used to have its own post office many years ago, from 1889 until 1902.
Geography and Natural Features
Liberty Township is in the southern part of Jackson County. It shares its southern border with Hillsdale County. A small part of its southeast corner also touches Lenawee County.
Size and Waterways
The township covers about 35.62 square miles (92.25 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 34.27 square miles (88.76 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 1.35 square miles (3.50 square kilometers), is water.
U.S. Route 127 runs along the eastern edge of the township. This road goes north about 9 miles (14 km) to Jackson, which is the main city of the county.
Most of Liberty Township's water flows into the Grand River. However, the westernmost part of the township drains into the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River.
Parks, Campgrounds, and Nature Preserves
Liberty Township is home to several great outdoor spots where you can explore nature and enjoy activities.
4-H Camp McGregor
This is a small campground located on Adams Road. It has a forest and wetlands, and it sits right on the shore of Crispell Lake. It's a great spot for camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Shady Acres Campground
You can find this campground on Crispell Road. It is also located on the shore of Crispell Lake and is known for its many trees and plants.
Grand River Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is on Liberty Road. It is one of the starting points, or "headwaters," of the Grand River. The other headwater is in Hillsdale County. This area has some woods, but it is mostly wetlands, which are areas of land covered with water.
MacCready Reserve
The MacCready Reserve is a large nature preserve covering 408 acres (165 hectares). It is on the west side of the township and has 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of hiking trails. The land was owned by the MacCready family for many years. In 2001, Douglas, Lynn, and Willis MacCready donated the land to Michigan State University.
The reserve is managed by different departments at Michigan State University. It features many forests, rolling hills, wetlands, and even a natural spring. It's a wonderful place for hiking and enjoying different types of natural scenery.
Lakes and Ponds
Liberty Township has several beautiful lakes and ponds, each with its own unique features.
Crispell Lake
Crispell Lake is one of the largest lakes in Liberty Township, along with Round Lake. It has some wetlands around its edges, but it's great for boating. The lake is quite deep in some spots, up to 75 feet (23 meters). Two campgrounds, 4-H Camp McGregor and Crispell Lake Campgrounds, are located here. You can also find boat ramps to launch your boats. Crispell Lake is on the far east side of the township.
Crispell Lake is close to another lake called Mud Lake, only about a quarter of a mile away. Sometimes, when it rains a lot, a small creek connects the two lakes. Crispell Lake is larger and has more people living around it, with boats and campgrounds.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is one of the smaller lakes in Liberty Township. It is also at the headwaters of the Grand River. A small stream connects Grand Lake to Mirror Lake, which is upstream and about the same size. Grand Lake used to be called Big Grand Lake, and Mirror Lake was called Little Grand Lake.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is another small lake in Liberty Township. It connects with Grand Lake downstream. Like Grand Lake, it was once known as Little Grand Lake. Most of the people living around Mirror Lake are on its west and south shores. The north and east shores are wilder and more natural.
Mud Lake
Mud Lake is one of the larger lakes in Liberty Township, but it is not very deep, maybe 20 feet (6 meters) in some areas. In the summer, it often has many lily pads, making it look a bit like a swamp. You won't usually see boats on Mud Lake. There are only a few houses around it, so it's mostly wild, with many waterfowl birds visiting in the summer. It is considered one of the most scenic lakes in the township.
Mud Lake is very close to Crispell Lake, about a quarter of a mile away. They can connect by a small creek during heavy rains. Only Springbrook Road, some woods, and wetlands separate them.
Round Lake
Round Lake is another one of the largest lakes in Liberty Township, similar in size to Crispell Lake. It has more people living around it than any other lake in the township, with houses all around its shores. It is fairly deep, and boats are allowed. There are boat ramps and docks available. Round Lake also has a public beach, a playground, and picnic tables. The west shore of Round Lake is on the border between Liberty Township and Hanover Township.
Skiff Lake
Skiff Lake is one of the larger lakes in the township, but it is one of the least populated. Many people think it is the most scenic lake in the township because of the many pine trees along its shores and a few small islands. A small stream flows out of Skiff Lake and connects to the Grand River.
Population Information
According to the 2020 census, Liberty Township had a population of 3,059 people. The township is a place where families and individuals live. In 2000, about 25.7% of the population was under 18 years old. The average age of people living in the township was 40 years.
See also
In Spanish: Municipio de Liberty (condado de Jackson, Míchigan) para niños
