Watershed Town

• The town of Clinton is located in the River Raisin watershed, which is the largest of its kind in Lenawee County and flows through the western border of the town. Prior to its 1800, the River Raisin was a major food source for the surrounding territories and provided a route to the region for explorers from the Lake Erie and St. Lawrence waterway. The 135-mile long River Raisin begins in Brooklyn and is known for its crooked framework. In fact, Robert Ripley of Ripley's Believe it or Not deemed it the most crooked river in the world.
  
  

Geology

• Clinton, Michigan was formed in the Ice Age nearly 1 million years ago. Four glaciers from Canada and the Ohio River collided and soon melted, creating a system of outwash plains and glacial channels. The rivulets of melting water resulted in glacial drift deposits, which formed boulders, as well as gravel, sand and clay surface structures.
  
  

Land

• Clinton is a land of small, rolling hills. The United States Geologic Survey estimates a slope range of zero to 6% and an elevation range of 800 to 872 feet. The soil in Clinton is comprised of fox, fox sandy, griffin or sloan loam. Fox and fox sandy loam are well-draining and provide urban construction potential, while griffin and sloan, found in the western areas of town along the River Raisin, are more problematic. Clay is present in some eastern areas of the town and may cause construction issues as well.
  
  

Landscape

• Clinton is a town of waterways, wetlands and woodlands but most of the natural land has been utilized for urban development. However, many parks preserve the natural environment and provide a place fo playgrounds and recreation areas, according to Clinton's 2011 Comprehensive Community Land Use Plan.