THE WILLIAM M. AND DONNA J. HOAGLIN FOUNDATION, INC. (Foundation)

  

                                        Shimek State Forest Wet Weather Trails                                     

This Project was begun after the completion in 2019 of a separate project funded by the Lee County Charitable Fund, and FOS to repair several areas with major weather damage on the Wet Weather Trails at Shimek. The complete re-rocking of over six miles of trails to prolong the life of the trails was begun in fall 2019 and concluded by the end of November 2020. Forester Byrd planned and scheduled the project to perform the work at the best possible time for protecting the trail surfaces. He selected a smaller grind lime-chip size rock for the flatter trails which will be easier on the horses feet and used road rock on the more sloping, vulnerable areas. All work has been completed as documented in the photo page attached.

 All Wet Weather Trails are entering the 2020-21 winter in excellent condition. Never has this been more valuable for the Forest and for the equestrian community in southeast Iowa. Due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, the usage of the trails has rocketed as people turned to more outdoor activities for recreation. Forester Byrd estimates that the usage on the trails has at least quadrupled as compared to last year. (There are no precise numbers as so many riders are day-riders.) FOS Board members and Forester Byrd express their appreciation to the Foundation for the support to provide area citizens a high quality, safer trail system for riding in wetter weather.

Documentation and pictures

by Lora Conrad

Editor

Kathy

Shimek State Forest Hike on Your Own First Day Hike 2021 Recommendation

 

Join the First Day Hike Challenge in Iowa State Parks DES MOINES – The Iowa DNR and Travel Iowa invite Iowans to participate in the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge to ring in the New Year through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19. “We are looking for ways to encourage both outdoor fun and social distancing,” said Todd Coffelt, Bureau Chief of Parks, Forests and Preserves. “First Day Hikes are a popular tradition in state parks, and the passport is a great way for people to enjoy winter hikes on their own or with their families.” With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into any of the more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Jan. 1 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 3. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a 2-night stay at a 2-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park near Brighton. Restrictions will apply on the cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying. Visitors can go to as many parks as they wish during the weekend -- every check-in counts as a contest entry.  Additionally, visitors will find trail suggestions and directions from park staff under the “More Info” tab for each park entry on the passport. Last year, more than 4,300 people participated in hikes on New Year’s Day across Iowa. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s State Parks. Participants should dress for the weather, including warm, sturdy boots for winter conditions. For more details on First Day Hikes in Iowa’s State Parks, and to find links to sign up for the Parks Passport, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.