Work in progress on second trail

Leisurely walks along a moonlit path or educational journeys in the light of day -- after Fort Scott Community College finishes the construction of its new walking trail, either will be possible.

With the help of the Fort Scott Community College Ecological Park Trail Grant, Environmental Technology Director Lee Ferdinand is constructing a new walking trail. When finished, this walking trail will connect to the trail already in place, Ferdinand said.

Several local groups and organizations are cooperating to complete the construction of the trail. Along the trail Westar Energy has built a bridge. The bridge was constructed from recycled utility poles, a sign on one of the bridges says.

The walking trail currently under construction at Fort Scott Community College winds around the back of the campus. A rain garden will be planted along the trail. An explanatory sign will be placed next to the garden to educate those who venture down the trail. Tribune photo/Rayma Silvers

According to Ferdinand, the trail only needs to be graded and then paved with asphalt. After this is done, gardens can be planted and signs erected, he said.

One of the signs to be erected is the rain garden sign. This sign will explain what a rain garden is. By distributing similar signs throughout the trail, Ferdinand hopes that people will be able to have self-guided tours, he said.

While the trail will wind around the college campus, anyone can walk its path. Ferdinand has hopes that eventually picnic tables will be built and maybe at a later date a concrete slab can be poured and a shelter constructed. He believes that this would make a wonderful outdoor classroom on cool days.

The walking trail currently under construction at Fort Scott Community College winds around the back of the campus. A rain garden will be planted along the trail. An explanatory sign will be placed next to the garden to educate those who venture down the trail. Tribune photo/Rayma Silvers

Several ponds are scattered along the trail. At one pond a fishing dock resides waiting to be entertained by fishermen or women. The pond is stocked by the state with regulation-sized fish for catching. If the wind is blowing, the windmills that line the ponds will put more oxygen into the water. According to Ferdinand, the fish really enjoy this.

Anyone can fish off the dock at the new walking trail. All a person needs is his or her own fishing equipment and a state fishing license, he said.

If the construction on the trail stays on schedule, the project should be completed in November, Ferdinand said.

For more information about the new walking trail, contact Ferdinand at (620) 223-2700 ext. 601.