Old Town, Lansing, MI — Michigan Trails is pleased to announce the next step in its partnership with REI is to help build and maintain trails in Southeast Michigan and get Michiganders outside.

Recreational Equipment Incorporated has awarded the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance a $15,000 grant to support the new Southeast Michigan Regional Trail Maintenance Collaboration project. The project will provide much-needed funds for trail maintenance along the new Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1, which links 17 different trails from South Haven to Port Huron.

The REI grant focuses on trails in Southeast Michigan, including the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park, Fieldcrest Pathway, Huron Valley Trail, Michigan Air Line Trail, West Bloomfield Trail, Clinton River Trail, Macomb Orchard Trail, and Bridge to Bay Trail. These trails provide safe, accessible corridors for transportation while offering ample opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, skating, skiing, and horseback riding.

MTGA welcomes this news and applauds the foresight of REI in recognizing trails are the number one recreational need in the state. “REI is a well-known outdoor retailer that values the important connection we all feel to the natural resources of the state,” said Bob Wilson, Executive Director. “This grant will help us continue our mission to get people outside and connect on trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan.”

The Southeast Michigan Regional Trail Maintenance Collaboration project will be overseen by MTGA’s Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Ambassador Andrea LaFontaine. “We are excited to distribute these funds directly into our hardworking trail communities in southeast Michigan,” said LaFontaine. “We are very grateful to REI for supporting our efforts to maintain the quality trail networks that promote connectivity throughout our region.”

Communities in Southeast Michigan can apply for trail maintenance funds through a mini-grant program. Awardees must provide matching funds for key maintenance infrastructure projects. Local trail managers and users can learn more about the grant opportunity and the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route #1 at www.greatlaketolaketrails.org.