Visitors to Horicon Marsh in Mayville, Wisconsin will have new scenery to enjoy with the completion of the latest Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Work Boots on the Ground, all-volunteer project that brings together union members from all over the country for conservation.
Union volunteers, all members of the South Central Wisconsin and Northeast Building and Construction Trades councils, donated their time and expert trade skills to put a roof on a picnic pavilion and refurbish bridge decking in need of repair on June 13. Throughout the day, workers installed roof tresses and shingles and repaired and replaced portions of a bridge deck that were weathered and in need of refurbishing.
A picnic pavilion at Horicon Marsh, has a new roof thanks to the expert trade skills of union volunteers who participated in the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s `Work Boots on the Ground,’ conservation initiative in Wisconsin.
Dave Branson, Executive Director of the South Central Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council, headed up the project. “It’s nice to get out in the community and do something for the marsh out there that people can use and enjoy,” Branson said.
Union volunteers included members of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 599, Sheet Metal Workers Local 18, Plumbers Local 75, Bricklayers Local 13, Electrical Workers 159 and 494 and the South Central Federation of Labor. Wisconsin resident Tim Bindl, who formerly coordinated the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program, lent some additional elbow grease to the project.
“Union volunteers bring expert skills and sincere dedication to our Work Boots on the Ground projects all over the country,” said Fred Myers, Executive Director and CEO of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. “They bring a strong work-ethic to the job in small towns and big cities, making a huge impact in our daily lives. They want to give back in their local communities, and being part of our conservation initiatives gives them a way to do that.”
Union volunteers spent the day building a roof on a picnic pavilion, to help shelter visitors, along The Egret Trail at Horicon Marsh, in Mayville, Wisconsin.
Erin Railsback, Visitor Services Manager at Horicon Marsh, said The Egret Trail, where the work took place, is the most popular site on the refuge.
“It’s fantastic that this group was able to donate the time to help enhance the facilities for our visitors,” Railsback said. “Because of their volunteerism and commitment to conservation and education, thousands of visitors will be able to take advantage of the shelter…and continue to enjoy access to the marsh itself.”
