Events
Coming in September 2010 - COL Benefit Event
Save the date of September 25! We’re consolidating our fundraising efforts into one big party — with lots of fun and opportunities to help support COL. We’re working on some really exciting auction packages along with good food and entertainment. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for details to be announced!
COL Celebrates A Decade of Land Preservation
Chikaming Open Lands began in 1999 as a small idea in the minds of concerned community members. Today, we have grown to an organization with over 800 members. In early October of 2009, we celebrated our tenth anniversary of land preservation, acknowledging those who have helped along the way and renewing our motivation for the future.
Chikaming Open Lands is the invention of founding members Peter and Jean Van Nice and Steve and Jean Smith. Together they created and nurtured what would become the first land trust in Berrien County, with the idea and conviction that more needed to be done with respect to preserving open space and the diverse natural characteristics in southwest Michigan.
So on Saturday, October 10, some 175 people gathered at Chikaming Country Club to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Chikaming Open Lands. It was a wonderful way to acknowledge the people and organizations that brought COL to this point, and to enjoy the company of people who share the mission of this growing organization. Many notables were in attendance – current and past board and committee members as well as representatives of organizations who have worked with COL to do the work it does.
Randy Rood, Executive Director, recollected for the crowd where it all began by presenting “A Decade of Land Protection”, a program designed to remind people that COL started with a good idea and a few dedicated individuals. He recounted the early easements which were completed and ended by telling those in attendance that COL is close to realizing 1000 acres preserved in Berrien County. It started as an all-volunteer organization and has now grown to include a full-time Executive Director, full-time Land Protection Specialist, and 3 part-time employees.
A special display was created at the celebration to honor and acknowledge individuals and organizations who, over the years, lent extraordinary financial support of COL’s mission to preserve open space and the diverse natural character of southwest Michigan. For a detailed listing of these individuals, please click the 10th Anniversary Program image in the right column to open a PDF of the program.
The delicious food coupled with the lovely setting made for an inspiring evening for everyone in attendance. This celebration will help COL spring into its next decade with enthusiasm and passion to preserve the scenic vistas and farmland we all love and enjoy.
2010 Second Saturday Series
This year’s line-up presents the ever popular Voyageur Canoe outing, tours of some of our best local treasures, and two new and exciting events.
Unless otherwise noted, all tours and stewardship efforts assemble at the COL office in Lakeside and leave around 9:45 a.m. EDT to arrive at the destination by 10:00 a.m. Please contact us at bdenton@chikamingopenlands.org or 269-469-2330 for more information.
A Member Appreciation Event and close encounter with seven wild birds of prey including owls, hawks, falcons, eagles— and featuring our national emblem, the American Bald Eagle. This program is presented by the renowned World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis and is generously sponsored by Abonmarche, New Buffalo Savings Bank, JFNew, Horizon Bank, Fairfield Inn and Suites (New Buffalo), and Holiday Inn Express (New Buffalo). You and your family don’t want to miss this!
Where: New Buffalo Performing Arts Center, 112 E. Clay Street, New Buffalo
When: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. shows (Michigan time)
Cost: Members qualify for complimentary admission based on membership level. Otherwise, children $5, adults $10
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This is your chance to visit a rare floating mat bog near Buchanan, Michigan. See and learn about the carnivorous plants and wild cranberries, and all the other living plants and creatures that call the bog home.
Where: Meet at COL office and then travel to Buchanan
When: 9:45 a.m. (Michigan time)
Cost: Free
This is such a popular event that we never have enough space for everyone, so this year we’ll have 2 big Voyageur canoes launching at staggered times! Please join us on these 30-foot replicas as we explore the wonderfully unique Louis J. Sima Marsh, one of the last Great Lakes Marsh environments.
Where: New Buffalo Boat Launch – across from beach entrance
When: Staggered launch times - call the office for details
Cost: Members qualify for complimentary admission based on membership level. You must call the office to reserve a spot
First Saturday Volunteer Program
On Saturdays spanning May through September, volunteer land stewards work to implement the management plans for COL preserves. These activities can include non-native plant removal, planting native species, monitoring and restoring habitats. All workdays begin at 9:45 a.m. Michigan time and meet at the COL office. Please call ahead to confirm: 269-469-2330. The 2010 land stewardship dates are:
- May 8
- June 5
- July 17
- August 7
- September 18
Pictures from Recent COL Events
Click a picture below to enlarge it in a new window:
COL Communications
Download our recent communications in
pdf format:
10th Anniversary Program
The Chikaming
Legacy Newsletter
Spring 2010
All About COL
Protected Lands
Upcoming Events
Louis J Sima Marsh
Protect Your Land
Photo Gallery
Join and Help Us Grow
Become a Land Steward
