Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve
The Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve in Chikaming Township covers 49 acres and consists of an abandoned agricultural field, a high-quality floodplain forest, and frontage on the Galien River. Together with nearby public and private properties, a large continuous corridor of relatively undeveloped natural area extends along much of the Galien River in Chikaming Township.
Chikaming Open Lands dedicated this Preserve in memory of the organization’s late executive director, Chris Thompson, who passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2016. Thompson's vision was to connect people to the land by offering outdoor experiences that make them healthier and happier. That is the vision for the Memorial Preserve as well. Plans for the property include providing public access, developing a hiking trail system, and restoring the abandoned field to native prairie, savanna, and forest. Chikaming Open Lands will also explore the possibility of offering access to the Galien River in the future.
Chikaming Open Lands acquired this property in October 2018. The $550,000 acquisition was accomplished with the support of more than 125 individuals and organizations including grant funds from The Pokagon Fund and The Carls Foundation.
The Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve is located on Warren Woods Road between Warren Woods State Park and the Chikaming Township Park and Preserve. The Preserve has new hiking trails, and we are in the planning process to provide a dedicated parking lot. Stay tuned! No hunting. No bicycles or motorized vehicles. Leashed dogs are welcome. Please stay on marked trails.
This preserve was acquired in part with funding from The Pokagon Fund.
