Crew Leader Training brings volunteers—who have previously demonstrated leadership skills—together to learn, work, and connect.
![2024 Crew Leader Training Recap - Photo by IATA Staff 16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training. Photo by IATA Staff.](https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2-78.png)
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:
A reroute of the Ice Age Trail between Pleasant Hill Road and Waterford Road will shorten a road walk and add a parking lot. The change also brings the Trail closer to a wetland, necessitating the construction of a 400-foot boardwalk to keep boots dry and protect habitat.
If you like building boardwalks or want to learn how, this event is for you!
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:
NOTE: Project participation limit: 25
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, July 17, and concludes on Sunday, July 21. 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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Help Do:
If you like stonework, this project is for you! Help shift nearby rock to create a natural-looking, stepping-stone path. This effort will give the August Plover River Segment project a good jump start!
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:
NOTE: Project participation limit: 50
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, July 17, and concludes on Sunday, July 21. 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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
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:
At last, it’s time the Dreamer Route became reality. Join tread and corridor clearing crews for the first of many events working in this geologically significant area. We’ll also finish up bridge and boardwalk work on the Hemlock Creek Segment.
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:
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, October 2, and concludes on Sunday, October 6. 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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Help Do:
Enjoy early autumn color in the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit as you craft brand-new tread. Help create a new route for the Ice Age Trail south of Hwy 23, moving it from a paved multi-use trail onto a beautiful landscape of deep kettles and big trees.
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:
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, September 11, and concludes on Sunday, September 15. 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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Help Do:
South of Highway 52, this much-loved and well-traveled segment is ready for a few upgrades. Help build puncheon, solidify tread with granite boulders, and maintain the existing tread to withstand many future boots.
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:
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, August 14, and concludes on Sunday, August 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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Help Do:
Elevate hikers’ enjoyment of the Alliance-owned Muir Preserve by building a boardwalk and loop trail, setting up the Trail for future growth.
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:
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, October 23, and concludes on Sunday, October 27. 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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Do:
This project will focus primarily on structure repair, tread improvement, corridor clearing, and signage updates throughout the beautiful and rugged Northwoods Chapter. Come ready for other trail maintenance work too!
Location:
Northwoods Chapter Ice Age Trail Segments, Lincoln County
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Tuesday, July 30, and concludes on Friday, August 2. Trail maintenance activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:00 p.m. On Friday, work ends by noon.
Registration:
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring
Questions?
Please contact Lisa Szela via email (Lisa@iceagetrail.org) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Maintenance Sweep Team
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Do:
Help us put the finishing touches on Trail in Langlade County! This project will focus primarily on tread work, blazing, and signage, but come ready for other Trail maintenance needs as well.
You’ll also have a chance to attend hands-on blazing and signage, vegetative management, and outreach training hosted by Alliance staff.
Location:
Langlade County Chapter Ice Age Trail Segments
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Tuesday, June 25, and concludes on Friday, June 28. Trail maintenance activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:00 p.m.
Registration:
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring
Questions?
Please contact Lisa Szela via email (Lisa@iceagetrail.org) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Maintenance Sweep Team
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Do:
Learn the skills you need to lead the next Trailbuilding generation. If you participated in past years’ Trailbuilding events and are ready to take the next step, please submit a short application (see registration section below).
Registration:
Submit your application to Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations, by May 17.
Email chad@iceagetrail.org (preferred) or mail your application to Ice Age Trail Alliance, 2110 Main Street, P.O. Box 128, Cross Plains, WI 53528.
The Trail Team will follow up with more details once your application has been reviewed.
Schedule:
The event begins Thursday, June 20 and concludes on Sunday, June 23. Sessions begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m.
Questions?
Please contact the Trail Team via email (TrailTeam@iceagetrail.org) or the Ice Age Trail Alliance office (800-227-0046).
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Do:
Learn new skills from experienced staff and expert volunteers. Ice Age Trail University (IAT-U) classes offer a range of learning opportunities from Trail Plumbing to Vegetative Management to Working with Youth.
Download the full slate of course offerings
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: Sign up for classes today!
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Thursday, June 6 and concludes on Saturday, June 8. Sessions begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m.
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!
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Do:
Help upgrade the Trail near the popular Murphy Flowage Recreation Area. Replace deteriorating bridges and boardwalks, refresh signage, and maintain tread.
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
There’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. And no experience is necessary to participate in MSC events. Friendly Alliance staff and certified volunteer crew leaders provide hands-on training to get you started immediately.
Registration:
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Wednesday, May 15, and concludes on Sunday, May 19. 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 Hemlock Creek Segment Project Team
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Ice Age Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
What You’ll Do:
This project will focus primarily on tread repair and erosion control, Trail re-route, signage, and other Trail maintenance needs. Come ready for tread and stone work and some corridor clearing!
Location:
Indianhead Chapter Ice Age Trail Segments, Polk County
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
The event begins Tuesday, May 7, and concludes on Friday, May 10. Trail maintenance activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:00 p.m. On Friday, work ends by noon.
Registration:
Meals and Checking in at Base Camp/Volunteer Check In Information:
What to Bring
Questions?
Please contact Lisa Szela via email (Lisa@iceagetrail.org) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Maintenance Sweep Team
Learn more about Alliance-sponsored Trail Crew events: 2024 Season at a Glance
Nearly 15 miles of brand-new Ice Age National Scenic Trail took shape, creating a banner year.
The season’s true superstars were the 1,031 volunteers who donated 24,725 service hours, an impressive amount!
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Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
When: Saturday, November 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.
Parking: Please park in the area shown on the attached map.
What to wear/what to bring: Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and lightweight boots. There is plenty of thorny gooseberry and multiflora rose. Leather gloves are a must. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch.
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-IATR-Staff_508-1.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.
Happy Trails
Link to map: University golf course map 11-18-23
152 volunteers donated 4,388 service hours to reach the home stretch: The Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the morning of Sunday, October 1st, followed by a hike along the rerouted and reopened Rib Lake Segment
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And since the Eastern Terminus is either the start or end of a 1,200-mile adventure, it’s fitting that seasoned volunteers worked alongside children with many years ahead of them. Together, the generations revitalized an important stretch of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
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