Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Team Builds Trails in Bellaire, Michigan

Team photo of Maple 6.

A finished trail in Glacial Hills Natural Area and Pathways in Bellaire, Michigan.

By Heather Whitney, Maple 6

Maple 6 is serving with Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) in North Manistee County, Benzie County and Antrim County from August 10 to September 25.

The team is trail building for six weeks. For the last week of the project, the NCCC team is doing grassland restoration while serving with staff, volunteers and community leaders. They are building six miles of trail to support access to nature and recreation and to restore significant habitats through invasive plant species removal and seed collection. Maple 6 enjoys working on the different trails in the Glacial Hills Natural Area and Pathways because it’s a great feeling to know that people will be using these trails for many years to come.

The contribution of the NCCC team helps GTRLC to protect and preserve natural land for year-round residents and visitors alike by maintaining this area as a destination place that attracts people, business and investments. The team is working to support the Grassland Restoration Project, Arcadia Marsh Restoration Project, and Public Access Program. These projects provide more outdoor recreation such as birding, fishing, hiking and biking. The team’s work then not only impacts the community quality of life, but provides a sense of place and enhances the local economy as a tourist destination.

The mission of the GTRLC is to protect significant natural, agriculture and scenic areas, as well as advance land stewardship now and for future generations. They have a five-county service area in North Lower Michigan that includes Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Manistee. Also, they work closely with land owners to place voluntary permanent conservation easements on their property, which protects significant natural resources and the conservation values of the land.