Dr Brian Fulton was a psychiatrist at CMHI for many years. He
always
had time to visit and was a pleasure to know. He cared greatly
for
the patients here at CMHI and was well respected by his
colleagues.
He was also an avid ecologist. It was Dr. Fulton that initiated
the
planting of all these trees that make up this small plot of
forest.
When I first started working here this was just more prairie. It
is
now home to a number of animals. I have seen deer and turkey
in
this area while walking the trail. I have even seen a coyote on
rare
occasions. Thanks Dr. for you forethought and to push on with
your
ideals. We can all enjoy this forest for years to come.
The CMHI Business Manager, has graciously consented to the
placement of this geocache.The Cherokee Mental Institute was opened
in 1902. The many building on the grounds are of interesting
architecture. In 1995 a Walking Trail, open to the public, was
built around the remaining campus. The trail is approximately 2.7
miles in length. There are wooded, as well as prairie, areas along
the entire route. There is also a great deal of wildlife along the
trails, especially in the northeast area and the south central
area. The ideal course would be to park at the main trail parking
lot and then head north and follow the path until you get close to
the cache. There is minimal bushwhacking necessary off of the main
trail and the mosquitoes are virtually non-existent, at least
during daylight hours. Major bushwhacking not recommended. Due to
the number of deer, what appear to be “geotrails”
probably aren’t. The trail is now 98% small rock and gravel.
Both edges of the trail are mowed in most places though. This is
state property so the following simple rules are in effect:
1. Respect the privacy of hospital patients, as required by
state law. (Code of Iowa, Chapter 228.)
2. This trail is unsupervised. Trail users are responsible for
their own safety.
3. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.
4. Remove all litter, and place it in the containers located at
the trail shelter. (In other words please practice CITO.)
The coordinates for the main trail parking lot are: N 42° 45.350
– W 095° 34.128 There are other hard surface parking lots
around the grounds that you may park in, just do not drive on any
roads that are not hard surfaced.