History of the Marquette County Interactive Nature Trail

2015

Discussions began on developing the trail to provide a safe, accessible area for county employees and community members to walk on breaks as well as to have a walking route to downtown Montello.  The trail paths were cleared.

2016

• Wood chip paths were laid down from trees that were cut down to create the trail.
•  Sun screens were erected to provide extra shady spots for folks to rest while using the trail.
• Benches & picnic tables were set to provide spots to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch.
• An area was cleared for a Master Gardener demonstration project.

2017-2018

• Trail markers were installed to make the paths easier to find for folks that hadn’t used the trail before.
• Interactive stations were installed to provide interest and educational components to the trail.
• The Master Gardener Prairie Area was prepared and installed.  A few crab apple trees were installed in the prairie area for Earth Day.
• An Alliant Energy Foundation grant (2018) was written and funded to help develop the trail.

2019

• A Compeer Financial Rural Community grant was written and funded to help build the outdoor classroom.
• Master Gardener Prairie Area plant features were installed
• Outdoor classroom installation (coming soon).

Sponsors of the Marquette County Interactive Nature Trail

This interactive nature trail has had the generous support of time and effort from the following organizations:

• Badger 4-H Club
• Extension Marquette County
• Marquette County Buildings & Grounds
• Marquette County Economic Development
• Marquette County Health Department
• Marquette County Master Gardener Association
• Montello FFA & Agriculture Classes

Master Gardener Prairie Area

Scott Steinberg, Marquette County Master Gardener Volunteer, discusses plans for the prairie area installation with other Master Gardeners.

The Master Gardener Association decided to develop a prairie area for the demonstration space that was cleared for teaching purposes.

The prairie area is still in its infancy of establishment, as some seeds that were planted take time to emerge due to tough seed coverings that help protect the seeds, but also slow the germination until proper conditions have been met.

Some bump-out areas along the path have been planted with started plants to help you identify what is out in the larger areas along the path.  A list of prairie plants that can be found in the demonstration area is coming to this post soon.

Master Gardener Volunteers and students walk the newly installed saunter path in the prairie area.

Some temporary informational signs have been added to the prairie area to help identify plants you see growing in this section of the trail.

Where can I park when I want to walk the trail?

Parking is located between the County Service Center & Health and Human Services Buildings, located at 480 Underwood Avenue, Montello, WI.

The trail is located behind the County Service Center Building in Montello.  The trail can be accessed from the Service Center, behind the Highway Department building, or from County Highway C.

If accessing the trail from the County Service Center, park in the lot, then head south towards the EMS portion of the Service Center Building (building furthest from Highway 23).  Often there will be an ambulance or other emergency vehicle sitting outside, otherwise look for the ambulance bay doors.

Keep walking south, go past the ADRC buses and the impound lot (which will be on your left).  The trailhead will be on your left and is marked with a post.  You will see a bunch of wood-chipped mulch at the beginning of the trail.