HOT NEWS
- Help Bridge the Trails in Stevensville — Donate today to support the Hickory Creek pedestrian bridge. Learn more by clicking on Hickory Creek below I Thank you for all of those who came out to support the trail cleanup.
The Master Plan is our detailed roadmap for a healthier, more connected, and economically vibrant community.Â
Adopted in 2023, this plan isn’t just about pavement and dirt; it’s about people. Championed by the Friends of Berrien County Trails, Be Healthy Berrien, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, this comprehensive vision aims to connect our schools, parks, beaches, and businesses through a safe, non-motorized network.
Linking 39 municipalities to create a unified regional network.
Providing safe routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and paddlers.
Attracting tourism and talent by making our region a premier outdoor destination.
Community Survey Responses
Municipal Participation
miles of proposed multi-use
Municipalities Provided Funding
Eight regionally significant routes form the spine of our proposed network, connecting us to neighboring counties and states.
Thanks to the commitment of these partners, each new mile brings us closer to a fully connected Berrien County.
Berrien County
City of Bridgman
City of Buchanan
City of Coloma
City of New Buffalo
City of St. Joseph
Bertrand Township
Chikaming Township
Coloma Charter Township
Hagar Township
Lake Charter Township
Lincoln Township
New Buffalo Township
Niles Charter Township
Oronoko Charter Township
Royalton Township
St. Joseph Charter Township
Three Oaks Township
Watervliet Charter Township
Village of Berrien Springs
Village of Grand Beach
Village of Stevensville
Village of Three Oaks
Bernadette Janda
McKittrick Endowment Fund at the Berrien Community Foundation
Corewell Health South
The Pokagon Fund
Whirlpool Foundation
Thank you to the following entities for passing a resolution stating your support for the master plan.
Building a connected county doesn’t happen overnight.
Continue to secure funding and close the gaps in the Regional Backbone.
Develop an asset management system to track trail conditions and maintenance needs and secure a sustainable funding source for maintenance of the trail system.
Organize a volunteer effort to assess trail infrastructure assessments and encourage municipalities to achieve Bike and Walk Friendly Community status.
Develop a comprehensive network of biking/walking infrastructure to connect destinations such as parks and employment centers to the Regional Backbone. Â
