MAY 16 FOS WORK DAY -- CAN YOU COME HELP?

Here are the plans:


Come join other friends of Shimek at 8am at the Lick Creek Upper Campground on Tuesday, May 16^th. Forester John Byrd will give us an update on what is happening at Shimek. Then he and Work Day Coordinator Ann Bennett will assign work day tasks, volunteers will sign liability forms and volunteer log. After a morning of work, all will return to the Upper Campground at noon to report back on progress, then rest a while with friends. Bring a sack lunch (if you like), water provided. Don't forget your blaze orange Friends of Shimek work vest if you have one. There will be some loaners available to identify all of us as volunteers. Remember—no previous volunteer experience necessary.

Please RSVP to FOS by email FOShimek@gmail.com so we have an idea of who is coming and what you are bringing for tools and equipment. If trails are closed or conditions uncertain for a 4 wheeler, we will NOT take 4 wheelers (or horses) out on trail. Sorting redemption cans and bottles and campground clean up will still proceed. Or if pouring rain, then the work day may be cancelled. Any change in work day status will be promptly posted on FB and the FOS Blog as well. If there is a change, anyone who has advised us they are coming will be contacted via e-mail or phone.

Volunteers should bring equipment, tools or supplies from home as discussed below. Note: If you have equipment for workers to use but you will not be using it, please e-mail FOShimek@gmail.com or call John Byrd at 319-878-3811 to be sure it will be needed before taking the trouble to bring it.

Primary goals for the day are trail clearing and campground cleanup.

A couple of teams with ATV's are needed to clear fallen trees, pick up any cans/bottles, clear back brush as needed, and check trail signage for numbered posts, Wet Weather Trail and "You are here" with maps signage. Bring 4 wheelers, chainsaws and protective gear, loppers for branches and multi-floral rose and brambles (FOS has several good pair of loppers). Trash bags provided.

Clean out fire pits in Upper and Lower Campground and pick up sticks off camping pads. Need gloves. Trash bags provided by DNR.

Sort and bag cans and bottles for redemption. Quite a few bags have accumulated over winter and need to be sorted. Need gloves. Clear bags for redemption provided by FOS. Bring any recyclable deposit cans and bottles from home to add to the recycle.

Bleach and scrub inside of pit toilet buildings, check for supplies like toilet paper, hand sanitizer. FOS provides latex gloves, water hoses, mop and bleach needed for sanitizing.

Rake chips around hitching rails –heavy rakes and gloves needed.

Clean out gutters on horse shelters. Bring gloves. DNR provides ladder. Two person job - ladder to be stabilized by one person on the ground.

 Finally, if time and number of volunteers permit, painting of a pedestrian bridge at Martin Pond on Hiway 2. It will need to have some large areas ground with a grinding wheel to remove rust and flaking paint. DNR will supply green paint. FOS will provide mineral spirits and rags and latex gloves. Bring a paint brush. We will have some you can use if you do not bring one.

Whew! This list is long for this is our first work day of the season and once again DNR Forestry and Parks are under the axe on budgets so campground summer staffing has not been provided. Your help is needed more than ever to keep our facilities and trails in good shape.