Walking Trail Committee wanting to expand activities

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Although the Motherwell Reservoir Walking Trail has been a part of the community for quite a few years, the Kindersley Community Walking Trail Committee wants to promote and inform the community about the ecosystem that is just outside their back door.

Sharon Haubrich, a member of the committee, commented on the upcoming promotion.

“We’re hoping to have different activities on June 5, including snacks for hikers and a scavenger hunt. We also would like to solve the mystery of the painted rocks which have disappeared from around the trail,” she added.

“We’re hoping to expand activities at the reservoir to include kayaking and things like that. One day I was out there, and I saw a guy in a kayak. He was fly fishing. Just being out on the water is something we don’t usually enjoy in Kindersley, so hopefully, we can make the most of that.”

National Trails Day is celebrated on June 5 and was started by the American Hiking Society in 1992; and has spread to include all forms of recreational trail usage in more than a dozen countries worldwide. It promotes public awareness of and appreciation for trails and the people who build and maintain them while celebrating the healthy lifestyle they encourage.

Also celebrated on June 5 is National Prairie Day, which the Missouri Prairie Foundation founded in 2016. Its goal is to enhance public awareness and educate the public about the prairie’s value to support prairie protection, conservation, and restoration.

The Kindersley Community Walking Trail Committee was formed in late 2001 with a mandate to develop an all-season, hard surface trail. “I remember the trail years ago that ran along the water supply. Everyone has a slightly different memory of that place throughout the years,” Sharon said.

The trail was started in 2001, and other additions were incorporated later, such as a parking lot area, pavilion, benches and picnic area. The trail is wheelchair accessible and is located within the town’s limits. The 4.2 km of trail was paved in 2011, and in 2012 a bridge was built, trees were planted, and more benches and tables were added.

During the construction of the trail, the committee discovered a historical artifact that added an interesting landmark to the trail, locating a buffalo rubbing stone on the walking trail property. They had two Plains Indians archaeologists out to authenticate the stone, after which it was used as a marker on the trail. Written on the stone are these words: “The construction of the Motherwell Dam began in 1913 in Ramsey Ravine. The spring at this site had been used since the earliest settlers arrived in the area.”

The walking trail is well used throughout the entire year. Activities enjoyed there include: walking, rollerblading, fishing, ice fishing, canoeing, bird watching, biking, tobogganing, star gazing and cross country skiing.

“Our goal is to promote and help people learn about what’s out there so they can enjoy it a little better,” Sharon said. “We’re looking for a few new members that represent the users. We have great partners as well, including Ducks Unlimited and Canadian Wildlife. Hopefully, our future partners will include the schools. It’s a great example of an ecosystem.”

Photo by Kate Winquist