Greetings TARTans,
It's here! We officially made it to 2023. I'll admit it's been a frenetic start for me. I think I wind myself up with all the things I want to change and improve that it's easy to quickly feel overwhelmed or exhausted. It's a bit like how I run - always too quick out of the gates. So before I hit that feeling or meet my edge, I think I need to apply some of the wise advice I've gotten from all those years in TC Track Club. Slow it down, get my pace in place and remember to breathe. See now, already I'm feeling better. For any of you who may start to get that anxious feeling or let the gray clouds color your mood these first few weeks of the new year, I hope you can join me in some good deep breaths and remember to regulate your pace. 2023 is a fresh start for sure, but the year is long and full of possibilities. And we're just beginning. With that in mind, I'll just say that here at TART, we're looking forward to a rewarding year ahead with you all! 

 
Julie Clark, Chief Executive Officer

NEWS TO KNOW

Join us for Fun in the Snow
Don't miss out on one our favorite winter events. Join us for a day of family fun at the 13th annual Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge on January 14. A totally free opportunity for all ages to hit the trails and try out a new winter sport: classic and skate skis, snowshoes, and fat tire bikes will be available for use on a first-come-first-serve basis, plus cookies and cocoa on deck to keep you fueled! Brush up with a volunteer-led demo. If you have equipment, feel free to bring it. No snow? No worries! You can still check out great biking, and bring the hiking boots to enjoy the trails and some goodies by the fire. Let's get outside and have some fun! More info and (free) registration here. 

DNR Strategic Plan Input
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working to finalize the draft Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 and they want to hear from you. The plan will guide the division in carrying out its mission to acquire, protect and preserve the natural and cultural features of Michigan’s unique resources, and to provide access to land- and water-based recreation and educational opportunities. The plan is expected to go into effect this spring. The draft plan is available for public review and comment, and the comment period is open through Jan. 20. Speak up and share your thoughts! Review the plan and learn more here. 

Nakwema Trailway | Torch Lake
To help kick off preliminary design of the Nakwema Trailway in Torch Lake Township, we are seeking public input via an online survey. Project partners at TART Trails and Top of Michigan Trails Council want to hear from you about meaningful community connections, desired uses, what excites you, questions you may have, and more. This information will inform routing and additional planning and design considerations for trail in Torch Lake Township. Please take a few moments to fill out a survey here. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thank you for making 2022 a great year for trails. 
Cheers to a new year with more miles of smiles along the trail network!