News

Over a period of 8 days a great crew of volunteers cut back brush along the trail from Frankfort to Beulah, an exhausting yet beautiful 11 mile stretch. In addition to cutting back at least 2′ from the trail, the volunteers racked and removed the brush. Bridges were cleared. overhead… Read More »

During our planning meeting this past spring, the Friends decided to prioritize and address the degradation of the Trail along Crystal Lake, specifically, the section between County Farm and Mollineaux Roads. At the time, we did not anticipate the rash of accidents, including some needing medical treatment, that would occur… Read More »

On what turned out to be a beautiful day to be out on the trail, 141 participants in this year’s Brew-to-Brew Trail Day helped the Friends easily surpassed their fundraising goal for the event. With the generous participation again this year from Stormcloud Brewing Company and Five Shores Brewing, registrants… Read More »

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail have installed internet service at the Beulah Trailhead and Visitor Center building. The group is pleased to announce the public can now use the high-speed Wi-fi service free of charge while at the location. “With the new resurfacing project that’s going to start… Read More »

This Fall, the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail Board elected Heidi Bolger as the group’s new Chair. Bolger’s predecessor, Jed Maker, stepped down in September upon reaching the limit of his six-year term at the helm. “My experience with the Friends has been both gratifying and educational,” reflected Maker.… Read More »

The Friends were excited to receive the news in October that our second try for a Michigan Spark Grant funded by American Rescue Plan Act was approved by the Michigan DNR. “We were quite happy with the news of the grant,” said Jim Gribble, Director of Marketing and Public Relations… Read More »

In September, about 75 members and guests gathered at the Stormcloud Taproom for a  special member meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a vote to change the Friends non-profit corporate designation from a member organization to a directorship. “Last summer, we were looking into updating our by-laws… Read More »

Since the opening of the Trail, the volunteers from the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail have been using personal vehicles and often their own tools to keep the Trail clear and beautiful for all to enjoy. Today, the group is announcing a giant leap forward in their ability to… Read More »

“Last summer, I heard someone say it was smart to put a brewery on either end of the Trail and it got me thinking,” commented Jim Gribble, Friends Marketing & PR Director, “we should do something to celebrate that! That’s where the idea of having the first Brew-to-Brew Trail Day… Read More »

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail are very fortunate to have Crystal Mountain as a business sponsor. They help support the trail in many ways and we are most grateful for their partnership. Please patronize this wonderful Benzie County resort and thank them for supporting the trail! Crystal Mountain… Read More »