In early June of 2001, the Berrien County Parks Commission acquired 86 acres in New Buffalo Township to establish the Galien River County Park Preserve. This undeveloped property includes a mix of upland and wetland habitats along the Galien River. The wetland area is particularly significant in that it is a part of the larger "New Buffalo Marsh," a Great Lakes marsh that formed along the Galien River just upstream from the river's mouth at Lake Michigan.

The acquisition of this unique property involved the cooperative efforts of many organizations and individuals, as well as the patience of the previous owners. A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant provided 74% of the purchase price and Berrien County contributed the balance. Several local governments, businesses and individuals initiated the project and provided important support to the Berrien County Parks Commission in our efforts to secure the funding for this new County Park.

Planned future developments include an Interpretive Center, observation platforms and boardwalk trails in the wetlands and to the river's edge.

2008 Update: Thanks to a generous grant from the Pokagon Fund a master plan for future park improvements is currently being developed. Details of this plan will be shared in the early spring of 2009. Stay tuned!