
Southwest Michigan Interdunal Trail Design
South Haven, Michigan is known as a “trail town” because it is home to several hiking, biking, and kayaking trails that are popular among residents and visitors alike. Five miles north of the city are four coastal properties of much ecological and social significance. There are some trails in these properties, but they are largely disconnected and unmanaged, which is not ideal for ecosystem health and dune stability. We have been tasked by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) and the National Park Service (NPS) to design an interdunal trail network to connect these properties, thereby creating an accessible community trail network to connect residents and visitors to a dynamic South Haven area dune landscape. From north to south these are Pilgrim Haven Natural Area and Porter Legacy Dunes, both of which are managed by SWMLC, the Syndicate Park Dunes neighborhood, which is mixed with land owned by Van Buren County, and Van Buren State Park. Methods include stakeholder engagement, modeling of existing and proposed trails, survey evaluation, site visits during which we collected GIS data and ground truthed, and signage design. Final deliverables will include a conceptual trail plan; technical recommendations for best practices in trail construction, materials, and dune restoration; design and strategy of educational and wayfinding signage; preliminary marketing materials; an accessibility assessment; conceptual renderings; a report synthesizing process and findings; and a list of future partners and funding sources. The interdunal trail has the potential to enrich trail life and Lake Michigan landscapes for all.
Jack Guirey, MS (GDS); Eli Lowry, MLA; Dillon Martin, MLA & MS (ESM); Alissa Paquette, MLA; Joseph Powell, MLA