Conservation

Hiking Trail Updates at Easter Lake Park

Published 9/3/2024 11:32:19 AM

Hiking trail improvements are in motion at Easter Lake Park thanks to Polk County Water & Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL) funding and successful efforts of timber stand improvement (TSI). The updated trail will travel through a recently restored 39-acre timber area and improve upon existing trails by utilizing sustainable trail design techniques.

IMPROVED TRAIL DESIGN 

This trail project is of the first trails in our park system to be updated using sustainable trail design considerations since the passing of the PCWLL. Sustainable trail design utilizes techniques that protect the local environment while improving user experiences. These techniques include efforts to protect areas of special species concern, inclusion of features to minimize erosion potential, and design considerations that can improve accessibility of the trail among others.

TRAIL IMPROVEMENT GOALS

  • Reduce negative impacts to the environment using sustainable trail design techniques
  • Increase the overall trail length & utilize the full 39-acre timber area
  • Improve user experience & accessibility

Completion of this project will provide park users a chance to experience the beautiful timber full of large oak and walnut trees, an abundance of seasonal wildflowers, and unique views of Easter Lake through the trees. Whether you are a plant and wildlife enthusiast, hiker, or trail runner, this trail will help you discover Easter Lake Park in a new way all year long.

Projected completion of this trail is spring 2025.

Volunteers help with corridor clearing during a volunteer trail building event.

FUNDING

Funding for this trail project including design, trail crews, and volunteer trail building tools has been made possible by the Polk County Water and Land Legacy Bond (PCWLL).

A special "thank you" is extended to our volunteers who continue to help us build and improve our hiking trail system. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Throughout fall 2024, volunteer events will be hosted on Thursdays in October and select Saturdays to help build the trail. Find information about these volunteer opportunities and more here.

Volunteers take a break from corridor clearing for a photo during National Trails Day at Easter Lake Park

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW: PROJECT UPDATES

Spring 2024

Local trail designer, Legacy Trails LLC, completed a new trail layout for the 39-acre timber.

June-August 2024

In early June, a Green Iowa AmeriCorps Trail Crew began building the trail with assistance from our Polk County Conservation Youth Corps members and volunteers during National Trails Day and other events. 

Fall 2024

Construction of the trail will continue throughout fall 2024 during volunteer events led by trained Polk County Conservation volunteer staff. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for these events which include a trails training in September and trail construction workdays in October. 

*Please note that registration is required to participate in these volunteer events. For questions, please contact conservationvolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov 

Summer 2024 Green Iowa AmeriCorps crew members help build trail at Easter Lake Park.
PCC Youth Corps are all smiles after a morning of working on the trail at Easter Lake Park.