Decorah Human Powered Trails Celebrates Volunteers for Contributing Over 450 Hours

DECORAH — On Saturday, October 19, Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) members and their families and friends gathered for a chili cookoff at the top of Palisades Park in Decorah. Members include hikers, runners, walkers and cyclists. Appropriately, guests were encouraged to hike, run or bike up the hill for the occasion. The group had much to celebrate, as they have logged over 450 hours volunteering on trails within the City of Decorah this year. DHPT, now a nonprofit organization, relies mostly on volunteers to build, maintain, promote and enhance trail experiences in Decorah. The Independent Sector determines the value of one hour of volunteering to be $33.49, valuing DHPT's contribution to the City of Decorah at over $15,000. DPHT also has two employees, who logged over 250 hours. They are paid entirely through funds raised by the group's members. DHPT volunteers have been busy with trail building and maintenance this year, most recently teaming up with the Luther College Cross Country team to clear invasive brush before extending a trail near the south end of Ice Cave Road, helping to repair storm damage to the east section of River Trail and Public Television Trail, and re-routing trails at Palisades Park. This year was so wet and stormy that volunteers provided extra mowing, weed whacking, and tree clearing. Together, they cut over fifty fallen trees off Decorah trails. DHPT leadership works closely with Decorah Parks and Recreation and the City of Decorah. Officials approve the building and rerouting of all trails and take an active role in checking to make sure projects are completed to their specifications. Members also support other groups promoting the use of human powered trails in the area by regularly volunteering at their programs. DPHT members were instrumental in the construction of the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub at Carlson Park in early 2024, donating both time and equipment to make the project possible. They also provided volunteers and expertise for the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League races in June and staffed a water stop for the Crater Run this summer. DHPT members also groom trails throughout the snowy season and hold monthly "Buckthorn Blitz" days from November-February. These days they cut, treat and remove invasive species in the park system to improve the overall health of the forests. "Our volunteers range in age from three to over 70. They are dedicated to creating the best possible user experience on Decorah's human powered trails," said DHPT President Nick Pearch, "I'm glad to live in a community with this many people who are excited to roll their sleeves up and work to improve recreation for all. It was great to celebrate them on Saturday." For more information about DHPT, please email dhpt2023@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/DecorahHPT. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.