Friends of Shimek 2023
2023 has come and gone leaving behind many memories.
The year started with some ice and snow conditions that hampered travel and left the entrance road to the campgrounds with a blanket of slippery wet conditions.
The first workday was held in May. FOS volunteers and DNR staff gathered to work on various projects. Firepits were cleaned, cans were sorted, bagged, and made ready to be hauled to the redemption center. A few new hitching rails were installed to replace the ones that had become unstable, and fresh lime chips were spread around most of the hitching rails, limbs and down trees were removed from the trails. This left the trails and campground in tip top shape for the upcoming long holiday weekend.
New hitching rail installed by volunteers and DNR staff.
Construction started on realigning some of the campsites to allow for a more user-friendly site. New firepits were ordered to replace some of the more dilapidated ones. There is a total of 13 firepits that will be replaced as soon as weather permits. Three are already in place.
Van Buren County Historic Preservation Commission presented a Historic Preservation Award to the Friends of Shimek and the Shimek DNR staff for "continuous clearing and maintenance of equine trails at the heart of the forest management system built by the CCC in the 1930's." The award was presented at their annual banquet. Shimek Forester John Byrd and Marsha Achenbach, Vice-President of Friends of Shimek, accepting on behalf of their respective organizations. Lisa Plecker, Van Buren County Auditor and Paul Larson, Commission Chair, presenting the awards. Friends of Shimek and Forester Byrd wish to thank the Van Buren County Historic Preservation Commission for their recognition of the work done to maintain the trail system.
Mounting blocks have been a hot topic for many years. We have finally constructed and strategically placed three mounting blocks (like the ones at the campgrounds) throughout the forest. You will find them close to the Wet Weather Trails for all riders to use. It is refreshing to know you can safely dismount and remount without fear of the log rolling away or walking through the weeds (poison ivy) to find a place to get back on.
(By the way- Sonny took the time to construct the mounting blocks in his spare time)
As 2023 gives way to 2024 there will be more changes within the Friends of Shimek board officers. We want to thank the two outgoing officers for their tireless efforts and a job well done while serving on the board.
Lora Conrad – has served as secretary of Friends of Shimek since the group began. She has tirelessly informed, organized, created, documented, and posted many, many articles, Facebook posts, grant letters and applications. She was the reference point when any question was asked. Her ability to create was second to none. Her leadership and inspiration will be greatly missed.
Thank you, Lora, for all your hard work, positive influence on all the people you encountered, and your knowledge and wisdom of all the technical documents needed so we as a group can continue to thrive as the Friends of Shimek. You have been an inspiration to all the past and present board members.
Jo Watson – has served as the Volunteer Hours coordinator. She has tracked and reported all the volunteer hours to Forester John Byrd. The volunteer hours are required to be sent on to the state for recognition of the work done at Shimek Forest. Jo also would take pictures on workdays to show what projects had been accomplished and who was lending a helping hand. Thank you, Jo, for all your hard work in emailing, posting, and reporting all volunteer hours. You will be greatly missed.
This new year will bring many changes, especially to the Friends of Shimek board. We look forward to new adventures this coming year.
The new officers will be posted in the next newsletter which will follow our January meeting. Please stay tuned!
As always, may your troubles be less, your blessing more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door. (BG)
Until then,
Stay safe, be kind, and smile because it looks good on you.
Kathy President/Editor
