CHIKAMING OPEN LANDS ACQUIRES NEW NATURE PRESERVE IN CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
Posted on December 12, 2025
Contact: Ryan Postema, Executive Director
Chikaming Open Lands
Phone (269) 405-1006
rpostema@chikamingopenlands.org
12291 Red Arrow Highway Sawyer, MI 49125
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2025
CHIKAMING OPEN LANDS ACQUIRES NEW NATURE PRESERVE IN CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
Chikaming Open Lands (COL) is pleased to announce the successful completion of fundraising and the acquisition of the Founders Preserve on Three Oaks Road in Chikaming Township. The new preserve permanently protects 87 acres for wildlife habitat conservation, recreational use, and environmental education.
The protection of this property was made possible by the generosity of more than 200 donors, including vital support from foundations and the community. Together, they raised more than $1.2 million to acquire and steward this desirable property in less than a year. A key driver of the campaign’s success was a $250,000 challenge grant from The Carls Foundation, which inspired additional giving and accelerated momentum toward the finish line. COL was also able to commit grant funds previously received from The Pokagon Fund through the Partners in Conservation Program.
“Every gift, large and small, played a role in making this preserve a reality.” said Ryan Postema, Executive Director of Chikaming Open Lands. “Conservation truly is only possible because people in our community choose to invest in protecting the land they love.”
The Preserve honors COL’s four founders - Steve Smith, Jean Smith, Jeanie Van Nice, and the late Peter Van Nice - whose early vision helped shape the future of land protection in the area. Since its founding in 1999, COL has protected nearly 2,500 acres across Berrien County.
“The addition of his beautiful land to the impressive roster of COL preserves is a gift to our members, local residents and the vibrancy of our natural world,” said Jeanie Van Nice. “I am deeply honored that it will be dedicated to Peter, Jean Steve and myself.”
The newly protected property features a diverse mix of forests, wetlands, and fallow farmland, providing important wildlife habitat and opportunities for restoration. COL’s plans for the property over the next year include developing a management plan to guide the use of the property; providing public access, with a parking area and hiking trails to be constructed; and beginning habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
As plans are implemented, COL looks forward to welcoming the community to Founders Preserve through guided hikes, volunteer stewardship days, and educational programs. To stay informed about upcoming opportunities and project updates, follow Chikaming Open Lands on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our weekly e-newsletter.
COL's Founders: Steve Smith, Jean Smith, Jeanie Van Nice, and the late Peter Van Nice
