Jewellsworth Trail

Jewell to Ellsworth Trail gets final links and new name

Posted August, 19, 2009.

Jewell to Ellsworth Trail gets final links

The final puzzle pieces in the trail corridor between Jewell and Ellsworth have fallen into place. Two landowners recently sold their corridor segments, each at a bargain price.

The two properties were purchased by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a statewide, nonprofit conservation group that helps local partners create trails. INHF will serve as interim owner until city and county governments raise full acquisition funds.

The first segment was sold by Evelyn Vulgamott and family. Located on the south side of Jewell Implement, the property is approximately 2.3 acres. This addition will extend the existing Jewell Jubilee Trail along the drainage ditch to the north. The city of Jewell will purchase the site with grant funds from the state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program.

The second property, approximately 30 acres, was purchased from the Union Pacific Railroad Company. It contains the inactive rail bed that connects the two communities. The Hamilton County Conservation Board will purchase this segment from INHF with state recreational trail funds received in 2007.

Three earlier trail acquisitions, located at both ends of the former Union Pacific Rail property, complete the trail corridor. They include approximately two acres donated by Heartland Cooperative in Jewell, approximately one acre by the Sportsman Hunting Club in Ames and approximately three acres from the Prairie Land Cooperative in Ellsworth.

Now that the entire trail corridor has been acquired, the next step is applying for additional recreation trail funds through state and federal programs. If funds are received, construction could begin sometime in 2010. However, such grants require a local match of 25%, so private contributions are vital to making the trail a reality. Contributions are tax deductible, and can be made to the J.A.D.E. Foundation or to the Hamilton County Conservation Board.

If you would like to make a contribution or have questions regarding the new trail, e-mail Brian Lammers, Conservation Director, or call him at 515-832-9570.

Jewellsworth new trail identity

With the public’s help, the Jewell to Ellsworth trail has a new name: the Jewellsworth Trail.

A new trail name has been discussed since the last public meeting held in Ellsworth on January 20, 2009. The Hamilton County Bike and Trail Club asked local residents to submit proposed trail names to their newspaper or local libraries. During Jewell Jubilee Days, three names were selected as finalists. The club sponsored the final vote during the 4th of July celebration at Little Wall Lake.

Jewellsworth Trail will be presented to the Hamilton County Conservation Board, the Cities of Jewell and Ellsworth at one of their selected meetings for official recognition.

INHF is a nonprofit conservation group that works with private landowners and other partners to protect Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped protect more than 100,000 acres of Iowa’s natural resources.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom at INHF or call 515- 288-1846.