This award recognizes an individual that has made outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance. It is intended to recognize the efforts of a private or public sector individual working for enhanced trail recreation on either the local, state, or national level.
Eileen Weyhrich is a member of Jubilee Riders, a group of equestrians that are dedicated to maintaining the 50 miles of multi-use trails at Jubilee State Park.
Eileen is a member of the grant committee for this club. She spent time and effort to write and receive two grants for the Jim Surgeon Equestrian Park. One grant was for a deep water well. This grant was given by the Illinois Equine Promotion Board.
The new deep water well is 360 feet deep and provides needed water for horses at the campground. A consistent source of good water is necessary. The old well was a shallow sand point and often went dry. Just as the new well was finished lighting stuck the old well and it no longer works.
Taking the time to write a grant and securing the funds was a job well done. Eileen wrote a grant to STEP (Stewards Toward Education and Promotion) for a Track Master. This is a piece of machinery used to maintain trails that are eroding due to water run off. The STEPS program was sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association and Tractor Supply.
Writing grants takes much time, knowledge, and energy. By receiving these grants the equestrian campground has a much needed well and a track master that will help maintain excellent trails.
Jim Spurgeon Equestrian Campgrounds is located in the north section of the 3,200 acre Jubilee State Park. The park is located in the heartland of Illinois north of Peoria. Tom Hintz is site superintendent with a staff of two.
Camping, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, geocache chasing, shotgun hunting, handicap hunting, mountain biking, cross country running, and equestrian riding are available. Streams, hills, prairie fields 25 varieties of deciduous trees, resident and migratory birds, fields of wild flowers, deer and other wild life are abundant.
The equestrian campground is approximately 15 acres with cottonwood trees shading the center. Primitive camping with a new deep water well and manure pits are available at this campground. The trails are solid two track trails, large creek crossings and single woodland trails that wind through the many hills. It is always a pleasure to enjoy the quiet of nature while riding on these various trails.
