Community members in Christian County can expect to see improvements and extensions to the Lincoln Prairie Trail in the coming weeks and months.  The Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy is orchestrating these changes to the trail, which runs between Taylorville and Pana.  They are looking to extend the route through to the northwest portion of Taylorville and have been in talks with the city on proposals. There are other efforts to improve and beautify the surroundings of what already exists, as well as events to inspire local youth to use the trail.

Steve Dennis is a member of the Conservancy’s board.  He says the route through the city will use side streets to take walkers and riders to where Route 29 meets 104. 

Another proposed project would see a more easily accessible crosswalk built for visitors to access the veterans memorial at Lake Taylorville from the trail and vice versa. 

The Conservancy has worked with Owaneco’s village board to add amenities there, similar to what currently exists at the trailheads. 

The organization has also partnered with the University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardeners to plant native sunflowers at the Pana trailhead and between Owaneco and Millersville. 

Students at elementary schools in Taylorville will be able to participate in a “bike rodeo.”  The Conservancy is organizing this event thanks to grant funding the city received from the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

More information on the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy is available at www.lincolnprairietrailsconservancy.com and on their Facebook page.

Steve Dennis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.