Photo Credit: Berrien County Parks Commission
In June 2001, with the help of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission acquired 86 acres in New Buffalo Township along the Galien River to establish Galien River County Park. The property is a mix of upland forest and wetlands, which includes approximately 69 acres of a Great Lakes marsh habitat. This marshland is particularly significant in that it is part of the larger “New Buffalo Marsh” that is formed along the Galien River just upstream from the river’s mouth at Lake Michigan. With the acquisition and development of this property, Galien River County Park will provide the only public access to this unique ecosystem.
There has been overwhelming support for this project during both the acquisition phase and Phase 1 improvements. Residents, schools, and business owners, along with residents from outside the greater New Buffalo area, have been very encouraging. Several individuals, business organizations, and local governments, including Chikaming Township, Three Oaks Township, The Disability Network, Harbor Country Convention and Visitors Bureau, all sent letters of support encouraging Berrien County to acquire and develop the park for public use.
Building Momentum
In January 2008, the Pokagon Fund, a local revenue-sharing entity, approved a $15,000 grant to Berrien County Parks for the preparation of a master plan for the park, which was the first step toward improving the property for public utilization.