Founders Preserve

The Property

In December 2025 Chikaming Open Lands (COL) acquired a 87-acre tract of high-quality forest, wetland and former agricultural land prominently located on Three Oaks Road in Chikaming Township. Some of the features that make this property special include:

• Ecologically-valuable forest, wetlands, and vernal pools.
• Former agricultural fields which COL plans to restore to native species.
• A prominent location of the property on Three Oaks Road creates an opportunity to provide public access for recreational and educational use.

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.

The Founders

In the late 1990's, Peter Van Nice saw a potential problem brewing in this area: its growing popularity was leading to an increase in development, which was beginning to change the landscape. Always a champion of conservation, Peter decided to set up a land conservancy in southern Berrien County. He recruited his wife Jeanie and friends Jean and Steve Smith and forged ahead, incorporating Chikaming Open Lands in December of 1999.

In the years that followed, Peter, Jeanie, Steve and Jean worked tirelessly to cultivate Peter’s vision, growing COL into a fully operational land trust with full-time staff, offices, and a portfolio of protected natural areas. After Peter passed away in 2022, COL’s Board and staff wanted to pay tribute to Peter’s legacy, and to recognize all four of the organization’s founders by dedicating this new nature preserve in their honor: The Founders Preserve.

A Community Effort

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.

Left to right: Steve Smith, Jean Smith, Jeanie Van Nice, and the late Peter Van Nice

“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.” 

- Jeanie Van Nice, Founder