On Saturday, Oct. 19, Decorah Human Powered Trails members, their families and friends gathered for a chili cookoff at the top of Palisades Park in Decorah. Members, including hikers, runners, walkers and cyclists, as well as their guests were encouraged to hike, run or bike up the hill for the occasion, as the group celebrated logging more than 450 volunteer hours on trails within the city of Decorah this year.
Volunteers recently teamed up with the Luther College Cross Country team to clear invasive brush before extending a trail near the south end of Ice Cave Road, helped repair storm damage to the east section of River Trail and Public Television Trail, and rerouted trails at Palisades Park. This year’s wet and stormy weather prompted volunteers to provide extra mowing, weed whacking and tree clearing, cutting more than 50 fallen trees along the Decorah trails. DHPT leadership works closely with Decorah Parks and Recreation and the city of Decorah, with officials approving the building and rerouting of all trails and taking an active role in checking to make sure projects are completed to their specifications.
Members also support other groups promoting the use of human powered trails in the area by regularly volunteering at their programs. DPHT members were instrumental in the construction of the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub at Carlson Park in early 2024, donating both time and equipment to make the project possible. They also provided volunteers and expertise for the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League races in June and staffed a water stop for the Crater Run this summer.
DHPT members also groom trails throughout the snowy season and hold monthly Buckthorn Blitz days from November to February. On these days they cut, treat and remove invasive species in the park system to improve the overall health of the forests.
“Our volunteers range in age from 3 to over 70. They are dedicated to creating the best possible user experience on Decorah’s human powered trails,” said DHPT President Nick Pearch. “I’m glad to live in a community with this many people who are excited to roll their sleeves up and work to improve recreation for all.”
For more information about DHPT, please email dhpt2023@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/DecorahHPT.
Submit A Comment
Fill out the form to submit a comment. All comments require approval by our staff before it is displayed on the website.