Happy Thursday TARTans,
We're so excited to celebrate a mighty milestone with y'all today. This afternoon we'll gather together to cut the ribbon on the first leg of the Loop - a project decades in the making. I've been out walking, running, and biking it and am loving seeing the smiling faces that pass me by. As with all of our projects, this is a collective effort made possible only through the investment, patience and perseverance of so many, both past and present. The Loop was an idea brought forth by the community for the community. From its visionary beginning as a crown jewel nestled in the heart of Traverse City, with an eye toward the restoration of the waters the trail circles, we now all enjoy meaningful ways to connect to phenomenal community and cultural assets that surround the lake. Today we celebrate what is the result of a significant community groundswell of support and powerful private funding as well as incredible government leadership at all levels - our state DOT leaders and elected officials, and our local agency partners both staff and elected officials. See you on the trail!



With gratitude,

Julie Clark, Executive Director

NEWS TO KNOW

Ribbon Cutting at NMC's University Center
Join us at 4 PM this afternoon (Thursday, July 22) at NMC's University Center to celebrate a major milestone for the Boardman Lake Loop Trail at a special ribbon cutting event. A short program will be followed by a slow walk or roll on the new section of trail to the Grand Traverse Pie Company food truck and Right Brain Brewery for cherry pie and $4 pints of Cherry Pie Whole. Event details can be found here. We hope to see you there!

Connect our Community
We are just over two thirds of the way to our goal - help us build the Acme Connector!​ The 1.8 mile trail will connect the TART Trail and Acme, providing safe access to businesses, existing trails, and recreation opportunities. It is also the start of the regional Nakwema Trailway. Your gift will be matched 1:1 up to $75,000 through a generous matching challenge provided by the Oleson Foundation, Tri-County Bicycle Association – DALMAC Fund, and Aspire North Realtors. Connect our community, donate today at nakwematrailway.org/acmeconnector

Lending a Helping Hand
Work on the Leelanau Trail continues.  Our Leelanau Crew lent a helping hand to improve the connection between the trail and Farm Club. In other good news, the parking area at Shady Lane (just past Shady Lane Cellars) should be completed this week. This project includes a paved 9 car and 1 ADA space parking area, new trail, landscaping, and new signage. The new spot will help alleviate on-road parking issues and provide safer loading/unloading and trail/road intersection visibility.  Stay up to date with the project on our website and social. 

Check out our new unisex and women's t-shirts as well as the new TART Trails relaxed fit ball caps - these fresh threads will keep you styling all summer long!

Visit our website to make your purchase today.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

The Acme Meijer has been a long-time Mile Marker sponsor of TART Trails. With their sponsorship, Acme Meijer ensures access to trails for their neighbors and customers, with funds designated for trail maintenance. 
Acme Store Director Beth Payne shares, "Meijer is committed to giving back to the communities we serve. We are proud to be a continued supporter of the TART trails – connecting residents and visitors alike to the many amazing areas and sights of the Grand Traverse area." We thank you for your dedication to healthy, happy, connected communities.

THANK YOU TARTANS


 

The 2021 Tour de TART presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network was a huge success thanks to all of the amazing sponsors, in-kind donors, volunteers and participants!  Check out more Tour de TART pictures.

The event was made possible thanks to our premier sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network; our platinum sponsors, Fifth Third Bank, Aspire North REALTORS, The Simonton Family; our gold sponsors Grand Traverse Pie Company and C&M Insurance. Tour de TART was near “zero waste” thanks to composting and recycling provided by Bay Area Recycling for Charities. An excellent dinner was provided to all participants and volunteers thanks to Fiddleheads out of Lake Leelanau.

There were also 107 volunteers who filled 38 shifts for a total of over 350 volunteer hours worked!

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EVENTS AROUND THE BEND

TART TRIVIA

Did you know that 2021 marks 100 years of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources? 

 To celebrate, they have come up with 100 ways to explore and enjoy natural and cultural resources that Michigan has to offer. There is something to try in every season and for all skills, abilities and interests. See how many you can do right here on your local trails. Visit the VASA Trail and go birding. Look for owls (and their owlets) or pileated woodpeckers! Or take a "State Park Selfie" at the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park on the TART Trail. Have fun!