Cultivate New Skills at IAT-U

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The green and blue of July are highlighted along the Emmons Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail. (Photo by Cameron Gillie)

June is gone with the wind, and with the solstice behind us summer in Wisconsin is in full swing. From St. Croix Falls to Potawatomi State Park, wildflowers are in bloom and green blankets the glaciated landscapes along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. July is a time for growing and cultivating, only to reap what we’ve sowed in weeks to come.

You’re invited to participate in Ice Age Trail University, a four-day educational event (July 18 – 21) filled with knowledge, inspiration, and solutions to challenges we face on the Trail.

Grow and cultivate new skills to carry with you and share with others for the rest of your seasons on the Ice Age Trail. Community, dedication, and hands on experience is what keeps our shared vision of the Ice Age National Scenic vision alive and well.

Join us at IAT-U to learn from seasoned and committed volunteers and staff what makes the Ice Age Trail what it is – and what it can be.

Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Event

Ice Age Trail University

Sauk County (South Central Wisconsin)

July 18 -21, 2019

See map of PROJECT AREA

IATA Mobile Skills Crew program logo

What We’re Doing

We’re building the on-trail and off-trail skills necessary to advance the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. New course offerings include Monitoring and Establishing Dispersed Camping Areas, Reaching New Volunteers, Inventorying Trail Infrastructure, and Intro to Fire.

Additional courses include Operational Leadership, Trail Signage 101, Trail Plumbing, First Aid/CPR, Chainsaw Safety, Intro to Camp Chef,and Stone Tread-work.

Please see list of scheduled seminars, here.

Please see seminar descriptions, here.

NOTE: 

Trail Plumbing is currently FULL.

Inventorying Trail Infrastructure requires a personal smartphone or tablet.

Intro to Camp Chef participants are highly encouraged to view an online food handling presentation.
Login at http://login.foodservicetrainingportal.com
You will need to create a new account for yourself including a username and password.
You will need to fill out the final field with an activation code.
Your Activation Code is: IATA (This code is case sensitive.)

All Talents and Abilities Welcome!

As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities.

Your participation is welcome for any amount of time you can give. Hands-on training provided by certified volunteer crew leaders gets you in the mix with no wasted time.

Registration

To help us plan this event with your needs in mind,please register by Monday, July 15th.

All participants receive free meals and (for those staying multiple days) a free place to pitch a tent.

Please register here.

Schedule

Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.

Please note, classes begin on Thursday, July 18th at 8:30 am and conclude at 4:30 pm on Sunday, July 21st.

See list of scheduled seminars.

See description of seminars.

What to Bring

  • Note-taking materials for the classroom.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A change of clothes for comfort around the fire afterwards.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, insect repellent, a hat and gaiters.
  • If camping, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping gear, and toiletries.
  • Consider bringing a lawn chair; you’ll appreciate having it to relax around the fire in comfortable clothes at the end of the day.

Questions?

Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).

We hope to see you soon!

Happy Trails,

The Ice Age Trail University Project Team

Generous Sponsors of the 2019 Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Season include:

Sitka Salmon Shares is offering all Ice Age Trail enthusiasts and trailbuilders a $25.00 discount on your purchase of a salmon or seafood share. They’ll donate $25.00 to our award-winning Mobile Skills Crew program.

NOTE: This program made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support of the Coca-Cola Company.