Light Up Cross Plains!

The Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to the fourth annual Light Up Cross Plains event on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a “long” guided hike at 3:30 pm, or a “short” guided hike at 4:00 p.m.

Both hikes will start and end at Esser Square (the green space next to Crossroads Coffeehouse – 2020 Main Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528).

The long hike will be approximately a 3-mile loop. Hikers will explore part of the Cross Plains Segment to the north of Highway 14/Main Street. Enjoy woodlands, the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Andersen Preserve, a savanna restoration area, and the Hickory Hill Conservation Park and of course

The short hike will be approximately a 1.5 mile out and back (with a steep elevation up Hickory Hills Conservancy).

Both hikes will go to the location of the tree lighting 4:45 pm before returning to Esser Square.

Dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend bringing a headlamp and/or flashlight for the way back.

After the hike, head back to Esser Square to enjoy hot cocoa, fire pits, and s’mores available from 3:00 – 8:00 pm.

Dane County Chapter 2025 Hike-A-Thon Planning Meeting

We are now gearing up for planning the 2025 Dane County Hike-A-Thon, tentatively planned for Summer 2025! We had a record turnout in 2024, raising over $10,000 for the Dane County Land Fund. In order to continue the success for the event next year, we are looking for volunteers to help plan the 2025 Hike-A-Thon! The Dane County Hike-A-Thon is the flagship fundraising event for the Dane County Chapter, with funds going to purchase and protect land to build more trail in Dane County! If you are interested in helping with next years event, please join us at the 2025 Dane County Hike-A-Thon kick-off meeting!

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Weekender Hikes – Lapham Peak Prairie

Photo by Brad Guhr

Explore the Lapham Peak Prairie Saturday, December 14th @ 3PM

The Hike:

Join us for a hike through the prairie of the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest! This loop hike will begin on the Lapham Peak Segment of the Ice Age Trail and utilize the Paul Sandgren Recreational Trail to return to our starting point.

Details:

We will begin at the Evergreen Lodge at Lapham Peak and hike west on the Ice Age Trail. As the trail approaches the northwest corner of the Lapham Peak Unit, we will loop back to our starting point on the paved recreation trail. The planned hike is easy to moderate difficulty, suitable for hikers of most ability levels, and will cover between 3 and 4 miles.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please be sure to bring water, and consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight. Plan on our Chapter Holiday Gathering at Trecker Lodge to follow!

Location:

Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Mike.

Dane County Chapter Workday- Brooklyn Wildlife Segment

Join the Dane County Chapter for some brush clearing at the Brooklyn Wildlife Segment!

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Blue Spring Lake Segment Hike (North)

Photo by Sarah Formwalt

The Hike:

Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Blue Spring Lake Segment from the Horseriders’ Campground to the Emma Carlin Trailhead. You’ll pass by many bike riding and horseback bridle trails including the popular Emma Carlin Trails. Enjoy long views of the surrounding landscape now that many trees are losing their leaves!

Details:

This hike is approximately 3 miles long. Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.

Location:

Meet at the Emma Carlin Trail Head parking lot. We will carpool from there to the Horseriders’ Campground and hike back to Emma Carlin.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

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The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Trail Improvement, Verona Segment, Dane County

Friends,

While the weather stays warm and dry, I’d like to tackle another much-needed trail improvement project, with your help.

What: We will begin rehabilitating the side trail leading from the chapter shed to the Ice Age Trail. See the attached map below. This heavily-used blue-blazed trail provides access to the IAT for the many trail users who park near the chapter shed.

When: Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Where: We will meet at the chapter shed, 400 ft. southwest of the Highway PD-S. High Point Rd. intersection. See map below.

Parking: There is plenty of parking on the west side of the chapter shed.

What to wear/what to bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Leather gloves are a must. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Hand tools will be provided. We will be constructing drainage dips–digging the drainage structures and moving lots of dirt.

Plus—there is a porta-toilet located behind the chapter shed.

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 can help, please email me at edspoon@charter.net. 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 work with you on this project!

Happy Trails—

Ed Spoon

Trail improvement project map

Trail Campus Designation Celebration – School District of Lodi

Help celebrate the School District of Lodi as an Ice Age Trail Campus! The School District of Lodi is the first K-12 district to receive this designation.

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Lodi Valley Chapter and School District of Lodi for a celebration event at the Lodi High School.

The celebration will run from 4 pm – 6 pm highlighted by a ribbon cutting ceremony to be held at 4:30 pm behind Lodi High School to celebrate the new addition of the Ice Age Trail. This new section will connect the City of Lodi Segment with new Trail extending from the high school bridge to Industrial Drive.

Event Details

Wednesday, October 23, 2023
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting behind the Lodi High School

Attendees can enjoy a self-guided hike along the Trail, along with visiting student-led informational booths inside the Lodi High School Commons.

Event Location

Lodi High School is located at 1100 Sauk Street, Lodi, WI 5355.

Of special note: the new section of Ice Age Trail is the only segment to our knowledge that was completely student-built. We will be honoring the work done by students in the School District of Lodi, along with the numerous volunteers who have made this partnership between the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the School District of Lodi possible.

This is a Mammoth Hike Challenge event. Earn 5 bonus miles for attending.

The Greater Wausau Area Trail Community Celebration

Help celebrate the Greater Wausau Area becoming a new Ice Age Trail Community. Join Visit Wausau and the Ice Age Trail Alliance Central Moraines Chapter for a casual hiker meet-up and ribbon cutting. Meet Monty, the Ice Age Trail mammoth mascot too!

Event Details:

Saturday, October 12, 2024
4:30 – 6:00 pm Trail Community Celebration at Timekeeper Distillery
5:00 Designation Ceremony & Ribbon Cutting

This event is open to community members and the general public. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.

This is a Mammoth Hike Challenge event! Earn 5 bonus miles by attending.

Dane County Chapter Mammoth Hike Challenge Group Hike

Join the Dane County Chapter for a group hike on the Verona Segment of the Ice Age Trail! We will meet at the Badger Prairie County Park shelter and hike about three miles total (out and back). Come enjoy a fun hike and add to your Mammoth Hike Challenge milage total!

Fresh popcorn will be provided by Visit Verona and non-alcoholic beer will be provided for hikers 21+ courtesy of Athletic Brewing!

Thanks to Ice Age Trail Alliance partner Athletic Brewing Co., we’re excited to offer non-alcoholic Athletic Brews to 21+ attendees as a part of this event. Athletic Brewing Co. has supported boardwalk construction on several segments of Trail, funded habitat improvement along the Trail, and even filmed a short video that highlights the work of Alliance volunteers.

Construct New DNR Trail – Glacial Passage Area

Help build a new DNR hiking trail connecting to Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains State Park. This 1000 ft. connector trail will be part of the awesome new trail system in the NPS/DNR/Dane Co. Parks/USFWS “Glacial Passage Area” around Old Sauk Pass, at Middleton/Cross Plains border.

The trail corridor clearing has been done – we will now build the actual trail tread using standard Ice Age Trail building methods. Refine your trail construction skills on this lumpy terrain. Many hands are needed – please do join in!

Wear work clothes and tough shoes, bring your own leather work gloves (or we will have some to lend). Dress in layers – good to also bring water bottle, and a lunch if staying for the 90-minute post-lunch shift (we will have extra water). Feel free to bring or share a small daypack, sunscreen, hat. We will supply all needed hand tools. If there is threat of rain we will still work – but bring a rain jacket. If it is really raining then we will end early.

Meet in cul-de-sac at south end of North Birch Trail. This is 0.4 mile south of intersection with Old Sauk Pass Rd. There is not a parking lot – park along side of this very quiet road. (Note: site cannot be accessed from S Birch Trail.) From Hwy 14, turn onto Stagecoach Rd., then immediately go south on N. Birch Trail for 1.2 miles. Work site is a flat 0.3 mile walk in from parking site. Signs will be in place to direct late-comers if you want to join us after the greatly preferred arrival time of a bit prior to 9:00am.

RSVP to afbent@wisc.edu is requested but not required.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Tyke Hike BioBlitz

Activity:

Have you ever wondered how many species exist in our environment? From the shores of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Northwoods or the soil in your backyard, Wisconsin is teeming with life – and the Wisconsin Science Festival is launching a statewide BioBlitz project to learn more! Meet Ms. Andrea in the lobby for a 30-minute hike and BioBlitz, where you observe and record different species.

The more you discover, the more fascinating your hike becomes! Learn, experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge!

Details:

The trail is stroller accessible but does go over some gravel. We recommend that you download the iNaturalist app ahead of the hike if you would like to record your observations. No registration is necessary to join the hike. This activity is part of the Wisconsin Science Festival and Let’s Hike, Delafield!

Weather dependent; watch the Delafield Public Library’s Facebook page for updates regarding weather cancellation.

Location:

This activity will meet at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.

Trail Magic: Ask any librarian for some Trail Magic, and receive a small notebook to keep track of your observations on the trail!

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Tyke Hike BioBlitz

Activity:

Details:

Weather dependent; watch the Delafield Public Library’s Facebook page for updates regarding weather cancellation.

Location:

This activity will meet at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.

Trail Magic: Ask any librarian for some Trail Magic, and receive a small notebook to keep track of your observations on the trail!

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Let’s Learn, Let’s Hike!

Presentation:

Have you ever wanted to walk along the Ice Age Trail? Wondered how this trail came to be or who built it? Ever wonder about all the life that surrounds you while on the trail? The more you discover, the more fascinating your hike becomes! Learn, experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge!

Presenter:

Join “Thousand-Miler” and active Chapter member, Mary Cieslewicz and learn how to be a curious hiker.

Details:

Practice your curious hiking skills by taking a short hike on the Ice Age Trail at 10:00. At 10:30 we’ll have pumpkins to paint and hot cocoa to drink, plus a raffle prize for one lucky hiker! Whether hiking or sauntering, be inspired for adventures on the Trail! This activity is part of Let’s Hike, Delafield!

Location:

This presentation will take place at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.

Trail Magic: Ask any librarian for some Trail Magic, and receive a small notebook to keep track of your observation on the trail!

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Mammoth Hike Challenge: Delafield Hiker Meet-Up and Happy Hour

As part of the Mammoth Hike Challenge, join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter for a hiker meet-up and happy hour on Thursday, October 3 at Delafield BrewHaus in Delafield, an Ice Age Trail Community.

No RSVP needed. Stop by and talk Trail with other outdoor enthusiasts. Meet our special guest, Andrea of Midwest Hikes and Hops! Enjoy the Delafield Brewhaus’ special beer, Hop Harvest IPA on tap. (During the month of Oct., they donate $1 for each pint of their Hop Harvest IPA to the IATA!) Purchase Mammoth Challenge and IAT merchandise. What’s not to love?

Thursday, October 3, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Delafield BrewHaus(Map)

Come early and enjoy the Ice Age Trail segments in and around the Delafield area, along with local businesses and attractions.

This event is in partnership with the Mammoth Hike Challenge and Visit Delafield. Hike 44 miles on the Ice Age Trail during the month of October 2024 and support at least three Ice Age Trail Communities to earn a certificate and a limited-edition patch celebrating the Challenge. You may hike, walk, run, or backpack – whatever suits your lifestyle – and log your miles over days, weekends, weeks, or one big adventure. You have the entire month of October to do it!

More information about the Mammoth Hike Challenge, including free registration, can be found HERE.

Science on the Square

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at the Science on the Square as part of the Wisconsin Science Festival! It will be a fantastic night that blends science with downtown Madison businesses.

Back for its seventh year, the ever-popular Science on the Square event is again fusing with the Madison Night Market to create a unique way to explore hands-on science activities while also supporting local businesses and vendors. The Wisconsin Science Festival and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District are proud to bring you an event you won’t want to miss.

Join us in downtown Madison between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, for fun for all ages!

Event Details

Thursday, October 17, 2024
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Location

Downtown Madison along State Street
Ice Age Trail Alliance booth location coming soon!

At Science on the Square, outdoor STEM-themed activities will mix with Madison Night Market vendor tents throughout State Street. Indoor locations will showcase interesting exhibits, talks, or menu/product specials for you to check out as well. Learn more about the science that surrounds us every day while exploring downtown Madison.

Stop by the Ice Age Trail Alliance booth to meet Monty, the mammoth mascot of the Ice Age Trail, pick up Ice Age Trail maps, get a Mammoth Hike Challenge sticker, and ask questions on planning your next Ice Age Tail adventure!

Visit the Wisconsin Science Festival website to learn more: Science on the Square – Wisconsin Science Festival

Hatley – Ice Age Trail Community Celebration

Help celebrate the Village of Hatley as a new Ice Age Trail Community! There will be a meet and greet, along with a short ceremony complete with a ribbon-cutting at the Hatley Public Library. The event will feature family-friendly activities and a chance to meet Monty the Mammoth, official mascot of the Ice Age Trail. Cookies and refreshments available after the ribbon cutting.

Event Details

Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Ceremony & Ribbon Cutting at 11:00 a.m.

Even Location

Hatley Public Library
435 Curtis Avenue, Hatley, WI 54440

The celebration is open to the public and is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Mammoth Hiking Challenge Two-For!

Two-For! Two Trail Segments, Two Trail Communities!

Hike:

Earn bonus miles and visit TWO (yes, two) Trail Communities AND hike two segments by joining us for another special Mammoth Hike Challenge Event! We will hike 9.5 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, including all of the Hartland Segment and much of the Delafield Segment. These two segments wind through not only natural and wooded areas, but also through the vibrant and charming downtown neighborhoods of both Trail Communities. Socialize after the hike at Revere’s Well Street Tavern for a raffle and photo opportunities with Monty!

Details:

You may find hiking poles helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location:

Meet at the Delafield Municipal Parking Lot. A bus will take our group to Centennial Park in Hartland. Enjoy a guided hike back to Delafield.

Contact:

Questions or comments can be made through our W aukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.

This event is free and sponsored by The Delafield Promotion and Tourism Commission.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Habitat Improvement Day – Hartland Marsh Loop

Come learn, give back, get 10 bonus miles!!

The Workday:

Earn 10 bonus miles for the Mammoth Challenge by joining the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a Habitat Improvement Day! We will be clearing invasives, restoring habitat, and enhancing scenic views at the Hartland Marsh Loop of the Ice Age Trail near the Hartland Segment.

Work Details:

No experience necessary! All tools and training will be provided. Bring a water bottle and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement if you do not have one on file. Download Agreement.

Location Details:

Meet at the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot. Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs.

Contact Details:

Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Mid-Week Hike – Loew Lake Segment

Photo by Dody Marriott

Hike:

Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking four miles of the Loew Lake Segment. This segment connects with the Holy Hill Segment to the north and the Monches Segment to the south. Located in Washington County, the Loew Lake Segment of the IAT meanders through a moderately hilly area. Highlights of the segment include a lovely corridor of pine trees, views from hilltops, plenty of glacial geology, and wonderful views of Holy Hill. The segment highlights the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Loew Lake Unit (KMSF-LLU), an area that offers a variety of habitats for wildlife and is extremely popular with hikers, hunters and fishermen in all seasons.

Details:

Location:

Meet at the Monches/Highway K parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the Kettle Moraine – Loew Lake Unit parking lot (off of Emerald Drive) where we will begin our hike.

Contact:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Mark.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Loew Lake Segment

Photo by Jeannine Guttermsson

Hike:

Details:

You may find hiking poles helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.

Location:

Contact:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

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Local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers from the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee created the Hartland Walking Club.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Trail Magic Fundraiser At Culver’s in Hartland!

Event:

Use your Trail Magic at Culver’s in Hartland to give back to our Chapter! Your purchase will help raise funds to replace Hartland Marsh’s old “rollercoaster” boardwalks.

Details:

Treat yourself after your hike at Culver’s in Hartland. They will donate 10% of their proceeds to the “Back the Boardwalks” fundraising campaign from purchases made between 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Monty the Mammoth might even show up to deliver your meal!

Location:

Use this link for directions to the Culver’s in Hartland.

Contact:

Questions or comments can be made through our W aukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Mid-Week Hike: Holy Hill Segment

Photo by Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Hike:

Explore the Ice Age National Scenic Trail AND participate in a Mammoth Hike Challenge Event with us! This month we will be hiking the Holy Hill Segment. This segment passes through a mostly forested landscape across the glacial terrain that surrounds Holy Hill. This portion of the sgment offers just a few openings with views of glacial kame Holy Hill and the shrine and monastery that sits atop it, 1350 feet above sea level. Glacial geologists estimate at the time of the Wisconsin Glaciation, the thickness of the glacial ice extended another 1000 feet above Holy Hill. Glacial erratics are a common trailside sight in this area.

Details:

We will hike ~3 miles of this segment (includes 1.2 miles along Donegal Road). Hiking poles are helpful. Bring water. Dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Mark Miner organized this hike.

Location:

Meet at 9am at the DNR parking lot on Emerald Drive north of Monches. We will carpool to the parking lot at St. Mary’s of the Hill Parish Center, across from the entrance to Holy Hill. Heading south, we will then hike back to the DNR lot on Emerald Drive.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Mark.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Moonlight Hike @ Hartland Ice Age Marsh

Photo by Unknown

About:

Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015. The Hartland Walking Club was created by local volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee. Check Hartland Walking Club’s Facebook page for updates and additional activities.

The Hike:

Join us for this Mammoth Hike Challenge Event! This family- friendly moonlight hike will be a walk around Hartland’s beautiful Ice Age Marsh.

Details:

Walking at a leisurely pace, this easy hike will last approximately two hours. Participants can elect to head back to the starting point at any time. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. There is no fee for this activity.

Location:

Park at the Cottonwood Wayside lot. We will meet at the pavilion.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Jeff, your hike leader.

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Local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers from the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee created the Hartland Walking Club.

Rice Lake – Ice Age Trail Community Celebration

Save the Date – Wednesday, August 28, 2024

To celebrate Trail Community Designation, Rice Lake will have a short ceremony complete with a ribbon-cutting. The event will feature family-friendly activities, a chance to meet Monty the Mammoth (official mascot of the Ice Age Trail), light snacks, and refreshments.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, August 28 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park – 20 E Stout Street, Rice Lake

The celebration is open to the public and is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Hartland Segment

Photo by Jayne Sanger

Hike:

Join us for a special Mammoth Hike Challenge Event and earn bonus miles! We will hike all 6.8 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail’s Hartland Segment. This segment winds through the Hartland Trail Community and highlights three Conservationists’ Hall of Fame commemorative sites.

Details:

Location:

Meet at Centennial Park in Hartland. Carpool to park and ride to the Nagawaukee Park and Ride Lot. We will then hike back to Centennial Park. This hike could be shortened by parking at Nixon Park.

Contact:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

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Local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers from the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee created the Hartland Walking Club.