WM Trails —
Board Member Resource Hub
As a board member, you’re not just supporting our mission — you’re part of the network that makes it possible. Whether you’re helping us make connections, sharing our story, or opening doors in your community, your role is essential to building a stronger, more connected West Michigan. We know it’s not always obvious how to plug in — that’s why we created this space.
This hub is designed to make your work easier, clearer, and more impactful. Inside, you’ll find everything from talking points and outreach resources to contact info and board policies. It’s a place to stay aligned, stay informed, and stay connected — just like the trails we’re working together to build. Thanks for being part of it.
Our Priority Areas
Mapping Our Trail Forward: A Regional Vision
The West Michigan Regional Master Trails Plan is more than a document—it’s a living blueprint that captures the collective imagination of our community. Born from collaborative conversations among trail enthusiasts, community partners, and visionary stakeholders, this comprehensive plan represents our shared commitment to creating a dynamic network that breathes life into our regional connectivity.
Wayfinding: Navigating Our Shared Landscape
Establishing a comprehensive signage system using the WMT Wayfinding Guide, ensuring every trail tells its own story and connects seamlessly to the larger network.
Lake Michigan Shoreline Trail
An ambitious vision to complete the trail along Lake Michigan’s magnificent shoreline, bridging gaps from the Indiana state line to Manistee. This isn’t just a trail—it’s a journey along one of Michigan’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Central State Trail (Interurban)
Reimagining the historic Interurban Rail Corridor from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, this trail will close a critical gap in our statewide trail vision. We’re not just building a path; we’re honoring our region’s transportation heritage.
Grand River Greenway
Supporting Ottawa and Kent County’s efforts to create a continuous trail along the Grand River from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids—and beyond. The river has always been our region’s lifeline, and now our trails will celebrate that connection.
Muskegon to Fremont Connection
Closing the gap between these two communities, creating new opportunities for connection, recreation, and regional unity.
West Michigan Wayfinding Guide
The Regional Wayfinding Guide is complete and ready for implementation. We are happy to help you implement the guide to help connect our trails in a whole new way. Thank you for all of the volunteers who were able to make this project possible.
2025 West Michigan Trails Board and Staff
Contact Details
Executive Committee
John Arendshorst, Chair
Barbara Brown, Treasurer
Mara Gericke, Vice Chair
Erin Gordon, Secretary
Staff
John Morrison, Executive Director
Jennifer Antel, Program Manager
Board of Directors
Lorena Aguayo-Marquez
Aaron Bodbyl-Mast
Kevin Cusack
Dale Manske
Michael McGraw
Scott Post
Chris Zull
Brand + Messaging Support
Who We Are + Why We Do This
West Michigan Trails brings people together to shape something larger than any one city or agency could do alone. We work across boundaries to align visions, identify gaps, and help communities see where their local trail plans can become part of something bigger — a connected, regional trail system that reflects how people actually live and move.
Our role is to make sure trail development isn’t happening in isolation. We help partners share knowledge, build on each other’s momentum, and create consistency across the region — so that trails feel less like a collection of projects and more like a shared asset for everyone.
This isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about giving people across West Michigan more ways to get outdoors, connect with each other, and experience where they live in a deeper way. When we do that well, we support healthier communities, stronger local economies, and a region that people are proud to call home.
How We Do It
- Regional Alignment & Planning
- We coordinate across jurisdictions to identify trail gaps, align priorities, and help partners build a system that works as one.
- Advocacy & Funding Support
- We champion investment in trail infrastructure and support communities in securing the resources they need.
- Access & Awareness
- We make trails more visible, accessible, and inviting — from unified signage to promotion, so more people know about and feel welcome on their local paths.
- Partner & Community Engagement
- We strengthen the network of organizations, agencies, and residents working toward a more connected, active region.
Big Ideas
Use these big ideas throughout your conversations. More than the who we are and how we do it, these are the bullet points of the vision.
1. Connection is the Goal
We’re not just linking trail segments — we’re connecting people to places, neighbors to each other, and communities to a shared future. Every mile of trail is a chance to bring people closer together.
2. Trails Build Healthier Communities — In Every Sense of the Word
Trails aren’t just good for individual health — they’re good for the health of a region. They boost local economies, support small businesses, increase property values, and help attract and retain top talent. They offer free, accessible ways to stay active, reduce social isolation, and lower public health costs. Trails make neighborhoods safer, more connected, and more vibrant — and they send a clear message: this is a region that invests in quality of life.
3. People Don’t Live in Silos — So We Don’t Plan That Way
No one experiences West Michigan by jurisdiction. People cross city lines every day — for school, work, coffee, or just a walk. Our role is to make sure the trail network reflects how people actually live: seamlessly and across boundaries.
4. Collaboration is How Progress Happens
Our job isn’t to do everything — it’s to bring the right people together. We align cities, townships, planners, funders, and advocates so their efforts add up to something greater than the sum of its parts.
5. This Work Builds Regional Pride
A well-connected trail system isn’t just convenient — it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a region works together. It makes West Michigan a healthier, more livable, and more inspiring place to call home.
Become a Board Member
Board of Directors Candidate Application
Mission: Enhancing the quality of life by advancing our regional trails movement.
Vision: A world-class trail experience connecting West Michigan.
Strategic Priorities: Connectivity, Awareness, Sustainability, Education
There are many people and organizations in West Michigan building successful trails. However, those same organizations are often competing for limited resources and lack a coordinated, regional approach toward trail planning, construction, operations, and maintenance. As a single organization with a regional mission, we can strategically engage other organizations to coordinate, execute, fund, and sustain their portions of the regional trail system.
- We have a regional perspective that allows us to prioritize and direct resources to the right opportunities.
- We have strong, credible relationships with impactful donors, communities, and public and nonprofit agencies.
- We have successfully raised more than $10 million to help build hundreds of miles of trails, leveraging both public and private funding.
