Bank Donates Snowshoes to Howard Co. Conservation

To date, skiing has become an increasingly popular sport for the region, but because of a recent donation area residents and tourists can enjoy another winter sport: snowshoeing.

Indeed, C US Bank has donated funding to the Howard County Conservation Board for the purchase of 23 sets of snowshoes. The snowshoes were purchased at Cresco Bicyles.

Bank President Scott Thomson said, "As a community-minded bank, we value additional tourism that will hopefully come to the Cresco area because of the snowshoes."

Thomson also cites the importance of healthy living, stating that the snowshoes will provide citizens and tourists with another option for exercise and wellness.

Angela Bries, Howard County Naturalist, said, "The Conservation Office receives calls from all over Iowa, asking about [local] trail conditions."

She also says she routinely sees people from both Iowa and Minnesota using the trail system in Howard County.

Cresco residents Mark Johnson and his wife, Brenda Steffens Johnson, have donated plenty of time and energy throughout the years, keeping up the trail system that surrounds the Prairie's Edge Nature Center.

The Johnsons agree that skiing and snowshoeing offers a beneficial exercise alternative. They say both sports get people out of the house during the long winter months.

"Cross country skiing [also known as or XC skiing] is one of the best overall activities for conditioning," said Brenda, "and snowshoeing, especially when poles are used, is also a good total body workout." 

The Johnsons say there are a couple of spots, in particular, near the Nature Center that specifically accommodates snowshoeing as well as hiking. "Brenda, with the help of Howard County Conservation Board staff, opened two one-half mile trails on the south side of the [Turkey] River," said Mark, adding, "These trails are designated for snowshoe and foot traffic."

Skis and snowshoes can be checked out at the Nature Center, located at 11562 Valley Ave., just southwest of Cresco. There is a $25 deposit to use the equipment. The deposit will be returned when the equipment is returned.

To check out skis or snowshoes you must be at the Nature Center by 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday, and on the weekends the Nature Center is open. The Nature Center will be open on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, from 12-noon until 3 p.m.

Source: www.crescotimes.com,  February 7, 2012

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