“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.
“The chance to work at the Eastern Terminus is pretty special. It’s an honor to work on creating a section of Trail befitting of the joy and celebration inherent in the terminus,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager.
The project’s impetus, Caliebe pointed out, came from moving the terminus stone from a spot shrouded in the woods to a hilltop perch with sweeping views. The new location created an opportunity to reroute the Ice Age Trail and establish the event’s focus: rejuvenation.
A crew removed the vegetation crowding around the terminus stone to offer a grander vista. Other volunteers revealed ancient bedrock as they scraped back soil, uncovering the Niagara Escarpment’s weathered beauty – hidden for thousands of years. “All we needed to do was to fill in the gaps between what looked like gigantic puzzle pieces or an old Roman road to create a safe walking surface,” said Caliebe. Volunteers also replaced decrepit timber steps with slabs of dolomitic limestone quarried only a few miles away. And finally, crews revived an existing staircase, adding more stones to shore it up.
Immediate gratification rewarded the reinvigorated terminus and its volunteers. On Saturday afternoon, two hikers – one of which was Lisa Szela, the Alliance’s Volunteer Support Coordinator! – walked their final steps in their thousand-mile journeys, their boots crossing ancient bedrock pavers and climbing freshly set stone steps. They touched the terminus stone and posed for photos before a magnificent view, celebrating with family and friends.
Project Outcomes:
- 157 volunteers donated 3544 service hours.
- 3,900 feet of tread rerouted and constructed.
- 34 timber steps replaced with 37 dolomite slabs.
- Vegetation cleared from around the terminus stone.
Special thanks to:
- Cheryl Gorsuch, Lakeshore Chapter Coordinator; her vision and persistence helped create a new home for the terminus stone and revitalize a section of Trail.
- Long-time Ice Age Trail Alliance supporters (who wish to remain anonymous) whose generosity helped make this project a reality.
- The Lakeshore Chapter for providing excellent project support; their efforts created delicious cookies, breakfast breads, and hearty meals, along with many members volunteering in the field.
- The Friends of the Potawatomi State Park for providing breakfast one morning and snacks for the day along with plenty of firewood for evening bonfires – an MSC tradition.
- The 2023 Crew Leader Training graduates for their fresh ideas, initiative, and confidence in leading volunteer crews.
- Erin Brown-Stender, Potawatomi State Park Superintendent, and her staff for providing a warm welcome and logistical support.
- The energy and effort provided by two, local Boy Scout troops: Troop 601 from Oshkosh and Troop 741 from Hartford.
- Jenna Sing Benjamin and members of the Fox City Backpackers Meetup for pitching in to help and giving back to the Trail they love.
- The volunteers who brought their kiddos to the project and infused the event with curious and playful energy.
- Esteemed guests who visited the project, eager to learn more: Pauline Meyer, a Field Representative from the office of US Congressman Mike Gallagher, Nicolas Cravillion, a District Director for State Senator Andre Jacque, and Representative Joel Kitchens.
- The folks from Destination Sturgeon Bay who also visited and posted about the event on social media (Facebook and Instagram).
And THANK YOU to our generous donors:
- The Department of Natural Resources Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for providing funds for Trail construction.
- The National Park Trust and National Park Service for the financial support through a Challenge Cost Share grant.
- The Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation.
Up Next:
September 26 – October 1, Rib Lake Segment, Taylor County
Add your muscle and enthusiasm to the final sections of this four-mile effort to reconnect the Rib Lake Segment. Join in the GRAND opening, complete with a celebratory hike. Register now.
October 18 – 22, Cross Plains Segment, Dane County
Help us take advantage of acres of public land as we extend the Trail by almost three miles, eliminate a road walk, and create a loop for additional hiking opportunities. Expect to clear corridor, build boardwalks, and create tread. Register now.
