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Trail Improvement, University Ridge-Madison Segment, Dane County
February 18 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
Friends,
It’s time to head out to University Ridge to continue the trail improvement work we’ve been doing over the past 14 months. The results of our work are gratifying–I walked the west woods today to the Woods Rd. trailhead The look and feel of the trail is such a wonderful improvement! It soothes the soul…
We have only 385 feet of trail left to finish phase 1 of this project. Wow!
What: Clear invasive brush to improve forest health, reveal the area’s natural beauty and enhance the hiking experience. We will pile the cut brush for winter burning. Note: We will not be burning brush piles on Feb. 18.
Hand tools will be provided.
Chain sawyers (NPS certified): Sawyers are very welcome and much needed.
When: Sunday, February 18, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where: University Ridge Golf Course. Enter through the main gate at 9002 County Hwy. PD, Madison.
Park in the large parking lot near the clubhouse. See map.
What to wear/what to bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather. There is plenty of thorny gooseberry, prickly ash and buckthorn, so keep your skin covered. Leather gloves are a must. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch.
Homework: There are several attachments to this event. Please take a few minutes to read them. This info will help you identify black cherry (good), common buckthorn (bad) and burning bush (bad). You’ll also learn the basics of constructing a proper brush pile. Trust me–poorly-built brush piles are a huge time-waster when it’s time to burn them.
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-exp-10_2024.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 February 18, 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 Sunday morning!
Happy Trails—
Link to work site location: Map for next trail improvement day
Building & burning brush piles (handout)