National Parks landscape architect speaks at opening Graves Lecture
CHADRON – Kat Shiffler, a landscape architect with the National Parks Service gave the first of three lectures in the Graves Lecture Series at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Tuesday. Her lecture, Trail Town, U.S.A., focused on the building of new, long-distance trails connecting small towns throughout the Midwest, including Nebraska.
In addition to maintenance of existing routes like the Cowboy Trail and the Great Plains Trail, she spoke about upcoming plans to create a Great American Rail Trail spanning from Washington state to Washington D.C. In her lecture, Shiffler gave an in-depth look at its development through maps, statistics, and an audience Q&A.
Shiffler further explained that Chadron will be one of many trail town stops on the massive route, along with Valentine, Atkinson, and others. Citing things like history, character, and accessibility, she said rural cities like Chadron could connect future hikers and cyclists to nature and local culture. She also said this could have a major positive impact on small communities through tourism, education, and more.
According to its official website, this project will give nearly 50 million people across 12 states access to close-to-home outdoor spaces. In Nebraska, the trail will span 590 miles and is about 54 percent complete. It is expected to generate $14.5 million in visitor spending and create 170 new jobs.
More information and progress updates are available at https://www.railstotrails.org/greatamericanrailtrail/.
Category: Campus News, Graves Lecture Series