This summer, we had many opportunities to celebrate and support the Border to Border Trail in the communities where people live, work and recreate!
2024 DEXTER-ANN ARBOR RUN
Volunteers teamed up with the Erratic Run Club to staff the Mile 9 aid station at the 2024 Dexter-Ann Arbor Run half marathon. It was a fast-paced morning of hydrating runners and cheering them on as they conquered 13.1 miles along the Huron River, which will also be part of the future Border to Border Trail. Not only did we help raise over $2,700 for the trail as one of the race’s 2024 charity partners, but we had an absolute blast on race day!
Oberun 2024
HWPI returned as a charity partner this July for RF Events’ 2024 Oberun 5K! We would like to give a huge shoutout to our volunteers who helped to support the Bell’s Beer Garden—whether checking IDs or serving beer, it was a genuine team effort. It was wonderful to see our regulars and welcome many new faces. Your smiles and positive energy made the event a success!
Together, we raised thousands of dollars to support the Border to Border Trail and spread the word about nonmotorized trails in Washtenaw County. We extend our heartfelt thanks to RF Events for supporting the Border to Border Trail.
Ann Arbor Green Fair
HWPI was at this year’s Ann Arbor Green Fair, sharing how the Border to Border Trail can help “green” your commute. We connected with hundreds of community members, eager to learn how the City of Ann Arbor and local partners are advancing sustainability.
Ypsi Fall River Day
Families gathered on a beautiful autumn Sunday for the annual Ypsi Fall River Day at Frog Island Park, hosted by the City of Ypsilanti Parks & Arts Commission.
HWPI partnered with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation to promote local recreational facilities.
Visitors enjoyed free kayak trips and family-friendly activities, including kids’ crafts and games, a live river critter exhibit, and booths featuring community recreation and sustainability organizations.
Cider Stroll and Roll
Cyclists of all ages joined HWPI volunteers for a fun autumn trek on the Border to Border Trail. Participants selected an out-and-back trip from one of the Metroparks in Washtenaw County to the historic Dexter Cider Mill. We had some first-time B2B Trail riders who explored new pathways and enjoyed local treats, including freshly pressed apple cider and cinnamon sugar donuts.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Here’s a glimpse of our volunteers in action at the August Title IX Plaza Opening and the 2024 Barn Raiser fundraising event. We could not do this work without our team of amazing volunteers!
2024 Holiday Hustle
Looking for a way to put a little hustle into your holiday festivities? RF Event’s Holiday Hustle Saturday, December 7th! Come out for a fun and festive dash around Dexter, which will take you through the neighborhood light displays and get you into the holiday spirit! This charity event donates $5 of your entry fee to local Dexter charities, including HWPI/Border to Border Trail!
As we enjoy a beautiful Michigan Fall, let’s take a moment to celebrate the importance of trail etiquette in preserving the beauty and harmony of our natural spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a mountain biker, or a casual walker, practicing good trail etiquette is not just about being courteous; it’s about contributing to the greater good of our community and environment!
By adhering to simple guidelines like traveling on the right-hand side and properly disposing of waste, we ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and protect the delicate ecosystems surrounding us. Each step we take with mindfulness and respect leaves a positive impact that resonates far beyond our individual experiences. Let’s do this!
Community Engagement
BY kristinwarzyniecJune 12, 2024
This spring, we had many opportunities to kick off the trail season in the communities where people live, work and recreate along the Border to Border Trail! With our eye on the summer, we are recruiting volunteers for our annual Oberun Beer garden!
Join the Beer team! Volunteers needed for the Oberun Beer Garden this July!
HWPI returns as a charity partner of this amazing summer event, and this means that you can support the Border to Border Trail AND get some sweet summer miles in before joining us in the Bell’s Beer Garden.
So, grab some friends, mark your calendar, and get ready to celebrate summer with us on July 19th! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than a 5K run or walk to a beer garden serving up cold Oberon!
Don’t miss out on the fun. If you are up for the run, register for the 5k at https://runoberun5k.com and take $5 off with code OBERHWPI
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, HWPI visited the Farmers MarketPlace in Ypsilanti at Growing Hope’s Earth Day Fest: One Community | One Planet. This vibrant, free event welcomed the community to engage in a variety of eco-friendly activities and workshops designed to promote environmental stewardship.
Market visitors had the opportunity to attend a composting workshop, exchange seeds, and participate in a collaborative community project. The festival also showcased the impactful work of local environmental organizations.
We were excited to spend time in the Ypsilanti community talking about the Border to Border Trail, sharing resources and greener ways to use the trail to access goods and services within the city.
RF Events Trail Marathon Beer Garden
On Saturday, April 27th, 900 trail runners gathered at the Pinckney Recreation Area for the 38th running of the RF Events Trail Weekend. With perfect “Michigan” weather and a sell-out crowd, the event was an amazing success.
The Erratic Ale Beer Garden was hosted by HWPI with all proceeds benefiting the Border to Border Trail. Fifteen seasoned beer garden volunteers supported the event through beer sales, at the information tent, and serving beer to the runners.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to RF Events for their continued support of the Border to Border Trail. Cheers to the B2B Trail!
Jiffy Wellness at Chelsea Milling Company
This May, we had the pleasure of visiting the Chelsea Milling Company in Chelsea, well-known for producing the beloved “JIFFY” corn muffin mix that has been a staple in our kitchens for years. During our visit, we engaged with over one-third of the company’s staff to discuss the benefits of outdoor activities and inform them about accessing the B2B Trail near their place of employment and beyond.
It was inspiring to learn that outdoor recreation is a significant priority for Jiffy’s crew. Their enthusiasm for spending time outdoors highlights a growing recognition of the importance of physical activity and nature in fostering well-being and community spirit.
Bike To Wherever Day
On May 15th, the City of Ann Arbor and its partners hosted Bike to Wherever Day, featuring a network of pop-up commuter stations. Local businesses and organizations supported cyclists with free food, drinks, and games.
Did we see you at the B2B Trail station on Liberty Street?
Huron River Day
At the 2024 Huron River Day at Island Park in Ann Arbor, HWPI outreach volunteer Jarrod Sandel engaged participants in discussions about the Border to Border Trail.
The City of Ann Arbor hosted the event, inviting the community to enjoy the Huron River through free, family-friendly activities.
As a partner of Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, HWPI has the opportunity to work alongside their amazing staff to promote the B2B Trail. Jarrod collaborated with WCPARC’s new Communications Specialist, Kyle Jasper, during the event. It was a great day to spend by the river!
Let’s Get Courteous, Travelers!
As we embark on a fun summer of outdoor adventures, let’s take a moment to celebrate the importance of trail etiquette in preserving the beauty and harmony of our natural spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a mountain biker, or a casual walker, practicing good trail etiquette is not just about being courteous; it’s about contributing to the greater good of our community and environment!
By adhering to simple guidelines like traveling on the right-hand side and properly disposing of waste, we ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and protect the delicate ecosystems surrounding us. Each step we take with mindfulness and respect leaves a positive impact that resonates far beyond our individual experiences. Let’s do this!
B2B Trail User Spotlight: Dr. Melissa Sundermann, DO
BY kristinwarzyniecFebruary 21, 2024
Meet Dr. Melissa Sundermann, a physician and avid trail enthusiast deeply rooted in the Ann Arbor community.
Since her freshman year at the University of Michigan in 1988, she has called this area home (except for a brief stint recently in the Berkshire Mountains) alongside her spouse of 28 years, a fellow Wolverine, and their two grown children, who now reside in Denver. Their household is lively, with two large furry companions – Ziggy, a Bernese Mountain dog, and Dempsey, a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix.
With over 25 years of medical practice, Dr. Melissa is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. Her passion for staying active is evident in her routine, which includes running, biking, hiking, skiing, and daily walks with her dogs.
Dr. Melissa’s involvement with the Border to Border Trail stems from her close friendship with her mentors Lew Kidder and the late Karen McKeachie (Karen’s Trail). Karen and Lew created an amazing group called the Ann Arbor Running Goddesses, meeting weekly at the University of Michigan track to run and socialize (a lot of socializing went on!). Karen was Melissa’s training partner as she ventured into the world of triathlons and Lew helped coach her to finish three full Ironmans and countless other races.
Following Karen’s passing, Lew honored her legacy by supporting the B2B Trail and the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI), drawing Melissa into the fold in 2017. She currently serves on HWPI’s Advisory Board.
Living near Hudson Mills Park, Melissa frequents the trail for her runs and bike rides several times per week…sometimes most days of the week! She loves seeing other runners/bikers/walkers on the trail and feels more safe not having to worry about motor vehicle traffic. She cannot wait for the entire B2B trail system to be built!
On Saturdays, she joins friends for a run from Bandamer Park to the Matthei Botanical Gardens, relishing the camaraderie and scenic beauty along the way.
As a Lifestyle Medicine physician, Melissa is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles. Dubbed “Doctor Outdoors,” she advocates for spending time in nature as a form of therapy, believing there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.
This spring, Dr. Melissa is gearing up for her 11th Boston Marathon alongside two fellow HWPI Board members, a testament to her enduring dedication to fitness and community.
Through her active involvement with HWPI and unwavering commitment to health, Dr. Sundermann embodies the spirit of wellness on and off the B2B Trail.
Community Engagement
BY kristinwarzyniecNovember 9, 2023
Chelsea Sounds and Sights!
Sounds & Sights is an annual series of summer weekend events in historic Chelsea, Michigan. HWPI and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation staff members were present to share information about trail progress and outdoor adventure opportunities at the many parks and facilities within the WCPARC system. It is always exciting to network with the community at this event. Chelsea loves its parks and trails!
This July, over twenty volunteers teamed up to support the B2B Trail Beer Garden at Running Fit’s 2023 Oberun 5k at Wiard’s Orchard in Ypsilanti. We had a blast connecting with runners from Washtenaw County and all over Michigan to share updates about the Border to Border Trail. Volunteers served beer to over 1200 race finishers within the beer garden, where the generated proceeds support the trail. We soaked up the amazing race day vibes, enjoyed the hot sun, and made great memories! Cheers to good times and great causes!
Dog Days of Summer at Hudson Mills Metropark!
In August, HWPI hosted a beer garden at the MetroBarks Dog Days of Summer event, which celebrated International Dog Day. Dog lovers from all over the county visited the park with their furry friends. Volunteers operated the beer garden where proceeds supported the Border to Border Trail. We learned that all dogs love a trail!
We joined the party in Ypsilanti!
We joined Washtenaw Promise and other community organizations to help kids in the Ypsilanti community see that they are loved and valued and that their future is bright and promising. The Block Party was an opportunity for preschool families to connect with community resources they may seek. Volunteers distributed B2B Trail resources and reflective keychains. Visibility in the dark and dimly lit days is important for safety on the trail and walking around our community. It was a great day to learn more about what Ypsilanti offers families of young children!
The 2023 Holiday Hustle 1M & 5K and the 2023 Holiday Hustle Half Marathon are back again in Dexter! Join us on December 2 for a fun and festive 5K dash around Dexter that will take you through the neighborhood light displays or race the 13.1M course will take you out the B2B trail through Hudson Mills and back. Get into the holiday spirit!
HWPI volunteers will be supporting one of the half marathon aid stations and HWPI staff members will be out at Monument Park from 3 pm – 7 pm to share exciting trail updates in Dexter and beyond!
Register below and use the coupon code B2B5OFF for $5 off your registration fee!
You might be unaware that the Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority – the body that oversees 13 metroparks throughout Southeast Michigan and all of the metroparks along the B2B Trail – employs its own police force. Metroparks Police Department officers, such as Sergeant Chris Proudlock, are tasked with keeping the over 25,000 acres of woods, waterways, and trails that make up our metroparks safe and accessible for their many visitors.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Sgt. Chris Proudlock
According to Sgt. Proudlock, some of the more eventful parts of the job include locating missing or stranded park patrons on an unfamiliar stretch of water or trail after dark. Sgt. Proudlock and his fellow officers know that access to nature and the outdoors is one of the major reasons residents choose to live in our region of the state and visitors choose to visit, and understand the importance of creating a safe environment for people to enjoy our diverse natural environment. Next time you run into a Metropark Police Officer while out on a ride on the B2B Trail or walk through the park, remember to say hello and thank them for keeping our wonderful natural areas safe, accessible, and usable.
Did you know that many miles of Border to Border Trail are located on Metropark property? You can find B2B Trail segments within the Hudson Mills, Dexter-Huron and Delhi metroparks. Currently, there is active construction on an additional 1.3 miles of trail extending from Zeeb Road to East Delhi Road that, when complete, will connect all three of the Washtenaw County metroparks. There are even trail connections in progress within Van Buren Township to connect the B2B Trail to Lower Huron Metropark! Miles of amazing outdoor recreation right here in southeast Michigan!
