Green Circle detour on the University Trail in Schmeeckle Reserve, July-November, 2010
The Green Circle trail will be detoured on the east side of Schmeeckle Reserve from mid-July to mid-November due to a wetland restoration project. During excavation, the trail will be rerouted around the project area, through the Berard Oaks savanna and along North Point Drive for approximately a 1/2 mile. Please use caution, as North Point Drive can be a busy road at times.
Click here to view a map of the detour and closed trails (PDF)
This Moses Creek stream and wetland restoration project is being funded by Wisconsin DOT. It includes the construction of a new boardwalk/trail system that will connect to the Green Circle and be available for use in December. For more information, visit the Moses Creek Restoration Project website.
Boardwalks Removed along Old Wausau Road, November 2009
In cooperation with the Town of Hull and the Portage County Sheriff’s Department, the boardwalks on either side of Old Wausau Road (Stagecoach Trail Segment) have been removed for safety reasons. The location of the boardwalks encouraged Green Circle users to cross to either side of the road, creating hazardous traffic conditions. The Green Circle board approved the request in July of 2009, and the boardwalks were removed in November.
Stagecoach Trail Section of Green Circle (Old Wausau Road) will be resurfaced after July 4, 2009.
The resurfacing of Old Wausau Road (Stagecoach Trail) from the City limits north to Dubay Avenue will begin right after the 4th of July. Some shoulder work will likely take place before that time, so users of the Green Circle should use caution in the area.
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A visitor enjoys the new Moses Creek
boardwalk. Click here to see more photos. |
New Moses Creek section of the Green Circle opens: Spring, 2009
The newest segment of the Green Circle is now open and features a nearly half-mile long boardwalk, the longest on the trail. The new route of the Moses Creek segment begins along Wilshire Drive and connects along Hwy 66 (click here to view a map of new segment location).
The new Moses Creek section totals approximately 3 miles. To avoid a negative impact on the environment, materials were hand carried for over a half mile when building the boardwalks. The 8 foot wide boardwalks consist of over 2,300 feet of environmentally friendly green treated lumber. Their elevated design allows a natural flow of water through the surrounding wetlands. The boardwalks are universally accessible to all non-motorized vehicles, including wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, and small wagons. There is a small parking area off of Wilshire, and as with all trail areas entering roadways, visitors are asked to proceed with caution (click here to see map of parking area and boardwalk).
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| UWSP student employees construct the Moses Creek boardwalk. Click here to see more photos. |
The boardwalks meander through beautiful forested wetlands punctuated by boulders and wildflowers. The area is abundant with cinnamon ferns, gold thread, pink lady slippers (wild orchids), numerous birds, deer, porcupines, spring peepers, and wood frogs. The woodland is diverse with sunny openings among the maple, oak and evergreen trees.
This project was made possible when Jeff and Jolene Brown agreed to sell acreage and allowed access to the property. Work began last April. A number of entities made a big difference in the success of this project. In addition to the staff of Portage County Parks, a full-time crew of six students from Schmeeckle Reserve worked all summer and fall. ConTrucks, with Dave Ladick, did grading, supplied materials, and culverts. Roger Zblewski and the crew from Zblewski Brothers cleared trees from the granite portion of the trail. Frank’s Hardware went above and beyond in helping to find and supply good materials. The acreage has now been deeded as city parks property.
A newly designed trailhead will also highlight this portion of the trail. It will be the first of many trailheads which will interpret habitats and wildlife, while providing users with maps and information. The trailhead is being made possible through a donation from the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society. New trail maps, made possible by Travel Guard and Spectra Print, will also be available at Schmeeckle Reserve and various places around Portage County.
View additional pictures of the building and completion of the Moses Creek segment on the Schmeeckle Reserve website: http://www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle/gallery/Green_Circle/.
Wastewater
treatment plant nearing completion in Whiting: Summer, 2009
A new wastewater treatment facility is nearly completed in the Village of Whiting near the Plover River.
The Green Circle Trail in this area is open for use. However, users should exercise caution until construction is complete. Loose dirt and gravel is on the roadway.
River
Pines/Paper Mill section reopens: Spring, 2007