Wings of Wonder presented to the Traverse City Youth Corps

June 20, 2006 – The Traverse City Youth Corps enjoyed a “Wings of Wonder” presentation from Rebecca Lessard. Wings of Wonder is a Raptor Rehabilitation Program and offers a traveling presentation.

Traverse Area Youth Corps improves Commons Area

Wally's World-
Traverse Area Youth Corps Works to Improve Commons

Wally Chappel, Parkland Project Director and Parkland Intern, Chris Kelly worked with the Traverse Area Youth Corps to make outstanding improvements to the conservation areas at the Garfield Commons Open Space. This project included the cooperative efforts of Traverse City Public Schools, Michigan Works!, Garfield Township, and the District.

The enthusiastic members of the Youth Corps worked for days to clean up seven abandoned homeless sites that included almost five yards of trash, removal of a 12 yard sand berm on a main trail, spread 80 yards of woodchips on trails, installed 24 sections of whole log cedar fencing, and built 180 feet of boardwalk through a sensitive wetland area Whew!

Traverse City Youth Corps 2006

A big “Thank You” goes out to the Traverse City Youth Corps for playing a vital role in the ongoing maintenance on the trails at the Nature Education Reserve. The Corps is also responsible for creating beautiful new trails at the Reserve as well.

Construction Begins on Oleson Pavilion

Watch for heavy equipment at the Sabin Pond Trailhead! Construction has begun on the new Oleson Pavilion-the first step in our plans for the Boardman River Nature Center. Elmers Crand & Dozer completed the first step of excavation, and Dave Smith is at the site now to complete the masonry.
We'll keep you posted as construction progresses, and we invite you all to visit the new pavilion when it's complete. As an added bonus, Ben Purdy, Conservation Technician, Brent Wheat, Conservation Intern, and the Traverse Area Youth Corps have recently completed a new trail between the new Oleson Pavilion and existing trail from the Meadow Pavilion. Enjoy!