Marshfield Utilities partners with Parks & Rec, Dan Umhoefer

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Marshfield Utilities (MU) is working jointly with the city’s Parks & Recreation Department and Dan Umhoefer to enhance the natural landscape of the Wildwood Station Trail.

Umhoefer has volunteered his time over the past year to remove invasive buckthorn along the bicycle trail. He has also purchased 300 bare root trees that will be installed along the bank on both the north and south side of the trail from Adams to State Streets.

MU will be supplementing additional vegetation along the trail. The plan includes approximately 60 shrubs to be placed throughout the area based on landowner placement and selection preferences. Ten larger trees will be installed along the north side of the bicycle path. These trees will provide color, habitat, and food for wildlife. Along with the bare root trees and shrubs, these trees will act as a natural fence as they mature in the years to come.

MU may provide additional vegetation in the near future while also working cooperatively to develop a vegetation learning center to be incorporated into the trail.

“Our goal is to provide a natural barrier between the trail and the adjacent homes, increase the trail user’s experience, and educate the trail users on the different types of nearby vegetation,” said Electric, Communications and Gas Manager for Marshfield Utilities Nicolas Kumm.

The project will result in a visually pleasing landscape that is compatible with the overhead power lines in the area.

“We will work closely with the property owners to ensure that they are informed and able to provide input on the project,” stated Kumm.

The meeting and coordinating with the property owners has already begun. Planting of the shrubs will occur in late spring to early summer.