Well on our Way
October 15, 2021
Together with Bozeman Health, we have officially broken ground on the Wellness Trail. This new half-mile trail will provide a safe and critical connection to the existing 4.5 miles of trails within Highland Glen Nature Preserve for the 2,000 + individuals who use the Gallatin Mental Health Center annually, as well nearby underserved neighborhoods and businesses off Haggerty Lane. The new connector will allow participants from the Mental Health Center to access the trails directly from the campus rather than having to walk west on Haggerty Lane, a much longer and more unsafe route.
We worked with several private landowners, in addition to the health system and City of Bozeman, to clarify and establish trail easements along the trail corridor. The Wellness Trail reflects GVLT and Bozeman Health’s dedication to equity and providing access to the outdoors for underserved and low-income individuals and families.
The trail has been cut through the Gallatin Mental Health Center property and connected to the section on Bozeman Health property. We have raked the trail and are currently working to naturalize the pathway. Native grass seed has been sewn along on the backslope and lower edge of the trail.
Weather permitting, the bridge materials arrive next week. The GVLT Trails Team has determined the best location for the interpretive panel and bench, as well as a map kiosk and wayfinding signage. We would like to have the bridge installed and the trail finished by early November, but we are going to need some extra help from the community to get the job done. (See the volunteer opportunity below!)
The trails provide a welcome natural respite from the bustling Bozeman core. While the single-track trails of Highland Glen are great for bike rides, trail runs and quiet walks, the community is encouraged to respect the existing agricultural use on the property and extensive wildlife by leashing their dogs, cleaning up dog waste, and being courteous to other users.
Bozeman Health support and financial contribution were key to the launch of this project. The Wellness Trail costs approximately $47,000 to create. Funding for this project was provided by GVLT, Bozeman Health, City of Bozeman, Gianforte Family Foundation, Sanderson Stewart, Gallatin Association of Realtors, AMB West Philanthropies, and the One Valley Community Foundation.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Help finish the new Wellness Trail that will open in November of this year! Work will consist of light raking and installation of posts for a small fence.
When: Monday, October 18th
Times: 12:00 noon-1:30pm, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Location: Meet on Haggerty Lane near the Gallatin Mental Health Center, 701 Farmhouse Lane. If driving, park along Haggerty Lane as shown on map below. Please do not park in the apartment building parking lots or the Mental Health Center. Access is not available from the existing Highland Glen Trails at this time.
What to Bring: All tools provided. Just bring work gloves and drinking water. Closed toe shoes and long pants.
Please RSVP to mattm@gvlt.org if you’d like to come help out!
