We on the Seymour Greenway committee are finishing our project. Three years ago, we began planting trees along the Newton Blackmour State Trail. The trail is a rails-to-trails project that goes through the heart of town. The trail is named for the cities it goes through, New London, Shiocton, Black Creek and Seymour. Eventually, the trail will extend to Green Bay where it will hook up with the Mountain Bay Trail. At New London, there are even more trails that connect Seymour to the world.
Our thought was that hikers should find a shady grove when they come to Seymour, so we began to plant with donated trees and a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Now the downtown area is planted with deciduous trees, the west section with conifers, and by the end of the year, a row of pear and crabapple trees will line the eastern stretch. I dream of the blossoms that will greet our city's visitors as they bike and hike through in the spring.
The trail leads through Nagel Park with picnic tables, water and toilets available for hot and dusty travelers. A Boy Scout working on his Eagle badge is building benches the length of the trail. One of the benches will be at the edge of a pond so that birders can get out their binoculars while they rest. Three of us prepared a checklist of birds that can we've observed in Seymour.
As a traveler and hiker, I am well aware of the joy in seeing a bench to sit on, a place to get fresh water and an actual toilet. When our group disbands, it will be with a feeling of great accomplishment.
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