2021 Spring Break Edition

It may be April fools day today, but it's no joke that the trails are hopping with use thanks to the early thaw, dry asphalt, bare dirt and days of sunshine that have beckoned many of us out the past couple of weeks. It's spring break in Traverse City, so if you are reading this from a distant locale or are holding down the fort at home, we hope that you are finding your trail along with the joy of getting outdoors and into adventure. Soon enough, the cherry blossoms will be blooming, we'll be seeking out our secret morel spots and we'll be able to put away our layers of winter apparel. Until then, let's embrace the promise of spring and a safe return home to all of our traveling family and friends.

Spring Work Bee
Happy National Volunteer Month! We're kicking off the spring season and celebrating Earth Day with our annual Spring Work Bee on April 24. Please join us for a morning out on one of your favorite trails. It’s a fun opportunity to get out and enjoy springtime on the trails and help us get them ready for the busy summer season ahead. Lots of locations to choose from. This event is COVID conscious – social distancing measures will be in place and we’re limiting each work bee location to no more than 15 people. More info and registration here.

SR2S Kicks Off This April
TART Trails is proud to partner with the City of Traverse City, Norte, NMC, Grand Traverse County, Garfield Township, Grand Traverse County Road Commission, Michigan Fitness Foundation, and MDOT on the city-wide Safe Routes to School project starting later this month. In 2011, the City Commission adopted a Complete Streets Policy that enables safe and convenient access for all legal road users. The City has worked toward implementing sidewalk goals including a SR2S infrastructure grant program and an equity-based sidewalk gap and infill project. Learn more here.

Tails to Trails: Furry & 4 Pawed 5k
We had so much fun opening up Tails to Trails to a wider audience last year with the virtual format, that we've decided to do it again! Join us, remotely, anytime between May 14 - 23 to complete your four-pawed 5K. Don’t have a dog? No problem! Everyone is invited to this party to get outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful northern Michigan spring season. New this year - participants who donate an additional $50 at registration will receive an artist rendering of their pet by local artist Ted Pryde. Learn more and register here.

SPECIAL THANKS

It sure does feel good to see these guys back in action! Big thanks to the Leelanau Trail Crew for picking up where they left off last fall. The team has been busy clearing the trail of winter debris and ensuring its safety for all trail users. Please give them a big smile when you see them while out enjoying the beautiful Leelanau Trail in all its marigold glory this spring.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Grooming Appreciation Party last month. TART Trails groomers from the Vasa Pathway, Leelanau Trail and Muncie Lakes Pathway were joined by Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association groomers representing the Winter Singletrack in Traverse City, Cadillac Pathway, Glacial Hills and Leelanau State Park. It was a great cap to a great season on the snow for our winter trail supporters. While we may have had less than 50% of the annual snowfall our region usually receives, that did not lower the amount of fun enjoyed on our area's over 100 miles of groomed snow trails!

We'd like to give a shoutout to our partners at the Record Eagle for their work in promoting a healthier community through the TC Trimdown Challenge! TART Trails is proud to support this 11-week fitness challenge, which supports happy, healthy, active lifestyles and gives back to the Northwest Food Coalition and NMC Student Food Pantry. Congratulations to all of the TC Trimdown participants!

Welcome to the newest members of our Sustainers Circle of Donors!
• Matthew Anderson &
Jennifer Tang Anderson
• Michigan Council for Arts and
Cultural Affairs
• Silver Spruce Brewing
• Toni Stanfield

Thank you for making happy, healthy, connected communities happen!

Learn more about our Sustainers Circle here.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

A recent Trail Benefits Study showed that trails create a sense of community, add an extra layer of tourism, support a health conscious atmosphere year-round, and extend the seasonality of many businesses, among many other benefits. Medical professionals like Dr. William Stych helped to inform the many health benefits having access to trails provides. He and his family make time every day to get out into the great Northern Michigan outdoors. And they also choose to give back to the trails that help keep them active and happy in all four seasons.

Bill shared with us, "As a healthcare provider we often encourage our patients to live healthy lifestyles. When we’re on the trails we see families utilizing the trail networks in many ways. We support the mission of TART to not only maintain, but to improve our community’s health."

Thank you Bill, Peggy and the entire Ankle & Foot Associates family!

EVENTS FURTHER DOWN THE TRAIL...

TART TRIVIA

What's goes together better than beer and bikes? Beer, bikes and banking!
Introducing Bike, Bank & Brew, a new program, which includes the installation of banking and beer-dispensing kiosks along local trails. The program is the collaborative brain child of Top of Michigan Trails Council, TART Trails, Short's Brewing Company and 4Front Credit Union. Trail users will be able to do their banking right along the trail, while enjoying a local, handcrafted brew from Short’s Brewing. Learn more here!

We hope you are staying active, healthy and safe. Stay connected online for updated information, a list of resources, and places to plug into.