Shawano Pathways recaps busy year

Snowshoeing, a new GRACE trail and the 10-year anniversary of Bike the Barn Quilts were among the highlights of the Shawano Pathways’ annual report during the organization’s annual meeting at the American Legion building in Shawano on Nov. 15.

Shawano Pathways President Nancy Brown-Koeller presented a recap of the year, highlighting the major events in chronological order, starting with snowshoeing at Kroenke Lake and the Sugar Shack Trail.

“Kroenke Lake — we are very happy to see it used more and think that is a result of us putting trail markers down, making maps available and leading big hikes through the areas. So we are pleased to see it used much more,” said Brown-Koeller. “Sugar Shack Trail has some very interesting sort of trail markers there — you never know what you are going to see.”

Brown-Koeller noted the increased popularity of moonlight snowshoe hikes as well, saying that it is a fun and entertaining experience for those involved.

She added that Shawano Pathways also started selling trail passes this year, with all of the money going back to the county for Mountain Bay Trail maintenance.

“We want people to remember that if you buy a trail pass in Shawano County, the money stays in Shawano County,” said Brown-Koeller. “If you buy it in Brown County or Marathon County, or anywhere else, that is the county that gets the money.”

Trail passes can be bought through Shawano Pathways, at Shawano City Hall, at the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce or at the Shawano County Courthouse.

Throughout the spring, Brown-Koeller said that the organization participated in a seasonal clean-up event on the Mountain Bay Trail and parks in the city. They are looking at doing the same thing this year.

“We have 16 miles of trails that we would like to do,” said Brown-Koeller. “We need volunteers this year on Saturday, April 29. If you have two hours, please come and help us clean up the trails that are in the city of Shawano.”

Back in May, Shawano Pathways opened a new GRACE Trail at the Navarino Nature Center. Brown-Koeller said that the trail has been popular and thanked Bike the Barn Quilts Chair Matty Mathison for her work in getting it in place.

“The GRACE Trail (idea creator) continues to tap into Matty to say that you are an example that we want to share around the country for what you’ve done,” said Brown-Koeller. “It is a lot of work, but we have good volunteers who do that, and it is a good addition to our county.”

During her report, Brown-Koeller noted that Shawano Pathways has began work to help improve the Mountain Bay Trail, partnering with the Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail.

“We added numbers to the 17 shelters on the Mountain Bay Trail — it is just a safety thing. It is easier to locate someone if you know what shelter they are at,” said Brown-Koeller. “Thanks to some anonymous donors, we are able to experiment with adding two sides to the shelters. Adding two sides will be a good wind-break and rain-break.”

The last topic that Brown-Koeller talked about was the 10-year anniversary of Bike the Barn Quilts. Brown-Koeller and the rest of the members of the Shawano Pathways all chipped in to recognize Mathison on her work with the program for the past decade with a basket of household items and treats.

“It started as a little idea at one of our meetings, and we were just trying to figure out ways that we could make money,” recalled Mathison. “(Barn quilts) are obviously something that Shawano has become famous for, and I remember blurting out, ‘What about a barn quilt ride?’”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com