Not long ago, the stunning and ecologically significant Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve was under immediate threat of development. Thanks to incredible support from our community, the Conservancy was able to protect this property forever – yet the land still needs our help. We are now seeking funding to implement a multifaceted plan to restore this former golf course to its healthy, natural state and provide valuable recreational opportunities near Traverse City’s urban core.
RESTORING THE LAND
Because much of the Mitchell Creek watershed lies within our region’s most urbanized landscapes, significant runoff from human activities like fertilization, erosion, and other contaminants have degraded this precious source of fresh water.
As such, The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay has identified the protection of the Mitchell Creek watershed as a critically important tool for safeguarding water quality in East Grand Traverse Bay. Because of Mitchell Creek Meadows’ central location in the watershed and the many creeks and tributaries that flow through the property, the Conservancy and our friends at The Watershed Center, Conservation Resource Alliance, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and others are continuously monitoring and working to improve the water quality of Mitchell Creek on the nature preserve.
Meanwhile, much of the preserve has been impacted by invasive autumn olive and cool-season grasses, which have hindered the growth of native plants and altered natural ecosystems. Volunteers, staff, partner organizations, and a small goat herd have been working tirelessly to remove autumn olive scattered throughout the property, however, the work is ongoing.
Likely once a mix of wetlands, forestlands and open meadows, the Conservancy aims to encourage the preserve’s natural habitats’ succession, allowing them to evolve into forests once invasive species are under control.
However, additional stewardship efforts are necessary in more heavily impacted areas. GTRLC is planting native species near the Conservation Center and in targeted areas throughout the preserve to increase biodiversity, improve wildlife habitat, and provide food and refugia for our imperiled pollinator species. Restoration plans also include native tree and shrub plantings throughout the preserve’s wetlands, meadows and hardwood conifer zones.
ENHANCING RECREATION
Located just a few miles southeast of Traverse City’s central business district, the preserve offers prime and convenient opportunities for hiking, birding and accessing nature. The universally accessible Looyenga Family Trail includes significant sections of boardwalk to protect fragile habitats and several opportunities for viewing wildlife. Visitors of all ages and abilities can learn about and experience diverse, critical habitats of their local environment at the preserve.
From the trailhead and parking area, the trail takes visitors through a mix of wetlands, meadows and hardwood restoration areas with the opportunity to explore Glen’s Grove, a scenic cedar forest named in honor of GTRLC Executive Director Glen Chown. The eastern portion of the trail is a mix of boardwalk and aggregate path that meanders through cedar swamp habitat to a short loop that crosses the west branch of Four-Mile Creek. This section of the trail includes a spur leading to an elevated platform that offers scenic views of the property.
The preserve is also crucial in supporting the community’s long-held desire to connect and extend a regional, multi-modal trail system. The existing TART Trail runs roughly a mile along Three Mile Road from US-31 and dead-ends at South Airport Road. A collaboration with GTRLC, East Bay Township, Norte, TART and surrounding schools and neighborhoods offers a unique opportunity to expand the TART Trail through the preserve. The expansion will establish safe routes to school for students, residents, and visitors to commute and recreate along the busy Three Mile Road corridor.