All posts by Jay Richards

Trail Report

Another interesting, typical Spring, weekend of weather. Dusting of snow and cold temps Saturday morning giving way to sunshine and warmer weather on Sunday. Leaves still slow to pop out on the trees and looking through the woods, still looks like end of April. Compared to other Springs, we are a week or so behind on the leaves, mainly because of the cooler weather this Spring. The mountain bike course is open but will be wet in a few spots. We have marked all the key intersections. The course begins behind the Great Northern building and signs are placed at key intersections. Follow the mowed/cleared trail otherwise. There is no trail fee to ride the trails. The riding has been great the past few weeks with no bugs and good sight lines because of no underbrush. Click here for the bike trail report page.

may14-2

may14-3

may14-4

http://picasaweb.google.com/6birdman6/May10thTrailReportPhotos

White Earth Diabetes Day

The White Earth Diabetes Day/Camp has become an annual event at Maplelag organized by the White Earth Diabetes Project.  The organizers and facilitators did a great job providing workshops and seminars on managing diabetes, nutrition and exercise. This year the National Kidney Foundation was on hand to provide screening for participants. The day ended with Diabetes Bingo!

http://picasaweb.google.com/6birdman6/WhiteEarthDiabetesDay2009

Trail Report

About as nice as it can get for a early May day. Light winds, mix of sun and clouds and pleasant temps. We had over a half inch of rain yesterday afternoon which really perked up the grass and underbrush. Many buds popping out on the treess and lots of forest plants starting to emerge. The shot of rain was timely as we finished planting the trees moments before the rain. The warmer temps this week should really get things moving in the woods. The forest is bursting with activity of nature…a great time of the year to be in the woods etc. The mountain bike course is open and in very good condition. Some of the best riding of the year with good sight lines, nice temps and no bugs!! We will sign the course the next week. A few low spots soft and holding water here and there but all in all good conditions and some great riding.

http://picasaweb.google.com/6birdman6/May6thTrailReportPhotos

Tree Planting

This Spring, just over 2500 coniferous trees were planted at Maplelag.  The trees were planted near and along the ski trails and also in the remaining open areas in the skinny field. The trees planted include Norway pine, spruce and fir balsam. Over the years, close to 100,000 trees have been planted!! It is rewarding to see trees planted as seedlings 25 years ago now tower 20-30f feet high.  Around 90% of the 650 acres at Maplelag has been enrolled in the MN Sustainable Forestry Initiative Act (SFIA Program) as of 2005.  Photos below of this Spring.

http://picasaweb.google.com/6birdman6/TreePlantingPhotosMay09