Nature Center is ready for snow — ski replacement project comes to an end
Published 6:40 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s Kelly Bahl centers skis Wednesday afternoon. Just this year, a years-long project to replace skis, boots and poles was completed. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Belita Schindler, center, talks with Nature Center Director Luke Reese and City Council member Laura Helle Wednesday. Schindler has been a longtime donator to the Nature Center’s cross country skiing opportunities in memory of her husband Dr. Richard Schindler. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Karen Herreid is pictured during a brief program Wednesday marking the end of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s efforts to replace their cross country ski collection, somethign Herreid has donated to in memory of her husband Rick. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Belita Schindler, right, and Karen Herreid were honored for their work and donations toward the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s cross country ski rentals. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s new trail vehicle and trail groomer were displayed Wednesday afternoon, just waiting for the first snowfall. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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You had to use your imagination a little bit, but at the end of the day the underlying message is that the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is ready for cross country skiing.
“I was really hoping there would be snow when we planned this,” Director Luke Reese said smiling as outside the ground remained free of snow.
After several years, the Nature Center has finally completed a full replacement of its cross country ski outfits, a process that started in the winter of 2019-2020.
However, Wednesday’s event at the Nature Center was more than just announcing that equipment has been fully replaced. It was also about recognizing those who help make it easier for people to get out on the trails through generous donations.
Donations like those that have come from Karen Herreid and Belita Schindler in memory of their husbands, Rick Herreid and Dr. Richard Schindler, both avid skiers at the Nature Center.
“What makes it tick here are the people … that really allows us to be a vibrant part of our community,” Reese said. “It’s so exciting to finally finish this project.”
Donations by both Herried and Schindler have helped the Nature Center update its equipment, including new skis, boots and poles.
However, this process has been something of a challenge. No sooner than the Nature Center started the process than it was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, as it turns out, the skis they were purchasing came from Ukraine, which has been bogged down now in a nearly two-year conflict with Russia, after the country invaded in February of 2022.
“We’ve been working on this for years,” Reese said. “It’s nice to have all our skis now replaced.”
But for those who donated to not only help replace the equipment, but to help keep prices for renting the equipment low, it was an opportunity to assist families that really drove them.
“Rick loved coming out here to cross country ski,” Herreid said. “When somebody dies you ask what kind of memorial can make a difference in the community.”
“You do things for families,” she continued. “You like to make it affordable for young families.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Schindler.
“Families can come out with their kids and there’s skis for all people,” Schindler said.
But contributions don’t end with Herreid or Schindler. The Eagles Club of Austin also donated funds to the Nature Center that allowed them to purchase a new trail vehicle with treads and a new groomer that will greatly improve efficiency when the snow finally does fall.
“The trails can be done in a lot quicker time,” Reese said.
While it could be awhile before people can make use of the skis on the nine miles of trails, the Nature Center will be ready. It’s free to ski the trails at the Nature Center and ski and snowshoe rentals are $8 for adults and $2 for children ages 16 and under.
For more information about trail conditions or to learn about times for pop-up ski lessons, visit: https://www.hormelnaturecenter.org/
