Peninsula Township will start boardwalk construction in the hemlock wing of Pelizzari Natural Area this week, with completion planned for early June.

Pelizzari Natural Area, located on the east side of Center Road near the base of Old Mission, is one of the area's most popular hiking spots. The hemlock wing of the park is one of its most visited features. A successful “Hope for Hemlocks” fundraising effort will pay for a boardwalk in that area to help preserve the "keystone species within the park," according to a township release.

During construction, there will be trail disruption with barriers in place to protect hikers. The park will be closed for one day during construction for the primary delivery of boardwalk materials. Closures will be announced on the township's website. 

According to the release, a preservation campaign "began nearly three years ago when it became clear that the hemlocks were literally being 'loved to death' with so much foot traffic that sensitive roots were being damaged. The township applied a portion of its ARPA funds and secured significant grants from the Huckle Family Foundation, the Thomas Family Foundation, the Tim and Libby Ash Foundation, the Oleson Foundation, the Biederman Family Foundation, the Traverse City Track Club, and the Schmuckal Family Foundation. The balance of funding was provided by generous donations of hundreds of individuals."

As the project approaches completion, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be announced.