Paynesville, Minnesota's

Crow River Trail Guards

Who We Are. . . Crow River Trail Guards, Inc. is a self-funded private youth organization started in 1992 by Paynesville resident Tom Koshiol. The original intention of building a local trail system to promote environmental awareness through postitive exposure evolved to a system that now serves an average of 50 youths each season, and provides a wholesome service to the community.

How It Works. . . The Trail Guards is building and maintaining a park along the North Fork of the Crow River on 12 acres of city-owned land within the city limits of Paynesville. Long neglected and misused, the area is being restored as the Crow River Nature Park . Trail Guard members, ages 8 to 19, work at the park every Saturday morning, April through October, ending each work session with a group noon lunch. Work points are earned to be redeemed on Outdoor Adventure Rewards, a series of exciting, wholesome outdoor activities designed for personal growth in a wilderness setting. These trips are provided at no cost to the participating youths, making them available to virtually any kid willing to earn his or her points at the park.

MISSION STATEMENT

"To provide an opportunity for local youth to share in the creation and maintenance of the Crow River Nature Park and area trails, and offer in return affordable, wholesome outdoor adventure rewards."