Lodi Valley Chapter

Welcome Hikers!

	The City of Lodi We are glad you’re here to learn more about the Ice Age Trail segments we maintain and the town of Lodi, that is so close to our hearts. The City of Lodi is situated in a beautiful valley among gently rolling hills. The serene Spring Creek, a Class II trout stream, meanders through downtown Lodi as does the Ice Age Trail. Historic buildings line Main Street in this pedestrian-friendly community and host unique shops, eateries, and other amenities for visitors. Be sure to stop by the newly opened Chamber of Commerce.
	Trail Community Lodi, an Ice Age Trail Community, supports the Trail, recognizing Trail users as an important part in the local economy and community. To learn more about our community and nearby segments, check out this itinerary.
Volunteers wasted no time utilizing built sections of the boardwalk to more easily navigate the marsh as they finished construction. Photo by Riley Dupee.	The Lodi Valley Chapter 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. We Invite You to Get Involved! Chapter members get together about eight times a year for chapter meetings held on the third Thursday of the month. See the Events calendar for upcoming workdays and other events. 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 Chapter Coordinator: Kim Cooke Secretary: Rita Eggers Treasurer: Lynda Tanner Trail Maintenance Coordinator: Ken Engel Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram
The Hiking Award program patch of the Lodi Valley Chapter.	Become a Glacial Drifter Enjoy the dramatic views across the Wisconsin River Valley and Lake Wisconsin as you drift through Southern Columbia County’s forests and prairies. Stop to dine, shop, and explore the charming Trail Community of Lodi. Download 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
Photo by Joanne Ellarson.	Volunteer Spotlight 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
A small bridge keeps boots dry for early spring hikers on the Lodi Marsh Segment in Dane County.	Volunteer With Us! Nothing is as strong as the heart of a volunteer. We rely heavily on volunteers to maintain the Ice Age Trail and report any trail issues so they can be addressed quickly. Any signs of vandalism should especially be reported immediately so we can increase our presence in any vulnerable areas. If you have a problem to report, please email LodiValleyChapter@iceagetrail.org Mowers: With close to 10 miles of Trail that need to be mowed several times during the spring, summer, and fall months, we can always use some extra help with mowing duties. We supply the equipment, including the trailer, but a vehicle with a hitch is necessary. If you think you may enjoy running a brush mower and have a few hours to spare, please consider this volunteer opportunity. The time commitment depends on the weather and how much rainfall we experience. Training is provided. Sawyers and Sawyer Assistants: We keep the trail free of downed and unsafe trees. A sawyer and sawyer assistant (swamper) work together. To learn more about becoming a certified sawyer or swamper, see Calling All Sawyers and Swampers. All required training and equipment is provided (or reimbursed) by the IATA. For more information, contact Lisa Szela: lisa@iceagetrail.org Hike Coordinators and Leaders: We can always use people who are willing to coordinate and lead hikes. We have seen a steady increase in the number of hiking participants recently, and we are looking for help with organizing hikes, educating people on plant life and geological formations along the Trail, and answering questions that may arise. If you enjoy exploring the Lodi Valley area and sharing your knowledge of the great outdoors, please consider becoming a volunteer hike leader. Send an email to LodiValleyChapter@iceagetrail.org if you can help with any of the opportunities listed above.
Photo by B. Pielsticker	Events and Happenings 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 has been partnering with Fontana Sports Specialties for many years on this run and it was a highlight of the year for all. Unfortunately, some long-term construction near the trail has postponed this run until further notice. In the past years, runners and hikers have enjoyed the natural beauty of Wisconsin fall colors while they run/hike from the Ferry Landing to Gibraltar and back. We hope the run resumes in the near future. Adopt a Highway The Lodi Valley 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 Chapter Support: We believe it is important to get youth out on the Ice Age Trail. Our chapter organizes many events every year that involve 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.