Save the date!
More information coming soon!
Tag Archives: #IceAgeNationalScenicTrail
Winter Solstice Hike – Springfield Hill Segment
Join the fun on Saturday, December 21, 2024 to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Ice Age Trail!
Details
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Springfield Hill Segment
- Distance: 1.6-mile loop
Dress for the weather. There are no bathroom facilities available at the Springfield Hill Segment.
After the hike, enjoy FREE hot cocoa provided by the Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. All are welcome, including well-behaved and leashed dogs.
Springfield Hill Segment
This segment, a short loop that can be hiked in either direction, highlights the 198-acre Springfield Hill Natural Resource Area. This property consists of steep wooded valleys, glacial kettle ponds, and open meadow. The stunning prairie changes with the seasons and demonstrates what’s possible through extensive and ongoing restoration efforts. The Trail’s route provides outstanding views from atop Springfield Hill, one of the highest points in the area.
Photo by Joe Ulmer.
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 Workday- Brooklyn Wildlife Segment
Join the Dane County Chapter for some brush clearing at the Brooklyn Wildlife Segment!
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
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.
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:
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! and will be repeated on October 16 at 10 am.
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!
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.
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.
Trailtessa 2024: Be MINDFUL
Be MINDFUL: An All-Senses, Summer Solstice Sunset Hike
Friday, June 21, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Hartland Marsh, Hartland Segment (Waukesha County)
Cost: $20/attendee; women & girls 16 and older
Be Mindful. Focus on the present moment, letting the light in. Breathe. Expand. Relax. Take advantage of the extended daylight and experience a slow, relaxing hike.
Enjoy a guided hike through the Hartland Marsh, an Alliance-owned preserve, tuning into all five senses as you explore this diverse habitat. See vivid colors. Listen for bird calls. Savor woodland scents. Feel plant textures (safely!). Taste summer. Light snacks and refreshments will be available as well.
BONUS: For those who you can stay a little longer, we’ll take a stroll and enjoy the sunset atop the Aldo Leopold Overlook.
Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, June 16, 2024 or when the event reaches capacity. An event email with final details and logistics will be emailed to all registered attendees on Monday, June 17.
Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance.
We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.
Thank you partners:
Trailtessa 2024: Be WILD
Be WILD: A Bird Watching Experience from Land and Water
Saturday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail – St. Croix Falls Segment and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Polk County)
Cost: $50/attendee; women & girls 16 and older
Be Wild. Experience the land and water habitats of our feathered friends. Kayak along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in the morning. Hike along a section of the St. Croix Segment, in the afternoon. Learn about native birds in northwest Wisconsin and see lots of them (hopefully!) from the water and from the Trail.
This casual birding experience, offered in partnership with the Wild Rivers Conservancy, includes guided kayaking and hiking. All abilities and experiences welcome.
Included:
- Expert support for first-time birders, kayakers, and hikers
- Binoculars (or bring your own)
- Kayak, paddle and safety vests
- Lunch and refreshments
What to Expect
Meet and check-in at Lions Park in St. Croix Falls. Attendees will be shuttled north and paddle the St. Croix River south back to the park. The paddle will be approximately 2.5 hours. Lunch will be provided at Lions Park, along with information about habitat management practices from the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Wild Rivers Conservancy. Enjoy an out and back hike along the Ice Age Trail – St. Croix Falls segment for approximately 2-miles or 1.5 hours.
Location
Lions Park
809 North Hamilton
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend this event, you can receive a refund (minus $10 administration fee) if cancellation is received in writing before June 13. If you cancel after June 13, we will consider your registration fee a donation.
We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.
Thank you partners:
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Trail Building Day
Photo by Brad Crary
The Workday:
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for an exciting Trail Building Day. We will be installing tread and clearing the corridor to complete a mile of new trail which will nearly eliminate the entire Waterville Road walk!
Work Details:
As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training. Participants should dress in layers for the weather with sturdy footwear and gloves. You will want to bring a water bottle. Please meet at 9:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Enter the field just south of W349 S2296 Waterville Road directly across from the intersection with Parry Road, and follow the signs into the field. Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs.
Contact Details:
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Trail Improvement Day
The Workday:
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for an exciting Trail Improvement Day! We will be installing tread and signing on this new 0.25 mile section of Ice Age Trail. This new tread on the Milford property will eliminate a particularly dangerous section of the Hwy C road walk.
Work Details:
As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training. Participants should dress in layers for the weather with sturdy footwear and gloves. You will want to bring a water bottle. Please meet at 9:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs. Meet at the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa parking lot.
Contact Details:
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Exploring the Ice Age Trail Presentation – Wauwatosa Public Library
From Oct. 3-30, “Within Wisconsin: Hiking the Ice Age Trail” art exhibit will be on display at the Wauwatosa Public Library. This art is a mixture of watercolor and found art pieces, inspired by the Trail, created by aspiring Thousand Miler, Carolyn Simpson.
On the first evening of the exhibit, the Ice Age Trail Alliance will host a two-part presentation. The first presentation, Discover the Ice Age Trail, will be given by Diana Matthews, Thousand Miler and Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter member. The second presentation, will be “See the Trail through an Artist’s eyes” presented by artist Carolyn Simpson.
The presentations will run from 6:30-8:30. They will take place in the Firefly room.
(Ice Age Trail Alliance will be on hand to table at the event with maps and information.)
Since this event is taking place in October, it will qualify for a Mammoth Hike Challenge bonus-miles event!
Carolyn Simpson, a former librarian and corporate foundation executive, took up painting 18 years ago. A board member of the Wisconsin Watercolor Society, she uses her hikes on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail as inspiration for her paintings, which often depict things which are common, lost, old, discarded, weak or fleeting.
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Exploring the Ice Age Trail Presentation – Wild Ones Menomonee River Area Chapter
Photo by Dave Caliebe of the Ice Age Trail Alliance
The Presentation:
Have you ever wanted to walk along the Ice Age Trail? Have you ever wondered how the Kettle Moraine was formed? Find the answer to these questions by experiencing and enjoying Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail!
The IAT is a 1,200 mile footpath found entirely within the state of Wisconsin. It is one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the country. This Trail traverses through some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas and winds through 30 counties on state, federal, county and private lands. Each year, more than 2.3 million people walk, hike, saunter, snowshoe, and backpack on the Ice Age Trail . Outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities step out on the Ice Age Trail to relax, explore and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Join “Thousand-Miler” and active Ice Age Trail Alliance Chapter volunteer, Diana Matthews for this introductory presentation. Come learn about the IAT — its history and glacial features. Learn tips and tricks for spending time on the IAT. Leave with plenty of resources to have a safe and successful journey. Whether hiking or sauntering, be inspired for adventures on the Trail!
Details:
This presentation will take place at the Brookfield Public Library, and is free and open to the public.
.
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Exploring the Ice Age Trail Presentation – Grafton Village Library
The Presentation
Have you ever wanted to walk along the Ice Age Trail. Ever wonder how the Kettle Moraine was formed? Experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail!
The Ice Age Trail is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, a 1,200 mile footpath found entirely within the state of Wisconsin. It traverses through some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas and winds through 30 counties on state, federal, county and private lands. More than 2.3 million people use the Ice Age Trail each year to walk, hike, saunter, snowshoe, and backpack! Outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities step out on the Ice Age Trail to relax, explore and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Join a “Thousand-Miler” and other active volunteers in the Ice Age Trail Alliance for this introductory presentation. Come learn about the IAT — its history and glacial features. Learn tips and tricks for spending time on the IAT, hear about the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge, and leave with plenty of resources to have a safe and successful journey. Whether hiking or sauntering, be inspired for adventures on the Trail!
The Presenter
Join Ice Age Trail Thousand-Miler Diana Matthews for this introductory presentation and spur on your own adventures on the Trail!
The Details
The presentation will take place in the Upper Level Meeting Room at the Grafton Village Library.
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Tyke Hike – Centennial Park
The Hike:
Tyke Hikes are back! We’ll be hiking a small piece of the Hartland Segment starting at Centennial Park which is the northernmost point on the Hartland Segment. Moving at a “toddler’s pace,” we will stop to explore and enjoy our surroundings as we go. This guided hike will be led by local and Chapter-affiliated parents.
Details:
This out-and-back hike will total approximately 1.5 miles. We will trek from Centennial Park to Hartbrook Park and back. This hike comes with a bonus of not one but TWO playground stops! This paved section of the trail is stroller-friendly but is not maintained in the winter. Please dress and prepare accordingly. If weather conditions are unsafe we will cancel. Recommended for ages 2-8, but all ages are welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Christina Callies, Aliza Shafer, and McKenna Olson organized this hike. There is no fee for this activity. *Note: We love furry friends, but dogs are not allowed on a section of this trail, so please leave them at home.
Location:
Meet at the parking lot at Centennial Park.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to hike leader Christina.
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Trail Improvement Day: South Stony Ridge Segment
The Workday:
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by joining Chapter for a Trail Improvement Day! We will spend the morning clearing a line of grand oaks adjacent to the Ice Age Trail at the southern gateway to Waukesha County. This rewarding work will greatly enhance the hiking experience and improve the health of the native species in this part of the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Work Details:
We will be using hand tools to clear buckthorn and other invasives, and creating brush piles to be burned this winter. As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training. Participants should dress in layers for the weather with sturdy footwear and gloves. You will want to bring a water bottle. Please meet at 9:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs. Meet at the Emma Carlin Trailhead parking lot (N1031 CTH-Z, Palmyra, WI)
Contact Details:
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com