History of Howard and the Trails- In 1999, the current Trails properties were donated by the Seibel family to Fort Hays State University.  This donation included what is today the building that the Sternberg Museum resides in along with 22 acres of prairie west of the Museum.  In early 2011, the Museum along with many businesses, agencies, and volunteers began restoring the prairie to turn it into the nature area that you see today.  Everything you see on the property was either harvested onsite or brought in locally.  In keeping with the natural feel of the area, almost all parts of the structures; amphitheater, bridge, gazebo, stairs, trail signs and trail head were all created from raw materials, not purchased materials locally.  It is one way that we are preserving nature, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels for production, and showcasing the beauty of the natural area.