Members of the Optimist Club of Traverse City, Michigan, have developed a pristine parcel of property into an environmental educational nature preserve.  School and youth groups are guided by their teachers and adult volunteers to learn about the various components of ecology and natural science in an interactive setting.

The 27-acre environmental education site is located south of Traverse City in a natural and peaceful setting. It includes 1500 feet of Beitner Creek which harbors a natural population of tiny brook trout and the aquatic insects that sustain them.  It was donated to the club in two adjoining parcels by lifetime club member Art Schmuckal and his wife, Mary, between 1966 and 1997.

The property receives its name from the historic cabin which sits on the site. This structure is the former Chamber of Commerce tourist information cabin which for years greeted visitors upon their first view of Grand Traverse Bay as they entered Traverse City at the corner of Division and Bay Streets. It was purchased from the Chamber in 1966 for $1 and moved to the Optimist property to preserve its historic value. It was restored in the late 90’s and now serves as a storage and shelter for social gatherings.

Other amenities on the property include a fire pit, pump water well, charcoal grill, outhouses, a large covered pavilion with picnic tables and electricity as well as the Schmuckal Island learning platform, a large deck with benches to hold class activities.

Former club Presidents, Mike Brown, and Bill Bassett, have acted as project managers over the last several years, working tirelessly in project planning along with other Optimist members and work crews to clear brush, install bridges and construct the property’s centerpiece, the Discovery Trail system, a environmental education creek-side boardwalk trail.

In addition to its educational focus, the Cabin Property also provides Traverse City Optimists with a tranquil setting for club barbecues and a unique recruiting vehicle where they can engage prospective members and show their commitment to youth education.

For more information please contact

Bill Bassett @ 231-267-5102

or

Mike Brown    @ 231-941-9074