Cedar Grove Wetland Preserve to Get a New Trail

Oct. 5, 2024

A new ecosystems trail in the Cedar Grove Wetland Preserve in Onekama will begin construction next year thanks to an in memoriam donation from long-time Portage Lake family Matthew and Amy Schleiffarth honoring Matthew’s late sister, Melissa. Portage Lake Watershed Forever (PLWF) purchased the preserve from Onekama Township two years ago and is now planning a circular trail and boardwalk that will encompass the wetlands and cedar forest on the property. According to a press release from PLWF, construction is expected to start as early as 2025, with a planned open date of sometime in 2026. “The location of the Melissa Gail Schleiffarth Memorial Trail between our grandparents’ cottages is the biggest reason we want to memorialize Melissa in this way,” Matthew Schleiffarth said in a statement. “Sharing these experiences with future generations is an honor.” Learn more at portagelakewatershed.com.