The Dallas County Conservation Board received two sizeable donations this week, to go towards the “Let’s Connect” project.

On Tuesday, Minburn Communications and the Aureon Company presented checks for $500 each to help fund the connector trail from Perry to Woodward. The money was supplied by the Aureon Charity Grant and the Minburn Communications Community Impact programs. Dallas County Conservation Director Mike Wallace graciously accepted the two donations, which brings the “Let’s Connect” project closer to its $5 million funding goal. To date, Conservation has raised over 60% of the funds needed.

The connector trail will bridge the nine-mile gap between the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry and the High Trestle Trail in Woodward. Phase one was completed this past summer, with 1.5 miles of trail paved east from Perry. Phase two, which involves a similar stretch running west from Woodward, will be completed this summer. The remaining six miles in between will be finished as funds come in, with Conservation hoping to have the whole trail completed by late 2020.