Get Up and Grow: Happy trails to you

I know what you may be thinking right now: “How does an article about trails fit in to the usual ‘Get Up And Grow’ theme?”  

For the most part, nothing at all, at least until you enter the half-mile-long section of the Cardinal Greenway that stretches through the grounds of Minnetrista. Along this half-mile stretch, the greenway passes through large turf areas, meanders past the rose garden and continues past the planting beds all along Minnetrista Boulevard in front of the Ball family homes. And every day along this section of the trail, you also see Minnetrista grounds crew and gardeners with their equipment working alongside runners, walkers, cyclists, etc. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen an increased activity in the use of the trail as individuals and families look for activities that allow for social distancing.

►MORE GET UP AND GROW: As summer flowers bloom, hydrangeas grace Minnetrista campus

Therein lies the connection between gardening, lawn care and the use of the trail.  There can be a lot of activity going on around the trail at any given time. My concern has always been one of safety, for both user and worker. As a group, the grounds and gardening crews always use caution when working along the trail. But as careful as we are, accidents can still happen.

Here are some safety tips for trail users through Minnetrista:

• When passing employees working along the trail, do not automatically think that they see or hear you. Workers are focused on what they are doing, and equipment can be noisy. Use caution when moving through a work area.
• When cycling through Minnetrista slow down and enjoy the scenery. A fast-moving bicycle can be hard to spot for a person using a mower.
• When approaching a work area, say in a load voice “passing by” or something similar that will alert the workers you are close.

General safety tips for all trails.

• Always pay attention to children. They are unpredictable and can turn right in front of you.
• Slower traffic should always use the right side of the trail.
• Always pass on the left. 
• When approaching slower traffic always say “on your left” loudly before you pass.
• Never turn around until you look behind you to make sure trail is clear.
• Keep dogs on a short leash.

The folks at Minnetrista love the fact the White River Greenway travels past our grounds and all users are welcome to stop in and see what we have to offer.  In the meantime, while using all of the local trails, be safe and “Happy Trails to You.”

Steve Scott is grounds supervisor at Minnetrista.