Friends of High Cliff State Park Holds Dedication for Lime Kiln Trail Waterfall Area and Stairs

On Friday, June 12, Friends of High Cliff State Park gathered with donors and community partners for the dedication of the Lime Kiln Trail Waterfall Area and Stairs. This celebration marks the completion of the Waterfall Area improvements and replacement of the Mid and Upper Trail Stairs as part of the Lime Kiln Trail restoration project at High Cliff State Park.

See more photos here.

“Friends of High Cliff State Park is a group of volunteers who enjoy, help preserve, and enhance this natural resource, and find so much in this Park to appreciate,” said Gary Vaughan, President of Friends of High Cliff State Park Board of Directors. “Having the support from donors and community partners to improve the visitor experience for over 700,000 park users each year is wonderful.”

Long recognized as a place of exceptional beauty, for excellent hiking, and immersion with the natural world, the 1.7-mile Lime Kiln Trail parallels the Lake Winnebago shoreline and traverses steep talus slopes below the geologically unique and globally significant Niagara Escarpment.

The Friends of High Cliff State Park embarked in 2022 on a multi-year, phased project to address long-standing safety, accessibility, and deferred maintenance issues. “We would not be able to make these much-needed updates without our many supporters and we are so thankful. We want as many people as possible to enjoy this community treasure that includes a 125-acre State Natural Area supporting rare and sensitive plant and animal communities,” said Greg Burns, Friends of High Cliff State Park member and project leader.

During the dedication, donors and community partners were recognized and thanked for their support. Donors who contributed $5,000 or more include:

• David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
• William and Mary Bergstrom Family within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
• Environmental Stewardship Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
• Community First Credit Union
• Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Friends of High Cliff State Park
• Anonymous

While expressing his gratitude for all those helping to bring this project to completion, Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, announced additional funding to support the next phases of the Lime Kiln Trail restoration project and enhancements to the Indian Mound Trail, including trail rerouting, new surfacing, and interpretive signage that will help visitors better understand and appreciate the Native American history and ongoing cultural connection to the park.

“The Community Foundation and the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund are pleased to see the completion of the stairs replacement project, an important investment in both visitor safety and accessibility,” said Detjen. “High Cliff State Park is a treasured community resource, attracting visitors who come to experience its unique natural beauty and the area’s rich historical significance. We are thrilled to continue to partner in projects that inspire people to explore, learn, and connect with all that is offered at High Cliff State Park.”

To learn more about this project, the work of the Friends of High Cliff State Park, and how you can get involved, visit https://www.friendsofhighcliff.org.