Even though the weather was dreary, the Conservation Corps of Minnesota was persistently working on the Chester Creek Trail on Monday, Oct. 31.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to join the Conservation Corps,” said Nick Lingwall, Conservation Corps member. “I love working outdoors.”
There will be two crews of Conservation Corps members working on the Duluth parks and trails over the next two weeks. The first crew is working on the Chester Creek Trail before moving on to projects at Hawk Ridge.
“This is so valuable to the city,” said Judy Gibbs, Duluth Parks and Recreation volunteer coordinator. “This work is more than typical volunteer work.”
The first project for the Conservation Corps is to build two stairways on the Chester Creek Trail. The staircases will be put on the hill that leads down to a swimming hole.
“[My favorite part is] building stuff like this,” said Samuel Higley, Conservation Corps member. “I like when you get to see the product of your labor.”
The first staircase will be made from railroad ties and the second will be made from tires. These staircases are being put in to alleviate erosion on the hillside.
“This is going to look really nice when we’re done,” said Higley. “We won’t accept anything less than that.”
It will take the crew four 10-hour days to complete the staircase. Although this may seem daunting, especially if the temperature continues to drop, the workers enjoy the work they are doing.
“It’s nice going to places you might not get to go to,” said Lingwall. “And its nice working outside.”