You’re invited to help us continue trail improvement at University Ridge Golf Course.  If you’re not signed up for the Rib Lake MSC, here is an opportunity to do good locally.  Beds of Mayapples, carpets of wild geranium, singing orioles and rose-breasted grosbeaks…though this section has become known for its overgrown invasives, it still has much to offer.  Let’s enhance the hiker experience and improve the health of these woods!

What: Trail improvement on a wooded section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.  We will cut and treat buckthorn and honeysuckle.  We’ll build brush piles to burn next winter.

When: Saturday, May 20.  9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

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

Parking: See attached map.  Park in the back of the parking lot near the cart path.

**Golfing season is in full swing, as are preparations for the AmFam Tournament in early June.  Be alert for lots of activity!

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.  Bring insect repellent or wear outer clothing treated with Permethrin.  Lyme disease is no fun–I know from personal experience!

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.  If you have not filed a Volunteer Service Agreement in 2023, please do so before this trail event: 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 May 20, please reply to me.  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 May 20!  Happy Trails—