All posts in the topic Hiking in Reservoir Woods (Short link)
Summary
- There are 7 posts — by 5 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Kris Williams at Apr 23 15:10 UTC
Did you know that Roseville has a 120-acre park called Reservoir Woods? In
addition to the paved trails, there are numerous dirt trails that criss-cross
throughout the woods.
Is anyone interested in a hiking adventure in November? I'll propose Saturday
the 10th as it is far enough away to make plans but perhaps not dipping into
freezing temperatures (please suggest other dates if there is a conflict I am
unaware of!). Maybe we will need our snowshoes by then!
I do appreciate someone more familiar with the park to lead the adventure. I
have only hiked a few times there myself.
Not that I heard from anyone, but I have decided not to hike this Saturday
until I have time to come up with a nice route.
In a message dated 11/9/2007 2:15:09 PM Central Standard Time, <email obscured> writes: Nicole, I am so glad that you brought Reservoir Woods to our attention. It looks to be a lovely place to walk. You may not have heard from anyone because of the cool fall weather. (The minute I typed that last sentence I realized that this weather will seem almost tropical, come February!) Thanks for trying to get something going, anyway. Karen O. > Not that I heard from anyone, but I have decided not to hike this Saturday > until I have time to come up with a nice route. > > Nicole Waxmonsky-Tu > Falcon Heights > ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com
sssshhhhhh...
I'd like to keep this fabulous park a secret!
Not really, but sort of.
It is a gem. It would be fun to hike with a botanist or naturalist who could
shed light on what's happening in there and maybe some of the history!
This is a great park. There are drawbacks to keeping a park secret... I
think it draws a certain negative element. I've startled a youth or two
while passing through trails. Let's just say that I don't think that they
were smoking cigarettes. I think more use by normal people helps keep people
honest and discourages negative behavior. More users might discourage
people from dumping trash too I know that there is the desire to keep the
park natural and undeveloped, but I personally would love to recruit
volunteers and have permission to construct more sustainable trails. Is
there a Roseville organization of hikers?
I belong as a member of the International Mountain Bike Association
(IMBA) as well as our local advocacy group the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists
(MORC.) Talk about a group of hearty volunteers who are capable and ready
to put sweat equity into digging and constructing mountainbike and
multi-user trails. I've been to IMBA trailbuilding school as well as
volunteered here and there working constructing sustainable trails in areas
such as Theo Wirth, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and Salem Hills. Off-road
cyclists enjoy a nice quiet ride through the woods too.
I think Three-Rivers Park District has embraced the success that they have
had in partnering with MORC in developing off-road cycling opportunities as
well as multi-user trail projects such as with the trails created in Theo
Wirth Park.
The principles of design and construction for a sustainable "soft trail"
(meaning non-improved surface) do a lot to enhance usability of trails.
Good design and construction techniques do a lot to shed water to reduce the
pooling of water and reduce erosion. This allows trails to be more-usable
without negative effects. A good design is also compatible for multiple
types of users to enjoy the same area and trails. Partnering with a
non-profit organization to improve park facilities and offer an improved
user experience seems to me like a win-win. (I am admittedly very biased on
this subject.) People with a vested interest in using the land make for
good stewards for care.
The network of trails that exist were not really designed well. As such,
when one trail gets wet or eroded, people make a new one. There are some
trails that are covered with wood chips. While this may SOUND like a good
idea, it actually holds more moisture on the trail surface and in the long
term makes for more maintenance. There are a number of design principles
involved with the construction of trails. I would pull out my
trail-building book, but alas I have loaned it to Nicole. Perhaps she can
offer some words too?
I think it would be great to get a group together for an afternoon walk
through the park. Perhaps the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The "Work Off
Your Turkey Walk" Bring a backpack or trashbag with, and we can pack out
more than we pack in!
I would be interested in a trash hike as well. We might want to bring
something more heavy duty for broken glass. Are you volunteering to plan this
Ken?? ;)
There was some talk a while ago about starting some sort of Roseville outdoors
group, which could include local hikers and be a good source for the bike trips
that have been planned. I'm sure there are plenty of other activities that
people are interested in that I haven't mentioned.
I have not yet run into the wood chips but I have noticed several trails that
traverse the fall line and as a result, have become rutted.
I know this is an older post, but I agree with Nicole that a Roseville outdoors
group would be a great idea.