Foot Trail

I can catch that butterfly!

Missaukee

Conservation District would like to recognize the following donors:

Missaukee County Commissioners
Road Commission
Sheriff Department

Cadillac Area Health Coalition

Master Gardeners

Harvestore

Voelker Implement Sales, Inc.

Ellens Equipment

Landscape Image & Design Studio

Little River Ranch

Vanderwal Farms

Lake City Redi-mix

Missaukee Area Community Foundation

Wildflower Association of Michigan

Dutchman Tree Farms

B. G. Trees

Jessica Davidson

Gordon Food Service

Missaukee MSU Extension

Heather Dexter & Wexford Missaukee ISD

Al Kushion & McBain High School

Matt Brown - Eagle Scout Project

Quinn Mobile Saw Works, LLC

Hydrolake

Wal-Mart

Meijer

Tim Lequier

Jim Williams

MGSP Ameri-Corps Program

Missaukee Conservation District Directors and Volunteers who have graciously given their time and labor while sharing in a vision of a cleaner, healthier place to live

Summer 2010 extended the trail even more. You can make it to Missaukee Mountain if you are adventurous enough. Follow the pink walking signs which will bring you out of the woods north of the Missaukee Road Commission. Follow the fence line to M-66, turn north and continue along M-66 until you pass the Missaukee Conservation Club (target practice is done here; you are walking in front of the target practice, not behind it). You can cut through the stand of red pine to a two-track. There is currently no trail through the red pine, however the trees have been thinned allowing for easy through fare. When you reach the two track, head north. This will take you to M-42 and on up to Missaukee Mountain. Careful, snowmobiles also use the two-track.

Summer of 2009 was very exciting for the trail. Native seeds were started by students at McBain Public and Northern Michigan Christian for garden expansions. This was made possible by a grant through Wild Ones from the Lorrie Otto Foundation "Seeds for Education Fund". Also, bring your GPS because two geocaching sites are in place.

Michigan Works! Earn and Learn Summer Program partnered with us last summer. They cleaned up the trail, cut out spotted knapweed, placed wood chips and put up "You are Here" maps on the first extension. They plant the native plants that were started by seeds, weeded the gardens, and much more. They are a hardworking crew and much appreciated.

A weatherproof box is placed outside the northeast entrance to the building. It contains trail guides and maps for you to use at your convenience.

The N.E.W. (Nature's Exciting Wonders) Missaukee Fitness Trail & Native Gardens, located at Missaukee County Offices north of Lake City at 6180 W. Sanborn Road (building known as the Health Department) is a Missaukee County treasure for all to enjoy.

Interpretive markers have been placed throughout the trail for viewing interpretation with an accompanying brochure explaining the various markers being developed. Plant description markers have been placed. Future plans include markers for exercise enhancement. Benches have been interspersed for resting and peaceful enjoyment of the area.

Dozens of people donated their time to implement a public trail at the Missaukee County Offices for many reasons. They have included the betterment of the community and spending time outdoors. Whatever the reason, this trail matches many moods including: curiosity, serenity, fun, relaxation, health, well-being.

Area businesses are also supporting this project. They have donated the use of heavy equipment for tree removal and trail completion. Without their help, this project would not be ready for your use. We owe many thanks to Voelker Implement Sales Inc., Harvestore, Ellens Equipment, and Hydrolake Leasing, as well as Missaukee County Road Commission for their generosity.

Volunteers are always appreciated. Give our office a call at 231.839.7193 and let us know how you'd like to help!