Although only a few years old, the five hundred foot Wetlands Walk at Veterans Walking Trail on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway has been beset by robust plants, even trees, finding their way between the walkway boards and overtaking the walking area. As the foliage thickened throughout the summer, hikers and walkers were hesitant to venture onto the boardwalk, worrying about woodticks and deer ticks, and generally finding the overgrowth to be a deterrent to optimal enjoyment of the Wetlands Walk itself.

The likely solution was an environmental sun-blocking fabric.  The trick was figuring out how to install it without completely taking the entire five hundred foot walkway apart. That conundrum took some thinking…a couple years of thinking, in fact. But, finally, after researching installation ideas and implementing a test area in 2008, a plan was devised.

To prevent plant growth between the decking boards, the sun-blocking fabric had to fit snugly into the space and be securely affixed to the board. Here’s how it works:

1. An 18” x 60” strip is cut and then folded to a 1.5” x 60” size. This allows enough ‘spring’ in the strip to expand within the space between the two decking boards. Each strip requires 10 staples to hold it securely.

2. There are 50 decked sections with 15 spaces per section, thereby requiring 750 strips and 7500 staples.

3. Before the strip is inserted, the boards on each side of the space receive a bead of glue.

4. Then the strip is eased into place and allowed to ‘spring’ outward and affix itself to the glued sides.

Strips are prepared (cut and stapled) at the Badgers’ household.  Assistants are welcomed any time and at the convenience of the assistant.

Work dates to install the strips at the Wetlands Walk site are being designated as volunteers become available. The next install date will be set as soon as possible. More helpers are needed. If you can help in any way, call Dave at 218-543-5230 to schedule your choice of tasks.

The project is spearheaded by site supporters and Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association members, Dave and Mary Badger. Their work team consists of fellow Sons of the American Legion members, Darryl Skallet and Don Bungert and Pequot Lakes American Legion member, Craig Sundlie. This is a big job, however, and the group could use a few additional hands. Check your calendar and call Dave today!