Land Stewardship: Oak Savanna Restoration, Cross Plains Reserve – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

Description

As fall changes to winter, we remove sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while cutting trees. We need people to help by using loppers and other hand tools, and run power brush cutters. Additionally we will need NPS -certified chain sawyers. No prior experience is required to do this work, but we need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing. If there is snow on the ground, we will likely be burning brush and logs to clear the land and provide warmth.

What to Bring

Interested in cutting brush by hand? You should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots. (If we are burning brush, wear older, non-synthenic clothes for a top layer to avoid damage from embers.) If you want to use the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment). You need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen is optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

Joining us for the first time at an event? Please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or have not completed one in the past 12 months.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

The Greater Wausau Area Trail Community Celebration

Help celebrate the Greater Wausau Area becoming a new Ice Age Trail Community.  Join Visit Wausau and the Ice Age Trail Alliance Central Moraines Chapter for a casual hiker meet-up and ribbon cutting.  Meet Monty, the Ice Age Trail mammoth mascot too!

Event Details:

  • Saturday, October 12, 2024
  • 4:30 – 6:00 pm Trail Community Celebration at Timekeeper Distillery
  • 5:00 Designation Ceremony & Ribbon Cutting

This event is open to community members and the general public. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.

This is a Mammoth Hike Challenge event! Earn 5 bonus miles by attending.

 

High-Quality Tread Improves the Hiker Experience on the Greenbush Segment

Thanks to volunteers, 4,800 feet of sustainable tread exists!

122 dedicated volunteers generously donated 2,687 service hours to build 4,800 feet of tread on the Greenbush Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
122 dedicated volunteers generously donated 2,687 service hours to build 4,800 feet of tread on the Greenbush Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
Built 30-plus years ago, the nearly 9-mile Greenbush Segment winding through the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was due for some attention. Especially the section of Ice Age Trail south of State Highway 23. In that spot, the Trail traveled straight up and down hills along a rocky, rooted path. Instead of enjoying the views, hikers had to be cautious about where they put their feet. A reroute to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience was in order.

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New Puncheon and Stepping Stones Keep Boots Dry on the Plover River Segment

Cheerful volunteer crews embrace muddy conditions, getting good work done!

107 dedicated volunteers generously donated 3,366 service hours to build new puncheon and stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner
107 dedicated volunteers generously donated 3,366 service hours to build new puncheon and stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner
Built a decade ago, the Plover River Segment needed some attention, especially the nearly one-mile-long section between STH-52 and Village Road. Picturesque and famous for its river crossing, many hiking boots had churned up the mud-prone tread along this stretch. Now, 107 volunteers collectively donated 3,366 service hours to remedy the situation and elevate the hiker experience with lengths of puncheon and strategically placed granite boulders.

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Trail Improvement, Valley View Segment, Dane County

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

Trail Improvement, Valley View Segment, Dane County

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

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Cross Plains Reserve – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Lodi Marsh – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Springfield Hill – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Liebetrau Prairie – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Moraine Kettles – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Moraine Kettles – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Springfield Hill – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Cross Plains Reserve – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Shovelers Sink – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Table Bluff – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.

Volunteers Spruce Up Grandfather Falls Segment

A small maintenance crew persevered through heat and humidity for a successful event in Lincoln County!

The Lincoln County Maintenance Sweep saw 24 volunteers who donated 599 service hours, plus received assistance from WisCorps members, at the Grandfather Falls Segment.
The Lincoln County Maintenance Sweep saw 24 volunteers who donated 599 service hours, plus received assistance from WisCorps members, at the Grandfather Falls Segment.
Despite a rainy forecast and driving through a deluge, volunteers remained committed to helping members of the Northwoods Chapter spruce up Lincoln County’s most popular segment: Grandfather Falls. Mother Nature rewarded their dedication by providing three rain-free work days but heaped on the heat and humidity. Evening rain storms made for exciting sky-watching and raindrop dodging.

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Thanks to Exemplary Teamwork, the Plover River Segment has New Stepping Stones

These new stepping stones will keep boots dry for hikers!

54 volunteers donated 1,726 service hours to place 229 stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
54 volunteers donated 1,726 service hours to place 229 stepping stones on the Plover River Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
“This project was one of my all-time favorites,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “The event’s narrow scope meant all the crews did the same things: rock shopping, making crush, and setting stones. And we all got muddy!”

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Thanks to Volunteers, Hikers Have Dry Boots Through a Wetland

Skilled construction creates a 424-foot boardwalk on the Holy Hill Segment!

28 volunteers donated 627 service hours during 4.5 days to constructs a 424-foot-long boardwalk on the Holy Hill Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
28 volunteers donated 627 service hours during 4.5 days to constructs a 424-foot-long boardwalk on the Holy Hill Segment. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
An amended easement, negotiated between the Ice Age Trail Alliance and a private landowner, required an Ice Age Trail reroute along the Holy Hill Segment. The move took the Trail from the edge of an agricultural field onto a more scenic path, but one through a reed canary grass wetland. Luckily, Ice Age Trail Crew volunteers, skilled in boardwalk construction, capably rose to the challenge. During a 4.5-day project, 28 volunteers donated 627 hours to construct a 424-foot-long boardwalk.

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Oldest Segment Receives Maintenance Sweep Love

A small maintenance crew in Langlade County makes great progress across challenging terrain!

The Langlade County Maintenance Sweep saw 44 volunteers who donated 1,143 service hours, plus received assistance from 6 WisCorps members. Photo by Lisa Szela.
The Langlade County Maintenance Sweep saw 44 volunteers who donated 1,143 service hours, plus received assistance from 6 WisCorps members. Photo by Lisa Szela.
It was fitting that Langlade County’s oldest Ice Age National Scenic Trail segment—12-mile-long Parrish Hills—received the most attention during the 3.5-day Maintenance Sweep event. This remote, rugged segment winds through wetland areas inside an evergreen forest where it intersects and overlaps logging roads and ATV or snowmobile trails. The challenging terrain created plenty of work for 44 volunteers who collectively donated 1,143 service hours along with the labor provided by 6 WisCorps members.

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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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Pollinators Supported With Successful Sip and Seed Events

35 pounds of lupine seed picked!

Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed. Photo by Amy Lord.
Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed. Photo by Amy Lord.
Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed—a remarkable amount. When added to wildflower seed mixes, this seed will enhance up to 180 acres, providing an essential early-flowering, nectar plant for butterflies and bees. It also represents a significant dedication to habitat improvement efforts by the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market

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.

 

 

 

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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Land Stewardship: Brush Clearing, Lodi Marsh – Dane County Chapter

Photo Credit: Brent Sieling

*** You MUST contact the posted workday leader listed below to make sure the workday location or details have not changed, as these events are posted in advance. ***

Description

While finishing our annual removal of summer weeds -Wild Parsnip, white sweet clover and, others — from our Ice Age Trail prairies, we are now beginning our late summer removal of sumac and other shrubs from our prairies and savannas, while enjoying the exuberamt late-summer blooms in the prairies. We need help from chain sawyers, people who can run power brush cutters, and people using parsnip predators, loppers, and other hand tools. No prior experience is required to do this work, but I need to know who can help so that we have enough equipment to use. Come for part of the day or the whole thing.

What to Bring

If you are interested in pulling weeds by hand, you should have long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and sturdy boots (you don’t want wild parsnip to touch bare skin). If you are interested in using the chapter’s brush cutters, please indicate that when you RSVP (so we have the equipment) and you need long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, sturdy boots and hearing protection. Bring whatever water and food you want for the day. Sunscreen and insect repellent are optional but advised.

RSVP

You must RSVP with the work day organizer (listed below) so we have enough equipment and we can make sure all volunteers for the day have up-to-date information about meeting location.

Volunteer Service Agreement

If you’re joining us for the first time at an event, please complete the fillable Volunteer Services Agreement Form and email it (along with any questions) to National Park Service, (iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov). You should also complete the form if you don’t have a Volunteer Services Agreement Form on file, or completed one prior to January 2022.

Additional information for first-time volunteers.

Email Updates:

If you are interested in volunteering regularly, request to be added to our email group. Contact Megan Schliesman (schliesfrau@gmail.com) and ask to be added to our Stewardship 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.