Nichols begins restoration efforts on its portion of the HNT

According to the West Liberty Index, Nichols Mayor Cyle Geertz has begun an initiative to restore a long-dormant seven-mile section of the Hoover Nature Trail near the town. The segment, which is owned by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), starts three miles north of Nichols, stops right before town, then picks up again for another four miles south of town.

Mayor Geertz and members of the Nichols Betterment Committee have already done some work to the trail, flattening out much of its gravel foundation and removing weeds.

Future plans for the trail were outlined by Mayor Geertz at a special meeting September 12:

• Reconnect Nichols’ portion of the HNT to West Liberty's portion in the north and Conesville's portion in the south.
• Apply a sealant to the rock, making it less dusty.
• Install cement and educational spots along the path that discuss the history of Nichols and its families.