TART Trails (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation)

Mission: To provide and promote a trail network that enriches people and communities throughout the greater Traverse region.

Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that formed in 1998 when four individual trail groups in the Traverse City area united to create a stronger force for recreation and alternative transportation in northwest Michigan. Led by 15 staff and 11 volunteer board members, TART Trails is dedicated to providing recreation and transportation opportunities through preserving open space corridors, building trails and advocating for active living and outdoor recreation.

Our work includes negotiating easements, hosting annual events that promote healthy lifestyles, and defending cyclist and pedestrian interests. We focus on:

• Access – Promote safe, comfortable, convenient and affordable ways for everyone to move around our communities
• Collaboration – Work with community partners to develop and maintain a world class trail network
• Connection – Foster enduring relationships to nature, people, places and ourselves
• Health – Encourage active transportation and outdoor recreation to improve personal wellbeing and community health
• Recreation – Support year-round trail activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy
• Sustainability – Contribute to a healthy environment, thriving economies, and resilient communities