2026 Nakwema Project Report

NAKWEMA TRAILWAY

Project Report 2026

July 2026 We are filled with deep gratitude for your generous support and continued belief in this once-in-a-generation project. Your commitment is helping us create a seamless, connected corridor that brings communities together, provides meaningful access to northern Michigan’s extraordinary natural landscapes, and strengthens the economic vitality of the entire region.

This year, progress has been driven by the passion and persistence of trail teams working in every corner of the corridor. Their dedication, combined with your investment, has advanced design and engineering, and moved multiple segments closer to construction. Each milestone brings us one step nearer to a continuous trail that will serve us all for generations.

Already, we are seeing how the Nakwema Trailway is inspiring collaboration among townships, businesses, tribal governments, and conservation partners.

Communities along the route are envisioning new trailheads, revitalized main streets, and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities. These efforts not only enhance quality of life but also support local economies.

At its heart, the Nakwema Trailway is about connection: connecting people to nature, connecting communities to one another, and connecting all of us to healthier, more active lifestyles. Together, we are building a legacy that will make northern Michigan an even happier, healthier place to live, work, and explore.

Thank you for believing in this vision and for walking beside us, sometimes literally, on this journey. We are honored to share the progress highlighted in this annual report and look forward to the transformative work still ahead.

With sincere appreciation,

BRENT BOLIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TOP OF MICHIGAN TRAILS COUNCIL JULIE CLARK CEO TART TRAILS

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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 Anishinaabemowin, 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.

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

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FOUNDERS CIRCLE MANY THANKS TO THE NAKWEMA FOUNDERS CIRCLE MEMBERS, WHO HAVE MADE A GENERATIONAL INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITIES OF OUR REGION.

4Front Credit Union Anonymous Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation Charles Stewart Harding Foundation Jim and Diana Huckle Family Foundation Isabel Foundation Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan Department of Transportation Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund The Neithercut Family John and Sue Paul Short’s Brewing Company State of Michigan

FUNDRAISING

Private 38%

Public 62%

$8.1 MILLION RAISED

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This year, the Nakwema Trailway movement grew stronger in a meaningful way: through people. We saw a surge in advocates, volunteers, and community members who believe in the Trailway’s vision and are actively sharing our story, showing up, and building momentum. This expanding audience represents a powerful foundation for long-term sustainability, proof that awareness, trust, and enthusiasm for the Nakwema Trailway are growing even in a challenging construction climate. With more voices championing the Trailway than ever before, we are well-positioned to turn this groundswell of support into future investment and lasting impact.

ENGAGEMENT SHORT’S SHORTEST MARATHON Over 225 people joined the Nakwema Trailway team at Short’s in Elk Rapids to run the shortest marathon, and celebrate connections to come.

TRAIL TEAM MEETINGS The Torch to Bay, Elk Rapids, and Charlevoix Trail Teams are comprised of over 100 volunteer community members who work hard to make their homes happier, healthier places to live.

EVENINGS ON RIVER STREET We joined the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce for two Evening’s on River Street, engaging with over 200 residents and visitors.

OUTREACH EVENTS We held events throughout the corridor, bringing more than 100 neighbors together the envision what a future trail network will look like.

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Maple Bay <-> Elk Rapids To build more efficiently, the Nakwema Trailway: Elk Rapids to Maple Bay is being completed in two phases: Phase 1: ≈ 1.6-mile trail connecting South Bayshore Drive to Townline Road Phase 2: ≈ 1.4-mile trail from Townline Road to Maple Bay County Park Momentum continues to grow thanks to the leadership of the Village of Elk Rapids and support from local partners and the Elk Rapids Trail Team. This spring, the Village secured a $2 million conditional commitment through the Michigan Department

of

Transportation's

Transportation

Alternatives

Program

(TAP).

Combined with matching funds, this investment will support construction of the 1.6mile trail connecting South Bayshore Road/US-31 to Townline Road.

The engineers and Nakwema team are moving forward with federal processes, finalizing engineering plans to meet TAP requirements, refine project costs, and prepare for fundraising efforts to secure the required matching funds.

Meanwhile, planning continues for Phase 2, the trail from Townline Road to Maple Bay County Park, in coordination with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Michigan DNR, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and Grand Traverse County Parks & Recreation.

Eastport This past winter, we temporarily activated the five-acre Eastport property on Barnes Park Road near the US-31/M-88 intersection by using it to store equipment for a local partner, Antrim County. This summer, the project team will begin a community visioning process to gather input from residents and stakeholders, helping shape a long-term vision for the site and guiding future investment and development.

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Torch Lake Township Trail planning in Torch Lake Township advanced this year through collaboration between the Torch to Bay Trail Team, Nakwema staff, and C2AE, culminating in completion of an Alternatives Analysis.

The study identified a preferred route that follows the east side of US-31 before crossing near the US-31/M-88 intersection and continuing north to Old Dixie Highway.

The route prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and fewer roadway crossings and easements.

Current

work

includes

surveying,

preliminary

design,

landowner

outreach,

stakeholder coordination, project phasing, exploring funding opportunities, and planning for future maintenance with township and county partners.

Fisherman’s Island State Park <-> Charlevoix Planning continues for the trail connection in and between Fisherman's Island State Park and

Charlevoix.

Nakwema

staff

are

partnering with Charlevoix Township, City of Charlevoix, and the Charlevoix Trail Team to identify project vision and priorities.

Within Fisherman's Island State Park, trail planning remains coordinated with Michigan Department of Natural Resources. As that work advances, Nakwema staff will help inform the trail route and begin design within the park. This work will guide project design along Bells Bay Road.

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THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS JOURNEY. YOUR SUPPORT HELPS BRING THIS VISION TO LIFE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING YOU UPDATED AS THE PROJECT CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE.

STAY CONNECTED 231-941-4300 info@nakwematrailway.org nakwematrailway.org PO Box 252 Traverse City, MI 49684