Lots of great things have happened on the Polly Ann Trail the past several years, and they would not have happened without the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail. The Friends group has worked hard to build support for the trail, develop the trail master plan, maintain the trail, and to advocate for the continued support and development of the trail.

The Friends group was founded in the fall of 1997. The first objective was to demonstrate support for the acquisition and development of the Polly Ann rail corridor in Lapeer County. That support was ratified by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in the spring of 1999, when the Commission approved the state's acquisition of the 20 mile right-of-way. The Friends group has been involved in the county trail oversight committee, public hearings about the trail, and the development of the master plan. The Friends, with the generous support of many donors, built six bridges in the spring and summer of 2000 (a seventh bridge, "Bettie's Solace," was completed in 2006).

The Friends, along with Lapeer County Parks (using MDNR grant funds), has maintained the trail in Dryden Township and Dryden Village all these years. Use of the trail, especially in Dryden Township, has continued to increase, as more people discover its value for walking, running, bike riding, riding horses, and observing nature. The Friends group contributes many hours of labor working on the trail, as well as providing monetary support, to keep this project moving forward toward the vision of a completed trail.

The Friends group has accomplished a great deal, but much more remains to be done. The Friends could use your help, either though volunteer work, donations, or simply by becoming a member, which strengthens our voice. You can make a difference in your community by joining us.