Making the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail

Making the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail

Episode Description 

Join us for a conversation about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail (MDHT), an ambitious project to create the first long-distance hiking trail in Minnesota's Driftless Region. We speak with Marty Walsh (Lead Instigator) and Alexa Shapiro (Trail Director) about how this trail will connect communities, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, and celebrate the unique landscape of southeastern Minnesota. 

Guests 

• Alexa Shapiro - Trail Director, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail 
• Marty Walsh - Lead Instigator, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail 

Key Topics 

• The unique geological features of the Driftless Region and why it's ideal for a long-distance trail 
• How the trail project builds partnerships between private landowners and public land managers 
• The potential economic and community impact of the trail on local communities 
• Recent funding from LCCMR and plans for trail development 
• Strategies for integrating the trail with local community recreation planning 

Notable Quotes 

"We should love what we have, and probably the best way to do that is this long distance trail." - Marty 

Co-Producer: Cody Nelson

Credits:
Producers: Randolph Briley
Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty
Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake