Fred and Marilynn Nash, residents of Weyerhaeuser and members of the Blue Hills Chapter, are the Spirit Stick Caretakers for 2024. The Ice Age Trail Alliance staff bestowed this honor during the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Annual Conference and Membership Meeting, in Baraboo, in April 2024.
Over the years, Fred and Marilynn have left an indelible mark on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Their contributions are vast and varied, from growing the Chapter into a small but substantial group to becoming Yellow Blaze Club members to providing shuttle service to hikers. Their passion, which grew stronger and deeper by the year, led them to become the Coordinator and Secretary for the Blue Hills Chapter. With these duties, they took on maintenance, signage, and everything else in a small chapter.
The Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Spirit Stick award symbolizes long-term dedication and service to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and is presented only once a year. The Spirit Stick nominees must exhibit a passion for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that has become a way of life; lead by example and inspire those around them; and carry out their service in a spirit of cooperation, optimism, and enthusiasm.
While beautiful, the Ice Age Trail route through the Blue Hills is rugged, challenging to access, easy to get lost on, and hard to maintain. Summer’s straight-line winds and heavy winter snows have created long hours of Trail maintenance for the duo as they routinely tackle blowdowns. Fred and Marilynn’s herculean efforts have upgraded signage and improved and maintained problem areas. Without a large volunteer base to rely on, they orchestrated a plan with Chippewa Moraine Chapter volunteers to help keep the Trail through the Blue Hills open and passable. This partnership has become a yearly event that has expanded into keeping bridges and boardwalks safe and upgrading signage.
Carousel images: 1. Fred and Marilynn are announced as the 2024 Spirit Stick Caretakers. 2. Fred and Marilynn Nash graciously receive the Spirit Stick from Bob Funk, the 2023 award recipient. 3. Luke Kloberdanz, the Alliance’s Executive Director/CEO, congratulates Fred and Marilynn, along with previous Spirt Stick Caretakers. 4. Fred and Marilynn pose and celebrate with loved ones. 5. Fred and Marilynn share a few words. 6. Fred and Marilynn pose with Luke Klobzerdanz. All photos by Dennis Linley.
It’s hard to put a number on dedication, but in Fred and Marilynn’s case, it’s at least 7,000. That’s the number of volunteer hours they’ve reported, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the Trail. And they didn’t just walk the talk; they completed every step, becoming Thousand-Milers on October 4, 2021.
In addition to all the local on-the-ground work, Marilynn served on the Ice Age Trail Alliance Board of Directors for two terms from 2015-2021, including five years as Secretary, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail.
A decade ago, Fred shared a vision with Alliance staff, a dream to alter the Ice Age Trail route through the Blue Hills. His idea, soon known as “The Dreamer Route,” was a significant change that alluded to evocatively named places such as Devil’s Kettle, Devil’s Elbow, Gundy’s Canyon, and multiple felsenmeers. Then, in 2020, volunteers scouted hundreds of miles, marking an 18-mile flag line. With work scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024, Fred’s dream is on its way to becoming one of the largest Trailbuilding endeavors undertaken by the Alliance.
Fred and Marilynn’s infectious positivity and unwavering passion for the Trail have endeared them to everyone they meet. Katie Mertz, a REI employee who recently joined the Fred Nash fan club, best summed up their impact. “Fred led our small-but-mighty group on Saturday…what an awesome dude. He made the experience safe, productive, and fun! I’d absolutely love to volunteer again—and would do so in a heartbeat under Fred’s leadership!”
For all this and more, Fred and Marilynn have exhibited the hallmarks of Spirit Stick recipients.
Congratulations, Fred and Marilynn!
