Did you know Michigan is the state with the most recreational trails? There are about 13,400 miles of trails winding throughout Michigan...that's like traveling across the United States FIVE times, and it's all in beautiful Michigan! These trails are fit for a variety of activities, from ORV to hiking, and even equestrian too.
Steve DeBrabander, executive director of the Michigan Trail Fund, has been working on a project to connect all these trails. The trail he is currently focused on is called the Iron Belle Trail, which connects Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood at the west edge of the Upper Peninsula! The trail will be about 2,000 miles long to connect the two cities, through many rural communities and towns along the way. This project is about 72% complete, in part due to GreenStone' partnership.
Trail ribbon cutting ceremony.
Recently, DeBrabander and his team held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of one more step in the project - the opening of the trail that will eventually connect Ypsilanti to Belleville. Ashlee Guerrero, VP of lending in GreenStone's Ann Arbor office, attended this event on behalf of GreenStone. "The trail is a great way to encourage outdoor activities and provides people a safer alternative than walking on the side of the road. It is also a great way for people to see Michigan and all we have to offer!"
Although the trail is not completely finished, you can find GreenStone's bench in Van Buren Township Park! The bench is made out of recycled plastic for a long lasting, eco-friendly area.
GreenStone's bench!
"Recreational trail use has become very popular in Michigan, especially after the pandemic. People want to go out on the trails as a different alternative to going to the gym," says DeBrabander. "Also, it is a sense of community, connecting different communities together through hiking and biking trails."
Each of these trails takes planning, funding, and so much more. "It is one project at a time, there is a lot of time and money that goes into these projects. One mile of the trail costs $1 million. Lots of funding and grants have gone into these projects. The money that GreenStone has provided was helpful making it possible. It was a huge effort and we a very grateful!"
GreenStone is happy to support the connection of rural communities and encourages you to go outside and check out the amazing trails in your area! Learn more about our community outreach and engagement efforts by visiting our outreach page.
