UPCOMING EVENTS!

Stewardship Work Day, Robinson Woods

Plan to meet at the COL office at 3:45 to caravan to the site.

May 31, 8:45-10 pm

Voyageur Canoe Moonlight Marsh Excursion

Glide through Sima Marsh in the moonlight for a whole new view!  Experience the serenity of the soft, dark waters of the marsh and the inhabitants that come out after dark.  (Full, RSVP for waiting list.)

June 9, 10 am - noon

Grand Beach Marsh Work Day

First take a walk through the property looking for rare and endangered species, then spend some time removing  invasives to make room for the natives to grow.

June 13, after work

Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mixer at Chikaming Open Lands (HCCC members)

June 23, 9:45 am - noon

Robinson Woods Guided Tour

Who lives in Robinson Woods?  With biologist and stewardship chair Bob Tatina as our guide, we'll take a hike to discover the flora and fauna in this 80 acre preserve.  Meet at the COL office at 9:45 to caravan.

Dear friends,

The beauty of Harbor Country attracts artists, writers, musicians and other creative types.  It provides a place of peace and tranquility for rest and reflection.  The natural features that include shoreline, dune, woodland and prairie also provide many the muse for their artistic expression, no and in the past.  As a painter, I am inspired by this precious landscape.  As a land preservationist, I know we must protect this land for future generations of artists.

Author and poet Carl Sandburg and his family lived in the sand dunes of Harbert from 1928 until 1945.  On the Breakwater was one of his poems inspired by his time in Harbor Country.

On the Breakwater, by Carl Sandburg

On the breakwater in the summer dark, a man and a girl are sitting,
She across his knee and they are looking face into face
Talking to each other without words, singing rhythms in silence to each other.

A funnel of white ranges the blue dusk from an outgoing boat,
Playing its search light, puzzled, abrupt, over a streak of green,
And two on the breakwater keep their silence, she on his knee.

--Chris Thompson, Executive Director

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2012 Membership Campaign Under Way

Watch your mailbox for COL's 2012 Activities and Membership Guide, coming mid-May!  We have so much planned for this summer, you'll want to make sure your membership is up-to-date.

Twice a year we give you the opportunity to connect with COL in protecting the open spaces of southwest Michigan by making a contribution.  Our strong donor base is key to COL making the best possible agreements and protecting the most land.  Your loyal connection makes it possible for the work to continue.

This year all donors receive a 2012 Member static window cling -- display it proudly to show that you are about the natural resources of southwest Michigan!

COL Updates

►  The post office in Lakeside closed today, May 4, 2012.  All future mail communications should be sent to our street address: 
14913 Lakeside Road, Lakeside, MI  49116

►  Thanks to your enthusiasm, our May 31 Voyageur Canoe Moonlight Excursion is at capacity!  Please RSVP to be put on the waiting list in case of cancellations.  And you can still get a Voyageur spot on our August 25 Marsh Meander -- call and signup today!