The Treeline: Bridging the City of Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is on the cusp of a transformative urban revitalization project: the Treeline, a world-class urban trail poised to redefine the city’s landscape and enrich the lives of its residents. The Treeline Conservancy is driving this ambitious vision, dedicated to creating a greener, more connected, and more vibrant Ann Arbor through the establishment of this dynamic urban trail.

Our Focus

The Treeline Conservancy exists to foster the creation and sustainable maintenance of an urban trail that becomes an integral connector of people and places in Ann Arbor. This core focus translates into several key objectives:

Access to Nature: The trail will bring access to Ann Arbor’s river and park system through the heart of downtown along the alignment of historic Allen Creek, creating a vital green corridor within the urban environment.
Safe Passage and Recreation: The Treeline will provide safe passage and recreation from the Border-to-Border Trail at Argo Dam to downtown, seamlessly integrating with existing trail networks and offering diverse recreational opportunities.
Community Engagement: The trail will invite community gathering and engagement with natural and cultural features, fostering a sense of shared ownership and connection to the city’s heritage.
Intergenerational Benefits: The Treeline will benefit current and future generations by providing positive economic impact, improved aesthetics, enriched community engagement, and improved stormwater quality, ensuring a lasting legacy for the city.

This vision positions the Treeline as far more than a simple path; it is conceived as a dynamic public space, an invitation for community gathering, recreation, and immersive engagement with Ann Arbor's rich natural and cultural heritage. It represents a commitment to creating a space where residents and visitors can connect with their city on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and shared ownership.

The benefits of the Treeline extend far beyond transportation. It is a multi-faceted project with the potential to positively impact various aspects of urban life. The trail will offer residents and visitors unparalleled connection between the City, the Michigan Stadium and the Huron River, providing a green oasis within the urban environment. This direct access to nature is crucial for promoting physical and mental well-being, offering a respite from the stresses of modern life.

Our Reasons

The Treeline Conservancy is driven by several core principles that underpin the project’s development and long-term vision:

Community: The Treeline Conservancy prioritizes building a strong and inclusive community through the trail. They aim to foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for community engagement, creating a space where people from all walks of life can connect and interact.
Sustainability: The Conservancy is committed to environmental sustainability, focusing on improving stormwater quality, promoting biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions. By incorporating natural drainage systems and green infrastructure, the trail will help to filter pollutants and reduce runoff, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable urban ecosystem.
Accessibility: The Treeline is designed to be accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can benefit from the trail’s amenities and opportunities.
Historical Preservation: The Conservancy values the historical significance of the Allen Creek corridor and aims to preserve and celebrate its heritage. By incorporating interpretive elements and historical markers, the trail will serve as a living testament to Ann Arbor’s past.
Economic Development: The Treeline Conservancy believes that the trail will have a positive economic impact on the community, attracting visitors, stimulating local businesses, and increasing property values. The trail will create a unique and attractive destination, drawing in tourists and encouraging local spending.
Public Health and Well-being: The Conservancy recognizes the importance of the trail for promoting physical and mental health, providing a safe and accessible space for recreation and exercise. The trail will offer opportunities for walking, biking, jogging, and other outdoor activities, contributing to a healthier and more active community.

The Treeline is projected to provide a significant economic boost to the city. Beyond the economic advantages, the Treeline will significantly enhance Ann Arbor's aesthetics. By revitalizing the Allen Creek corridor, the trail will transform a previously underutilized space into a vibrant and attractive public amenity.

The Treeline Conservancy envisions the Treeline-Allen Creek Urban Trail as a symbol of pride for Ann Arbor, a testament to the city's commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban environment. Imagine football fans utilizing the Treeline to safely and enjoyably walk between Michigan Stadium and downtown. Envision residents and visitors learning about Ann Arbor's rich history, vibrant arts scene, and intricate environmental ecosystem through thoughtfully designed interpretive features.

The Treeline will also contribute to the practical aspects of urban living, playing a vital role in floodplain management and ensuring that stormwater runoff meets stringent federal quality standards. The vision is to create a trail that not only beautify the historic Allen Creek path, but also makes it more functional and resilient.

The Treeline represents a significant investment in Ann Arbor's future. The Treeline Conservancy invites everyone to join in building this transformative project – Ann Arbor's pathway to a more vibrant and sustainable future. The success of the Treeline depends on community involvement; it won't flourish without the collective effort and support of the people of Ann Arbor.

Will you join us? Learn more on our website how you can support this vision for a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable Ann Arbor. It won't grow without you.