Many upgrades improved existing segments in a maintenance-focused year!
What You’ll Do:
Begin a multi-year effort at a geologically significant Alliance-owned property. Build tread along the moraine and open a Dispersed Camping Area.
Also at this event: Crew Leader Skills Training! Learn how you can become an Ice Age Trail Crew Leader, especially if you have participated in previous years’ Trailbuilding events. Contact Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations for details and an application! Email: chad@iceagetrail.org.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders will provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon!
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, June 4, and concludes on Sunday, June 8. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Moraine Outwash Preserve Project Team
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
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.
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
Friends,
Have you noticed water-caused erosion on the Ice Age Trail and wished you could do something about it? Well, here is an opportunity to do exactly that! Come out and help us while learning about trail construction and proper drainage.
What: We will repair and improve a short section of the Ice Age Trail between Ice Age Lane and Noll Valley Circle. (See the attached map.) This section of trail is located on a narrow easement. For much of its length, the trail follows the fall-line* … We don’t have the option to relocate the trail, so we’re going to repair erosion damage and strengthen the trail tread against future heavy rain events.
*fall-line means the steepest possible line of descent from a given point on a slope
When: Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.
Where: We will meet on Ice Age Lane where the Ice Age Trail crosses the road. (See attached map.)
Parking: Park on Ice Age Lane or Noll Valley Road. If possible, park with all four wheels off the pavement. Please respect our neighbors’ access to mail boxes and driveways.
What to wear/what to bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather. There is thorny gooseberry and lurking poison ivy, so keep your skin covered. 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.
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.
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 or email to me as early as possible. Thank you.
RSVP: If you can help on either day, 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 see you on this project!
Happy Trails—
Link to work site location: Project map valley view
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
Friends,
Have you noticed water-caused erosion on the Ice Age Trail and wished you could do something about it? Well, here is an opportunity to do exactly that! Come out and help us while learning about trail construction and proper drainage.
What: We will repair and improve a short section of the Ice Age Trail between Ice Age Lane and Noll Valley Circle. (See the attached map.) This section of trail is located on a narrow easement. For much of its length, the trail follows the fall-line* … We don’t have the option to relocate the trail, so we’re going to repair erosion damage and strengthen the trail tread against future heavy rain events.
*fall-line means the steepest possible line of descent from a given point on a slope
When: Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.
Where: We will meet on Ice Age Lane where the Ice Age Trail crosses the road. (See attached map.)
Parking: Park on Ice Age Lane or Noll Valley Road. If possible, park with all four wheels off the pavement. Please respect our neighbors’ access to mail boxes and driveways.
What to wear/what to bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather. There is thorny gooseberry and lurking poison ivy, so keep your skin covered. 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.
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.
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 or email to me as early as possible. Thank you.
RSVP: If you can help on either day, 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 see you on this project!
Happy Trails—
Link to work site location: Project map valley view
IAT-U successfully delivered 10 trainings to a total of 94 volunteers, who generously dedicated 1,486 hours to learning the skills and techniques necessary to contribute to the creation, maintenance, and promotion of a National Scenic Trail.
What You’ll Help Do:
Build tread across dramatic glacial topography of this National Park Service-owned property to reduce road walk miles in the county.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon!
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, June 25, and concludes on Sunday, June 29. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you!
What You’ll Help Do:
Protect fragile ecosystems and keep boots dry by replacing bridges and boardwalks along the Trail, improving the hiker experience through the Clover Valley State Wildlife Area.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon…
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, July 16, and concludes on Sunday, July 20. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you!
Thanks to Wendell’s guidance, grand staircases, retaining walls, and stepping stones have been expertly constructed all along the Trail—and better yet, he has trained the next generation of stonework experts!
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
9AM – 3PM, May 11 and 12, 2024 (Saturday and Sunday)
Reddan Woods Reroute
We will be constructing tread (walking surface) for a 516′ reroute. This bypasses a heavily eroded section of trail that follows the fall line down a hillside, and will follow a more sustainable winding route.
More details will be provided via the Dane County trailbuilders-dciat mailing list in late April. To be added to this list, contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Trailbuilders list. (Note: Megan cannot answer questions about workdays; she coordinates the list, not workdays.) Emails sent on the listserv will contain all the details for a workday, and you should contact the listed leader for any given workday with questions.
Your help is welcomed for any part of the project. No experience is necessary – certified crew leaders will guide you to get started!
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
Friends,
It’s time to head out to University Ridge to continue the trail improvement work we’ve been doing over the past 14 months. The results of our work are gratifying–I walked the west woods today to the Woods Rd. trailhead The look and feel of the trail is such a wonderful improvement! It soothes the soul…
We have only 385 feet of trail left to finish phase 1 of this project. Wow!
What: Clear invasive brush to improve forest health, reveal the area’s natural beauty and enhance the hiking experience. We will pile the cut brush for winter burning. Note: We will not be burning brush piles on Feb. 18.
Hand tools will be provided.
Chain sawyers (NPS certified): Sawyers are very welcome and much needed.
When: Sunday, February 18, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where: University Ridge Golf Course. Enter through the main gate at 9002 County Hwy. PD, Madison.
Park in the large parking lot near the clubhouse. See map.
What to wear/what to bring: Please dress appropriately for the weather. There is plenty of thorny gooseberry, prickly ash and buckthorn, so keep your skin covered. Leather gloves are a must. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch.
Homework: There are several attachments to this event. Please take a few minutes to read them. This info will help you identify black cherry (good), common buckthorn (bad) and burning bush (bad). You’ll also learn the basics of constructing a proper brush pile. Trust me–poorly-built brush piles are a huge time-waster when it’s time to burn them.
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 plan to help on February 18, please reply to this message. 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 see you Sunday morning!
Happy Trails—
Link to work site location: Map for next trail improvement day
Building & burning brush piles (handout)
What You’ll Help Do:
Extend the Cedar Lakes Segment by opening more than two miles of new Trail across a partner property owned by the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate in Ice Age Trail Crew events. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon…
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, October 1, and concludes on Sunday, October 5. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you!
What You’ll Help Do:
Build a bridge across Straight River, eliminating a road walk along busy State Highway 48. Plus, build tread along an esker with views of the Straight River.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon…
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, September 10, and concludes on Sunday, September 14. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you!
What You’ll Help Do:
Continue the Trail reroute through the Blue Hills. Expect chainsaw, rock, and tread work during phase two of this exciting project.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon….
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, August 13, and concludes on Sunday, August 17. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you!
What You’ll Help Do:
Upgrade structures on the Tisch Mills Segment and reroute two miles of Trail off ski trails and onto a dedicated path in Point Beach State Forest.
Limited number of volunteers needed for this small project.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate in Ice Age Trail Crew events. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon…
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, October 22, and concludes on Sunday, October 26. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you!
What You’ll Do:
Replace a bridge over Pigeon Creek. Continue the reroute through the Blue Hills by building boardwalk through a tamarack bog. Craft sustainable tread and blaze the path, opening brand-new Trail and completing phase one.
Project Area Map Coming Soon!
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders will provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration: Coming Soon!
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, May 14, and concludes on Sunday, May 18. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring:
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Blue Hills Segment Project Team