Ortonville- A group of local citizens is researching the possibility of a nearly mile-long nature walking trail in the village.
Lois Robbins and Rick McAvinchey, both members of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, proposed the trail to the village council at the council’s Nov. 27 meeting. Members of the council voiced interest and support for further research into financing such a trail, which could include grants and volunteer labor.
The proposed trail on 40 acres of village property, says McAvinchey, would begin at Mill Street, go through the upland cedar forest part of the property, just west of the Crescent Hills subdivision, south through upland cedar forest, cross an area of cedar-tamarack swamp, continue to upland oak forest and connect to the old railroad bed, follow north to the H.T. Burt Elementary School property, and continue north to Church Street near the post office. The total length of this trail would be about six-tenths of a mile, but the group would like to add on once it is finished and extend the trail to the cul-de-sac at Candace Court. This would make the total length of the trail, which might also be used for bicycling, .88 miles.
‘It would be a nice opportunity for residents to have a place to walk and enjoy nature,? said Robbins. ‘The cedar forest is beautiful. We would call it the Cedar Forest Trail.?
Besides the cedar trees, other features along the trail would include the Kearsley Creek, small brooks, the cedar-tamarack swamp, large white pine trees and a lowland hardwood forest that might be a prairie fen wetland.
‘It’s a good place to observe wildlife and habitat right in the village and a good opportunity to get exercise without going very far,? said McAvinchey.
The trail would need to be cleared and may need a bridge or two, along with boardwalks in wetter areas. Tom Stowell, also a member of NOHLC, was also at the meeting and will research grants. An area also needs to be put in for parking, although McAvinchey says it would not need to be large at all.
‘I hope we get (the trail) done within the next year and a half to two years,? he said, adding that when the property was given to the village by the owner of the Crescent Hills subdivision, it was designated as an area not to be built on and used as passive recreation trails. ‘I think the majority of people will support it… I think it would be a benefit to the community and a good use of village property.?
Kristen Wiltfang, Geographic Information Systems Technician for Oakland County, provided a map of the proposed trail for council members and other planning materials was present at the meeting and also voiced her support.
‘I think it will be a great asset for the community and will enhance the quality of life,? she said. ‘There are so many postives’historic resources, a story to tell, health benefits for walkers and bikers, direct ties into the school system and it could be used as an outdoor classroom activity.?