This August, Landmark was fortunate to host a crew of six from the Wisconsin Conservation Corps at Tyler Forks Community Forest. For almost two weeks, this dedicated crew worked diligently to improve key locations along the trail network while camping at the neighboring Copper Falls State Park making for an “easy commute,” in the words of crew leader William McCormick.
Much of their work was building switchbacks to help prevent erosion and reduce trail steepness and difficulty level. They also helped to finish a boardwalk and constructed trail benching, cutting into and across the side of a hill to control runoff, in a few locations to help increase trail accessibility and sustainability. This work often involved digging through rocky and root filled soil. “It’s really rewarding work,” said crew leader Maddy. “There’s a lot of work to do and a lot of different projects. Even for those we can’t finish, it’s been nice to be able to start different projects for the next volunteer groups to complete.”
Trail building at Tyler Forks Community Forest.
Tyler Forks Community Forest was the last stop for the Wisconsin Conservation Corps to finish off their busy summer of trail building throughout the state including work in La Crosse and on the Ice Age Trail. Over the summer they were able to build a solid foundation of teamwork and knowledge on trail building, both of which helped them during their time at Tyler Forks Community Forest. Maddy said, “We live together 24/7 and we’ve connected super-fast. The time we spend after work helps us know each other so well that we’re able to get our work done efficiently while also having good conversations.”
The volunteers on this crew are excited to take their experience with them in their next endeavors. Whether they are aspiring to teach outdoor education, pursue a career in renewable energy, or continue trail building for their local mountain biking groups, they were energized and grateful to be a part of the work at Tyler Forks Community Forest. Crew lead William reflected, “It’s great working with a group like Landmark that cares. Their mission really resonates with me because the outdoors is a beautiful place and it’s sad to see it developed. Keeping places like this intact and as a forest for the public, it’s very cool.”
Wisconsin DNR’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), a program that provides reimbursement for development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of trails and trail related facilities for recreational trail uses, allowed Landmark to fund the work of these committed volunteers in partnership with the Town of Morse.
“With a small staff in our northern office, it was great to have added capacity and expertise to help us get these more challenging projects done in a timely manner,” said Erika Lang, Conservation Manager. She continued, “We were impressed with the crew’s professionalism and attention to detail, and it was fun to share Tyler Forks Community Forest with them. Thanks also to Landmark Board member Sue Aiken and her husband Roger who hosted a crew cookout and to Copper Falls State Park for providing camping accommodations!”
