Detroit News article features Michigan National Parks and the wonderful amenities including the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
News
Dune Dash: 5 Mile Race along the Trail
Just Dune It!
Be one of the first to participate in a new 5 mile run on August 18, 2012 showcasing the new Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail located in “the most beautiful place in America”
Starting and finishing at the Dune Climb in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, runners will race along the newly paved trail passing Michigan lakeshore and historic Glen Haven. This will soon be known as one of the most beautiful scenic runs in Michigan, if not the country.
Organized by the creators of the Zombie Run with support of Sleeping Bear Dunes and TART Trails, the Dune Dash will be a race you won’t want to miss!
All proceeds from this event will go to the continued construction of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
More information and registration at: www.dunedash.com
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday June 20, 2012 at 1:30 at the Dune Climb. Join in the fun! Children bicycle decorating, ice cream provided by Country Fresh and ride the trail after the ribbon cutting.
The Inaudible Auction!
Bob Sutherland and the crew at Cherry Republic created a unique way to raise funds for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail called The Inaudible Auction. Each week they will auction off a highly desired item or experience.Check out the Inaudible Auction webpage or signup to receive the weekly Orchard Report email, which will include details on the current auction item for you to bid on via email. Updates will be sent to advise bidders of the current high bid. Past items include: coveted entry to the sold-out M-22 Challenge, a stay at the Homestead Resort and a hike and lunch with Bob and the boys. All proceeds go to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail!
SB Heritage Trail hits $1,000,000 in
private fundraising
The Pathways to Sleeping Bear campaign has reached the million dollar milestone in private fundraising. Campaign tri-chair Karen Van Nort shares her excitement, “We are delighted to celebrate hitting the million dollar mark in private funds for our campaign on the first day of spring. Support from the local community and seasonal visitors helped us reach this milestone in the campaign.” Local residents Bill and Vicki Anderson, who were among the first supporters of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT), have issued a challenge pledge with a 2:1 match for all donations to the new trail through the end of March. The campaign still needs to raise $100,000 in order to secure the full Anderson Challenge match of $50,000. Bill Anderson shared his family’s motivation for posing the challenge match, “This summer, 10 years of planning and effort will become a reality for the first 5-mile link of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. To help sustain the momentum and encourage additional financial support we are offering a match of $50,000 if the $100,000 goal is reached by March 31st.”
The first section of trail connecting Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb will completed this July. The trail will provide easy, car-free access to amenities and attractions including the DH Day Campground, Glen Haven, Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb.
The SBHT campaign must raise $400,000 for design and engineering to extend the trail south from the Dune Climb to Empire. Donors of $1,000 or more will be recognized at a permanent donor plaza located at the Dune Climb. Well-known local artist Glenn Wolff created an illustrated map of the trail and donors of $5,000 or more will receive a limited edition signed print.
To donate or learn more about the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail please visit www.sleepingbeartrail.org or contact Pam Darling, Development Director for TART Trails (pam@traversetrails.org or 231-941-4300).
