MANISTIQUE – Members of the Great Lakes Conservation Corps (GLCC) are building a new trail at the Manistique Township Environmental Education Lab (EE Lab) this week. Funding for their work is being provided by a grant received by the Superior Watershed Partnership. GLCC crews in the U.P. work on a variety of projects from late spring through fall, including tree planting, invasive weed management, and trail construction.

The crew will be working at the EE Lab through Friday, building a trail connecting the beginning of the main trail to the back of the Hardwood Loop. Time permitting, they will also begin work on two additional trails that have been planned at the Lab. EE Lab Committee chair Doug Smith stated, “We are very thankful for the opportunity to have such a nice trail added to the Lab at no cost to us. GLCC initially contacted Alan Barr, who told them to check with our committee. This is a great way to ‘jump start’ more improvements at the Lab. We have at least one scout who is planning an Eagle Scout Project here soon, and we are also hoping for approval this winter of our Recreation Passport Grant. “

Smith continued, “The GLCC crew is very professional and we are happy to have them here this week. They have all been enjoying their work this summer, and are glad to be able to help with the Lab.” Crew members include leader Sarah Goodman, Brandon Caltrider, Noah Gostomski and Allison Ranush. The members of this crew all have either experience or degrees in agriculture / environmental sciences or are currently working on degrees in those fields.

The public is invited to stop by the lab to see the new trail and visit with the crew (they will be working until early Friday afternoon). The Lab is located just east of Manistique. Turn north on the Manistique River Road off US2. After 1 mile, Krummich Road will be on your left; follow Krummich for 1.5 miles to the Lab parking lot.

For information about the Great Lakes Conservation Corps or Superior Watershed Partnership, visit SuperiorWatersheds.org. Information about the EELab is available on Facebook @EELabManistique, or by calling Doug Smith at 286-2370 or Heidi Troyer at 341-2965.