Adopt a Trail Program

To become involved with the Adopt a Trail program fill out this application.*

Imagine a vast network of trails connecting our cities to the countryside
and countless communities to each other... linking neighborhoods to
workplaces and congested areas to open spaces...serving both
transportation needs and the demands for close to home recreation.
Consider the possibility of a safe, clean, trail focused on enhancing the
environment and wildlife. This is the hope for the Musketawa Adopt-a-Trail
program. The Program is modeled after state and local Adopt-a-Highway
programs.

The Musketawa Trail is a 26 mile long recreational trail, from Marne to
Muskegon, Michigan. It passes farmlands, wetlands, woods and villages and
crosses over creeks and streams. It offers a four-season adventure for the
outdoor enthusiast, living healthy and having fun. A safe and natural environment
for individual, family, and organizational use is enjoyed by bikers, snowmobilers,
horseback riders, rollerbladers, cross-country skiers, wheelchair travelers, hikers,
and nature lovers.

Friends of the Musketawa Trail is a nonprofit organization of West
Michigan volunteers excited and committed to turning the old railroad bed
between Marne and Muskegon into a recreational trail. The Friend's
mission is to act as a public advocate in support of the trail. As
advocates, the Friends hope to gain the support of government agencies,
local businesses, and private citizens in constructing and maintaining the
trail. The Friends are involved in construction projects, lobbying, fund
raising, trail beautification, habitat and wildlife preservation, etc.
Local businesses are encouraged to support these efforts in view of
documented economic benefits brought on by similar trails.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has purchased the trail, funded
developmental studies, and is providing primary funding for the trail.
Through our partnership, our area can have a recreational trail to compare
with other highly successful rail-trails throughout Michigan, eventually
tying into others to provide a regional network. Come join the efforts!

Suggestions for Adopt a Trail Projects
* Plant trees or shrubs
* Plant flowers
* Clear trail of debris
* Pick up refuse
* Promote wildlife & natural environment
* Maintain birdhouses
* Paint bridges, benches, railings
* Prune trees or shrubs
* Remove tree drop debris
* Clean/Repair benches & picnic tables
* Report vandalism & unsafe conditions
* Sweep parking lots
* Raise funds for new purchases

All Projects must have the approval of the Musketawa Trail Manager

Program:
Organization agrees to a two year period with four clean up dates per year
in April, June, August, and October.

Eligible Participants:
Any group or organization with ten or more participants. Organizations
must be based in Muskegon, Ottawa, or Kent Counties.

Material Provided:
Musketawa Trail will provide safety rules, safety vests, refuse bags,
refuse pickup, recognition sign located on the trail segment
(acknowledging the name of participating group), and adoption certificate.

Sign me up for this great opportunity!!. Print pdf application* and mail to:

Friends of Musketawa Trail,
c/o Harold Drake, 3734 Center St.
Ravenna, Michigan 49451

*This application requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, get it here.

Back to top of page

Back to Friends Page