Ice and Stalwart Volunteers!

Wednesday, February 5th, through Saturday, February 8th, we embark on the most complex boardwalk construction project in Alliance history.

Trailbuilding Event
Holy Hill Segment
February 5-8, 2020
Washington County
Project Area Map [PDF]

We’re befriending ice to set 22 bridge abutments beneath 8 inches of ice and through 30 inches of cold, dark water to support what will become a 577-foot-long boardwalk elevated 6 feet. We’re cutting and moving lumber, tightening bolts, talking through scenarios, trusting each other, trusting the plan, and engaging one conundrum after another.

The project site is bounded by moulin kames, cornfields, and high relief hummocky topography. The new boardwalk will sit smack dab in the middle of what, as the Wisconsin glacier retreated and temperatures warmed, became an ice-walled lake plain.

Saturday afternoon and evening you’re invited to the Winter Rendezvous – a fun, casual time to catch up with compadres, star gaze, and celebrate the awesomeness of community we know as the Ice Age Trail.

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. Hands-on training provided by certified and friendly 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 Sunday, February 2nd.

Please register here.

Schedule

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

Work begins Wednesday, February 5th and concludes Saturday, February 8th. We will round up each day at 8:30 a.m.

Meeting location is east of the intersection of Kettle Moraine Road and E. Waterford Road, at a specially-plowed-area on the south side of Waterford Road. (click here for driving directions). Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs as you arrive in the area.

All participants enjoy free meals and, if spending the night, a free place to roll out your bag in a heated lodge, or pitch a tent, or share a small unheated cabin. Saturday, Rendezvous festivities are loosely structured – you bring the party! (click here for driving directions – to Glacial Hills Co Park/ Rendezvous).

What to Bring

• Bring snowshoes and ice cleats (Micro Spikes, Yak Traks, etc.) for secure footing.
• Bring clothing to dress in layers for warmth and to keep dry.
• A daypack, leather or insulated gloves, water bottle(s) and a thermos of warm beverage is hard to beat.
• If Rendezvousing, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping pad and bag, towel, and toiletries.
Questions?

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

We hope to see you soon!

Happy Trails,

The Holy Hill Project Team