Category Archives: Volunteering

Winter’s Successful Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) Events

Posted on

Volunteers improved acres of crucial habitat!

Photo by Waukesha County Land Conservancy.
Photo by Waukesha County Land Conservancy.
What an incredible season for the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Habitat Improvement Program (HIP)! It began last December with a collaborative event at the Riverland Conservancy-owned Merrimac Preserve, which hosts a portion of the Ice Age Trail. Three months and four projects later, the season ended at the Alliance-owned Steenbock Preserve. In all, 218 volunteers donated 2,508 service hours to restoring more than 11 acres of oak woodlands, savanna, and prairie!

“It’s the volunteers’ dedication and ability to work safely that elevate our HIP events,” said Steve Pence, Land Restoration Specialist for the Alliance.

Continue reading →

A Successful 2024 Trailbuilding Season, Thanks to Volunteers!

Posted on

Many upgrades improved existing segments in a maintenance-focused year!

In 2024, 935 Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers dedicated 23,617 service hours to upgrading existing segments by improving drainage, hardening tread, and building new structures. Photos by Patrick Gleissner and Dave Caliebe.
In 2024, 935 Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers dedicated 23,617 service hours to upgrading existing segments by improving drainage, hardening tread, and building new structures. Photos by Patrick Gleissner and Dave Caliebe.
“It’s exciting to build brand-new segments of Ice Age National Scenic Trail, but it’s also necessary and rewarding to maintain what we have,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager. “In 2024, 935 Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers dedicated 23,617 service hours to upgrading existing segments by improving drainage, hardening tread, and building new structures.”

Continue reading →

Native Seed Harvest Increases Plant Diversity Along the Ice Age Trail

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

More Trail to Explore in Marquette County!

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

Great Progress: Trail Reroute Underway in the Blue Hills

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

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

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

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

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

Volunteers Spruce Up Grandfather Falls Segment

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

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

Posted on

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!”

Continue reading →

Thanks to Volunteers, Hikers Have Dry Boots Through a Wetland

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

Oldest Segment Receives Maintenance Sweep Love

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

Future Crew Leaders Receive Hands-On Training

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

Pollinators Supported With Successful Sip and Seed Events

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

High Spirits, Inquisitive Minds at IAT-U

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

Teamwork Successfully Kicks Off the Trailbuilding Season

Posted on

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.).

Continue reading →

Expert Assistance Spruces Up Beloved Polk County Segments

Posted on

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.

Continue reading →

2023 Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance Volunteer Recognition

Posted on

National Park Service Volunteer-in-Parks (VIP) Recognition. 

In 2023, a total of 220 volunteers for the Ice Age Trail earned recognition for the National Park Service’s VIP program. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
In 2023, a total of 220 volunteers for the Ice Age Trail earned recognition for the National Park Service’s VIP program. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
In 2023, a total of 220 volunteers for the Ice Age Trail earned recognition for the National Park Service’s  VIP program.  VIP volunteers receive recognition when they attain certain volunteer hour milestones (as long as their volunteer form is current!) Hours accrue, year over year.

Continue reading →

A Successful Winter Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) Season

Posted on

Dedicated volunteers improved many acres of crucial habitat!

Left: a person chainsaws a done tree while a fire burns in the background. Right: A tree with a painted yellow blaze stands in the forefront of a habitat improvement event.
Photo (1) by Riley Dupee and (2) by Maura Hanley.
Dedicated Ice Age Trail volunteers helped improve crucial plant and wildlife habitats across three Ice Age Trail Alliance-owned preserves: SwampLovers (Dane County), Hartland Marsh (Waukesha County), and Steenbock (Columbia County). A total of 158 volunteers donated 2,136 service hours.

Winter, offering both challenging AND perfect conditions for the Habitat Improvement events, didn’t deter hardy sawyers, swampers, and brush haulers. Invasive trees and shrubs were removed from more than seven acres, allowing for the expansion of native prairie and oak savanna.

Continue reading →

Thank You for a Successful 2023 Trailbuilding Season

Posted on

Nearly 15-miles of brand new Ice Age Trail!

Photos by Patrick Gleissner, Dave Caliebe, and Rick Gamble.
Photos by Patrick Gleissner, Dave Caliebe, and Rick Gamble.
Two words – New Trail – describe the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s 2023 Trailbuilding Season!

Nearly 15 miles of brand-new Ice Age National Scenic Trail took shape, creating a banner year.

The season’s true superstars were the 1,031 volunteers who donated 24,725 service hours, an impressive amount!
Continue reading →

A Road Walk Becomes a Walk in the Woods!

Posted on

The final MSC Trailbuilding project for 2023 in Cross Plains brought a record number of volunteers and service hours.

A group of volunteers gather in a circle at the Cross Plains Segment for a morning meeting prior to the Trailbuilding event.
A record breaking number of volunteers gathered for the final 2023 MSC Trailbuilding Project in Cross Plains. Photo by Amy Lord.
The five-day trailbuilding project from October 18 – October 22 along the Cross Plains Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail ticked a lot of boxes: Enthusiastic volunteers, great weather, even better food, vibrant autumn color, an evening watching UW-Madison’s women’s volleyball on the big screen (literally), and pumpkin carving! As a bonus, volunteers built 3.1 miles of tread, including a 0.6-mile white-blazed loop trail.
Continue reading →

A 15-Year Project Receives Finishing Touches

Posted on

The concluding Rib Lake MSC Trailbuilding Project, a volunteer celebration, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the re-opening of the Rib Lake Segment.

152 volunteers donated 4,388 service hours to the final Rib Lake MSC project, allowing for the grand re-opening of the Rib Lake Segment! Photo by Dave Caliebe.
152 volunteers donated 4,388 service hours to the final Rib Lake MSC project, allowing for the grand re-opening of the Rib Lake Segment! Photo by Dave Caliebe.
“This MSC event was about putting on the finishing touches to a 15-year project,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager. “Although Bob Rusch knows more about this than I do, the entire week felt like the final kick runners muster when approaching a marathon’s finish line.”

152 volunteers donated 4,388 service hours to reach the home stretch: The Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the morning of Sunday, October 1st, followed by a hike along the rerouted and reopened Rib Lake Segment
Continue reading →

The Rejuvenation of the Eastern Terminus

Posted on
Volunteers work together to move a large dolomite slab. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
Volunteers work together to move a large dolomite slab. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
“I love working on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail because what we do today will live on after we are gone,” said Cheryl Gorsuch, Lakeshore Chapter Coordinator. “It will provide our children and grandchildren with a legacy of connecting with nature and preserving the land for future generations.”

And since the Eastern Terminus is either the start or end of a 1,200-mile adventure, it’s fitting that seasoned volunteers worked alongside children with many years ahead of them. Together, the generations revitalized an important stretch of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Continue reading →

Meet the Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Who Spent their Summer on the Trail

Posted on
Three Wisconsin Conservation Corps members help with trail maintenance.
Wisconsin Conservation Corps crew members help with trail maintenance on Ice Age Trail segments in Taylor County. Photo by Mark Ormsby.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail and its volunteers got an assist this summer from five Wisconsin Conservation Corps crew members, who helped build and maintain the Trail:

Continue reading →

A Charmed Event: The Final Iola Ski Hill Segment MSC

Posted on
A group of volunteers sit and stand by a brand new stone staircase on the Ice Age Trail.
Volunteers proudly pose by a brand new stone staircase at the MSC Iola Ski Hill Trailbuilding event. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Some MSC events occur beneath a charmed star like the third and final project of the Iola Ski Hill Segment’s reroute. It started with an outstanding and fun group of people coming together – 101 volunteers donated 2,237 service hours. This number included several volunteers from the June 2023 Crew Leader Training class.
Continue reading →