The Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association is coordinating a trail cleanup on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at Horseriders Campground, 714 S. 3rd St., Palmyra.
“Interested parties are encouraged to dress for the weather and take gloves, rakes, shovels and/or tree loppers to assist in spring cleanup at the campground,” Tara LeRoy, president of the SKMHTA, wrote in a press release. “Adding a little fun to the trail cleanups this year, the junior club members will be hiding a special club garden gnome somewhere in the campground before the cleanup begins. The lucky individual that finds and returns the gnome to the club president at the camp pavilion by 12 p.m. that day will win a prize with a donation included from local sponsor Wings-N-Things.”
The club will have its monthly meeting and luncheon at noon under the pavilion after the cleanup is completed. Hot ham and rolls will be provided for those who register in advance and help with campground cleanup, and members are welcome to bring a special dish or dessert to share as well. RSVP online at www.skmhta.com.
For more information or questions on this event, please contact Bob Michaels, SKMHTA Trail Coordinator, Bob Michaels at 414-807-7726, or LeRoy at 262-613-8920.
In another joint effort with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the club is fundraising and preparing for installation of permanent horse corrals at Horseriders Campground. Phase one of this project, is expected to be completed this year and includes installation of two 12-foot-by-12-foot premium panel corrals at up to eight different sites that may be reserved at the campground.
The club is working with HHP Farm and Ranch Supply, LLC for corral materials. Additional corrals will be added as funding allows – with all corrals being funded solely by grants and donations. Although the club’s primary fundraising is done through its annual fundraiser on Sept. 15, a “Go Fund Me” page has also been set up specifically to donate to this project at https://www.gofundme.com/skmhta-horse-corrals-palmyra.
Early donors to this project include a $1,000 grant from the Wisconsin Horse Council and grants from UMECRA (Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Rides Association) totaling $600. UMECRA hosts 3 to 4 endurance rides each year at this campground. Online donations can also be made through the groups’ website or Facebook page. SKMHTA’s previous campground improvements include the funding and installation of electricity at 29 campsites and the pavilion, building and installation of the campground kiosk and the “Little Free Library,” mounting blocks and hitching posts.
People may help support the efforts of SKMHTA by becoming a member, volunteering or making a donation. Annual membership dues for 2018 are $25 per household, which includes all members of same household. Membership fees go towards projects to improve and maintain equestrian campgrounds and horse trails in the Southern Kettle Moraine Trail System for the benefit of all users. SKMHTA sponsors, Wings-n-Things of Palmyra, The Corral Trailer Sales of Helenville and Racer Placers, Inc. all offer “Members Only” discounts for 2018 to current SKMHTA members.
“Now is a great time to join,” LeRoy wrote.
“Support your local horse trails, take advantage of valuable discounts offered by club sponsors and meet fellow horse enthusiasts while participating in club events and social activities such as saddle cleaning parties, trail clean ups, clinics, fun rides, chili dump, and more.”
SKMHTA offers equestrian activities in a social setting with support for horse trails and campgrounds in the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. SKMHTA is always seeking suggestions for new projects, donations and volunteers. For more information or to become a member, visit www.skmhta.com, go to the SKMHTA or contact LeRoy via phone or email at SKMHTAnews@gmail.com.
