Chikaming Open Lands (COL) will hold its 7th annual Barn Benefit at Richard and Nancy Spain’s historic Toad Hollow Farm on Prairie Road from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17.
And the farm isn’t just a party spot. On Aug. 19, the Sawyer-based Land Conservancy placed a conservation easement on approximately 14 acres of Richard and Nancy Spain’s farm.
“It’s the first time we’ll be hosting the event on a protected property,” said Jen Thompson of COL.
The Spains released the following statement on the easement: “Having owned our property in Harbert for over 34 years, we have witnessed a lot of land development, much of which has been a wonderful addition to the area. We are concerned however, that without conservation efforts, the natural character of the area which attracted us in the first place will be lost. Exploring and experiencing the wide range of topography, vegetation and wildlife in Southwest Michigan has been wonderful for us, our children and now our grandchildren. We believe that the only way to ensure continued access to open spaces and natural areas is to set aside preserves and easements which can never be developed. Since 1910, only three families have owned and enjoyed our property. We expect that the conversation easement granted to Chikaming Open Lands will assure continuity in the way the property will be used and enjoyed for the coming generations.”
The Sept. 17 Barn Benefit is billed as “a fun and relaxed evening featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a fabulous auction and good company in a beautiful rural setting.”
Tickets can be ordered online (go to chikamingopenlands.org/) or by calling the COL office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (269) 405-1006. Basic tickets are $120 each for COL members or $150 each for non-members (Includes 1-year membership); Land Protector Tickets are $250 per person (buyers will be listed in a special section of the program and on signage prominently displayed at the event). Proceeds benefit Chikaming Open Lands’ mission to preserve the beautiful open spaces in this corner of Southwest Michigan.
COL also recently announced that its deadline to raise funds for the purchase of the 12-acre Turtle Creek property near New Buffalo Elementary School has been extended until Oct. 31. As of Aug. 30 the effort was less than $20,000 away from its $90,000 goal.
Source: Harbor Country
