Native Seed Harvest Increases Plant Diversity Along the Ice Age Trail

Seed was harvested from more than 100 plant species on 6 Alliance-owned preserves. These conservation efforts will benefit more than 50 future acres.

During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. They harvested native seed from more than 100 plant species on 6 Alliance-owned preservesThese conservation efforts will benefit more than 50 future acres. Every seed head clipped will help support plant and animal communities along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

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Pollinators Supported With Successful Sip and Seed Events

35 pounds of lupine seed picked!

Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed. Photo by Amy Lord.
Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed. Photo by Amy Lord.
Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed—a remarkable amount. When added to wildflower seed mixes, this seed will enhance up to 180 acres, providing an essential early-flowering, nectar plant for butterflies and bees. It also represents a significant dedication to habitat improvement efforts by the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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More Ice Age Trail Coming to Waupaca and Manitowoc Counties!

Ice Age Trail Alliance protects two strategic properties for future Trail.

Photos by Kevin Thusius and Claire Finucane.
Photos by Kevin Thusius and Claire Finucane.
The Ice Age Trail Alliance permanently protected two strategically located properties in Waupaca and Manitowoc Counties for future Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Alliance officially acquired both properties on March 21, using its own funding.

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Take the Cornell to Lake Eleven Shortcut While You Can!

Recent property protection: great for the Trail, not so great for shortcut seekers.

A scenic shot of trees with fall colors overlook a lake in the distance.
Otter Lake Preserve contains a creek and high-relief hummocky glacial topography, including several small ice-walled lake plains along the Perkinstown Moraine. Photo by Jared Wildenradt.
For years, hikers have shaved miles off a 40-mile connecting route between the Cornell and Lake Eleven segments by following state highway 64. A recent property protection for the Trail, however, will soon upend this popular shortcut.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance closed on a 76.08-acre property along County Highway H in Chippewa County. Now known as Otter Lake Preserve, the property contains a creek and high-relief hummocky glacial topography, including several small ice-walled lake plains along the Perkinstown Moraine. Continue reading