If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? That deep philosophical question doesn’t get answered here, but it didn’t take long for a tree that fell across the Spirit Trail to make its presence known. Even this early in the season, people use the Trail, including Mike Jones of Lake Columbia. Today (Saturday 3/19), Mike, Don Fowler and Tucker Boyers combined forces to cut up the tree blocking the path in the Magic Forest section between Jefferson and Lakeview East.
The event today highlights volunteer efforts that have gone into the constructing, improving and maintaining of the Clark Lake Spirit Trail. Every year, volunteers who love the Trail gather together to sweep away the ravages of what winter has left behind. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, March 26. Would you like to help? Meet at the County Park (east end of the lake) at 9 am. Dan Omo is organizing the clean up. Volunteers will spread out along various locations around the lake. The clean up crew invites you to bring rakes, brooms bags–and your energy. And as in the case of removing the tree today, some individuals take it upon themselves to clear debris and otherwise manicure sites on their own. This is always helpful, too!
The Clark Lake Spirit Trail makes it possible for runners, walkers, and cyclists to circle the lake and take in its natural beauty along the way. This hasn’t happened without large monetary donations and lots of hard work. In 2015, major reconstruction was necessary to the section adjacent to, and behind the Post Office on Hyde Road. Years of freezing and thawing destroyed the integrity of the surface. Once the asphalt was removed, the foundation was found to be spongy. It was necessary to install drains to eliminate excess water to avoid a repeat performance.
In 2014, a new section of the Trail was built between Rita and Grand Boulevard at the east end. This allowed users to avoid traffic on that curve (scroll down for a photo).
Clark Lake Spirit Trail progress speaks for itself. And you are invited to be part of it!