UPCOMING EVENTS!

Mark your calendar to attend these events.  Most are COL events, some are put on by our partners in protecting the Galien River Watershed.  Either way, you are bound to learn something, make a difference for our area, and have a good time!

• August 3, 6-8 p.m., FREE!
  Free Well Water Testing Night at New Troy Community Center -- get immediate results!(13372 California Rd., New Troy, MI)
  

• August 6, meet at the COL office @ 9:45 am
  Robinson Woods
  Work Day.  Click the link or call the office for more information!

• August 20, 10 am
  The Nature of the Beach at Weko Beach in Bridgman
  
  
• September 2, 6-9 pm
  COL Hosts the Bar at Outsiders Outside
  
  
• September 24, 5-7 pm
  Mingling at Middlebrook, our second annual barn benefit! (see article --> or click here)

Chikaming Open Lands is so excited and pleased to announce its new Executive Director, Chris Thompson, who will begin work on Monday, August 1. Hailing from Philadelphia, Chris' work with a land trust there plus other work and life experiences will aid him in bringing COL to the next level as we strive to achieve our goals. More.

In Land Protection News...

Chikaming Township In the next few weeks, COL will close on a six acre wetlands property in close proximity to Lake Michigan.  Mostly back dune forest, this area is in a critical flyway for migrating birds, as well as impacting the quality of water making its way to the beach. The property owners have a long history in the area and are passionate about protecting this little gem of an area from any future disturbance.

Galien and Buchanan Townships  We also anticipate finalizing projects this autumn with longtime residents of Galien and Buchanan to preserve acres of farmland and forest within the Galien River Watershed, helping to protect the watershed while also preserving the natural character of their respective areas. The property in Galien township is located adjacent to a prairie property that already has an easement (see Mt. Zion Prairie here). This further helps create a greenway belt in the area.

Recap of exciting July outreach programming!

In July, there was some really fun and interesting programming going on at Chikaming Open Lands! The Moonlight Marsh Excursion, which had been postponed from June to July 13, was an incredible experience as two groups toured the Louis J. Sima Great Lakes Marsh by moonlight. Visit our photo gallery of the event here.

On Saturday, July 23, Rob Mies from the Organization for Bat Conservation visited the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center with his famous bats! There were approximately 250 people in attendance with lots of kids with huge smiles learning about bats. Visit here to see a short video clip and some pictures.