New Day Nature Trails
Land Restoration Project

Feel free to walk the trails—maybe you or your friends already have! We are in year three of a multi-year restoration that will result in areas of prairie grasses and wildflowers, a section containing a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, and a couple of wooded “openings” that will be so beautiful. Right now it’s a work in progress (though still beautiful). Every time we walk the trails we see it with eyes of faith for the increasing beauty that will be revealed as the restoration continues.

In 2022, we completed Phase 1 of the restoration, including:

• Invasive species clearing and treatments

• Clearing the prairie opening for restoration & planting

In 2023, we completed Phase 2 of the restoration, including:

• Creation of the bird sanctuary with feeders, birdbath, and seating for bird watchers

• Establishing the new walking trails

• Invasive species clearing and treatments

• Planting of a cover crop (temporary grasses to compete with the invasives)

• Sapling plantings (over 40 flowering trees planted in May of 2023)

• Tree plantings (10 white pine and 10 oak trees planted in October of 2023)

• Tree removals (mostly diseased trees, fallen trees, and those outside the scope of the prairie management program)

In 2024, we have already accomplished several Phase 3 goals, with more in progress:

• Smooth trails & plant them with clover

• Plant 20 Bur Oak trees (mostly in and around the prairie)

• Plant native grasses & wildflowers

• Continue to mow & treat invasive species

• See more details in the “Trail News” section below

We are delighted to share the joy of God’s creation with you! You are welcome here—on our land, on our trails, and in our church.

Bill & Marilee Menser, Lead Pastors

P.S. We will regularly post news and notes about the project in the News Feed below… stay tuned!