With the support of a grant from the Jim and Mary Grist Fund for Waupaca, a fund within the Waupaca Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Dayton Community Connection Inc. is restoring the Lyman Dayton Trail in the Town of Dayton.  

 The restoration project is revitalizing a one-mile trail located at the Dayton Town Hall property in Waupaca County. To create a more accessible trail, the Dayton Community Connection removed invasive plants, including buckthorn, honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, and spotted knapweed. By clearing these invasive species, native plants can thrive, resulting in healthier wildlife habitats and an improved hiking experience for community members.  

Lorelle Dalke (Lake Anne, MI), Charles Grist (Portland OR), Nancy Grist-Franchett (Minneapolis MN), Julie Grist (Ojai CA). Not shown Thomas Grist (Madison WI).

 “We had such fun walking the Lyman Trail with Kelly from the Community Foundation and the industrious crew from the Dayton Community Connection near Waupaca,” said Julie Grist, one of Jim and Mary Grist’s five children. “They are transforming this once-ragged woods and meadowland into a thriving, beautiful native ecosystem, complete with a trail that encourages people to learn about conservation and the removal of invasive plant species. The property backs up to the Chain O’ Lakes, so improving this acreage helps keep the lake’s watershed clean and healthy for all to enjoy. We five siblings know that Mom and Dad would be very pleased to support this project through the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.” 

 Work began in March 2025, with Dayton Community Connection hiring professionals to handle the large-scale clearing using a method called “forest mowing.” Later this fall, goats will graze the area to naturally control and reduce the regrowth of the invasive species.  Volunteers also play a significant role by manually removing smaller invasive plants and maintaining the surrounding prairie areas surrounding the trail.  

 Educational signs along the restored trail explain the ecological impact of invasive plants and highlight the benefits of native vegetation. These signs provide visitors with valuable insights into the local ecology while creating an inviting space to connect with nature and neighbors.  

 “We’re excited to not only restore the trail but also create a welcoming community space where everyone can come together and enjoy a walk,” said Julie Mazzoleni, a member of the Dayton Community Connection. “We hope that visitors to the trail will enjoy the nature and see all kinds of native butterflies and bees.” 

 The trail is now open and ready for use; community members are invited to explore, and furry friends are also welcome on the trail.  

 Dayton Community Connection Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of all residents in the Town of Dayton, Waupaca, Wisconsin. Their mission is to bring the community together and promote positive change by creating and supporting local events and activities that bring people together, fostering a sense of community pride and togetherness.  

 Visit the Dayton Community Connection website to learn more.