Safety on Linn County Trails

As many of you following the local news have heard, a body was found along the Cedar River Trail recently (see the KCRG news story). It's not clear at this point what the circumstances were surrounding this unfortunate occurrence, but in any case it is an opportunity for us to consider again the issues of trail safety.

LCTA has published a trail safety video (and it is recommended that everyone check it out) but this video focuses on "operational" trail safety, not so much on personal safety while using the trail. I think some personal safety tips would be an appropriate addition to the website. With that in mind, I'm opening this up to comments -- let's have a discussion about personal trail safety. What are the key things to keep in mind? Can we prevent situations like those described today in the news? How can we work to ensure that the trail system is considered a "safe" place for recreation and transportation?

Celebrate National Trails Day -- June 2

Keith Sutherland writes:

The Linn County Trails Association is holding our 12th annual progressive breakfast on the Cedar River Trail at McCloud Run, Greene Square Park, and Sokol Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.. Hike, bike, or rollerblade the trail and have breakfast -- at no charge -- at the three stops.

The Linn County Conservation Board is offering a hike in Squaw Creek County Park. Meet at the parking area near Meadowlark Shelter and explore the trails through the wooded hillsides and stream valleys. The Linn County Trails Association is cosponsoring this program and will be providing a healthy breakfast at the start of the hike. The cost is $2.50/adult, $1/child 16 and under, or $5/family.

The Hawkeye Bicycle Association is holding a family fun ride, starting at 10 AM. Bring the whole family and ride from the trailhead at the Indian Creek Nature Center to the Cole Street Access and back. The distance is approximately 7 miles. Helmets are required. LCTA will provide free drinks, snacks, and trail maps, and will have t-shirts for sale.

State Senator Rob Hogg's annual bike tour of Senate District 19 will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. His guests on the tour include State Representatives Art Staed and Tyler Olson, Cedar Rapids City Council Member Tom Podzimek, and, for part of the tour, Cedar Rapids Mayor Kay Halloran. You are welcome to ride along, or visit with these representatives (about state and city policies on trails, we hope!) at one or more of the stops.

The stops on the tour include:
10:00 a.m. - Fox Trail Park (off of Council St. NE north of 74th St. NE)
10:30 a.m. - Noelridge Park (along Council St. NE north of 42nd St. NE)
11:00 a.m. - Pierce Park (off of Wenig Road NE north of 42nd St. NE)
11:45 a.m. - Tomahawk Park (off of E Avenue NE south of 20th St. NE)
12:30 p.m. - Bever Park (along Bever Ave. SE east of Memorial Dr. SE)
1:15 p.m. - Cottage Grove Parkway Park (at Sac and Fox Trail off of East
Post Road SE)
2:30 p.m. - Cedar Valley Park (south of Memorial Dr. SE and Otis Road SE)

LCTA/HBA Joint Ride

Amy Reasner writes:

Greetings! We have another opportunity for a joint event with Hawkeye Bicycle Association (HBA)!

Would any LCTA members be willing to set up at the CVNT Hiawatha trail head at around 9:30 a.m. Saturday May 12th with our banner and hand out bottled water, granola bars and our new trail maps? I think we should stay for the riders' return, too. You would probably be done around 11:30 or so. Two or three volunteers should be plenty, one with a cooler/ice for the water.

Please email me if you are able to help. This joint venture will be a great chance to meet new trail users/supporters. Even if you cannot assist (or you want to ride!), please post this at your work-place or forward it to friends/family who might want to go on the ride. Let's get a big crowd for the event!!!

Keep Linn County Beautiful -- Volunteers Needed

Jim Healy writes the following:

I called the contact person (Kristin) at the number indicated to inquire about LCTA getting volunteers to do Cedar Lake again. While she was grateful for our willingness to organize a group, she explained her dilemma. The last couple years they had many energetic and welcomed volunteers. Among the individuals and groups are quite a number with children. Children are not allowed to work the I-380 right-of-way for safety and liability reasons. Therefore, these groups like to volunteer for parks and trail areas. As a result, they have been short of volunteers in some areas (particularly along I-380) and long in others.

This year LCTA is taking a different approach. The Keep Linn County Beautiful organization does a magnificent job of organizing the event and assigning individuals to areas that need attention. Rather than duplicate and complicate the registration process, I encourage you to register as individuals according to the instructions in the article below.

Just showing up is also an option. Your pre-registration will improve your probability of getting a tee-shirt. When you register you can also designate your preference for an area to work. The most important thing is to "get-er-done!"

Thank you for your willingness to participate and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Jim Healy

Linn County Trails Association

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CELEBRATE EARTH DAY BY KEEPING LINN COUNTY BEAUTIFUL

Warmer weather reveals trash and litter that has accumulated along our roadsides, waterways and in our parks over the winter. Pitch in to clean up Linn County by participating in the fourth annual Keep Linn County Beautiful I-380 Cleanup April 22. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

The cleanup event kicks off at 12:30 pm with registration at Veteran's Memorial Stadium. Volunteers will be assigned cleanup locations, pick up bags, and receive safety instructions. Volunteers will clean up portions of I-380, McCloud Run, Cedar Lake, and area parks. A Free picnic for volunteers will be hosted at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 3 pm with the generous
support of our sponsors.

Pre-registration is recommended. Same day registration is available, however T-shirts are limited. For more information or to pre-register log on to http://www.keeplinncountybeautiful.org or call 365-9941 ext. 26.

New Trail Maps

Thanks to the hard work by many volunteers over the winter months, the 2007 Metro Area Trails Guide maps have been printed and are available now. Check out your nearest LCTA Map Box on the trails to get a copy.

The information on the map is also available on the LCTA web site at http://www.linncountytrails.org/map.php

Bike Ride with Hawkeye Bicycle Association -- April 7th

Amy Reasner writes:

Now that spring is in the air--let's get those bicycles out and go for a ride!!! Join the Hawkeye Bicycle Association and Linn County Trails Association in a Family Fun Bike Ride April 7 at 10 a.m. We'll start at Sokol Park (16th Avenue and "A" Street SW, Cedar Rapids) and ride to Ely Road and back--which is a total of 8 miles. Helmets are required. It will be a leisurely pace. LCTA will provide snacks/beverages, trail maps and will be selling our t-shirts at Sokol park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. LCTA will be introducing our "new" and "improved" trail map which will show you all the new trails added and planned since our last map of our metro area trails. Check it out!

Tell your friends, bring a crowd, let's introduce some new folks to the trail system and to our new partner, the Hawkeye Bicycle Association. Visit their website at http://www.hawkeyebike.com for more family fun bike rides coming up after April, 2007.

2007 Trail Maps Almost Ready

The LCTA Map Committee has completed major design of the printed Metro Area Trails Guide for 2007. The full-color fold-out map is expected to go to the printers in a week or less, and should be ready for distribution by April 1. Look for the map this spring on a trail near you.

The map graphics contained in the Metro Area Trails Guide are available online NOW. Check out the newly revised and updated maps available at http://www.linncountytrails.org/map.php. Enjoy!

Springtime at Indian Creek Nature Center

Rich Patterson from Indian Creek Nature Center writes:

"It has been a strange weather winter and many people have called asking whether the warm and then cold winter will impact the sap flow from maple trees. Probably not. It's the immediate weather that makes sap flow. The best conditions are starry nights when the temperature drops down into the 20's followed by sunny days with temperatures in the 40's. The sap season can be as short as a few days or as long as six weeks. It generally runs from late February through March.

The Indian Creek Nature Center's Maple Syrup Festival will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4. It features demonstrations, live music, and a wonderful breakfast. Tickets are available at the door or in advance. The Nature Center also holds syruping programs for groups by appointment on various days in March. Call 362-0664 for information. Nature Center Land steward Jean Wiedenheft will hold two burn schools this spring for people who would like to learn how to conduct prescribed burns in woodlands and prairies. Woodland burn school is on March 24 and Prairie Burn School is on March 31.

The Woman's Walking Workshop will be held all day on Saturday, April 28. Call for details.

Spring is a great time to enjoy walking the Cedar Greenbelt National Recreation Trail. Use is free, and the trail is open any daylight hour."

Trees Forever Planting Areas 2007

Karen from Trees Forever writes:

We are currently in the process of identifying sites for We Dig Your District 2007!...

We really enjoyed working with you [LCTA] last year and would like to encourage your members to nominate sites, trails or otherwise, for the program. The deadline is in mid-March, but the earlier you submit your sites, the better.

More details and a submission form can be found on the Trees Forever website.

City of Cedar Rapids Open Houses

Ron McGraw writes:

"In January there are going to be three open houses on the reoganization process for the city of Cedar Rapids. This is your chance to weigh in on how the city will be restructured.

The information will be repeated at three open houses:

• Tuesday Jan. 23, 11am-2pm, US cellular Arena
• Thursday Jan. 25, 5-8pm, Washington HS Cafeteria
• Saturday Jan. 27, 10am-1pm, Jefferson HS Cafeteria"

The first of these open houses was today and was well-attended, as reported by KCRG: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/5327166.html. Plan to attend one of the remaining open houses if you can.

Jan 2007 Newsletter Published

The January 2007 LCTA Trail Connections newsletter has been published and is available on the "News" page. Printed versions will be arriving in the mail shortly. Enjoy!

LCTA Meetings Moving to 2nd Tuesday

For several years now, LCTA monthly board meetings have been held on the second Monday of each month. However, as of January 2007, monthly meetings will take place on the second Tuesday of each month. Thus the January meeting (for example) will meet on January 9, 2007. Please take note and update your schedule appropriately.

LCTA "Low Key" Special Event Ideas

Sandy and I (Joe) have recently discussed the idea of aiming at having one "low key" event per month from April through October. A rough start at such a list is available here. Discussion?

Seeking Web Site Feedback

The LCTA Public Awareness Committee is seeking input on the LCTA website (http://www.linncountytrails.org), including this blog site. A web site redesign may be appropriate in the future to improve lines of communication between LCTA and the community. Any advice or particular recommendations toward that goal will be appreciated. A few questions to stimulate discussion:

How often do you frequent the web site? If content were more dynamic (frequently updated) would you visit the site more often?

What do you most like/most dislike about the design of the site (organization, color scheme, availability or lack of specific information..)?

How do you view the LCTA web site: primarily as a documentation of past trail endeavors, a guide to trails currently open for public use, a source for information about current events soon to take place, or a mechanism for allowing strategic information sharing about future trails plans?

Thanks for your thoughts. :-)

CR City Manager to Speak at LCTA Annual Meeting (Nov 13)

This is a reminder that the Linn County Trails Association is holding its Annual Meeting next Monday (Nov 13) at 7:00 p.m. at People’s Unitarian Church. The church is located at the corner of 6^th Street and 3^rd Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids. Jim Prosser, Cedar Rapids City Manager, will be our featured speaker. In addition, we will have a limited business agenda and an election of officers.

We would love to have a large group of trail supporters on hand. Jim is new to our community and we are pleased that he has agreed to address LCTA. I am certain there will be a Q & A opportunity and we will all benefit from Jim’s perspective on trails.

Trail Map Feedback Requested

The LCTA Trail Map Planning Committee is seeking your input and feedback on the current "Metro Area Trails Guide" maps that have been distributed on the area nature trails and around the community. What do you like about the maps? What do you dislike? What do you find confusing about them? What would you like to see added in future printings of the map?

Leave your comments here on the blog, and thanks for your feedback!

Werner Avenue Tree Planting (Nov 3rd)

‘We Dig Your District’ Tree Planting to Improve Trail Parking Lot- November 3, 1:30 PM.

Volunteers are needed to help plant trees at the Werner Ave. Parking lot of the Cedar River Trail. The event will include a brief ceremony, tree planting, and time to socialize with your fellow volunteers, city council members, and representatives from Alliant Energy and Trees Forever. Light refreshments will be served. We Dig Your District is a Trees Forever and Alliant Energy program that works with public and private partners to plant trees in each of Cedar Rapids’ 5 City Council districts.

Werner Ave is found just south of Hwy 100 (Collins Road), between I-380 and Center Point Road NE. Click here for a map showing Werner Avenue.

Tree Planting at Meth-Wick Retirement Community

Although this is not a trail-related activity per se, it is still an event that will benefit and beautify our community. This comes from Rockwell Collins (the Rockwell Collins Green Communities program), but this event is open to the community:

When: October 21, 2006 at 9:00 am
Where: Volunteers should meet at 9:00 am in front of the Greenwood Building on the Meth-Wick grounds, 1224 13th Street NW, Cedar Rapids. The Greenwood building is the peach colored building located near the pond.
Need: Volunteers are needed to help plant trees on the Meth-Wick grounds. Meth-Wick is a non-profit retirement community that is continually improving its park-like grounds, which are enjoyed by residents and neighbors alike. The planting should take approximately 2 hours and will be followed by light refreshments. This is a great family-friendly opportunity to get outside and beautify the Meth-Wick grounds while learning about the benefits of trees and proper tree planting techniques. For more information or to sign up, please contact Karen Brook at Trees Forever, 319-373-0650.

Haunted Trail

Linn County Trails Association is sponsoring the 2nd annual Haunted Trail event on Sunday, October 22nd, from 2-4 pm. Look for more information about this event on this blog. This year's flyer is now available here.

Fall I-380 Cleanup (Oct 1)

Mark your calendars! Teresa Kurtz from the Keep Linn County Beautiful committee writes this:

"Due to the numerous requests we've received, Keep Linn County Beautiful is coordinating a Fall Cleanup along Interstate 380 on October 1. The Fall Cleanup will be along I-380 and ramps only. In accordance with safety guidelines outlined by the Iowa Department of Transportation you must be 14 years of age and older to participate."

Details: The cleanup will be on Interstate 380 and ramps, on Sunday October 1. Pick up Supplies at Great Outdoor Traditions (3338 Center Point Road NE) between 12:30 and 1:30
Bring gloves, orange t-shirts (limited safety vests available) and a friend. Event will take place rain or shine. No registration is required.

Poll: Bike Racks

LCTA is taking a poll: What locations on the Linn County trails do you think most need bike racks? We are discussing bike racks in the Safety & Amenities committee, and your input will be helpful in drafting a map and plan of where bike racks are most needed. Leave your responses as comments on the blog here. Thanks.

Report: Mayor's Bike Ride

LCTA participated in the Mayor's Bike Ride on the morning of September 4th (Labor Day) by providing juice, free trail maps and information about trail planning to those attending. Around 250 riders took part in the event, which started on May's Island and included riding through the Brucemore grounds (as well as several neighborhoods in the city).

The Mayor's bike ride was a wonderful event and we plan to participate next year, if it becomes an annual event. Shown below are some pictures of the event:

Mayor Halloran

LCTA booth

Segment G Update

On Labor Day (Sep 4), I was out at the south end of the trail and captured a few photos of the progress on Segment G south of Ely Road...

The first is the view from the current end of the trail near Wheatland Park. The second shows where the end of the gravelled section was, about 3/4 mile south of Ely Road.

Website "Tour" Pictures

For those of you who have looked at the "Tour" link on the LCTA website, you'll probably notice that many of the pictures are out of date and small. If you're interested in snapping some new photos and submitting them for inclusion on the website, email webmaster@linncountytrails.org. This could be done while you're filling out the signage comment forms. Thanks. :-)

Mayor's Bike Ride on Labor Day

Dean Barnum writes:

Mayor Kay Halloran will lead the Mayor's Bike Ride on Monday, 4 September, Labor Day.

It will start on May's Island at 2nd Avenue across from city hall at 8 AM, and go for about eight miles. Helmets are required. There will be free helmets for children.

LCTA hopes you can attend. Please wear your LCTA T-shirt or purchase one at the LCTA booth for $10. If you just want to visit, the LCTA booth will be open most of the morning.

Volunteers Needed: Mayor's Bike Ride

Amy Reasner writes:

Would anyone be willing to staff a table at Mays Island Monday, Sept. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for the Mayor's Bike Ride? I am obtaining more information, but it looks like we might also provide donated food or beverage, too. This is a wonderful chance to talk to city officials and the public about the need for a connected trail system in the metro area.

I would like 3 volunteers, or we could do 2 for 1.5 hours and 2 for the second 1.5 hours. Please advise if you can assist!! We will have the large map with the proposed and current trails highlighted for any discussions with the city officials or members of the public with questions.

LCTA Seeking Signage / Trail Improvements Ideas

The LCTA Safety and Amenities Committee is seeking your input on areas of the trails system where you think additional signage (or other improvements) would be beneficial. If you're up for the task, download the PDF file here: http://www.linncountytrails.org/lcta-comment-forms.pdf, print out the forms, and head out to the trails to start looking for ideas. We would like all information returned to Lynn Ocken by September 30. Also, please let Lynn (lynn@ocken.org) know as soon as possible which part of the trail you intend to cover.

Note: If you'd like to display a poster about this information, you can download it here: http://www.linncountytrails.org/lcta-comment-poster.pdf.

Here are some additional tips for adding your comments:

• It helps if you give each proposed sign a number. This is a temporary number, it helps if 2 people need to discuss a sign together by phone or e-mail. That number won't appear on the sign.
• If a sign already exists, check off that column. Tell us if you think it needs more information, or is in the wrong place, or is too small, etc. in the column called "comments".
• Any information you need to include that doesn't fit in any other column should go under "comments". For example, you may want to explain a problem that you see at this location.
• For interpretive signs, you might know of an image that would work well with theproposed text. If so, it can be a rough description; you don't need to know of an EXACT image. For example, you might say "prairie blue stem" or "old image of early mill that stood here".

CRT Segment G Progress

The next leg southward on the Cedar River Trail, known as "Segment G" from Ely Road to 76th Avenue, is now under construction. No exact word yet on when it will be finished that I know of, but I'm guessing this fall. When this phase is complete, the CRT will connect with the Hoover Trail, leading to Wright Brothers Boulevard near the north end of Ely.

July Newsletter Now Available Online

I've posted the July LCTA newsletter on the website. It's a fairly large download, but includes several pictures, including a full-page collage from National Trails Day. Enjoy. :-)

Tree Planting

Karen Brook of Trees Forever writes this: Trees Forever and Alliant Energy are planning a tree planting this fall at the bike trail parking lot which is located near the corner of Collins Rd. and Center Point Rd. It’s part of our We Dig Year District planting program, which involves a tree planting in each of the city’s 5 districts. Dave Kramer of the Parks Department is enthusiastic about the project and I plan to meet with him soon to create a planting plan. City Councilman Tom Podzimek suggested the idea of planting there, and District 1 Councilman Kris Gulick is also supportive. I thought that your organization might like to have a role in the planting since the planting has a trails focus and should make the parking lot a much more appealing place for trail users to park. We could use volunteers to help plant on the day of the event (which hasn’t been set yet) and would welcome input on the project. "