Map of Land Deeded to Hoover Nature Trail in Johnson County

This map, from the Johnson County Trails Plan, shows which portions of the former railroad right-of-way have been deeded to the Hoover Nature Trail (according to the Johnson County Assessor. As you can see, there are some breaks. For anyone familiar with the history of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, these breaks can be major roadblocks to the successful completion of the trail.

Seeking Members for Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has twelve vacancies on the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee. Six members will serve a one-year term ending December 31, 2007 and six members will serve two-year terms ending December 31, 2008. Beginning January 1, 2008, members will then serve two-year terms.

County Trails Advisory Committee’s role will be to give advice and recommendations on trail funding priorities, maintenance levels, signage policies, and other trail-related issues.

This person needs to be an eligible elector of Johnson County.

Application form is available available here.

Completed applications must be returned by December 15, 2006.

Terry Dahms Asks Johnson County to Set Aside Money for Hoover Nature Trail

Terry Dahms asked the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to set aside money for the Hoover Nature Trail, in case matching funds can be found. He estimated that it would cost $110,000 to replace the two missing bridges between Solon and Ely. Read the Press-Citizen article here.

Superman ice cream for two pee-wee pedalers.

Trail information center

 

Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Western Michigan

A portion of the trail doubles as an exercise circuit. The same kids that were too tired to pedal any farther has to try out every station!

Trying to make it to the ice cream store...

Here is a look at some of the trail signage and one of the parks that the trail passes by/through.

 

Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Western Michigan

It was a nice, easy ride for a family. The trail is paved.
Much of the trail has a nice tree canopy.

Even our four-year-old enjoyed it (Note: No training wheels!)

One of many fields of asparagus we passed. While we knew that the area was known for its blueberries and apples, we were not aware that it is the asparagus capital of the U.S. In addition to asparagus fields, the trail passes by a number of orchards and fruit farms.

 

Hoover Nature Trail Needs Funding, Volunteers

Johnson County Conservation Board members are in favor of a trail system that would involve a portion of the Hoover Nature Trail, but questions remain about who is going to pay for the trail creation and maintenance. Full article from the Iowa City Press-Citizen is here. I for one would volunteer to perform maintenance and upkeep on the trail. If there is anyone else out there that would like to help perform this community service, please speak up.

Hoover Nature Trail Chosen for Iowa City - Cedar Rapids Link!

Great news! Johnson County and Linn County officials chose the Hoover Nature Trail route over the Highway 965 route for the planned link between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. This is a huge momentum builder for Hoover Nature Trail supporters! Read the Press Citizen article here.

Riding the Trail Northwest of West Branch July 1, 2006

In the beginning...

I have decided to assume the role of Chief Trail Advocate for the Hoover Nature Trail (HNT) in eastern Iowa. Eventually, I hope to form an official group of HNT supporters, but for now it is just me. I am the Friend(s) of the Hoover Nature Trail.

I hope that this blog will eventually become the premier source for information about the Hoover Nature Trail, as well as a gathering place for all Friends of the HNT. If you are interested in helping out, please leave a comment.