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 25 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
- Install and 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.
| Section | Miles | Adopt a trail sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon County | ||
| Black Creek to Broadway | 1.3 | Holovka Family |
| Broadway to Mill Iron | 0.8 | Available |
| Mill Iron to Brooks | 0.5 | Available |
| Brooks to Hts. Ravenna | 1.1 | Sunset Riders 4-H Club |
| Hts. Ravenna to Wolf Lake | 1.1 | Schmukers Spokes Folks |
| Wolf Lake to Hilton Park | 1.1 | Muskegon County Nature Club |
| Hilton Park to Maple Island | 1 | Muskegon County Life Skills |
| Maple Island to Barnes | 0.75 | Muskegon Area Jaycees |
| Barnes to Sullivan | 0.25 | Muskegon Area Jaycees |
| Sullivan to Ensley | 1 | Silver Saddles Horse Club |
| Ensley to Swanson | 1 | Ravenna FFA |
| Swanson to Moorland | 1 | West Shore Snowmobile Council |
| Moorland to Bossett | 1 | ChoiceOne Bank |
| Bossett to Blackmer | 1 | 4-Season 4-H club |
| Blackmer to Adams | 0.6 | Ravenna Cadette Girl Scouts Troop #279 |
| Adams to Ravenna | 0.7 | Ravenna Cub Scouts Pack #4054 |
| Ravenna to Ellis | 1.4 | Goldwing Touring Association |
| Ellis to Squires/48th Ave. | 0.1 | Ottawa County |
| Ottawa County | ||
| Squires/48th Ave. to 40th Ave. | 1.8 | Squires Road Association |
| 40th Ave. to Harding | 0.5 | Midway Heating |
| Harding to Sehler | 0.55 | Silver Star 4-H Club |
| Sehler to Wilson | 0.55 | Jim Creager & Associates |
| Wilson to Taft | 1.25 | Awashtanong Islands Audubon Society |
| Taft to 28th Ave. | 0.9 | Enterprise Die and Mold |
| 28th Ave. to Roosevelt | 0.3 | Saint Joseph Youth Ministry |
| Roosevelt to 24th Ave. | 0.5 | Sand Creek Golf and Driving Range |
| 24th Ave. to Cleveland | 0.8 | Gary & Char Kluting and Family |
| Cleveland to 16th Ave. | 0.8 | Hope Network Northwest Center |
| 16th Ave. to Arthur | 0.5 | Available |
| Arthur to 8th Ave. | 1 | DeWys Manufacturing |
For more information, contact us.