Welcome Hikers!
A mother and son enjoy a spring saunter on the Lodi Marsh Segment in Dane County. Photo by Joshua Fager.
The Lodi Valley Chapter maintains more than nine miles of beautiful Trail in southern Columbia County from the Lodi Marsh to the Merrimac Ferry. We offer a variety of hikes and social events, including the Mammoth Fun Run & Hike, an annual National Trails Day event in June.
Contact Us for more information on chapter and volunteer activities, hiking the Trail in this region (including shuttles), or to be added to our email list, connect with us at: lodivalleychapter@iceagetrail.org
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- Chapter Coordinator: Kim Cooke
- Secretary: Rita Eggers
- Treasurer: Lynda Tanner
- Trail Maintenance Coordinator: Ken Engel
Hikers: Please report issues you discovered while hiking through southern Columbia County, by emailing LodiValleyChapter@iceagetrail.org. Any signs of vandalism should especially be reported immediately so we can increase our presence in any vulnerable areas.
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Explore The City of Lodi, an Ice Age Trail Community | Become a Glacial Drifter
Lodi is situated in a beautiful valley among gently rolling hills. The serene Spring Creek, a Class II trout stream, meanders through the downtown, as does the Ice Age Trail, which the community recognizes as an important aspect of the local economy.
Historic buildings line Main Street in this pedestrian-friendly town and host unique shops, eateries, and other amenities for visitors. Be sure to stop by the Chamber of Commerce or check out this itinerary to plan your trip in advance.
Enjoy the dramatic views across the Wisconsin River Valley and Lake Wisconsin as you drift through Southern Columbia County’s forests and prairies along the segments cared for by the Chapter.
Become a Glacial Drifter by downloading the maps and hiking log to get started. Certify miles and submit payment to get a Glacial Drifter’s patch.
Learn more about all the Chapter-led Hiking Incentive Programs.
Learn more more about Trail features in the greater Lodi area: Coring the Leatherleaf Bog by Dave Mickelson
Volunteer With Us!
We Invite You to Get Involved: Nothing is as strong as the heart of a volunteer.
Trail Improvement Days: See the Events calendar for upcoming workdays and other events.
Mowers: With close to 10 miles of Trail needing attention spring through fall, we can always use some extra help with mowing duties. If you think you may enjoy running a brush mower and have a few hours to spare, we’ll provide the training and equipment, including the trailer, but a vehicle with a hitch is necessary.
Sawyers and Sawyer Assistants (Swamper): These volunteer positions work together to keep the Trail free of downed and unsafe trees. Learn more about becoming a certified sawyer or swamper; all required training and equipment is provided (or reimbursed) by the Alliance. For more information, contact Lisa Szela: lisa@iceagetrail.org
Hike Coordinators and Leaders: With a steady increase attendees, we are looking for volunteers willing to coordinate and lead hikes in the Lodi Valley area. Its a great way to share your love of the great outdoors. Plus, if you have an interest in glacial geology or expertise in identifying flora and fauna, that’s an extra bonus!
To express your interest, send an email to LodiValleyChapter@iceagetrail.org.
Events and Happenings
Photo by B. Pielsticker
Mammoth Fun Run and Hike: This family-friendly run and hike takes place the first Saturday in June to coincide with National Trails Day. Its a FREE event (donations appreciated) with a 6K hike and a timed 6K run. Homemade treats as well as prizes and a post-event brat stand along Lodi’s Main Street complete the day. Register online.
Fontana Sports Fall Colors Run & Hike: Our chapter partnered with Fontana Sports Specialties for many years on this run and it was a highlight of the year for all. Unfortunately, long-term construction near the Trail has postponed this run until further notice.
Adopt a Highway: The Chapter adopted the section of highway from Fern Glen Segment Trailhead to West Gibraltar Rock parking lot. Volunteers gather 3 times a year to keep the road free from trash.
Youth on the Trail
Students from the Lodi School District joined volunteers at in improving habitat at the Steenbock Preserve. Photo by Amy Lord.
Chapter Support: We believe it is important to get youth out on the Ice Age Trail. Our chapter organizes events involving school classes and Scouts doing trail maintenance or trail building. We provide financial and logistical support to youth hiking groups in the community, including the Lodi Middle School Trail Trekkers and the Primary School Hiking Club.
Saunters: We also provide funding for the Lodi Saunters program along with snacks to keep up the spirits of the young hikers! We work with youth who would like to do special projects on the Trail, such as Eagle Scouts. We strongly believe that connecting youth is essential to future sustainability of the Trail. Benefits of Youth Hiking
Monthly Tyke Hikes: Outings for our youngest hikers, see the events calendar for upcoming hikes.
Steenbock Preserve Educational Tour: One of our Eagle Scout chapter members created an educational tour of the Steenbock Preserve, located along a portion of the Gibraltar Rock Segment.
Volunteer Spotlight
Explore our natural beauty
2014 Spirit Stick Award Winner
Bill Welch received the Spirit Stick Award at the Ice Age Trail Alliance Annual Meeting. Learn more [PDF] about this prestigious award and Bill’s involvement with the Trail.
“In the Mud” Award Winner
Each year we vote on one or two individuals who have gone above and beyond through their volunteering.
2021: Boy Scout Troop of America Troop 113 2022: Gibraltar Group