Photo by Brad Guhr
Explore the Lapham Peak Prairie Saturday, December 14th @ 3PM
The Hike:
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.
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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What You’ll Help Do:
Maintain habitat diversity and ecosystem quality along Riverland Conservancy-owned Merrimac Preserve. This property, which hosts the Ice Age Trail, boasts acres of springtime lupine. Removing invasive brush from the prairie helps maintain the sea of purple flowers. Provided there is adequate snow cover, we’ll burn the brush piles, too.
Schedule:
Join us from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, December 6.
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
We need brush haulers and trained swampers (volunteers who create brush piles) and brush-cutters. NPS certified sawyers are welcome and encouraged to bring their own chainsaw and PPE.
However, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. Friendly staff and certified volunteer crew leaders will provide hands-on training to get you started right away.
Registration:
To help us plan this event with your needs in mind, please register by Monday, December 2, 2024.
Limit: 50 volunteers.
Parking and Volunteer Check-In
- Registrants will receive a confirmation email a day or two ahead of the project, containing parking and check-in details.
- There is no overnight camping or base camp for this project.
What to Bring
- Lunch and a water bottle(s) and a thermos filled with a warm beverage.
- Winter-appropriate footwear. If snowy/icy, consider snowshoes and ice cleats (Micro Spikes, Yak Traks, etc.) for secure footing.
- A plastic sled and/or backpack for hauling gear may prove helpful.
- Appropriate ‘near-fire’ clothing (no synthetics – leave that fancy coat at home).
- Clothing to dress in layers (for warmth and to keep dry).
- A daypack, sunscreen, and leather gloves.
- NPS certified sawyers are welcome and encouraged to bring your own saw and PPE.
Questions?
Please contact Steve Pence, Land Restoration Specialist, by emailing: Steve@iceagetrail.org
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Merrimac Preserve Project Team
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
The Hike:
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Monches Segment. This segment connects with the Loew Lake Segment to the north and the Merton Segment to the south. Located near the Waukesha/Washington County Line, the Monches Segment of the IAT traverses a mature maple forest and parallels the Oconomowoc River. It features spring and early summer woodland wildflowers.
Details:
This hike is approximately 3 miles long. Hiking poles are 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. 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 the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the The UWM at Waukesha Field Station where we will begin our hike.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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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
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.
Photographer Unknown
The Hike:
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a hike from Lapham Peak Segment’s southern trailhead to the tower. The Lapham Peak Segment starts by heading east on the paved Glacial Drumlin Trail for 2 miles where it crosses Hwy 18 and continues through the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Lapham Peak Unit to the tower. This will be an approximately 4.5 mile hike.
Details:
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes 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. 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:
We will meet at the Tower parking lot and carpool to the UW Field Station. From there we will hike back.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Stu Brandel
This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The Hike:
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
Details:
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but 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. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
Location:
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
Photo by John Hart
The Hike:
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a 3-4 mile out and back hike on the Merton Segment.
Details:
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. 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 Ice Age Trail Parking Lot – Monches/Merton.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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and BioBlitz, where you observe and record different species.
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?
