Help Save Old-Growth Hemlocks at Pelizzari Natural Area

(Editor’s Note: Becky Chown, Peninsula Township Clerk and Board Liaison to the Parks Committee, writes that township residents have an opportunity to help save the stand of old-growth hemlocks at Pelizzari Natural Area by helping to construct a sustainable elevated boardwalk in the hemlock wing. Read on for Becky’s note. -jb)

Dear Old Mission Peninsula Neighbors,

Peninsula Township has a wonderful opportunity to protect the glorious old-growth hemlocks along the John “Doc” Spencer Trail at Pelizzari Natural Area by constructing a sorely needed elevated boardwalk. But we need your help!

In late August, the Township received a campaign close-out challenge grant to raise the remaining needed funds from two generous family foundations, the Thomas Family Foundation and the Tim and Libby Ash Family Foundation. Together, they offered a combined $80,000 and challenged the community to match this sum dollar for dollar.

The urgency of this request cannot be overstated. Hemlocks have a shallow root structure in soft, moist soils, and the popularity of the nearly seven-acre Hemlock Wing means the trees and understory are being negatively impacted.

Staff members at the Township’s partner organization, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, have cautioned the Township that an elevated boardwalk is needed to protect the very plant species that draws people to this special place.

This project has several objectives beyond relieving the stress to the hemlocks and understory caused by heavy foot traffic. An elevated trail will allow visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the hemlock forest without harming it.

Interpretive signage will explain the forest’s ecology and how the boardwalk will protect it. The trail will also guide visitors, preventing the creation of rogue trails, erosion of steep hillsides, and trespassing onto neighboring properties.

For the past 18 months, the Township has sought grant dollars to assist with trail construction costs. In addition to committing $60,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the project, the Township has raised an additional $117,025 toward the needed $320,000 from the following sources:

• $25,000: Oleson Foundation
• $5,000: Schmuckal Family Foundation
• $50,000: Huckle Family Foundation
• $25,000: Biederman Family Foundation
• $2,025: Township Residents
• $10,000: Traverse City Track Club

In addition to supporting a beloved public resource, this project enhances the value of private property, with national data indicating that neighbors of nearby parkland experience a significant property valuation bump of 7 to 20 percent, with the highest gains near natural areas precisely like Pelizzari.

How much of an impact will your donation have? Every dollar you commit will be doubled, and every dollar amount is welcomed. With $143,000 left to go and a challenge grant in hand for $80,000, the Township seeks to raise $80,000 by year’s end and will swiftly construct the boardwalk as soon as the final dollars are committed.

We need your help to save the hemlocks. Will you join these generous community leaders and local foundations in making a gift today? We’re all planning to contribute, and we hope you will join us.

Together, we can leave a legacy to future generations that will make them proud of our foresight in caring for this beloved natural area.

-Becky Chown

For more about the Pelizzari Natural Area, click here. To learn more about donating to help save the hemlocks, contact Becky Chown, [email protected], or call (231) 223-7321.

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