In early May 2001, Betsy Beneke, a previous Park Ranger, telephoned to inform me that I had been accepted as a volunteer at the refuge.  Plus, she already had an assignment!

I was to hike the Old Indian Trail and submit a report on how to upgrade the trail and make the historic route more user friendly and informative.  She went on to explain that some visitors were getting mixed-up and a number of them thought the trail signs were confusing. Naturally, I jumped at the chance.

On May 21st,  with eager legs, an open mind, along with a notebook and pencil, I set out to complete the assignment.  Being an “outsider,” I soon recognized why some visitors had expressed their concerns.  It took about four hours to walk the trail, making frequent stops for observations, note taking and absorbing the natural wonders of the refuge.

A week later I returned to the refuge headquarters. I sat in the conference room and wrote my thoughts ending with five or six recommendations.  The report was given to Betsy, who after studying it, passed the narrative on to Jay Johnson, the refuge manager at the time.

By September 2004, the trail upgrades were in place. A new trailhead sign, off County Hwy 29, was erected displaying a map-like picture of the actual route.  Also, at the junction where the trail forks to form a loop, a newer sign now greets the hiker.  Near the beaver dam, the trail widens; but, an additional marker points the way.  Other improvements include general maintenance of the pathway, a new bench with a great view and some blocking off of cross-over trails between the loop.

This popular trail not only serves the warm weather hiker, but provides an escape into the stillness of winter via the use of snowshoes.  Even in the “dead of winter,” the keen observer can witness life thriving along the improved Old Indian Trail.