Local improvements to River to River Trail thanks to donations and a NFF matching grant
John Wohlwend, President of the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, presents donation check to Ken Wiseman, President of the Shawnee Trail Conservancy. See article for names of others pictured. – photo furnished.
By Jennifer Lane, Editor
Improvements are underway on a section of the River to River Trail, thanks to local donors, partner organizations, and matching grant funds through the National Forest Foundation.
It all began only a few months ago on December 20, 2025, when Terry Wheeler, Director of Shawnee Trail Conservancy (STC), alerted Shawnee Forest trail riders and STC members that the National Forest Foundation (NFF) was offering a 100% matching grant to reroute and improve portions of the River to River Trail.
STC agreed to facilitate the grant-funded work, but the organization needed to secure $20,000 in matching commitments by January 10, 2026.
Despite having only 21 days to raise the money, supporters surpassed the goal and contributed $26,125!
Donations were tax-deductible through STC’s 501(c)(3) status. An anonymous donor purchased 400 tons of rock, and Charles Carter Trucking agreed to transport the rock at half price to help support the effort.
Wheeler said that although many improvements have been made to the trail over time, the existing route had reached a point where it needed to be moved near the bluff area. He said the reroute will create a prettier ride or walk while also helping eliminate current mud and erosion problems. The work begins at the overlook west of High Knob, continues on to Buzzard’s Roost and the Golden Circle Trailhead parking area, crosses the road and reconnects with the River to River Trail toward Garden of the Gods. The Golden Circle Trailhead parking area will also be enlarged as part of the project.
Another benefit of the project will be improved emergency access. Wheeler said the new route should make it easier for emergency workers to reach injured trail users or people who have fallen from a bluff, allowing off-road vehicles to access the area more quickly and improving expedited transport out of the trail area.
The project is estimated at more than $50,000, with expenses fully covered through donations and grant funds. In addition to individual donors, Friends of the Shawnee National Forest and the Midwest Equine Trail Foundation (METF) contributed and have supported the effort. Sarah Anderson, Director of the METF, wrote up the wording for the fundraiser to gain attention for support. Sarah is from Indiana but stays at High Knob often, riding through the area.
On June 4, 2026, Shawnee Trail Conservancy received a $2,500 check from Friends of the Shawnee National Forest at the Shawnee National Forest Headquarters in Harrisburg, Illinois. Several people were there to celebrate and support the work to be done. Those in attendance included STC Director Terry Wheeler, STC President Ken Wiseman (President of Shawnee Hills Appaloosa Club and Associated Saddle Club, and Honor Flight Veteran), Nick Mott of Representative Patrick Windhorst’s office, two representatives from the National Forest Foundation – one from Illinois and one from Washington, D.C., Chad Deaton – Recreation Program Manager for U.S. Forest Service, John Wohlwend – President of the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, and nine total members of the STC, including two others who were Honor Flight of Southern Illinois Veterans – Evan Lewis and Joe Perina.
After the check presentation, several of those mentioned traveled to tour the areas of the old eroded trail, the new rerouted River to River Trail and the expanded Golden Circle trail head.
The representatives from the NFF were impressed with the work already done and said they would be eager to work with STC on future projects. Wheeler was thankful that NFF provided a 100% matching grant for the full amount already raised, $26,125.00.
U.S. Forest Service engineers designed the plans for the trail reroute. STC has started work on the reroute and renovation project, which is expected to be finished by Aug. 1, 2026.
Work was done by STC Director Terry Wheeler to remove vegetation and a lot of tree roots to expand the Golden Circle trail head parking lot before the 400 ton of rock that has been delivered can be spread when conditions become dry enough. A large sack of glass bottles, trash, and broken glass was collected and removed as well.
STC is a grassroots nonprofit corporation that advocates for multi-use recreation in the Shawnee National Forest. The organization works to preserve and protect natural resources through proper trail maintenance, trail markers, trail etiquette education, low environmental impact and wise-use management practices. The group represents equestrians, hunters, ATV riders, bikers, hikers, campers, rock climbers, business people, professionals, retirees and others who enjoy the Shawnee. Its goal is to help keep the Shawnee National Forest open and safe for public use and enjoyment.
Director Wheeler encourages the public to visit the STC website at www.shawneetrailconservancy.com or its Facebook page. There, those interested can sign up to be a member and /or see the work and improvements being done on trails throughout the Shawnee National Forest. Every 6 months members receive a newsletter keeping them up to date on work being done and how their membership contributes to the cause. Director Wheeler emphasized that the work being done truly supports the Shawnee National Forest since there are only about 2-4 Forest Service staff overseeing the care of 485 miles of trails.
Published in the June 18, 2026 Hardin County Independent.
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