CATS does its first ‘whack-a-do’ for the season! - April 5 - City of Loveland Natural Areas

Perfect timing is everything and we managed to get off on a great start this year with the rain and snow coming in late Thursday night. At 3:00 pm it was about 64°F and warm with cloudy skies. Perfect weather for trailbuilding and that is what we did. What the sign-up said and those that came out was a big surprise! We had twelve volunteers on the trail last night and three were brand new to CATS. Welcome aboard to Hans Peter, Kathleen Ziff, and Michael Auciello (does that name sound familiar?) – it should – that’s Denny’s son.

What a great mix of folks – welcome back our regulars also – Mr. Scott, the Professor – Dean, Andy, Michael Hinterberg, Dave, Connie, Monica and me.

We are working on a special trail project in the city limits at a place that was somewhat discarded and trashed by the flood of 2013. This 6 acre plot of land next to the Big Thompson is unique as the trees in the area host an array of nesting birds. This trail loop we are building will be an ideal spot for birders and nature lovers.

Our new folks got immersed into the standard safety and tool talk from Bob, while our veterans went right to work on a 36” wide trail in a grass land. Not the greatest challenging task to start the season – but we don’t always get complex rock work to do. Besides, this trail is going to fill with crusher fines. Our job is getting the brome and cheat grass root systems out of the ground. Everyone participated in dragging multiple dirt and cuttings on drag blankets to the embankment – helping to stabilize it more.

We had to stop and enjoy the birds and later in the evening the sunset and shadows cast. We put the tools away and took a little tour of the total project and some rock work in coming weeks. Kathleen was everywhere taking photos!
Pulling out there we were off to Sports Station for some warm food and drink.

Members: Dean, Denny, Connie, Dave, Michael H, Michael A, Kathleen, Monica, Hans, Andy, Scott, the Bob         Hours:   300 – 700  =  4

RESULTS:   300’ of prepared trail and 75’ of roughed in trail

ROSES:
·       Just plain – great!
·       1st whack of the season and all good
·       Good group size and turnout
·       Back at it – (veteran)
·       Lots of wildlife to view and appreciate
·       Great to see a new trail in Loveland
·       ‘Connectivity’ – spaces to other trails and future goals to push to I-25
·       Lots of fun!
·       Using the trail after building it - gives a sense of ownership
·       No accidents or injuries
·       Morale – real good (considering the task)
·       Weather – perfect
·       Birder paradise – special place for Loveland
·       Suggest bench be put in for bird watchers
·       ‘I’m a desk jockey and getting outdoors is positive experience for me’
·       Lots of photographers tonight
·       The safety – tool talk was received well and not too long
·       Father and son outdoor experience with trails – first time
THORNS:
ü Some van issues – broken wood holding frame – taped up quickly
ü Missing wire brushes – probably packed in there somewhere
ü McLeod’s were coming lose in the head or handle was lose
ü No crescent wrench to tighten
ü Gate lock missing – not sure what happened there
ü Lock for wheel barrows does not work with my key
ü Milder expressions for the flat basic trail work – boring/dismal/dragging dirt
ü Though some thought was great…
ü Cancelation of last week’s whack – thank you (addicted member)
ü Some trash out there still from flood – may consider another clean up?
BUDS: 
Sometimes you are the bug, not the windshield. CATS pride themselves on building quality trail and structures to support trail. This trail system is being loaded in with crusher fines – thick and wide and crowned. We need to prepare the framework for this next step. It is not glorious or fun – but we are getting it done and quick too. Many hands make the work faster as you witnessed last night. I am sure there will be some grumblings when we work on the river side and those causeways. In the end, this trail will be beautiful and safe. The citizens of this town and visitors will enjoy the meandering trail that glides through this partially wooded and then open field. Who knows – they may make comments on how nice the trail flows and is built? Despite the work – we make it fun. I overheard lots of good conversations going on last evening on the trail and continued into the pub. This is our time – without gadgets and distractions. The work is there, but the people make it hard or fun. Engrossed into facetime conversations with a trail buddy, the work just seems to blend with time and memories. I am so glad a few members did not show up last night as I have said in the past ‘I will eat my hat if we get more than 12 out here.’ I am sautéing my hat in coconut oil and spices as I write this.

Link to Photos: Click Here.

On the trail,
Bob Johnson

Go here to sign up for events: http://trailcats.org/volunteer
E-mail:  info@trailcats.org     bob@trailcats.org
Location: Loveland, CO, USA

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