Tess and Jim Krog Work the Trail Together

Tess and Jim Krog have been volunteers on the Wednesday morning crew for four years. They are one of several married couples who do this. You know what they say, “The family that works the trail together makes the world beautiful together.” That’s not quite how the saying goes, but, nonetheless, it’s true.

Tess & Jim

Depending on the season, Tess and Jim help plant bushes, load and spread mulch, remove invasive species like honeysuckle and garlic mustard, and weed the trail gardens as needed. Armed with clippers, they also cut back the trail or various berry bushes and errant hanging limbs. This clearing not only helps the walkers and bikers have no obstructions, as well as our volunteer mowers who cut the grass along the trail.

The couple do this volunteer work because they see it as a valuable community service and enjoy the socialization. They also view it as a way to be outside, get exercise, and learn about local plant identification. Jim says the only bad part is “when there are no cookies for energy regeneration.” (Note that Carley Borcherding, also a crew member, regularly brings her delicious freshly baked cookies.)

Jim originally hailed from Lakefield, Minnesota and Tess from the Duluth/Alborn area. They settled in Phillips, Wisconsin where Jim worked as a mechanical designer and Tess as a certified nursing assistant. They moved to Platteville in 2019 to retire and be closer to family.

Jim and Tess say their family consists of three married sons with their amazing wives, as well as seven grandchildren. They love taking road trips to Davenport, Iowa; Iron Mountain, Michigan; and Farmington Hills, Michigan to visit them. Hiking and kayaking top their list of outdoor activities.

“Jim’s wry sense of humor and Tess’s kind nature make our Wednesday morning work crew more enjoyable and productive,” says Sue Kies, Wednesday morning crew leader. “They make it fun to be there.”