First Lady walkin'! Photo: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, July 20, 2011

Wisconsin's first lady Tonette Walker has been busy killing three birds with one stone(s) all over the state, showing up to take a nature hike with locals, thus promoting both tourism, fitness, and our governor all at once. And on Friday, it's our turn as she heads to Chippewa Falls to strap on the ol' Timberlands and hit the Old Abe State Trail.

“Walk with Walker” is free and open to the public and lets you "enjoy some time with the first lady while exploring Wisconsin’s rich history and naturally scenic beauty." It all begins at the crack of 10am at the Old Abe State Trailhead on County Highway S and 97th Avenue.

As the first Lady exclaims, “I’m particularly looking forward to the beautiful fall colors that I’ve heard are so radiant in Chippewa Falls!”

As we exclaim, "Release the press release!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUBLIC INVITED TO “WALK WITH WALKER”
IN CHIPPEWA FALLS
First Lady Tonette Walker continues awareness of state’s beauty,
health benefits of walking

 

Sconnie Lady #1

MADISON, Wis. (October 7, 2011) – Tighten your tennis shoes for a walk along the Old Abe State Trail with First Lady Tonette Walker for the next “Walk with Walker” on Friday, October 14 at 10 a.m. The event is free, open to the public and provides a unique opportunity for participants to enjoy some time with the first lady while exploring Wisconsin’s rich history and naturally scenic beauty.

“I look forward to each walk as a way to get to know the people and the landscape of Wisconsin while promoting the beauty of our state,” said Mrs. Walker. “I’m particularly looking forward to the beautiful fall colors that I’ve heard are so radiant in Chippewa Falls!”

The two-mile walk follows an abandoned and historic railroad connecting two State Parks from Chippewa Falls to Cornell. The railroad grade has been developed into a paved trail for everyone from bicyclists and walkers to snowmobilers and horseback riders to enjoy.  Part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System, the Old Abe State Trail will eventually be part of an 80-mile network that will include the Chippewa River and Red Cedar state trails.

“The Old Abe State Trail is a shining example of Wisconsin’s leadership in how we have taken abandoned railroad beds and turned them into a scenic trail that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors year round,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett, who has been the first lady’s walking partner for previous walks and will join this walk.

The walk, which continues the first lady’s initiative to showcase the natural, scenic beauty of Wisconsin while promoting health and wellness, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Old Abe State Trailhead on County Highway S and 97th Avenue (located ¼ mile from Lake Wissota Golf Club).

The public is invited to learn more about Wisconsin’s first lady’s “Walk with Walker” initiative at www.walkwithwalkerwi.org.

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