I’m planning a trail improvement day at University Ridge golf course.  We’re going to make a huge improvement at the Woods Road trailhead!  In a few hours we will transform this area from buckthorn jungle to an attractive Ice Age NST trailhead.

What: Clear invasive brush to improve forest health, reveal the area’s natural beauty and enhance the hiking experience.  Pile the cut brush for winter burning.

Chain sawyers: We can use gas chain saws in this area.  Your help will be much appreciated.  Battery-powered saw?  We love you too!

When: Sunday, July 23,  9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.   

Where:  University Ridge Golf Course.  Enter through the main gate at 9002 County Hwy. PD, Madison.

Parking:  Please park in the area shown on the attached map.  PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON WOODS ROAD–THE SHOULDER IS NARROW AND STEEP.  TRAFFIC MOVES FAST ON THIS ROAD.  INSTEAD, PARK SAFELY IN THE AREA SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED MAP.

What to wear/what to bring: Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and lightweight boots.  There is plenty of thorny gooseberry and multiflora rose.  Leather gloves are a must.  It is tick season.  Wear outer clothing treated with Permethrin.  Tick-borne illness is no fun!  Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch.

Volunteers in Parks (VIP) program:  The National Park Service asks that all volunteers file, on a yearly basis, a Volunteer Service Agreement form.  In the unlikely event of an injury, a VIP’s medical expenses are covered by the federal government.  Go to:  https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Packet-Individual-301a-IATR-Staff_508-1.pdf 

Courtesy:  If you are going to arrive late or cannot come as planned, I understand.  Please afford me and your fellow volunteers the courtesy of a phone call, text or email to me as early as possible.  Thank you.

If you plan to help on July 23, please reply to this message.  This is very important so I can plan for enough tools and supplies.  It also allows me to communicate with you, should plans change due to weather, etc.

Questions?  Call, email or text me.  I hope to see you on July 23!