Native Seed Harvest Increases Plant Diversity Along the Ice Age Trail

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Seed was harvested from more than 100 plant species on 6 Alliance-owned preserves. These conservation efforts will benefit more than 50 future acres.

During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. They harvested native seed from more than 100 plant species on 6 Alliance-owned preserves. These conservation efforts will benefit more than 50 future acres. Every seed head clipped will help support plant and animal communities along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

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More Trail to Explore in Marquette County!

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Thanks to volunteers, hikers now have an attractive boardwalk and two miles through Montello to enjoy.

122 dedicated volunteers generously donated 2,333 service hours to build a more than 800-foot-long boardwalk on John Muir Preserve and blazed two miles of Trail through Montello. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
122 dedicated volunteers generously donated 2,333 service hours to build a more than 800-foot-long boardwalk on John Muir Preserve and blazed two miles of Trail through Montello. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
“The leaves are gone from the hillsides, and the glory of the red maple and yellow aspen and birch is strewn upon the ground. Only in the protected swamps is there any color, the smoky gold of the tamaracks.” ~ Sigurd Olson
The Ice Age Trail Crew project at the Alliance-owned Muir Preserve contained everything for an ideal season finale. A mellow vibe carried through all four and a half days, during which 122 volunteers collectively donated 2,333 service hours. Pre-project frame-building efforts by the Marquette County Chapter got the smooth-rolling project off to a good start. Then, perfect weather graced it with cool evenings, frosty mornings, and pleasant daytime temperatures. As a bonus, early morning coffee drinkers enjoyed muted autumn beauty, watching fog rise from mirror-like Ennis Lake.

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Great Progress: Trail Reroute Underway in the Blue Hills

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More than one mile of tread built thanks to volunteers!

128 dedicated volunteers generously donated 4,500 service hours to build more than one mile of new tread on the Blue Hills Segment. Photo by Cameron Gillie.
128 dedicated volunteers generously donated 4,500 service hours to build more than one mile of new tread on the Blue Hills Segment. Photo by Cameron Gillie.
So, after years of patiently waiting, 128 volunteers arrived with their sleeves rolled up, ready to work. They enthusiastically churned through the construction notes—the section-by-section to-do list—collectively donating 4,500 service hours. Crews built a three-quarters-mile-long section of four-step tread, completing the last page of the construction notes by the end of the day on Thursday.

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22 Hikes During the 9-Day Gun-Deer Season

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An Ice Age Trail trailhead sign with a yellow blaze stands in the forefront of a fall colors backdrop.
Looking for an alternative to large gatherings and Black Friday shopping this Thanksgiving holiday? How about a stroll on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail! Photo by Katie Ryan.
The nine-day gun deer hunting season (November 23 – December 1, 2024) spans the Thanksgiving holiday, a time when friends and family gather. It’s natural to want to introduce your loved ones to the Ice Age Trail, yet safe hiking options are limited. Keeping this in mind, we have 22 hikes to share with you where deer hunting is not allowed. Most of these options take place in or near Ice Age Trail Communities and are a perfect blend of natural surroundings and urban amenities.

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High-Quality Tread Improves the Hiker Experience on the Greenbush Segment

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Thanks to volunteers, 4,800 feet of sustainable tread exists!

122 dedicated volunteers generously donated 2,687 service hours to build 4,800 feet of tread on the Greenbush Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
122 dedicated volunteers generously donated 2,687 service hours to build 4,800 feet of tread on the Greenbush Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
Built 30-plus years ago, the nearly 9-mile Greenbush Segment winding through the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was due for some attention. Especially the section of Ice Age Trail south of State Highway 23. In that spot, the Trail traveled straight up and down hills along a rocky, rooted path. Instead of enjoying the views, hikers had to be cautious about where they put their feet. A reroute to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience was in order.

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New Puncheon and Stepping Stones Keep Boots Dry on the Plover River Segment

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Cheerful volunteer crews embrace muddy conditions, getting good work done!

107 dedicated volunteers generously donated 3,366 service hours to build new puncheon and stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner
107 dedicated volunteers generously donated 3,366 service hours to build new puncheon and stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner
Built a decade ago, the Plover River Segment needed some attention, especially the nearly one-mile-long section between STH-52 and Village Road. Picturesque and famous for its river crossing, many hiking boots had churned up the mud-prone tread along this stretch. Now, 107 volunteers collectively donated 3,366 service hours to remedy the situation and elevate the hiker experience with lengths of puncheon and strategically placed granite boulders.

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Volunteers Spruce Up Grandfather Falls Segment

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A small maintenance crew persevered through heat and humidity for a successful event in Lincoln County!

The Lincoln County Maintenance Sweep saw 24 volunteers who donated 599 service hours, plus received assistance from WisCorps members, at the Grandfather Falls Segment.
The Lincoln County Maintenance Sweep saw 24 volunteers who donated 599 service hours, plus received assistance from WisCorps members, at the Grandfather Falls Segment.
Despite a rainy forecast and driving through a deluge, volunteers remained committed to helping members of the Northwoods Chapter spruce up Lincoln County’s most popular segment: Grandfather Falls. Mother Nature rewarded their dedication by providing three rain-free work days but heaped on the heat and humidity. Evening rain storms made for exciting sky-watching and raindrop dodging.

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Thanks to Exemplary Teamwork, the Plover River Segment has New Stepping Stones

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These new stepping stones will keep boots dry for hikers!

54 volunteers donated 1,726 service hours to place 229 stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
54 volunteers donated 1,726 service hours to place 229 stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
“This project was one of my all-time favorites,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “The event’s narrow scope meant all the crews did the same things: rock shopping, making crush, and setting stones. And we all got muddy!”

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Thanks to Volunteers, Hikers Have Dry Boots Through a Wetland

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Skilled construction creates a 424-foot boardwalk on the Holy Hill Segment!

28 volunteers donated 627 service hours during 4.5 days to constructs a 424-foot-long boardwalk on the Holy Hill Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
28 volunteers donated 627 service hours during 4.5 days to constructs a 424-foot-long boardwalk on the Holy Hill Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
An amended easement, negotiated between the Ice Age Trail Alliance and a private landowner, required an Ice Age Trail reroute along the Holy Hill Segment. The move took the Trail from the edge of an agricultural field onto a more scenic path, but one through a reed canary grass wetland. Luckily, Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers, skilled in boardwalk construction, capably rose to the challenge. During a 4.5-day project, 28 volunteers donated 627 hours to construct a 424-foot-long boardwalk.

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Oldest Segment Receives Maintenance Sweep Love

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A small maintenance crew in Langlade County makes great progress across challenging terrain!

The Langlade County Maintenance Sweep saw 44 volunteers who donated 1,143 service hours, plus received assistance from 6 WisCorps members. Photo by Lisa Szela.
The Langlade County Maintenance Sweep saw 44 volunteers who donated 1,143 service hours, plus received assistance from 6 WisCorps members. Photo by Lisa Szela.
It was fitting that Langlade County’s oldest Ice Age National Scenic Trail segment—12-mile-long Parrish Hills—received the most attention during the 3.5-day Maintenance Sweep event. This remote, rugged segment winds through wetland areas inside an evergreen forest where it intersects and overlaps logging roads and ATV or snowmobile trails. The challenging terrain created plenty of work for 44 volunteers who collectively donated 1,143 service hours along with the labor provided by 6 WisCorps members.

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It’s not Complex: It’s the Glacial Passage Area

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The Cross Plains Complex gets a new name in honor of the area’s glacial significance: Glacial Passage Area.

A group of seven people holding a sign that reads "Glacial Passage Area".
On June 1, National Trails Day®, the new name for what was previously known as the Cross Plains Complex, was unveiled: Glacial Passage Area. Photo by Billy Flynn.
Just outside of Cross Plains lies an area of such glacial significance that it has been identified as a Scientific Reserve Unit; one of nine such designated places in the state (and country).

This particular Scientific Reserve Unit sits on the border of glaciated and unglaciated terrain and contains glacial landforms, including a gorge carved by glacial meltwater. What’s especially interesting is that the Reserve Unit includes property owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Dane County, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The one thing that connects these properties (or will eventually connect them) is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

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Future Crew Leaders Receive Hands-On Training

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Crew Leader Training brings volunteers—who have previously demonstrated leadership skills—together to learn, work, and connect.

16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training. Photo by IATA Staff.
16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training. Photo by IATA Staff.
Demonstrating their deepening commitment to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, 16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training from June 20-22, 2024 in Cross Plains, Wis. Their admittance into this three-day program underscored their prior enthusiasm for and participation in chapter-led or Ice Age Trail Crew events. The training supported their desire and ability to lead volunteer crews.

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Pollinators Supported With Successful Sip and Seed Events

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35 pounds of lupine seed picked!

Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed. Photo by Amy Lord.
Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed. Photo by Amy Lord.
Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed—a remarkable amount. When added to wildflower seed mixes, this seed will enhance up to 180 acres, providing an essential early-flowering, nectar plant for butterflies and bees. It also represents a significant dedication to habitat improvement efforts by the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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“In the Mud” Award 2024

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail, In the Mud Award, 2024 Annual Conference
The “In the Mud” Award recognizes volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the Ice Age Trail during the year. The individuals listed received the award for consistently participating in Trail improvement days held by their chapters and diving into the dirty work, epitomizing the bedrock, volunteer spirit that drives the progress toward completing the Trail.

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Thousand-Miler Recognition: Celebrating Adventure and Tenacity!

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail, Thousand-Milers
A robust class of Thousand-Milers received recognition for their achievement at the 2024 Annual Conference's Award Ceremony. Photo by Dennis Linley.
Nothing captures the imagination quite like hiking the entirety of a long-distance path like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This most recent Thousand-Miler class submitted completion reports before April 1, allowing them recognition at the 2024 Annual Conference’s Award Ceremony.

The class numbered 109 hikers, hailing from 58 communities across Wisconsin, while 12 hikers came from other states: Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont. Of this group, 96 section-hiked the Ice Age Trail, extending their adventure over several years. For example, one hiker began his journey on May 10, 2003, completing it 7,469 days later, on October 20, 2023.

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Native Seed Collection Efforts Enhance Habitat

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By Steve Pence, Land Restoration Specialist. 

A student with MG21 harvests lead plant seeds, removing the seed heads with a set of clippers. Photo by IATA Staff.
A student with MG21 harvests lead plant seeds, removing the seed heads with a set of clippers. Photo by IATA Staff.
Spring through fall, restored native prairies offer beautiful blooms. With its dainty bell-like flowers, columbine offers pops of red in spring. Graceful, yellow coneflowers sway among grasses in summer. And in the fall, the majestic blazing star, with its lavender-colored puffs, towers above other blooms.

Native plants like these, gracing your hikes along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, are not a stroke of luck, but point to the intentional efforts of Ice Age Trail Alliance staff and volunteers. Through its Habitat Improvement Program, the Alliance is actively increasing the presence of native plant species on Alliance-owned preserves. This diverse array of plants supports an entire food web, creating a robust and resilient ecosystem benefiting pollinator species like bumble bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

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High Spirits, Inquisitive Minds at IAT-U

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A rewarding, hands-on learning experience for volunteers!

IAT-U successfully delivered 10 trainings to a total of 94 volunteers, who generously dedicated 1,486 hours. Photo by Alice Weinert.
IAT-U successfully delivered 10 trainings to a total of 94 volunteers, who generously dedicated 1,486 hours. Photo by Alice Weinert.
“Spirits were high and minds inquisitive,” said Riley Dupee, Field Operations Specialist, describing the vibe at the recent Ice Age Trail University (IAT-U) in Dane County. “Plus, the weather was mostly sunny. The sunsets from base camp were terrific and included a firework show in the distance on Saturday night.”

IAT-U successfully delivered 10 trainings to a total of 94 volunteers, who generously dedicated 1,486 hours to learning the skills and techniques necessary to contribute to the creation, maintenance, and promotion of a National Scenic Trail.

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Teamwork Successfully Kicks Off the Trailbuilding Season

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Multiple structures got built and repaired on the Hemlock Creek Segment!

96 volunteers donated 3,325 service hours to building and repairing Trail on the Hemlock Creek Segment at the first Trailbuilding event of 2024. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
96 volunteers donated 3,325 service hours to building and repairing Trail on the Hemlock Creek Segment at the first Trailbuilding event of 2024. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
Like the warblers, sparrows, and scarlet tanagers arriving from their winter home, the Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers returned to the Trail. 96 volunteers donated 3,325 service hours in 4.5 days to building and repairing Trail on the Hemlock Creek Segment (Barron and Rusk Counties, Wis.).

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Expert Assistance Spruces Up Beloved Polk County Segments

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A small maintenance crew in Polk County resulted in big accomplishments!

At the first 2024 Maintenance Sweep event, 30 volunteers donated 677 service hours to sprucing up Polk County Segments. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
At the first 2024 Maintenance Sweep event, 30 volunteers donated 677 service hours to sprucing up Polk County Segments. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
The first Maintenance Sweep event in 2024 crossed many items off the Indianhead Chapter’s to-do list, assisted by 30 volunteers who donated 677 service hours.

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2024 Trail Steward of the Year: Wendell Holl

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Wendell Holl, 2024 Trail Steward of the Year. Photo by Dennis Linley.
Wendell Holl, 2024 Trail Steward of the Year. Photo by Dennis Linley.
No volunteer may be more skilled at stonework than this year’s recipient of the Trail Steward Award: Wendell Holl, who lives in Lodi and is a member of the Lodi Valley Chapter. The Ice Age Trail Alliance staff bestowed this honor during the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Annual Conference and Membership Meeting, in Baraboo, in April 2024.

Thanks to Wendell’s guidance, grand staircases, retaining walls, and stepping stones have been expertly constructed all along the Trail—and better yet, he has trained the next generation of stonework experts!

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2024 Spirit Stick Caretakers: Fred and Marilynn Nash

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Fred and Marilynn Nash, 2024 Spirit Stick Caretakers. Photo by Dennis Linley.
Fred and Marilynn Nash, 2024 Spirit Stick Caretakers. Photo by Dennis Linley.
Fred and Marilynn Nash, residents of Weyerhaeuser and members of the Blue Hills Chapter, are the Spirit Stick Caretakers for 2024. The Ice Age Trail Alliance staff bestowed this honor during the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Annual Conference and Membership Meeting, in Baraboo, in April 2024.

Over the years, Fred and Marilynn have left an indelible mark on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Their contributions are vast and varied, from growing the Chapter into a small but substantial group to becoming Yellow Blaze Club members to providing shuttle service to hikers. Their passion, which grew stronger and deeper by the year, led them to become the Coordinator and Secretary for the Blue Hills Chapter. With these duties, they took on maintenance, signage, and everything else in a small chapter.

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