The VBCD is excited to unveil a new series of interpretive signs along the Van Buren State Trail. These signs invite folks to explore the area’s unique landscape and history. Seven educational signs now dot the trail. They connect users with local agriculture, natural resources, and cultural heritage.
The Trail
The Van Buren State Trail spans 14 scenic miles between Hartford and South Haven, following the historic route of a former railroad. The trail meanders through some of southwest Michigan’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. We have wetlands, woodlands, and working farmland – all inland from Lake Michigan.
In South Haven, two paved miles offer an accessible route for walking and biking. The remaining 12 miles of natural surface trail are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. A connecting spur trail even leads directly to Van Buren State Park. The trail is truly a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, exploration, and learning.
Trail Signs
With seven new signs, the Van Buren State Trail now offers more than just nature and fun. The signs help tell the area’s history, culture, and natural features. “We wanted the trail to be a learning experience for all ages,” says Jacob Diljak, Outreach Coordinator.
The signs, in English and Spanish, talk about the trail’s past, local forests and water, and farming in the area. One sign, made with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, shares Potawatomi language and history. These signs help people connect with the land and its stories.
Trail History
Created in 1994 from a former railroad right-of-way, this trail was part of the South Haven & Eastern Railroad. Built in 1887 and leased in 1910, the railroad was leased to the Kalamazoo, Lake Shore & Chicago, which was known as the “Fruit Belt Line”. The scenic trail runs 14 miles from South Haven to Hartford with views of open farmland, blueberry and cranberry fields, dense brush, and wooded areas.
Cranberries
Cranberries are grown in beds, which are depressions in the ground called “bogs.” When they are ready to be harvested, these bogs are flooded. A growing industry in Michigan, cranberries are grown on only about 280 acres in the state. Many of these acres are right here in Van Buren County.
Forests
Thanks to all of Michigan’s different landforms and soils, the state is home to at least 75 different native tree species! While enjoying the trail, you will find many of Michigan’s native trees and enjoy the majesty of our forests.
Covert Township
From pristine beaches, sand dunes, rare coastal marshes, and prime farmland – you will find it all in Covert Township. Originally known as Deerfield Township, Covert pioneered early integration of Black and white residents in the school, public office, and cemeteries before it was legalized. Whether it’s the present or past, there’s always a reason to come and enjoy Covert.
Blueberries
Michigan is one of the top blueberry producing states. Southwest Michigan is known as the “Blueberry Capital of Michigan.” Michigan grows more than 30 varieties of blueberries on over 570 family farms across 20,000 acres.
Paw Paw River Watershed
A watershed is all of the land and water that drains to one waterbody. The Paw Paw River Watershed covers 446 square miles or 285,557 acres. Almost 24 Mackinac Islands could fit into the watershed or about 40% of Van Buren County! The Paw Paw River itself is 145 miles long! Because all of the water in a watershed runs together, what each of us does impacts everyone else.
Bodéwadmik
Hartford holds a historical connection to the sovereign nation of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi people) call Hartford both Byankik (the land we came to) and Nagneshkëmbesêk (bulrush lake). After the death of Wgëma (chief) Leopold Pokagon in 1841, many Pokagon Bodéwadmik relocated to Rush Lake under new leader Sinagogwa. Hartford has many Pokagon Band tribal citizens and continues to have a wealth of wildlife and plants that the Bodéwadmi have used for many generations.
A Community of Support
Funding was generously provided by the Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. Shirley Richardson Mini-Grant Program, the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail, and the VBCD Operations Millage.
In 2016, voters approved the VBCD Operations Millage to support local conservation. These funding sources support the partners’ shared goals of community beautification and natural resource stewardship.
Special thanks goes to volunteers who provided their time and expertise to make this project a reality. Thank you Michael Reshman, Tim Kling, Phil Polomcak, and Jake Will!
Many organizations came together to contribute to this project. Thank you to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the Ėthë Bodwéwadmimwat, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Forest Association, Covert Township and the Covert Historical Museum, Michigan Railroad History, and the Two Rivers Coalition.
Get Involved
From improving the land to protecting water, the VBCD offers a variety of programs and opportunities to get involved.
Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a trail user, or someone who wants to give back through volunteering, there’s a place for you at the VBCD.
Learn more about the VBCD and our work:
info@VanBurenCD.org
269-657-4030 x5
Learn more about the Van Buren State Trail by clicking here
