Ann Arbor Times

Along Michigan's M-22, individuals with mobility challenges can now access scenic views of Lake Michigan from a 300-foot-high platform. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has developed over three miles of accessible trails since 2016, starting with the Overlook Trail at Arcadia Dunes. Under the leadership of Glen Chown, who holds degrees from the University of Michigan’s School of Environment and Sustainability, the conservancy has protected more than 47,000 acres of land.

Kim Russell, who is quadriplegic, recalls a memorable experience at Arcadia Dunes where she saw a bald eagle with her father, Kevin Russell. “It’s really awesome. The view was amazing," she said. Kevin Russell, an advocate for universal access and former chair of the board, remembers struggling to navigate muddy trails in a wheelchair with his daughter before these improvements.

The conservancy worked with the Disability Network of Northern Michigan to ensure true accessibility while preserving natural resources. “The fact that we collaborated with people who are advocates for people with disabilities I think it was one of the secret sauces that made that trail so special,” Chown noted.

One accessible trail is near Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve in Traverse City. It includes boardwalks to protect wetland habitats and offers nature viewing opportunities. Thousands utilize these trails annually as part of efforts to make nature inclusive.

The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve was developed on former golf course land saved from residential development by a $1.1 million donation from Jerry and Don Oleson. This effort aimed to protect water quality in East Grand Traverse Bay.

Recently, the nearby Ridge property faced potential development into 1,700 homes until the C.S. Mott Foundation provided a $5.1 million loan to help preserve it.

The conservancy retrofitted existing buildings into sustainable facilities using solar panels and geothermal systems while restoring native plants. "It’s really showcasing the future," Chown stated about their sustainability efforts.

Chown emphasizes that making nature accessible aligns with their mission shift from protecting land from developers to protecting it for people’s health and wellness: “In this time of society where there’s a lot of strife and division, people are seeking nature.”