Whiterock Conservancy will host a work bee for volunteers who want to help maintain and improve its trails Saturday, Sept. 26.
With more than five inches of rainfall last week, the trails took a little bit of a beating, a spokesperson said. Volunteers will help repair and improve the most challenging slopes of the Big Dipper, Long Creek Trail and equestrian trails . No trail maintenance experience is necessary. Volunteers will meet Saturday at 9 am at the Star Field Campground, 1523 140th, Coon Rapids. A picnic lunch will be provided for volunteers at 1 pm. Please RSVP to guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org to help in planning for tools and lunch.
After lunch, volunteers are welcome to spend some time enjoying the trails and then enjoy a relaxing evening at the River House Dance Barn with the soulful and intoxicating sounds of Danika and Jeb. Danika and Jeb will perform their mix of acoustic pop and blues at 7 pm at the River House Barn, 1313 Fig Avenue, Coon Rapids.
The event is part of the Raccoon River House Concerts and all are welcome to bring their own drinks and maybe a snack to share. Suggested donation of $10-$20 goes directly to the artist. Learn more about Danika and Jeb at www.danikaholmes.com.
Visitors are invited Sunday, Sept. 27, for a Slow Sunday Drive from 2 to 5 pm. Participants should bring their John Deere Gator (or similar utility vehicle) for the drive that will encircle all of Whiterock’s nearly 20 miles of double track backcountry trail.
Whiterock is usually closed to private motorized vehicles, but for this event Whiterock will open the land for a pilot vehicle guided tour of the property. Participants will meet at the Garst Farmhouse Pond, 1370 Fig Avenue, Coon Rapids, unloading their utility vehicles in town and proceeding to the pond from the trail head by Sperry’s and the golf course club house.
Meet at the pond at 2 pm and then meander through prairie, savanna, forest, and pasture while enjoying breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding land. The cost is $20 per vehicle, which goes to help maintain Whiterock Conservancy’s double track trails. Participants can pre-register online at www.whiterockconservancy.org or pay when they arrive.
