Harbor Country Living

The Chikaming Open Lands office in Lakeside opened its doors on Dec. 18. - photo by Katie Kissel

Open Lands
opens office in 'downtown' Lakeside

LAKESIDE - A new location equals new members.

By Katie Kissel, News staff writer

At least that's what Chikaming Open Lands President Peter Van Nice hopes the organization's new office in Lakeside will yield.

The non-for-profit land trust, whose purpose is to preserve the natural, scenic and agricultural lands of Harbor Country, recently purchased a building on the corner of Lakeside and East roads (across from the Chikaming Township administrative building). The office opened its doors to the public Dec. 18.In the past, Van Nice explained that work was done out of home offices."Not only was it hard on us (board of directors and members) it was difficult on our spouses as well," he said.

The parcel of land, building included, was purchased from Lakeside Thirteen, Inc., a group of women formed in 1981 to preserve the character and ambiance of the Village of Lakeside. After the sale of the building, many members donated their proceeds back to the organization. Approximately $600,000 was donated to Chikaming Open Lands by Lakeside Thirteen. "It doesn't get much better than that," said Van Nice with a smile.

Donations made by Lakeside Thirteen enabled the group to established an endowment at the Berrien Community Foundation. Van Nice explained that the foundation will provide management and investment services enabling donators to have regular tax deductions as well as the Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit. "You don't expect for something like that to happen, but boy is it nice when it does," said Van Nice.

According to Van Nice, the building, many of its furnishings and decor would not have been possible without the generosity of its members and neighboring friends. Architect Margaret McCurry (a member) donated the interior design of the new office, laying out a spacious and functional plan, Landscape Architect Doug Hoerr (also a member) will be donating landscaping plans for the vacant lot on the west side of the building.

"Without their donations, we would not have be able to afford their services," he said.Everything from the conference table to the gallery lighting and art on the walls were gifts from members. Jessica Tampas, a local photographer and member of Chikaming Open Lands, donated photographs of flowers and indigenous plants that are being hung in the entrance. These photographs will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the land trust. Van Nice is hoping other local artists will do the same.

The library area, although sparse now, will hold among other things, the zoning ordinances and master plans of each township and village Open Lands covers. Van Nice said he hopes this library will grow as well.

Currently there is a membership of over 720 people, Van Nice expects that number to increase by at least 100 in the next six to eight months. "I believe having this office will attract new members," said Van Nice, "especially in the summer, being right downtown." Office hours are still being arranged. Van Nice said they will probably coincide with the other shops on the block.

Chikaming Open Lands was established in 1999, "so we are still a new organization," said Van Nice. This all-volunteer membership organization serves six townships in southwest Berrien County. According to the Chikaming Open Lands Web site, in 2002, 94 percent of the revenues came from members, six percent from grants and with interest income making up for the rest.

For more information on Chikaming Open Lands, call (269) 469-0029, go to www.chikamingopenlands.org, or visit the new office in Lakeside.

December 23, 2004
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