Shimek Forest hosted a DNR Volunteer Day

Shimek Forest hosted a DNR Volunteer Day on Saturday 9/26 as part of the Iowa State Parks Centennial Celebration. DNR Technician Patrick Thomas was joined by five volunteers that morning who helped stain picnic tables as part of the Friends of Shimek 2020 Paint Iowa Beautiful grant. DNR staff had already pressure washed and dried the tables in preparation for staining. After staining the tables look like new! Thanks all for the help. The newly built manure bunker was also stained. All 5 gallons of stain awarded by Diamond Vogel Paints as well as three more gallons bought by DNR have been used. The tables are so dry they really soak up the stain so quite a lot more will be needed to do all 57 tables in the forest. However, this should greatly lengthen the life of the tables as well as make them look much better. Many thanks from all of us that will enjoy those tables for years to come to Patrick, the volunteers and Diamond Vogel. (Photo by Jo Watson

 

Virtual Shimek Forestry Field Day October 1, 2020

Attend the Virtual Shimek Forestry Field Day on October 1, 2020, 11am -12pm. Shimek Forester John Byrd announced that the virtual field day will be held instead of the in-person Shimek Forestry Field Day. The theme is “Forestry For the Birds.” Forestry professionals will take you through timber harvesting management and wildlife-avian professionals will evaluate how this affects birds/wildlife. Timber market updates and forest health issues will also be discussed.

The Virtual Shimek Forestry Field Day is FREE. You will access it from your computer via ZOOM.** For more information and to pre-register, go to https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/forestry-virtual-field-day-planned-shimek-state-forest

You can ask questions live the day of the event.

Please put the date on your calendar so you do not miss this educational opportunity. **You will need ZOOM to enjoy (and participate in) the field day. If you do not already have it, download the free “Zoom Client for Meetings” from https://zoom.us/download to your computer. Do this in advance of the date and run a demo to be sure your camera/ speaker/ microphone are working.

For additional info, you can contact

Forester Byrd: John Byrd Area Forester, Shimek State Forest

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

P 319-878-3811 | Fax 319-878-3821

33653 Rte J56, Farmington, IA 52626

 www.iowadnr.gov

 

Dirt Trails have Opened

This information is a few days behind.  For those who do not know:

 

As of 9/18/20 all Shimek Forest Lick Creek trails are open for riding per Forester Byrd.

There are few areas that are still muddy.  Please avoid this if it is at all possible

Enjoy your next ride.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor

 

Annual Volunteer Day Event

Trail Status Change - Dirt Trails are Closed 9-10-20

TRAIL STATUS CHANGE! As of 9/10/20, the Shimek Forest Lick Creek dirt trails are closed to riding due to the recent rainfall. The Wet Weather Trails (rocked trails) are still open for riding at this time. (However, rain continues in the area).

We will keep you updated as the trail conditions become available.  This has definitely been a challenging year for riding.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Kathy

Editor

 

 

Cancellation of September Workday and Potluck.

Friends of Shimek work day and potluck cancelled for September 26, 2020.

As we to work through this Coronavirus pandemic, Friends of Shimek have decided to cancel all events scheduled through the end of the year. We feel it is best to do our part to ensure we do not contribute to the possible spread of the virus. Your safety and health is important to all of us.

On a lighter note the trails are open and are in pretty good shape. It is important to be mindful of fellow riders. Give them plenty of room on the trail to allow for social distancing.

May the trails you ride be full of fun and laughter, may the sun shine fully on your face, and may you find some peace and tranquility on the journey through the forest.

Kathy

Editor

The Dirt Trails Are OPEN

GOOD News!! ALL Shimek Lick Creek equestrian trails are open for riding as of today. However, there are still some wet boggy spots---please avoid those if possible. We will advise as we learn where these are. I was out riding this morning. There are a few logs to cross, some muddy areas, and some quite tall foliage. But over all the trails are in nice shape considering the amount of rain we have had. Enjoy your ride! For any DNR changes to trail status see: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Pla…/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures Kathy Editor

FOS July 2020 Update: Holiday Riding and Camping and Cancellation of Work Day

Cancellation of July 8 Group Work Day.

The FOS Board and the Shimek DNR staff have decided to cancel the July 8th scheduled FOS Work Day.  The wet conditions we are currently experiencing make it unlikely that we can do any work on the dirt trails nor can we paint or stain unless the wooden tables and posts have thoroughly dried.  These issues combined with the continuing risk of COVID-19 mean we are cancelling this group work day.

Holiday Camping and Riding

If you are camping and riding over the holiday at Shimek, please stay off the dirt trails which are closed to avoid damage to them while they are so wet.  Right now the Wet Weather Trails are open, but rains are still in the forecast.  The trails status is posted by DNR  at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures In addition a phone message is left on the DNR Shimek Headquarters phone at 1-319-878-3811 regarding trail status.  FOS also posts this information on Facebook as quickly as we learn of any changes, but our posts are unofficial.

Do your Part to Keep your Friends and Family Safe.

As you camp and enjoy the forest over this holiday weekend , please remember to follow the CDC guidelines to keep a safe distance from others and to wear face masks when around others as well.  Bring your hand sanitizer and use it often! We are all being asked to help slow the spread of this dangerous disease by not unknowingly infecting others when near them.  Many people have few if any symptoms while in the the early, highly contagious stages of the disease.  The person you save from COVID may be your best friend.

Dirt Trails are closed as of 6-10-20

Attention: June 10, 2020

Equestrians trail are CLOSED at Shimek Lick Creek due to HEAVY RAIN.

 Wet Weather Trails are OPEN. 

 PROTECT THE DIRT TRAILS--PLEASE STAY OFF THEM!

 

 

 

 

Kathy

 

 

Editor

 

 

 

 

 



Trails Open 6-1-20

6/3/20 Note: Please be aware the Dirt trails while open are still wet in low areas. Some places have damage from riders and are still soggy.

The summer heat is upon us.  Please remember to hydrate your horse and yourself.  Take a break under many of the beautiful trees and rest.  Let the summer breeze (if you can find one) cool you down during your ride.

Here are a few things to consider while out enjoying your ride, hike, or drive.

Please be courteous to anyone you meet along your path.  Share a smile, a tip of the hat, or even a brief conversation while observing their and your social distance.  Be mindful of each others needs or concerns.

 It's been a long stressful few months of uncertain times.  Let's help everyone feel good about being out and enjoy your time in the forest.

May the sun shine fully in your face, may the breeze softly blow against your back, and may you find peace in your venture throughout the forest.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor