COL Launches Campaign to Acquire a New Nature Preserve in Chikaming Township
Posted on July 10, 2025
Chikaming Open Lands (COL) is excited to announce plans to acquire an 87-acre tract of forest, wetland, and former farmland along Three Oaks Road in Chikaming Township. The future preserve—to be named the Founders Preserve—will permanently protect this ecologically valuable landscape while honoring the legacy of COL’s four founders: Steve Smith, Jean Smith, Jeanie Van Nice, and the late Peter Van Nice.
“In the late 1990s, our founders recognized the growing pressure that development was placing on the natural landscape in this area,” said Ryan Postema, COL’s Executive Director. “They had the foresight to act by starting a land conservancy, and this preserve will serve as both a tribute to their legacy and a space for future generations to enjoy.”
To make this vision a reality, COL is working to raise $1,200,000 for the purchase, recreational improvements, and stewardship of the property. As part of the effort, the organization has been awarded a $250,000 challenge grant from The Carls Foundation, but the grant is conditional.
“In order to receive the challenge grant, we must raise the remaining funds as a match,” said Postema. “It’s an incredible opportunity but one that depends entirely on the generosity and commitment of our community.”
To date, COL has secured $500,000 in gifts and pledges, or more than half of the match goal. The remaining $450,000 must be raised by the December 1st fundraising deadline, in order to close on the property by December 31, 2025.
Founding member Steve Smith, who recently toured the property, praised its conservation value:
“The 87-acre property includes a beautiful mix of beech, maple, and oak forest, along with open farm fields that can be restored to prairie filled with native grasses and wildflowers. As a conservation property, I think it has great value and significance.”
Jean Smith, also a founding member, reflected on the origin of COL and continuing the legacy:
“When Peter (Van Nice) first envisioned a land trust, we knew we couldn’t assume the landscapes we loved would stay wild without protection. Seeing the Founders Preserve take shape is a deeply rewarding reminder of why we started COL.”
The future preserve will be open to the public for recreational and educational activities. Plans include a development of a parking area, trail system, educational signage, and other amenities, as well as restoration and enhancement of the natural habitat. COL invites the public to join this important effort. Donations of any size will help protect this cherished landscape in perpetuity while honoring the people who made the conservancy’s work possible.
To learn more or make a contribution to the campaign, visit:
www.chikamingopenlands.org/preserving-land/founders-preserve
Pictured: Steve Smith, Jean Smith, Jeannie Van Nice and the late Peter Van Nice
"Peter’s father nurtured a love of nature in his two sons through gardening, planting trees, and caring for the land together. That early connection to the outdoors and Peter’s deep love for this area inspired him to become a conservationist and later to share that passion with others by founding Chikaming Open Lands."
-Jeanie Van Nice, Founder
