Listening to the Prairie - Sometimes the Best Ideas Come from a Walk

Jeff Fimreite - For Coutnty Board of Supervisors, District 21 - 2/09/26

My wife and I spend a lot of time walking on Brice Prairie. It’s one of those places that reminds you why people choose to live here in the first place. No matter the season, there’s always something worth slowing down for.

As we walk along County Road ZB, we’re constantly drawn to the shoreline, watching birds glide over the water, dive for food, or simply perch and observe the world around them. A little farther along, the overlook near the nature center never gets old. It’s one of those quiet spots that invites reflection, whether you’re there for five minutes or fifty.

We also love the trails around the nature center itself. In the spring and summer especially, they come alive. Butterflies of every color drift across the paths, and you start noticing all the small details, dragonflies, bees, and insects you don’t see when you’re moving too fast. It’s peaceful, grounding, and a reminder of how special this area really is.

Another favorite stretch is the bike trail that cuts right through the prairie. The old train bridge just past Lydle’s Landing that was converted into a walking bridge over the Black River is a highlight every time. And if we have extra time, we’ll wander down near Lytle’s Landing to watch the kayakers and cyclists pass through. There’s a steady rhythm to it, people out enjoying the land, the water, and each other’s company.

Brice Prairie offers so much enjoyment, and it’s clear more and more people are discovering it. We see walkers, runners, cyclists, families with strollers, often sharing space with traffic moving pretty fast along some of the county roads. I know this concern has been raised before, but it’s hard not to think about it when you’re walking just a few feet from passing cars.

It’s made me imagine what could be possible.

What if we had walking and biking trails adjacent to the road that safely connected the places people already love, the nature center and its trails, the Mississippi River bike trail, the swamp trails, and even the scenic overlook? What if families, seniors, and visitors could move through Brice Prairie without worrying about traffic, and drivers didn’t have to navigate around people walking on narrow shoulders?

Brice Prairie is growing. With that growth comes opportunity, but also responsibility. Thoughtfully planned trail connections wouldn’t just improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents; they would enhance quality of life and make this already special place even more accessible. They would invite visitors while protecting residents, and encourage healthy recreation without changing the character of the prairie.

These are the kinds of ideas that stick with you when you spend time walking, observing, and listening to a place. If elected, this is something I would fight for, not because it’s flashy, but because it makes sense. Safe, connected trails are an investment in people, in safety, and in the long-term vitality of Brice Prairie.

Sometimes the best ideas don’t come from meetings or reports, they come from simply taking a walk.

Let’s work together so future generations have the same opportunities we had and to feel proud of the place they call home.

To learn more about my candidacy for La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, District 21, please visit https://www.jeff-fimreite-for-county-board-of-supervisors.com/. You can also follow my campaign on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584393553957.

Jeff Fimreite - For County Board - District 21