On Saturday, Oct. 19, Decorah Human Powered Trails members, their families and friends gathered for a chili cookoff at the top of Palisades Park in Decorah. Members, including hikers, runners, walkers and cyclists, as well as their guests were encouraged to hike, run or bike up the hill for the occasion, as the group celebrated logging more than 450 volunteer hours on trails within the city of Decorah this year.
Volunteers recently teamed up with the Luther College Cross Country team to clear invasive brush before extending a trail near the south end of Ice Cave Road, helped repair storm damage to the east section of River Trail and Public Television Trail, and rerouted trails at Palisades Park. This year’s wet and stormy weather prompted volunteers to provide extra mowing, weed whacking and tree clearing, cutting more than 50 fallen trees along the Decorah trails. DHPT leadership works closely with Decorah Parks and Recreation and the city of Decorah, with officials approving the building and rerouting of all trails and taking an active role in checking to make sure projects are completed to their specifications.