FUNDERS REPORT 2024
As we reflect on the past year of progress and collaboration, we are filled with gratitude and hope for the future of the Nakwema Trailway. The Nakwema Trailway is more than a path through our beautiful landscapes; it’s a vital artery of our communities, offering a space for recreation, exploration, and connection. This year, we’ve made significant strides in expanding the trail, building momentum for our movement, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us Thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to get more trail on the ground, host community events, and engage individuals in meaningful ways.
Our achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish when we unite around a common goal. From engineers bringing community concepts to reality, to the tireless efforts of our volunteer trail teams, to the incredible generosity of donors like you, every contribution has made a difference. Together, we’re creating safe, welcoming environments for everyone to enjoy.
Looking ahead, our vision for the Nakwema Trailway is ambitious. We aim to further develop the trail, incorporating educational signage, and improving connectivity to other trail networks We believe that by investing in this infrastructure, we are creating a happier, healthier region. Your support is crucial in ensuring that the Nakwema Tra we can inspire others to embrace activity.
This annual funders report is not ju a summary of our achievements; i celebration of the community we’ built together and the shared visio that drives us forward. Thank you your support and belief in our mission Here’s to a future filled w hope, connection, and adventure!
BRENTBOLIN EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR TOPOFMICHIGANTRAILSCOUNCIL
JULIECLARK CEO
PROJECT OVERVIEW
VISION
The Nakwema (nah-KWAY-mah) Trailway represents a generational investment in our region, our identity, our people, and our future. Nakwema — meaning “where paths connect” in Ojibwe will provide critical nonmotorized transportation and recreation infrastructure, joining Charlevoix and Traverse City in between and beyond. The 45+ mile trail will support a broader understanding of our region by those who live here and those who visit with a new way to connect to the extraordinary towns, villages, businesses, and natural spaces that have captivated us for centuries.
GOALS
Develop a non-motorized Trailway between the TART Trails and the Top of Michigan Trails Council networks
Create opportunities for everyone to participate in active living and healthy lifestyles
Spur economic development opportunities, enhance regional identity and strengthen vibrant communities of northwest Lower Michigan
Fundraising and outreach efforts for the Nakwema Trailway continue to build momentum. In the past year, project partners have generated over $1,000,000 through a combination of major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and online crowdfunding campaigns
Key initiatives included a series of awareness events that attracted over 1,000 participants including the Elk Rapids Evenings on River Street, and the annual GreenER gathering.
The Deepwater Connector crowdfunding campaign successfully engaged a diverse range of supporters, enhancing visibility and building a strong network of advocates for the trailway’s continued development These funds were pivotal in advancing trail construction and ensuring sustainable management and maintenance.
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$451,622 104 22
TRAIL PROGRESS
Deepwater Connector
The Deepwater Connector in Acme Township is complete! TART Trails and Top of Michigan Trails Council will host a ribbon cutting celebration to open this important connector that joins Bayside Park with the Deepwater Natural Area, and makes significant improvements to the trail user experience at the US31/M72 intersection.
Maple Bay <-> Elk Rapids
We continue to work with our partners on the trail connecting Elk Rapids and Maple Bay We will seek public funding opportunities, while continuing to dial in engineering on the trail. If funding needs are met and easements are secured, construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.
13.6Miles
In Engineering and Construction
Torch Lake Township
Late last year, the Torch Lake Township Board voted in support of the proposed Nakwema Trailway connection in Torch Lake Township The preferred trail alignment is on the west side of US-31 from the Torch Lake Township Community Services Building north through Torch Lake Village and Eastport to Old Dixie Highway This is the culmination of a comprehensive schematic design process that involved significant public input, a detailed engineering evaluation, and the leadership of the Torch to Bay Trail Team, a group of resident trail champions. This year, we are working towards completing engineering for this section of trail We are also working with the trail team to secure a property in Eastport to serve as a future trailhead and community space.
Fisherman’s Island State Park <-> Charlevoix
We continue to work with our partners at the Michigan DNR on trail through Fisherman’s Island State Park The DNR is working on archeological and topographic survey to inform design trail and road design within the park.
This summer, we completed survey outside the park, along Bells Bay Rd. We are currently working with stakeholders on designing this segment that will connect the Lake to Lake Trail and Fisherman's Island State Park. We are also working with our partners on reestablishing a connection between the Lake to Lake Trail and the City of Charlevoix.
The City of Charlevoix is leading the Charlevoix Connector segment, a critical extension of the Little Traverse Wheelway into town This key segment of trail will provide a safe and convenient way for trail users to access the Nakwema Trailway from the current terminus of the Top of Michigan Trails Council network north of the city.
FOUNDERSCIRCLE
4Front Credit Union
Anonymous
Dan and Marsha Edson*
In memory of Gordon and JoAnn Grapes, Mutual Gas*
Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation
Charles Stewart Harding Foundation
Al and Terry Hershey*
Jim and Diana Huckle Family Foundation*
Isabel Foundation
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Department of Transportation
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
Michigan Trails Fund
John and Nancy Morris*
The Neithercut Family*
John and Sue Paul*
Short’s Brewing Company
State of Michigan
