Silver Creek as it winds through the Marth Property. Photo by Kevin Thusius
A gem lay camouflaged, hidden between large brick buildings in a 1.38-acre piece of commercial property. The purchase of the Marth property, by the Ice Age Trail Alliance, brought the potential of this piece of land out of hiding and into focus. Now, a picturesque wetland, with sweetly named Silver Creek, is permanently protected and will someday host the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
A view of a small section of the Marth Property near the site of the future Strickland-Marth trailhead. Photo by Kevin Thusius
Hikers will rejoice. Future Ice Age Trail will eliminate a connecting route composed of gravel park roads and a maze of parking lots and sidewalks.
Families will benefit. This beautiful slice of nature will be accessible to the residents of the City of West Bend. It will connect them to existing Ice Age Trail running alongside city-owned Ridge Run Park. Families will be able take strolls on the Trail from the new Strickland-Marth Trailhead, a portal to the 1,200-mile footpath unspooling before them.
Sharon Marth (L) and Gloria Dawn Strickland (R) beam with delight at the idea the IAT will have a home on land that was once theirs. Photo by Kevin Thusius
Thank You to Our Partners:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provided state monies from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund.
The National Park Service provided federal dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The City of West Bend with whom we look forward to strengthening our relationship. City officials already demonstrate a substantial commitment to the great outdoors through their parks and recreation department.
Sisters, Sharon Marth and Gloria Dawn Strickland, of the City of West Bend for providing us with the opportunity to permanently protect a portion of the Ice Age Trail.
Stay Tuned.
There will be plenty of opportunities to be involved in this project, including development of a trailhead, parking lot, bridge and boardwalk.