Illiniwek Trailwork Extravaganza: Sat. & Sun. 13-14 Oct. @ 9AM

[DH001]

We have a big project is in the works for Illiniwek. A switchback corner is needed to create a sustainable reroute to the steep climb near the creek on the North Loop. We have been working the last few weeks to prep for this project and are getting close to starting.

Start time is 9:00 AM for both Sat. and Sun. 13-14 Oct. and we will be working for 3-4 hours depending on the turnout. Meet in the main parking lot off of IL Rt-84. I can provide more detailed directions if needed.

We will be hauling ~130 60lb retaining wall blocks as well as ~3 tons of gravel to the construction site with the help of a Mucktruck motorized wheelbarrow. If you have experience using one of these let me know and you can be in charge of it for the day.

We also need anyone who has had experience building retaining walls for landscaping applications. The lower leg of the switchback requires retaining wall which tapers from ground level to 3' in height over a length of 25' (see images below). The wall will be fitted with a drainage system.

Also needed is someone with a truck/trailer that can transport the Mucktruck (weights about 200 lbs; L:61" x W:28" x H:34") from Avenue Rentals located at 1308 State Street, Bettendorf, IA before 5PM Friday the 12th or at 7-8AM Saturday morning. The machine will also need to be transported to a secure area (my house is close) after we are finished for the day and transported back to the work site the following day. Let me know if you want to be in charge of this.

All other materials are going to be delivered to the park by the suppliers.

In addition to the switchback, we have quite a bit of trail to construct. If we have enough people, we will split into groups and work on multiple projects.

We have budgeted for food for the volunteers which will probably be pizza or sub sandwiches. Let me know if you are planning on coming so I can get an idea of how many tools and how much food is needed. If you have your own tools (flat shovels & rogue hoes) please bring them.

Concept Renderings:

[speedjunkie]

Seams like a lot of work for something that could maybe be made out of wood and look a lot cooler.

[DH001]

No matter what material is chosen it is going to be a lot of work!

I considered using wood ties for the retaining wall initially but the lifespan is much less than concrete block (20 vs +40 yrs). Concrete won't "rot" and should require little to no maintenance for many years. It is also practically inert and will not leach or deposit chemicals into the environment as with treated wood products when they decompose. If the type of wood features you are referring to are those like at Sunderbruch on the Jubilee trail, we don't and probably never will have authorization to build those at Illiniwek because it is being managed for a more natural appearance.

The block color is going to be a dark brown to blend in with the surroundings. Grey was used in the rendering to better highlight the structure.

[DH001]

Sergio has volunteered to transport the Mucktruck so that task has been crossed off of the list.

[Bexter]

I can help on Saturday.

[Russhole]

I was going to start flagging Sylvan this weekend, but i guess it can wait. i might be in for both days. not a lot going on this weekend.

[dirtboy]

the browns are in for Sunday.

[Neiprider]

I will be there Sunday.

[jimithng23]

I can help Sunday morning.

[DH001]

Now hopefully the weather holds out...

[DH001]

Looks like we are going to have a good turnout. All the bulky materials are being delivered Friday morning. If anyone has any extra tools would you please bring them with you? We are going to need more flat shovels and rogue hoes, shovels probably more so (bring your unsharpened ones because we will be shoveling gravel).

[ew_perry]

Anna & I can arrive Sunday at 1pm if help will still be needed. We will see you then.

[Russhole]

sorry dudes. it was just made official. I'll be working 12 hour days starting tomorrow and going to the 22nd. have fun.

[Byke Dood]

This guy makes it look easy

[dgw2jr]

This guy makes it look easy

That thing is slack!

[mtnbkn1]

That thing is slack!

You talkin head angle or chain tension??

[dgw2jr]

You talkin head angle or chain tension??

Head angle at first, but upon closer inspection that chain is pretty slack too

[DH001]

It looks like we are going to have severe weather rolling in around 9-11 AM today. I am going to push back the start time for the trail day to 12:00pm to avoid this patch of weather. The rain should quickly soak into the soil given how dry it is and I doubt it will be very muddy. It should actually make it a little easier to work. Please relay this message through any channels that it has previously been sent.

[Bexter]

I'm not going to be able to make it later today. Week 2 of weddings. :(

[corbin]

The Corbin's are in

[mtnbkn1]

Still on for tomorrow AM?

[DH001]

Still planning on starting at 9AM. It looks like the severe weather is going to stay away but we are going to get some patchy rain.

[ew_perry]

How have things gone? How much help is needed today? How late do you expect to be working?

[DH001]

We still need a lot of help. We finished the first two layers of block on the wall and there are 4 more layers to go and 2 tons of gravel that needs to be transported to the work area. The rain really slowed progress with the power wheelbarrow yesterday because it wasn't getting traction going up some of the hills. We had to haul half loads to make it manageable.

[Chief Illiniwek]

As you might guess we are calling it off for today. Got lots to move so keep an eye on this thread for future work. We need to get all the supplies moved in to the woods and will need lots of help when the weather lets us do so.

JB