Honoring Lynn Lightner: A Legacy of Trailblazing in Nebraska
Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to a Trail Giant no longer among us, Lynn Lightner. https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/lynn-lightner/
Lynn was a remarkable engineer and trail advocate who dedicated his life to shaping the trails that connect and inspire our communities today. His visionary contributions to Nebraska's trail systems, spanning decades, reflect not just his technical expertise but also his deep commitment to preserving nature and fostering healthier lifestyles. Lynn was a founder of The Nebraska Trails Foundation, The Lincoln Track Club and the Lincoln Marathon. Lynn was on The Board of Directors for Great Plains Trails Network and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and many service organizations.
A Life of Dedication and Achievement
Lynn’s journey as a trail advocate began in the 1970s, where his engineering expertise became a cornerstone for trail development. Over his lifetime, Lynn contributed to the construction of hundreds of miles of trails, creating pathways that have enriched countless communities. Among his many achievements are:
- MoPac Trail East (1988): Lynn was among the 15 trailblazers who personally signed a promissory note to secure funding for the MoPac Trail East. This project paved the way for the trail's 21.7-mile stretch through Cass and Lancaster counties.
- Lied-Platte River Bridge (1997): Alongside Ross Greathouse, Lynn oversaw the restoration of this 1,714-foot marvel, connecting Cqss County with Sarpy County, and the vision to connect Omaha and Lincoln.
- Chief Standing Bear Trail: A career-defining, decades long project, Lynn meticulously managed the development of this 22.9-mile trail memorializing the Ponca Tribe’s historic relocation journey of 1877.
- Homestead Recreational Trail (2007): Lynn re-engineered plans for 12 bridges, saving the Lower Platte South NRD an estimated $100,000 and making it easier for volunteers to participate in construction.
Other projects include his contributions to the Cowboy Trail, Dark Island Trail, and Oak Creek Trail, among many others. These trails, now iconic pathways in Nebraska, stand as a testament to Lynn’s meticulous engineering and unwavering dedication to trail development.
Awards and Recognition
Lynn's commitment to excellence was widely acknowledged. He received many awards to for his innovative designs and his seamless coordination of volunteers. Lynn’s work has left a lasting impact on both the trails and the people who enjoy them.
- 2005 and 2007 Trail Boss Award from the Nebraska Trails Foundation
- 2007 Tributary Award, from the Lower South Platte Natural Resources District
- 2016 Golden Spike Award from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Homestead Conservation & Trails Association Foundation, and the Nebraska Trails Foundation
- 2017 Chief Standing Bear Organizational Award to Lynn Lightner and The Nebraska Trails Foundation.
- 2018 Trail Worker Award from AmericanTrails.org, a prestigious honor recognizing his ingenuity and leadership in trail development
- 2018 The Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award, presented by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
A Visionary and Friend
Active as both a cyclist and runner, Lynn’s passion for trails extended beyond engineering. It was his enduring friendship with fellow trail advocate Ross Greathouse that defined much of his work. Together, their partnership propelled Nebraska’s trail system into a model for recreation and environmental preservation.
Continuing His Legacy
Lynn Lightner's dedication to Nebraska’s trails is an inspiration to us all. His work has enriched countless lives, fostering stronger communities and a deeper connection to nature. To honor his memory, we invite you to contribute to the Lynn Lightner Memorial Fund, ensuring his vision of accessible and sustainable trails lives on for future generations.
Your donation will directly support the continued development and maintenance of Nebraska's trail systems, keeping Lynn’s spirit alive in every path we walk, run, or bike. Nebraska Trails Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible. EIN #36-0061007
