Listen to Project Update – 10.30.24
*The current fundraising goal for this project may be impacted by several factors that have yet to be determined. As details are finalized, the total funding needed may change.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) and our partners are advancing an ambitious effort to protect and revitalize 35 acres of Elberta’s historic waterfront along Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay. GTRLC secured the property in December 2024 thanks to overwhelming community support, safeguarding globally unique coastal habitats while creating opportunities to enhance recreation and foster local economic growth. Now, the project’s next phase is poised to transform the site into a thoughtfully balanced mix of protected natural land, public recreational spaces and community-focused redevelopment.
- NATURE SANCTUARY
GTRLC is retaining 10 acres of the highest conservation importance that contain critical dune habitat. - PUBLIC PARK
16 acres near the Elberta Pier at the mouth of Betsie Bay, including 578 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, will be transferred to the Village of Elberta for use as a public park. - BEACH-TO-BEACH TRAIL
The acquisition allows the Betsie Valley Trail to extend through the property, connecting Frankfort and Elberta’s municipal Lake Michigan beaches. This segment will also link to 22 miles of scenic trails in Benzie County. - MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
Nine acres east of the Waterfront Park, which has access to municipal water and sewer, has been set aside for community-aligned redevelopment. For the latest information on this exciting work, please visit elbertacommons.org.