Rock County parks volunteer group describes decades of trail work and fundraising

Cricket Jewett, president of the Rock County Multi Use Trail Group, presented the group’s work to the Board of Supervisors, describing more than two decades of volunteer trail maintenance, fundraising and small capital projects at five county parks that allow horses.

Jewett said the group formed in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) and works on trails at Gibbs Lake, Magnolia Bluff, Happy Hollow, the Milton-Janesville Trail and the Palaszek-to-Binney Trail. She told the board volunteers have installed signage and kiosks, built bridges and parking areas, added picnic tables and mounting blocks, and raised funds for a shelter at Gibbs Lake.

Jewett said the group’s fundraising has included county fair parking support, meat raffles, a taste-of-endurance ride, scavenger hunts and Small Business Saturday events; she said the group raised roughly $15,000 for the Gibbs Lake shelter and that the Wisconsin State Horse Council has provided around $12,000 in trail grants over 15 years. Jewett estimated the group’s volunteer contribution over about 20 years at roughly 9,000 hours and an in-kind value approaching $300,000 for labor alone.

Supervisor Mawhinney and other board members publicly thanked long-serving volunteers at the meeting. County staff noted volunteers like those in the Multi Use Trail Group provide critical support to park maintenance and program delivery.

Jewett encouraged residents of all ages to volunteer and noted the group helps reduce user conflicts on multiuse trails by working with county staff on signage and outreach.

The presentation drew no formal action but concluded with the board recognizing the volunteers for long-term service.