To the editor:
As a former TART Trails and Leelanau Conservancy board member, I celebrate the connections between human recreation and exploration and responsible well planned access to cherished, conserved places. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, winding throughout the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore exemplifies this intersection beautifully. Identified as a strong priority of the community, led by the National Park Service, this trail demonstrates how we can bridge the gap between people and nature — an artificial separation, to begin with. We create trails, conserve spaces, and establish national parks not to seclude these areas but to invite exploration, enjoyment, and access for everyone, not just those who live nearby. These conserved community spaces allow for greater understanding and appreciation of the environment, encouraging a sense of curiosity and care for the local and global places.
I eagerly anticipate experiencing the full expanse of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, including the Pathway to Good Harbor, and find comfort in knowing that our community has invested in this invaluable public resource for generations to come.
See you on the trail! David Edelstein Leland
