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
Two-For! Two Trail Segments, Two Trail Communities!
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 Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
This event is free and sponsored by The Delafield Promotion and Tourism Commission.
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:
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.
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.
Photo by Jeannine Guttermsson
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:
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:
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, Jeff.
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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 Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
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.
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:
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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We will hike out approximately three miles on this segment to Hwy CC and back. A State Park day pass or sticker will be needed. 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:
The main entrance to the Pike Lake Unit is located off of Highway 60, in Hartford. We will meet at the large parking area off of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, toward the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, near the picnic shelters and beaches.
Contact:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Unknown
Twilight Trail Hike – Scuppernong Trails and IAT
Hike:
Join us as we hike a portion of the Scuppernong Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This segment goes through the Scuppernong Trail System. Our hike will feature a member of the Kettle Moraine State Forest Friends Group who’ll share additional insight into this area and the Southern Unit of the State Forest. No need to sign up, just show up!
Details:
This hike starts at the Scuppernong Trailhead and is approximately 3 – 4 miles long. Hikers will start on the Ice Age Trail and loop back to the parking lot via the Scuppernong Trails. The terrain along this segment is particularly hilly as it travels through pine plantations and hardwoods. Bring water and remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Leashed dogs are welcome and must be cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Scuppernong Trailhead parking lot is located off of Hwy 67 north of Eagle, WI. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Photo by Ali Stanczyk
Hike:
Hike the entire Waterville Segment with us and check out the progress on this section of trail! Many improvements have occurred here over the last three years. Recently constructed trail replaced most of the dangerous, nearly one mile road walk. Our chapter volunteers also improved the safety of this segment by rebuilding the old boardwalks and bridge. Additionally, two Dispersed Camping Areas (DCAs) were added. Currently, a stone wall highlighting historical building practices from the area’s Welsh immigrants is nearing completion. We’re not done! Your hike leader, Jeff, will fill you in on the details.
Details:
This hike is approximately 5 miles long and has easy to moderate terrain. 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:
Meet in the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the The UWM at Waukesha Field Station (Google map). Please do not park in the Wildlife in Need Center parking lot (first driveway). Proceed north to the second driveway for the Field Station parking area. We will begin our hike from the UWM at Waukesha Field Station (website), where a short spur will connect us to the Waterville Segment.
Contact:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Nader
GREAT NEWS, HIKING FANS! THIS HIKE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD. WOO-HOO!!
Twilight Trail Hike – Eagle Segment & Brady’s Rocks
This summer, the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit will partner with our Chapter on our Twilight Hikes in the KMSF-SU. How cool is that? Each of these partnered hikes will feature a member of their Friends Group joining the hike giving us an additional insight into the KMSF-SU!
Those hikes are:
- Tuesday, June 25 – Eagle (south) / Start at the IAT parking lot on Stark Rd., on Hwy 59.
- Tuesday, August 27 – Eagle & Brady’s Rocks / Start at the Brady’s Rocks Trailhead parking lot on Hwy 67.
- Tuesday, September 24 – Scuppernong Trails and IAT / Park at the Scuppernong Trailhead parking lot on Hwy ZZ.
No need to sign up, just show up!
Hike:
Join us as we hike some of the Eagle Segment’s northern portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This part of the segment includes the Brady’s Rocks white-loop trail. The Brady’s Rocks area is home to several rare species of ferns and snails, and visitors should stay on the trail to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.
Details:
This hike starts at the the Brady’s Rocks Ice Age Trail trailhead east of the Eagle Segment and is approximately 3.25 miles long. We will then head south on IAT to the prairie, turn around, and hike a loop return on DNR access road to the IAT up the hill and back to the parking lot. This portion of the trail is mild and easy walking. Bring water and remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Brady’s Rocks Ice Age Trail trailhead parking lot is located off of Hwy 67 north of Eagle, WI. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Event Details: Visit us in our Ice Age Trail Community – Baraboo!
Stop by the Ice Age Trail Alliance booth during the on Downtown Baraboo Market on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Talk Trail with volunteers from the Baraboo Hills / Heritage Chapter. There will also be a “decorate your own walking stick activity” for the public while supplies last. The Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market includes antiques, collector items, artisans and crafters. Outdoor Adventure is the theme for Sunday, June 30.
The market is located on the beautiful courthouse square area in the center of Downtown Baraboo. The market
Learn more about the market by visiting their website: Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market.
Photo by Unknown
The Hike:
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Scuppernong Segment. This out and back hike will start at Scuppernong’s southern trailhead and will be 3-5 miles in length.
Details:
Meet at the Scuppernong Hiking Trails parking lot on the north side of Hwy ZZ. We will hike north on the Ice Age Trail and have the option of returning on one of the Scuppernong Trails. Distance will vary depending on which trail you return on.
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. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Location:
Meet at the Hwy 67 Trailhead parking lot.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Mike.
Join our Chapter for the Delafield 4th of July parade! We’ll hike beside “Monty the Mammoth” and distribute candy and glacier “Ice Cubes”.
We will lineup behind City Hall/Library parking lot on Oneida Street. The parade proceeds north on Oneida St. – east onto Main St. – south onto N. Lapham Peak Rd. to the American Legion grounds. Participants walking please arrive no later than 9:30am at the start-up. Park on any side street near Hwy C and Wells or park on the south side of the Legion post at 333 N. Lapham Peak Rd and walk/carpool to line up.
Following the Parade, Post 196 Honor Guard will provide a short ceremony. Complimentary hot dogs, ice cream and root beer will be available. We are hoping scheduling and the weather cooperate so that a Blackhawk Helicopter can land during the festivities at the American Legion.
Suggested items you may need: Walking shoes, IAT apparel, backpack/sack or cooler for storing candy and ice that you will toss to the spectators. Any questions please contact Sherri Ritz. Sponsored and produced by the Delafield American Legion for many years; bring your family to the Delafield American Legion’s 4th of July Community Parade this year! You won’t want to miss this home town parade!
Photo by Gerald H. Emmerich Jr.
Twilight Trail Hike – Waterville Segment
Great news, hikers! The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is back with the Twilight Trail Hikes series; its well-attended, weeknight series of hikes for 2024! This series of hikes will take place on the last Tuesday of the month, April through September. No need to sign up, just show up!
Hike:
This out-and-back hike of the Waterville Segment begins at the UWM at Waukesha Field Station (website), where we will experience a beautiful prairie walk. From there we’ll connect to the Waterville Segment and hike on to the drumlin located at the recently acquired WDNR property and return.
Details:
This is an easy, approximately 4 miles long hike. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and a flashlight/headlamp, if conditions warrant. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
We will start at The UWM at Waukesha Field Station (Google map). Enter the Field Station private driveway entrance on the east side of Waterville Road, which is approx. 0.40 of a mile south of USH 18 (and just north of the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trial) and proceed about 0.20 of a mile east on the private driveway until you reach the Field Station (second) driveway. Please do not park in the Wildlife in Need Center parking lot (first driveway). Proceed north to the Field Station parking area. GPS Coordinates for the private driveway entrance on Waterville Road are: 43.01605 degrees N, 88.44262 degrees W, and GPS Coordinates to the Field Station driveway are: 43.01628 degrees N, 88.43919 degrees WLook for the IAT event sign as you approach the hike event.
Photo by Kris Van Handel
Twilight Trail Hike – Eagle Segment
This summer, the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit will partner with our Chapter on our Twilight Hikes in the KFSF-SU. How cool is that? Each of these partnered hikes will feature a member of their Friends Group joining the hike giving us an additional insight into the KFSF-SU!
Those hikes are:
- Tuesday, June 25 – Eagle (south) / Start at the IAT parking lot on Stark Rd., on Hwy 59.
- Tuesday, August 27 – Eagle & Brady’s Rocks / Start at the Brady’s Rocks Trailhead parking lot on Hwy 67.
- Tuesday, September 24 – Scuppernong Trails and IAT / Park at the Scuppernong Trailhead parking lot on Hwy ZZ.
No need to sign up, just show up!
Hike:
Join us as we hike the Eagle Segment’s southern portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This portion of the trail meanders through the Kettle Moraine Low Prairie which includes a sedge meadow, a wet-mesic prairie, and native and wild plants such as blue-joint grass, valerian, and Ohio goldenrod. This low prairie is part of the Scuppernong River Habitat area in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, and is home to many different birds and wildlife. Eventually the low prairie gives way to a pine plantation forest.
Details:
This out-and-back hike starts at the Eagle Segment’s southern trailhead on Stark Rd. and is is approximately 3.75 miles long. We will north to Wilton Rd. and return. The southern portion of the trail is mild and easy walking. Due to it’s high water table, it can be wet in places. Bring water and remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Eagle Segment’s southern trailhead is located off of Hwy 59 on Stark Rd., west of Eagle, WI. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Explore the Pike Lake Segment & the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest!
Pike Lake Hike:
Join us as we travel to Washington County to explore the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest! This loop hike will begin on the Ice Age Trail’s Pike Lake Segment and utilize the Pike Lake Unit’s color-coded trail system to return to our starting point.
Details:
We will begin near the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, and hike north on the Ice Age Trail. Near the family campground, we will loop back around to the south, heading towards the shore of Pike Lake before returning to our starting point. The planned hike is easy to moderate in difficulty, suitable for hikers of most ability levels, and will cover slightly more than 3 miles.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please be sure to bring water, and consider bringing a lunch for post-hike socializing. If the weather is warm, you may also want to bring your bathing suit!
Location:
The main entrance to the Pike Lake Unit is located off of Highway 60, in Hartford. We will meet at the large parking area off of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, toward the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, near the picnic shelters and beaches.
Contact:
Contact your leader, Mike with any questions or concerns.
Photo by The Spruce/Evgeniya Vlasova
The Workday:
Join us for a Seed Collection Outing at the Hartland Marsh with the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Land Restoration Specialist, Steve Pence! We will be collecting shooting star seeds that will go into the Ice Age Trail Alliance Seed Bank for future restoration projects. This ephemeral spring wildflower once was found growing abundantly throughout open, moist woods and rocky slopes. Unfortunately, shooting stars have suffered declines in both their numbers and natural habitats. The Alliance’s seed collection program is part of their land restoration efforts to re-establish and increase native plants found along the trail.
Work Details:
All tools and training will be provided. Wear long pants and sleeves, work gloves, and sturdy shoes. You will be healthier and happier by bringing a water bottle and insect repellent. If time allows we will continue clearing invasives from the area. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Meet at the Hartland Marsh’s Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Contact Details:
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Next week the Hartland Library will welcome author and photojournalist Cameron Gillie for a presentation on his book, Around Wisco: Hiking the Ice Age Trail! Members of our Chapter will also be there to share information about the Ice Age Trail Communities. Don’t miss it!
Contact Information:
Questions? Contact the Hartland Library at (262) 367-3350.
Photo by Unknown
World Rivers Day – Hartland Ice Age Marsh
Hike:
Originally scheduled for Sept 22, this World Rivers Day Hike was rescheduled for October 20 which also makes it a Mammoth Challenge Event!
Enjoy a guided hike of the Hartland Ice Age Marsh, a white-blazed, loop trail of the IAT. We will also hike north along the Bark River into the Waukesha Land Conservancy property. Helen Holz from the WCLC will join us and tell us their plans for this property.
Details:
This hike will be approximately 3 miles long. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. This hikes is 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.
Location:
The Hartland Ice Age Marsh is located next to the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Contact:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Image credit: MichaelZeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com
About:
A total solar eclipse, one of nature’s most spectacular sights, is coming to North America on April 8. While our location is outside the path of totality, viewers will see an 85-90% partial eclipse. A partial eclipse can be watched leisurely from wherever one happens to be. What better place to see it than the wide-open skies of the Lapham Peak Prairie!
The Hike:
We will be hike the prairie portion of the Lapham Peak Segment, pausing to watch the eclipse along the way. Peak coverage will occur at 2:07. Looping back along the bike trail will make for a for a 3-4 mile hike.
Details:
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful, but not necessary. 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. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.
CAUTION: Anyone observing a partial eclipse should be extremely careful to avoid damaging their eyes.
Looking at the sun is harmful to your eyes at any time, and most people never do it. The danger that an eclipse poses is simply that it may prompt people to gaze or stare directly into the sun. A large partial eclipse can be especially insidious, not only because it is so attractive but because the sun’s overall dimming makes it less painful to look at. The most important rule to remember here is to use ISO-certified-safe solar glasses and viewers. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing. Free eclipse glasses can be found at many public libraries including both the Waukesha Public Library and the Delafield Public Library. More info for safe eclipse viewing can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety.
Location:
Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Photo by Xiping Wang
Twilight Trail Hike – Monches
Great news, hikers! The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is bringing back Twilight Trail Hikes; its well-attended, weeknight series of hikes for 2024! This series of hikes will take place on the last Tuesday of the month, April through September. No need to sign up, just show up!
Hike:
This out-and-back hike starts at the Monches Segment’s northern trailhead, where we will enter the Charles Schurz Forest and explore its wooded moraines. We will then descend toward the marshy banks of the Oconomowoc River to the “interesting bridge” and return.
Details:
This hike is approximately 3.25 miles long. The northern end of this segment is hilly and a hiking stick is helpful. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and a flashlight/headlamp, if conditions warrant. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Monches Segment’s northern trailhead is located along the Waukesha-Washington County line in the Town of Merton (Waukesha County) at the intersection of CTH Q (County Line Road) and CTH E (Washington County)/CTH K (Waukesha County). The Monches/Hwy K Parking Lot for this hike is located approx. 0.13 mile north of the this intersection. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
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?