Several strategic community partnerships are the driving force behind important recreational improvements at Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s (CWC) Bundy Hill Preserve. The 100-acre natural area, located in Broomfield Township in Isabella County, protects mature forest, rolling hills and the tallest point in Isabella County.
A grant from Apex Clean Energy will provide funding for various hand and power tools and a stipend for an intern to support construction of a new sustainable hiking trail system at the preserve. The nearly two-mile hiking trail will traverse high ridges, varying forest communities and will connect visitors to the top of Bundy Hill at 1,270 feet above sea level. The trail will be built primarily by volunteer labor under direction of CWC staff.
CWC’s Trail Building Thursdays event will mobilize volunteers to help construct the new and improved trail system. Every Thursday from 4:30-7:30 pm volunteers will meet at Bundy Hill Preserve to clear the trail corridor, remove down trees and debris, and grub the new trail tread. All tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and eye protection. CWC will supply a limited number of safety glasses and gloves.
A matching grant from Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) will support the installation of an informational bulletin board, interpretive signage and the creation of a trail map and preserve brochure. Generous matching contributions were provided by Remus Historical Society, Old Settler Reunion, Inc. and CWC members Larry and Judy Schaftenaar. DeWitt Lumber of Mt. Pleasant graciously donated split-rail fence for the trailhead area of the preserve as well.
Long term plans at Bundy Hill Preserve include an improved gravel parking lot and directional signage on M-20 and county roads to help visitors find the preserve more easily.
Volunteers begin trail construction at Bundy Hill Preserve over Earth Day Weekend.
