Connecting the Lansing Region since 2014

About

 

The Greater Lansing Regional Trail System consists of about 31 miles of paved pathways and boardwalks, often along rivers and streams. Significant expansion is anticipated in the next two years with funding from the Ingham County Parks and Trails Millage, as well as other state, federal, and local sources. Trail systems provide our community with a safe space to connect and be active.

Individuals and groups of all ages and fitness levels use these trails to walk, run, bike, and kayak.

FLRT is a non-profit organization formed in 2014, to support trails in the greater Lansing area.

FLRT is governed by a board of directors that are voted on by members at the annual meeting.

·       We advocate for trail expansion & connectivity

·       We organize clean-up & maintenance of regional trails

·       We help educate trail users regarding trail safety and etiquette using social media, our website, and local news organizations

·       We encourage use of the trails to help maintain a healthy & active lifestyle

FLRT works closely with local municipalities and volunteer groups throughout Ingham County to accomplish all these efforts.

Trails supported by FLRT include:

•     Lansing River Trail

     North Tier Trail in East Lansing

•     The Interurban Trail in Meridian Township

•     The Hayhoe Trail in Mason

•     and others around the area

 

FLRT accomplishments:

•     FLRT advocated for passage of the Ingham County Parks & Trails Millage renewal. The millage passed by a sizable margin in March of 2020. Part of that process included a public meeting to share information about the millage and how funds would be used

•     FLRT hosts an annual Trail Town 5K/10K run to promote trail use. This event takes place on the first Saturday of June each year in conjunction with National Trails Day

•     FLRT volunteers also help provide support for other trail-based events in the region

•     FLRT has hosted a number of trail clean-ups over the years

•     FLRT helps to recruit and organize volunteers for various events held on area trails

 

Why support FLRT?

•     Supporting FLRT allows for us to continue to support communities to offset municipalities’ cost to keep up the trails

•     Members and donors are providing resources to support the activities of FLRT which benefit the Lansing area trail system

•     Membership entitles voting on new board members at the annual meeting and FLRT apparel based on their level of membership

•     Members have opportunities to participate in trail activities such as regular clean-up events

•     Members are kept informed about FLRT sponsored activities and events as well as events such as races and walks sponsored by other organizations that utilize the trail system by being provided monthly newsletter

 

History

The Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails is a membership-based non-profit organization that supports and encourages maintenance, repair, and expansion of the trail system in the greater Lansing area. What originally began in 2014 as a group of dedicated trail users has become a multi-municipality, county-wide initiative with the approval of a parks and trails millage.

The Lansing River Trail began as a 2.5 mile section in 1975, and has grown to more than 30 miles through neighboring communities such as East Lansing, and Delhi Township, with plans to connect to Meridian Township, Mason, and Delta Township.

Mission

The Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails is committed to supporting and raising awareness for a safe, clean and thoughtfully-expanded regional trail system.

We will accomplish our mission through the following key activities:

  • Engage members in meaningful regional trail activity

  • Raise funds through public and private donations

  • Unite organizations with similar interests to cross promote regional trail activity

  • Promote trail safety, maintenance and expansion

  • Raise awareness of the health and wellness benefits of using the Lansing Regional Trail

  • Promote the community and economic value that the Regional Trails provide

 

Governance

 

Board Members

As non-profit 501(c)3 organization, FLRT is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Committees

Committees are led by Board Members and are a great opportunity for members to be involved in the future of trails in the Lansing Region. New and current members can serve on one of three committees:

  • Development

  • Marketing & Communications

  • Membership

Bylaws

For more information on our Bylaws, please contact info@lansingtrails.org