Trailbuilding & Stewardship Event

For the fourth year running, we plan to torch eastern red cedar and other undesirable woody plants to restore a wonderful remnant prairie along the Gibraltar Rock Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Already, many pockets of native prairie species are thriving where trees have been removed and seeds are exposed to sunlight. With every push to restore native prairie we also push to revitalize the beautiful views of Wisconsin’s unique topography and waterways.

This special Leap Day event is a twice-in-a-decade type of experience, don’t miss out!

Trailbuilding Event
Gibraltar Rock Segment
February 27 – 29, 2020
Columbia County
Project Area Map [PDF]

What We’re Doing

We will be cutting/hauling/burning red cedar and other invasive trees as we open up prairie and mighty oaks on the Alliance’s Steenbock Preserve. We’re also expanding a Dispersed Camping Area and removing black locust and invasive brush from encroaching on the Trail from the ferry landing to Hwy 113.

On Thursday and Friday, future conservationists from Lodi OSC elementary school will lend their collective muscle. And as always, we will supply equipment and lunch in the field, as well as trained sawyers and crew leaders. The project will continue through Saturday, so grab some friends and come on over!

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 Monday, February 24th.

Please register here.

Schedule

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

The event begins Thursday, February 27th at 8:30 a.m. and concludes Saturday, February 29th at 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided all days. There is no camping or base camp for this project.

Volunteers should report each day to the south terminal of the Merrimac Ferry located near N2499 WI-188, Lodi, WI 53555. Google maps directions are found here.

What to Bring

• Bring snowshoes and ice cleats (Micro Spikes, Yak Traks, etc.) for secure footing.
• A plastic sled to haul gear may prove helpful.
• Have appropriate ‘near-fire’ clothing (no synthetics – leave that fancy coat at home).
• Bring clothing to dress in layers for warmth and to keep dry.
• A daypack, leather gloves, water bottle(s) and a thermos of warm beverage is hard to beat.
• Certified sawyers are welcome and encouraged to bring your own saw and PPE.

Looking Ahead

After a flurry of events to begin 2020, the calendar takes a break until May 1-7 for Trail Layout & Design training in the Blue Hills of Rusk County. This training is by application. Head to our website for more information.

The next trailbuilding event takes place May 19-21 on the Montrose Segment in Dane County. We’re building a boardwalk, improving vegetative management within the Trail Stewardship Zone and freshening up existing Trail. Details and registration, here.

Questions?

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

We hope to see you soon!

Happy Trails,

The Gibraltar Rock Project Team

Generous Sponsors of the 2020 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.