UPCOMING EVENTS!

January 14, 11 am
February 4, 11 am
X-Country Skiing at Love Creek Nature Center in Berrien Springs.  
Hoping to have snow on the ground on at least one of these two dates for an outing on some of the best cross-country trails in the area.  We'll meet at Love Creek at 11.  Bring your skis or rent them there.  After time on the trails, join us by the fire in the Center for potluck lunch.  COL will provide vegetarian soup or chili.  If you'd like to participate, please bring a dish to pass.  (Parking, trail and ski rental fees apply.)

Dear friends,

Chikaming Open Lands is here when land needs protecting...for now, and for tomorrow.

By now you should have received our year-end campaign letter seeking support of our work to save habitat for migrating birds and native animals, to protect water quality for drinking and swimming, and to keep this beautiful corner of southwest Michigan in a state where we can eat quality local produce from legacy farmland, observe fascinating native wildlife, and enjoy the quiet contemplation of a forest walk.

Many of you have already replied.  If you are one of these families, we thank you again for your generosity!  Memberships have been renewed, and gifts received from new members who just learned of COL this year.  We are particularly touched by the honoraria and memorials made through COL -- a lovely gift for the person who has everything!  (See below for another lovely gift!)

If you have not yet sent a year-end gift, please consider doing it this week! 

Our goal this year is a steep one, and we need everyone's help to achieve it. In the days before the end of 2011 we plan to close on at least two (maybe three!) new conservation easements, adding over 75 acres to our growing inventory of protected lands.  Your participation helps make it possible.

I leave you with a quote from naturalist John Muir (1838-1914):

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

--Chris Thompson, Executive Director               

2012 Chikaming Open Lands Calendar.  Now available for your holiday gift giving, this beautiful calendar features photos of COL's protected properties through the seasons.  Each page is 11 x 8-1/2" (calendar hangs 11 x 17") and is printed on heavyweight paper.  Click the photo to the right to be taken to our website, where you can see all of the months.

The 2012 COL Calendar is $15 if you pick it up during our normal office hours (M-F 9-5 EST), or $20 if you want us to mail it.  To order, click the "Donate" button and indicate "calendar" in the Paypal instructions, or mail us a check with "calendar(s)" clearly indicated. 

Call the office at (269) 469-2330 or e-mail info@chikamingopenlands.org if you have questions or want to confirm that someone will be here before you stop by. 

Give one to yourself and enjoy beautiful southwest Michigan all year long!