News Shellsburg’s Prairie Forest Trail is nearly complete; more projects planned

The community of Shellsburg has been busy this summer creating a new entrance for the Shellsburg Prairie Forest Trail.  This entrance provides better access to the previously existing trails through the wooded area and restored prairie behind the Shellsburg Elementary school.   There were some changes to the original plans, but overall, things have come together very nicely and citizens are already reaping the benefits of this new recreational opportunity in Shellsburg. 

Primary funding for this project came from a Keep Iowa Beautiful grant and the Shellsburg Area Community Group (SACG), however others also contributed. The trail entrance is located on Pearl Street, just two blocks north of the downtown district. An overhead entrance sign was erected on cement pilings and split rail fences were built on either side of the trail entrance.   A bench and trash receptacle were placed near the entrance, along with a sign which provides trail rules and a map. A foot bridge was built over a gully in the wooded part of the trail to create a walkable loop through the prairie and adjacent woods.    

As planned, all the labor for the project has been provided by community volunteers. Special recognition goes to Jay Herman, a SACG officer, who provided leadership for this entire project. Labor has been donated by two contractors for digging bridge pilings and holes for the new split rail fence and nearly thirty community volunteers have participated in some aspect of this project. Additionally, we had great assistance from city staff through delivery of fill dirt and use of city equipment to move lumber and hoist the overhead trail sign. This project was made possible because the school district gave permission for the trail entrance to be built on school property.  Their continuing support and participation in planning has been invaluable. This project has truly been a collaboration between the Shellsburg Community Group, the city of Shellsburg, the Vinton Shellsburg Community School district and other community members.

The finishing touches will be completed in the spring of 2015 when the trail bed will be seeded and display gardens with prairie flowers and grasses will be created near the entrance. Plans are being discussed for a “grand opening” event in the spring, but everyone is invited to come check out the trail whenever you want a short nature walk!  

This project is the first one undertaken as a result of Shellsburg’s participation in the Community Visioning program during 2013. The Shellsburg Visioning Committee Facebook page has been used to share updates about this group’s progress. Interested individuals are invited to check it out and spread the word by “liking” the page. Other Visioning committees are working on future plans for a trail through our Memorial Park, a streambank improvement project in our city park and downtown streetscape renovations. If anyone is interested in further information about the Visioning activities in Shellsburg, call committee co-chairs Lori Mott (436-7792) or Nancy Thorkildson (436-4542).  

See more photos HERE.