Future Crew Leaders Receive Hands-On Training

Crew Leader Training brings volunteers—who have previously demonstrated leadership skills—together to learn, work, and connect.

16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training. Photo by IATA Staff.
16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training. Photo by IATA Staff.
Demonstrating their deepening commitment to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, 16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training from June 20-22, 2024 in Cross Plains, Wis. Their admittance into this three-day program underscored their prior enthusiasm for and participation in chapter-led or Ice Age Trail Crew events. The training supported their desire and ability to lead volunteer crews.

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High Spirits, Inquisitive Minds at IAT-U

A rewarding, hands-on learning experience for volunteers!

IAT-U successfully delivered 10 trainings to a total of 94 volunteers, who generously dedicated 1,486 hours. Photo by Alice Weinert.
IAT-U successfully delivered 10 trainings to a total of 94 volunteers, who generously dedicated 1,486 hours. Photo by Alice Weinert.
“Spirits were high and minds inquisitive,” said Riley Dupee, Field Operations Specialist, describing the vibe at the recent Ice Age Trail University (IAT-U) in Dane County. “Plus, the weather was mostly sunny. The sunsets from base camp were terrific and included a firework show in the distance on Saturday night.”

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.

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Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – Holy Hill Segment, Washington County

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!

Download Project Area Map

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA after registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Lunch, snacks, thermal mug, and bottles of water.
  • A reusable plate and cup for reducing waste.
  • Layers for variable temperatures and weather conditions.
  • Sturdy hiking or leather work boots (no tennis shoes) and muck boots and hip waders, if you have them.
  • Trail work gear: leather work gloves, hat, head net (the bugs are out!!), long sleeve shirt, long pants, and rain gear.
  • Day pack with water, sunscreen, mosquito repellant.
  • If camping: headlamp, tent, pad, sleeping gear, towel, personal needs, and a lawn chair. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – Plover River Segment, Marathon County

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!

Download Project Area Map

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA after registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Lunch, snacks, thermal mug, and bottles of water.
  • A reusable plate and cup for reducing waste.
  • Layers for variable temperatures and weather conditions.
  • Sturdy hiking or leather work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Muck boots if you have them.
  • Trail work gear: hat, head net (the bugs are out!!), long sleeve shirt, long pants, and rain gear.
  • Day pack with water, sunscreen, mosquito repellant.
  • If camping: headlamp, tent, pad, sleeping gear, towel, personal needs, and a lawn chair. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Teamwork Successfully Kicks Off the Trailbuilding Season

Multiple structures got built and repaired on the Hemlock Creek Segment!

96 volunteers donated 3,325 service hours to building and repairing Trail on the Hemlock Creek Segment at the first Trailbuilding event of 2024. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
96 volunteers donated 3,325 service hours to building and repairing Trail on the Hemlock Creek Segment at the first Trailbuilding event of 2024. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
Like the warblers, sparrows, and scarlet tanagers arriving from their winter home, the Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers returned to the Trail. 96 volunteers donated 3,325 service hours in 4.5 days to building and repairing Trail on the Hemlock Creek Segment (Barron and Rusk Counties, Wis.).

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2024 Trail Steward of the Year: Wendell Holl

Wendell Holl, 2024 Trail Steward of the Year. Photo by Dennis Linley.
Wendell Holl, 2024 Trail Steward of the Year. Photo by Dennis Linley.
No volunteer may be more skilled at stonework than this year’s recipient of the Trail Steward Award: Wendell Holl, who lives in Lodi and is a member of the Lodi Valley Chapter. The Ice Age Trail Alliance staff bestowed this honor during the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Annual Conference and Membership Meeting, in Baraboo, in April 2024.

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!

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Save the Date: Trail Improvement, Verona Segment, Dane County

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!

 

Trail Improvement, University Ridge-Madison Segment, Dane County

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)

Black cherry v buckthorn

Burning Bush shrub winter id.

 

Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – Northern Blue Hills Segment, Rusk County

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.

Download Project Area Map

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA at registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Your lunch for each day you are on site.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A hat, gaiter, and head net.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – Greenbush Segment, Sheboygan County

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.

Download Project Area Map

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA at registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Your lunch for each day you are on site.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A hat, gaiter, and head net.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – Plover River Segment, Marathon County

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.

Download Project Area Map 

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA at registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Your lunch for each day you are on site.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A hat, gaiter, and head net.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – John Muir Park Segment, Marquette County

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.

Download Project Area Map

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA after registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Lunch, snacks, thermal mug, and bottles of water.
  • A reusable plate and cup for reducing waste.
  • Layers for variable temperatures and weather conditions.
  • Sturdy hiking or leather work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Trail work gear: hat, head net, long sleeve shirt, long pants, and rain gear.
  • Day pack with water, sunscreen, mosquito repellant.
  • If camping: headlamp, tent, pad, sleeping gear, towel, personal needs, and a lawn chair. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew: Lincoln County Maintenance Sweep

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp. Details provided upon registration.
  • Dinner for at least one night of the event (details TBD), coffee, and snacks will be provided.
  • Camping will be available at Council Grounds State Park for all volunteers.

What to Bring 

  • Please bring your own meals.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, insect repellent, a hat and gaiters.

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

Ice Age Trail Crew: Langlade County Maintenance Sweep

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp. Details provided upon registration.
  • Dinner for at least one night of the event (details TBD), coffee, and snacks will be provided.
  • Camping will be available at Perch Lake Campground for all volunteers.

What to Bring 

  • Please bring your own meals.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, insect repellent, a hat and gaiters.

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Training – Crew Leader Skills, Dane County

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Training – IAT-U, Dane County

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

Download Project Area Map 

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA at registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Your lunch for each day you are on site.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A hat, gaiter, and head net.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew – Trailbuilding – Hemlock Creek Segment, Barron and Rusk Counties

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail, Ice Age Trail Crew, 2024 Trailbuilding SeasonWhat You’ll Do:

Help upgrade the Trail near the popular Murphy Flowage Recreation Area. Replace deteriorating bridges and boardwalks, refresh signage, and maintain tread.

Download Project Area Map 

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp (TBA after registration).
  • A light breakfast will be provided, along with dinner, for volunteers staying overnight.

What to Bring:

  • Your lunch for each day you are on site.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A hat, gaiter, and head net.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)

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

Ice Age Trail Crew: Polk County Maintenance Sweep

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:

  • Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp, located near the Trade River Segment. Details provided upon registration.
  • Dinner for one night of the event (details TBD), coffee, and snacks will be provided.
  • Camping will be available at Base Camp for all volunteers.

What to Bring 

  • Please bring your own meals.
  • Gear for camping if you’re staying overnight. (If you prefer, you may arrange lodging in area hotels, too.)
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, insect repellent, a hat and gaiters.

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

Thank You for a Successful 2023 Trailbuilding Season

Nearly 15-miles of brand new Ice Age Trail!

Photos by Patrick Gleissner, Dave Caliebe, and Rick Gamble.
Photos by Patrick Gleissner, Dave Caliebe, and Rick Gamble.
Two words – New Trail – describe the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s 2023 Trailbuilding Season!

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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Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

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.

Questions?  Call, email or text me.

Happy Trails

Link to map: University golf course map 11-18-23

A Road Walk Becomes a Walk in the Woods!

The final MSC Trailbuilding project for 2023 in Cross Plains brought a record number of volunteers and service hours.

A group of volunteers gather in a circle at the Cross Plains Segment for a morning meeting prior to the Trailbuilding event.
A record breaking number of volunteers gathered for the final 2023 MSC Trailbuilding Project in Cross Plains. Photo by Amy Lord.
The five-day trailbuilding project from October 18 – October 22 along the Cross Plains Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail ticked a lot of boxes: Enthusiastic volunteers, great weather, even better food, vibrant autumn color, an evening watching UW-Madison’s women’s volleyball on the big screen (literally), and pumpkin carving! As a bonus, volunteers built 3.1 miles of tread, including a 0.6-mile white-blazed loop trail.
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A 15-Year Project Receives Finishing Touches

The concluding Rib Lake MSC Trailbuilding Project, a volunteer celebration, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the re-opening of the Rib Lake Segment.

152 volunteers donated 4,388 service hours to the final Rib Lake MSC project, allowing for the grand re-opening of the Rib Lake Segment! Photo by Dave Caliebe.
152 volunteers donated 4,388 service hours to the final Rib Lake MSC project, allowing for the grand re-opening of the Rib Lake Segment! Photo by Dave Caliebe.
“This MSC event was about putting on the finishing touches to a 15-year project,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager. “Although Bob Rusch knows more about this than I do, the entire week felt like the final kick runners muster when approaching a marathon’s finish line.”

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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The Rejuvenation of the Eastern Terminus

Volunteers work together to move a large dolomite slab. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
Volunteers work together to move a large dolomite slab. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
“I love working on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail because what we do today will live on after we are gone,” said Cheryl Gorsuch, Lakeshore Chapter Coordinator. “It will provide our children and grandchildren with a legacy of connecting with nature and preserving the land for future generations.”

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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Meet the Wisconsin Conservation Corps Crew Who Spent their Summer on the Trail

Three Wisconsin Conservation Corps members help with trail maintenance.
Wisconsin Conservation Corps crew members help with trail maintenance on Ice Age Trail segments in Taylor County. Photo by Mark Ormsby.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail and its volunteers got an assist this summer from five Wisconsin Conservation Corps crew members, who helped build and maintain the Trail:

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A Charmed Event: The Final Iola Ski Hill Segment MSC

A group of volunteers sit and stand by a brand new stone staircase on the Ice Age Trail.
Volunteers proudly pose by a brand new stone staircase at the MSC Iola Ski Hill Trailbuilding event. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Some MSC events occur beneath a charmed star like the third and final project of the Iola Ski Hill Segment’s reroute. It started with an outstanding and fun group of people coming together – 101 volunteers donated 2,237 service hours. This number included several volunteers from the June 2023 Crew Leader Training class.
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