THE BOARDMAN LAKE LOOP TRAIL

 

We all know what a wonderful resource the Boardman Lake is to our community.  I especially love going to Logan’s Landing to watch all the waterfowl that visit the south end.

 

 During the fall and spring migrations, waterfowl use the lake as a stopover point.  Last May, I saw these American White Pelicans floating on the Boardman.  Who would’ve thought, pelicans in Michigan?

 

 In the winter, some waterfowl live on the lake because it’s one of the few bodies of stable, open water.  In February, this Double-Crested Cormorant showed off its hooked beak as it stood on a log near the shoreline.

 

 I love that the Tart Trail system has made so many Traverse City areas accessible to bikers, walkers, and people in wheelchairs.  The nearly completed Boardman Lake Loop Trail is doing that with the lake too.  Recently, this segment along Cass between 14th Street and the NMC University Center opened.

 

 But as a photographer and nature lover, I’m most excited about the final part of the trail which will run between the University Center and Medalie Park.  In this image, the paved trail turns from Cass towards the University Center building.

 

 This is where the construction is currently happening as the new trail curves around the north end of the building.

 

 The trail then proceeds down the steep hill in front of the University Center building.  Gorgeous views of Boardman Lake can be seen from this portion of the trail.

 

 And then the trail dead-ends at the south end of Boardman Lake.  Here’s where the trail gets interesting.

 

 I had to drive around to Logan’s Landing to get these next images.  A lot is happening there.  Huge logs of ipe wood are being sunk into the lake bottom across the cove.  Ipe wood is a Brazilian hardwood which is less slippery, has a longer lifespan, and requires less treatment than yellow pine, which is sometimes used in these types of projects.

 

 In the spring, a boardwalk will be added to these ipe wood supports.  People will be able to bike, walk, and roll wheelchairs across the cove.  And for photographers like me, it will be great to get out onto the water to see the critters that inhabit the Boardman’s south end.  There will also be a second bridge on the other side of Logan’s Landing which will connect the trail to Medalie Park and complete the whole loop.  Looks like it might also be a great place to catch a sunset.