History

Don and Eileen Klein and their three children were an outdoorsy, adventure-loving family who traveled north for years. In the last several years of her life, Don would take Eileen on walks at many trails including several Conservancy preserves. Eileen suffered from Alzheimer’s and the doctors repeatedly told Don that his commitment to getting her in nature was far better than any medicine they could give her. After Eileen's passing, Don learned about the opportunity to create a trail in East Jordan. Don loved the idea of a safe and accessible trail and boardwalk along the river for someone in a wheelchair, someone walking with a cane, or someone pushing a stroller. He could envision an overlook off the boardwalk offering views of raptors nesting along the river, or of the mink and muskrats moving through the wetlands. Thanks to 152 additional donors and a partnership with LTC, Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, the City of East Jordan, East Jordan Chamber of Commerce and local citizens, the Don & Eileen Klein Nature Trail was completed in June, 2024.