Southwest Iowa Youth
Selected to Work on
Wabash Trace Nature Trail

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Three young adults from southwestern Iowa were recently chosen by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) to serve on a crew that will improve and maintain the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Sam Zollars of Shenandoah, April Scott of Clarinda, and Christina Jones of Coin were selected for this year's trail crew.

Sam Zollars, 21, recently completed his junior year at the University of Northern Iowa. Although this is Zollars' first year working on the Wabash Trace, it has been a part of his life since its creation due to his father's involvement with Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, Inc. (SWINT). Zollars said he feels the trail plays an integral role in the economic prosperity of the region and the general well being of the people.

April Scott, 21, recently completed her junior year at MidAmerican University in Olathe, KS. She loves the outdoors and caring for natural environments. Scott is looking forward to the opportunity to work outdoors this summer and to learn about plants and other aspects of the Wabash Trace.

Christina Jones, 17, just completed the eleventh grade at South Page Community School. She would like to learn about the history of the Wabash Trace and is excited to work on something she feels will make a difference in her community. Jones is looking forward to the opportunity to maintain a project that everyone from the local region as well as visitors can enjoy.

"Sam, April and Christina all bring high levels of enthusiasm and work ethic to the Wabash Trace Nature Trail," said Marlene Ehresman, INHF trail crew coordinator. "Working on the trail will broaden these young people's experiences while expanding their appreciation for their state, their region and the environment."

The Iowa Department of Transportation Urban Youth Corps Program provided a grant to help fund the 2002 summer program. The $18,000 grant aids in financing two trail crews, one on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in southwest Iowa and a second crew on the Hoover Nature Trail in southeast Iowa. INHF is managing the grants and crews.

"Thanks to this grant, we can meet the needs of the land with the employment and education needs of our young adults," Ehresman said. "The crewmembers' enthusiasm for the trail often helps to generate community interest in the project and will help ensure the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is enjoyed by countless Iowans for generations to come."

The 63-mile trail connects Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin and Blanchard. It has also been hailed as one of the nation's prettiest trails by Outside magazine.

Zollars, Scott and Jones will work on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail from May 26 to August 18. Their responsibilities will include tasks such as cleaning the trail corridor of trees and brush, applying weather-protection to buildings and outbuildings, inspecting and repairing bridges, trimming trees, mowing trail shoulders, assisting with special events and various other duties. Ron Willeman, a Clarinda High School teacher, and Curt Altizer, both members of SWINT, will supervise the crew.

In addition to a paid summer job, the crewmembers will also receive educational benefits. Zollars, Scott and Jones will gain training in resume writing, interviewing, media relations and other job skills. As part of the education component, they will learn native plant identification and take field trips to various natural sites along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in western Iowa. Additional opportunities include cultural diversity and NatureMapping workshops with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) AmeriCorps members at Waubonsie State Park near Sidney, the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar in Monona County and a visit to the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center in Jasper County.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, director of communications, or call (515) 288-1846.