Photo by: Justin Helmkamp
Member & Volunteer Resources
We’re committed to connecting both our members and dedicated volunteers with important pieces of information. We like to keep our VIPs, like you, in the loop!
Volunteer Resource Center
We’re committed to connecting our volunteers, with the information you need to support your dedication to, and efforts on behalf of, the Ice Age Trail.
Photo by Rachel Roberts.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is built, supported, and maintained by the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) and hundreds of passionate volunteers, like you! Each year volunteers donate thousands of hours of time to care for the Trail, lead hikes and field trips, and connect with communities near the Trail.
If you’re joining us for the first time at an event and you are not an Ice Age Trail Alliance member, please fill out the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to the National Park Service (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov).
Volunteering as a group? Volunteer Services Agreement Form (301B) instructions: The group leader will fill out the 301A for themselves (checking the box at the top right that it will be a Group signup), and then the rest of the group fills out their info on an attached Group Roster (301B). Questions? Email Dan Watson, (Daniel_Watson@nps.gov).
We’re excited to have you join us, however, please know the symptoms of the coronavirus and be prepared to STAY HOME if you exhibit any of them. Please visit the CDC website and view the symptoms listed there. Consider using the Self-Checker, an interactive guide, located mid-way down the page, which can help you make your decision. Go there now.
Please read and familiarize yourself with this document:
Download one of these Volunteer Individual Hours Logs in Word or Excel.
Record your volunteer activity and the time you spent. Once the form is filled out, at the end of each quarter (i.e. end of June, Sept, Dec, March), you can send the form to your chapter’s leadership. Connect with your chapter leadership to learn to whom you should send your completed log.
Chainsaw certified volunteers – sawyers – and the volunteers who directly assist them by removing downed branches and brush – swampers – are uniquely qualified to assist the Ice Age Trail Alliance with Habitat Management events, corridor clearing, storm damage clean up, and more.
Photo by Cameron Gillie.
Welcome to chapter leadership! We aim to provide you with the resources you’ll need to efficiently and effectively run your chapter.
The Annual Conference & Membership Meeting is a great way to bring everyone together under the Ice Age Trail Alliance umbrella for four days of laughs and learning. Join us!
For more details and to register: 2024 Annual Conference
Each year we celebrate all the time, energy, and effort our volunteers put into making our organization what it is.
Visit the Awards page to see lists of current and past winners of our most prestigious awards!
Visit the Award Nominations page for information on how to nominate a deserving volunteer in our midst!
Download the IATA Chapter Financial Reporting Guidelines [PDF]
Download the IATA Chapter Reporting Checklist [Word]
Download the IATA Chapter Monthly Financial Summary Template in Word or Excel
Download the IATA Chapter Annual Budget Template [MS Excel]
Essential information about the Ice Age Trail Alliance can be found here:
Photo by Cameron Gillie.
As one of the world-renowned trailbuilding organizations, the craft of sustainable trail layout, design, and construction is at the forefront of our organizational efforts.
Key Documents to Help You Get Started:
- Download, complete, and submit a Project Review Form [PDF]
- Review the principles of Trail Layout & Design 101 [PDF]
Skill Building Support Documents:
- Trails Overview [PDF]
- Trail Layout & Design 101 [PDF]
- Trail Signage 101 [PDF]
- Trail Signage 201 [PDF]
- DCAs – What and How [PDF]
- Introduction to Rigging for Trails [PDF]
- Plumbing Diagram [PDF]
- Trail Plumbing Booklet [PDF]
Trail Notebook Series:
National Park Service Volunteers In Park (VIP) Resources Include:
- Volunteer Safety Handbook includes important information about safety, the safe use of tools and equipment, and injury reporting instructions.
- NPS Occupational Safety and Health Plan is a required document for all National Park sites.
- 301A Volunteer Agreement Form is for use by Chapter Leaders to sign up individuals and groups as official NPS VIP’s if they are not already listed on a group form with the Chapter.
- 301B Volunteer Group Roster should be used in conjunction with Form 301A when registering groups.
- Job Description Library is provided for Chapter Leaders to print out and attach it to the 301A Agreement Form. This will reduce the time it takes to generate the final Agreement Form.
- Job Hazard Analysis provides volunteers with an important list of potential hazards and safety procedures related to their assigned tasks.
- Tailgate Safety Series includes these topics: Chainsaws, Driving, General Hiking, HAZMA Encounters, Heat Disorders, Hike Leader, Hydration, Hypothermia, Insects/Snakes/Animals, Lyme Disease, Thunderstorms, Violent Encounters
Learn more about how to provide quality project support:
- Intro to Camp Chef [PDF]
Find and download the Group Volunteer Agreement form here [PDF].
Photo by Dave Caliebe.
We strive to create a safe working environment for our volunteers by providing quality trainings and useful resource materials.
COVID-19 still presents concerns as we return to our tasks on the Trail, but with proper education and risk mitigation, safe volunteer operations are possible.
We’re excited to have you join us, however, please know the symptoms of the coronavirus and be prepared to STAY HOME if you exhibit any of them. Please visit the CDC website and view the symptoms listed there. Consider using the Self-Checker, an interactive guide, located mid-way down the page, which can help you make your decision. Go there now.
Please familiarize yourself with the content of these three documents:
Learn more about the steps it takes to become a chainsaw certified sawyer for the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Download the IATA’s First Aid Kit Inventory [PDF].
“Lessons Learned” is a proven method of sharing important safety messages. Based upon real-life incidents, Lessons Learned examines root causes of why an accident or injury happened, and identifies corrective actions or mitigation to reduce the chance of future accidents.
TRAIL SAFE! is a unique safety training program designed specifically for National Park Service (NPS) Trail Volunteers, but is useful to everyone!
Watch the Trail Safe video series here.
Lesson include the following topics:
Trail Safe Lesson 1 – Introduction
Trail Safe Lesson 2 – Effective Leadership
Trail Safe Lesson 3 – Error & Accident Causation
Trail Safe Lesson 4 – Mission Analysis
Trails Safe Lesson 5 – Stress & Performance
Trails Safe Lesson 5 – Stress & Performance
Trail Safe Lesson 6 – Situational Awareness
Trail Safe Lesson 7 – Decision Making
Download the Near Miss and Injury Report Form
In the event of a near miss or injury during an Ice Age Trail Alliance work event or project, the following information must be provided by a Crew Leader Manager to the National Park Service contact listed below.
Submit information as soon as possible to:
Dan Watson, National Park Service
Email daniel_watson@nps.gov or call 715-441-7717
The National Park Service (NPS): Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Safety Handbook for Ice Age National Scenic Trail volunteers
Photo by Rachel Roberts.
The Ice Age Trail is not yet complete. One step in completing the Trail, and one of our goals, is permanently protecting the land which hosts the Trail.
Learn more about our land protection efforts here.
Permanent protection of the Ice Age Trail also involves the responsible management of land that we own or on which we hold easements.
- Download the IATA Burn Policy and Procedures [PDF]
- Introduction to Fire [PDF]
Information about how the IATA marks property boundaries can be found here [PDF].
Photo by Amy Lord.
There are many ways to connect with future Ice Age Trail enthusiasts, everything from staffing expo booths to leading guided hikes. Once the connection is made, your enthusiasm is the conduit to a captivating experience and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail simply speaks for itself.
IATA Website (and Event Calendar module) User Guide [PDF] for the chapter leader responsible for updating its chapter’s web page or populating events on the IATA Event calendar. (User Guide PDF updated 10/2021)
Event Calendar (and chapter webpages) Training (slideshow presentation June 10, 2021) [PDF]
Step-by-Step How-To for Posting Events to the IATA Event Calendar [VIDEO]
Chapter Guidelines for Creating Website Content [PDF] contains tips for what to post on your chapter’s webpage.
Facebook Training Materials: May 6, 2021
Facebook Training and Discussion Slides (PowerPoint PDF)
Facebook Training: Supplemental Support for Consistency & Formatting (PDF)
Facebook Training: Zoom presentation
Topics Covered:
- Establishing Consistency
- Pros and Cons of Pages and Groups
- Generating Content & Re-Sharing
Training Document: Instagram Overview & Guidelines 6-17-2021 [PDF]
Instagram Training: Slide Presentation 6-17-2021 [PDF]
Introduction to Mailchimp [PDF] 7-2021
Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design program. You may use it to create posters, flyers, newsletters, social media posts, and videos. To make these assets, you may create original designs or use one of the thousands of templates Canva offers. The following resources will help you get started:
Using the Canva Pro Account for Volunteer Chapters_Step-by-Step Instructions
Using Canva to Promote Chapter Events [ Presentation slide deck PDF]
Demonstration of Basic Canva Features [Video]
Demonstration of QR Codes [Video]
Canva Library of Video Tutorials [Link to videos]
Designing a poster or hiking patch? Here is the IATA Brand Guidelines [PDF] document to help ensure your color choices match the approved shade of blue, yellow, and brown!
Download artwork (via a Dropbox link) from Celtic, the IATA’s graphic design company for use as posters or kiosk images.
Need photos for posters or flyers? Look through these (via a Dropbox link). Please remember to credit the photographer! Also, images taken of particular segments may be available in the IATA photo library. Email Lysianne@iceagetrail.org; she’ll take a look to see what’s available.
Download IATA logos (via a Dropbox link) for use on posters, brochures, or social media posts.
Chapter Photos (Dropbox links):
Central Moraines Chapter Segments
Additional resources coming soon!
Explore these games and activities that help get and keep kids engaged while out for a hike.
Additional resources coming soon!
The Ice Age Trail Community program is a symbiotic relationship between the Ice Age Trail Alliance and local Wisconsin communities. It aims to enhance awareness of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, and promote the natural and cultural heritage of Wisconsin along the Ice Age Trail. Our Trail Communities are hiker destinations for Trail enthusiasts. Make plans to visit these communities and show your support for local businesses, partners, and organizations.
View an interactive map of our Ice Age Trail Communities.
Additional resources coming soon!
Learn more about our awarding Youth and Education program, Saunters and our NPS supported initiative, Think Outside
Connect with IATA Staff
Please call us at the main IATA phone number: 608-798-4453.
We’ll happily direct your call to the appropriate person. However, you may also connect directly with a specific individual, simply dial their extension when prompted (see list below). Sending us an email is great, too!
For a detailed description of what everyone does, go here.
Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director, luke@iceagetrail.org, ext. 226
Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager, Dave@iceagetrail.org, cell: 715-577-8954
Sarah Driscoll, Institutional Giving Manager, Sarahd@iceagetrail.org, ext. 227
Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations, Chad@iceagetrail.org, ext. 239
Riley Dupee, Field Operations Specialist, Riley@iceagetrail.org, ext. 241, cell: 608-617-2326
Joanne Ellarson, Administrative Assistant, Joanne@iceagetrail.org, ext. 229
Claire Finucane, Property Steward, Claire@iceagetrail.org, ext. 238
Patrick Gleissner, Trail Operations Coordinator, Patrick@iceagetrail.org, cell: 414-416-2317
Maura Hanley, Digital Marketing Specialist, Maura@iceagetrail.org, ext. 221
Amy Lord, Outreach & Education Manager, Amy@iceagetrail.org, ext. 233
Miranda Murphy, Operations Assistant, Miranda@iceagetrail.org, ext. 246
Sarah Pearce, Saunters Project Coordinator, thinkoutside@iceagetrail.org, ext. 240
Steve Pence, Land Restoration Specialist, Steve@iceagetrail.org, ext. 225
Melissa Pierick, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Melissa@iceagetrail.org, ext. 223
Chris Russell, Restoration Technician, Chris@iceagetrail.org
Eric Sherman, Membership Coordinator, Eric@iceagetrail.org, ext. 230
Lisa Szela, Volunteer Support Coordinator, Lisa@iceagetrail.org, ext. 232
Tiffany Stram, GIS Coordinator, Tiffany@iceagetrail.org, ext. 231
Kevin Thusius, Senior Director of Land Conservation, Kevin@iceagetrail.org, ext. 224
Lysianne Unruh, Communications Manager, Lysianne@iceagetrail.org, ext. 228