College of the outdoors: Bay West’s environmental education trail open to the public

IRON MOUNTAIN -- A new one-mile walking trail at Bay College's West Campus is now a reality. The trail, which utilizes 15 acres of property behind the campus, provides an opportunity for exercise, wellness and outdoor learning.

Bay College West Environmental Education Trail was made possible by a financial donation from the BOSS Snowplow Annual Giving Project, along with other contributors. A volunteer day put on by BOSS Snowplow helped provide signage, boardwalks and a laying of woodchips over part of the trail.

To help celebrate the trail and show gratitude for the support from BOSS Snowplow, the college hosted a ribbon-cutting Wednesday.

"This trail stands to be a great addition to the community," said Pat Bazan, building maintenance manager at Bay College West. "Also, we are happy to provide this opportunity to the community with help from Boss Snowplow, Champion Concrete, Derick Kirschner at UP Forest Innovations, Moyer Excavating, and the Dickinson County Conservation District. Many thanks to all of these businesses for their time and support."

The walking trail is open for walking year-round and allows for snowshoeing in the winter. Parking is available for the general public in the West Campus parking lot, with the entrance to the trail being on the south side of the campus.

"We look at all requests from non-profits," said BOSS Giving Committee member Ken Adams.

Amy Ermi, Giving Committee ambassador added, "We have a mission and criteria to follow to make the decision."