Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Twilight Trail Hike Series: Waterville

Photo by Gerald H. Emmerich Jr.

Twilight Trail Hike – Waterville Segment

Great news, hikers! The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is back with the Twilight Trail Hikes series; its well-attended, weeknight series of hikes for 2024! This series of hikes will take place on the last Tuesday of the month, April through September. No need to sign up, just show up!

Hike:

This out-and-back hike of the Waterville Segment begins at the UWM at Waukesha Field Station (website), where we will experience a beautiful prairie walk. From there we’ll connect to the Waterville Segment and hike on to the drumlin located at the recently acquired WDNR property and return.

Details:

This is an easy, approximately 4 miles long hike. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and a flashlight/headlamp, if conditions warrant. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.

Location:

We will start at The UWM at Waukesha Field Station (Google map). Enter the Field Station private driveway entrance on the east side of Waterville Road, which is approx. 0.40 of a mile south of USH 18 (and just north of the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trial) and proceed about 0.20 of a mile east on the private driveway until you reach the Field Station (second) driveway. Please do not park in the Wildlife in Need Center parking lot (first driveway). Proceed north to the Field Station parking area. GPS Coordinates for the private driveway entrance on Waterville Road are: 43.01605 degrees N, 88.44262 degrees W, and GPS Coordinates to the Field Station driveway are: 43.01628 degrees N, 88.43919 degrees WLook for the IAT event sign as you approach the hike event.

Contact:

Questions or comments can be made through our W aukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Monches Segment

The Hike:

Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Monches Segment. This segment connects with the Loew Lake Segment to the north and the Merton Segment to the south. Located near the Waukesha/Washington County Line, the Monches Segment of the IAT traverses a mature maple forest and parallels the Oconomowoc River. It features spring and early summer woodland wildflowers.

Details:

This hike is approximately 3 miles long. Hiking poles are helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.

Location:

Meet at the the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the The UWM at Waukesha Field Station where we will begin our hike.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

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The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Pike Lake Hike

Explore the Pike Lake Segment & the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest!

Pike Lake Hike:

Join us as we travel to Washington County to explore the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest! This loop hike will begin on the Ice Age Trail’s Pike Lake Segment and utilize the Pike Lake Unit’s color-coded trail system to return to our starting point.

Details:

We will begin near the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, and hike north on the Ice Age Trail. Near the family campground, we will loop back around to the south, heading towards the shore of Pike Lake before returning to our starting point. The planned hike is easy to moderate in difficulty, suitable for hikers of most ability levels, and will cover slightly more than 3 miles.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please be sure to bring water, and consider bringing a lunch for post-hike socializing. If the weather is warm, you may also want to bring your bathing suit!

Location:

The main entrance to the Pike Lake Unit is located off of Highway 60, in Hartford. We will meet at the large parking area off of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, toward the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, near the picnic shelters and beaches.

Contact:

Contact your leader, Mike with any questions or concerns.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Seed Collection at Hartland Marsh

Photo by The Spruce/Evgeniya Vlasova

The Workday:

Join us for a Seed Collection Outing at the Hartland Marsh with the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Land Restoration Specialist, Steve Pence! We will be collecting shooting star seeds that will go into the Ice Age Trail Alliance Seed Bank for future restoration projects. This ephemeral spring wildflower once was found growing abundantly throughout open, moist woods and rocky slopes. Unfortunately, shooting stars have suffered declines in both their numbers and natural habitats. The Alliance’s seed collection program is part of their land restoration efforts to re-establish and increase native plants found along the trail.

Work Details:

All tools and training will be provided. Wear long pants and sleeves, work gloves, and sturdy shoes. You will be healthier and happier by bringing a water bottle and insect repellent. If time allows we will continue clearing invasives from the area. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement. Download Agreement.

Location Details:

Meet at the Hartland Marsh’s Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.

Contact Details:

Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com

Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter: Hartland Library Presents Photojournalist Cameron Gillie

Next week the Hartland Library will welcome author and photojournalist Cameron Gillie for a presentation on his book, Around Wisco: Hiking the Ice Age Trail! Members of our Chapter will also be there to share information about the Ice Age Trail Communities. Don’t miss it!

Contact Information:

Questions? Contact the Hartland Library at (262) 367-3350.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Beers and Boardwalks: Indeed We Can Fundraiser

Join Our Chapter for a Taproom Takeover in Milwaukee!

As part of its BeersForBoardwalks: Indeed We Can fundraiser, Indeed Brewing Company (530 South 2nd St., Milwaukee) is donating net proceeds from the day’s sales (3 p.m. to 11 p.m.) to the Ice Age Trail Alliance!

So, come on out and have a cold one (or two) for the Trail! (Non-alcoholic beverage options will be available, too!)

Alliance staff and friends will be on hand from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’ll be a fun night!

There’ll be Trail Trivia. Plus, you can take a picture with Monty the Mammoth. Maybe you’ll even win a door prize (you’ll have to be present to win)!

Plus, you’ll get to hang out with other Trail enthusiasts.

Can’t stay long? That’s okay! Pickup orders (placed between 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.) will count toward the donation the Alliance receives.

Best. Fundraiser. Ever.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Eclipse Hike at Lapham Peak Prairie

Image credit: MichaelZeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com

About:

A total solar eclipse, one of nature’s most spectacular sights, is coming to North America on April 8. While our location is outside the path of totality, viewers will see an 85-90% partial eclipse. A partial eclipse can be watched leisurely from wherever one happens to be. What better place to see it than the wide-open skies of the Lapham Peak Prairie!

The Hike:

We will be hike the prairie portion of the Lapham Peak Segment, pausing to watch the eclipse along the way. Peak coverage will occur at 2:07. Looping back along the bike trail will make for a for a 3-4 mile hike.

Details:

Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful, but not necessary. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.

CAUTION: Anyone observing a partial eclipse should be extremely careful to avoid damaging their eyes.

Looking at the sun is harmful to your eyes at any time, and most people never do it. The danger that an eclipse poses is simply that it may prompt people to gaze or stare directly into the sun. A large partial eclipse can be especially insidious, not only because it is so attractive but because the sun’s overall dimming makes it less painful to look at. The most important rule to remember here is to use ISO-certified-safe solar glasses and viewers. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing. Free eclipse glasses can be found at many public libraries including both the Waukesha Public Library and the Delafield Public Library. More info for safe eclipse viewing can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety.

Location:

Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter Senior Saunter Walk: Downtown Oconomowoc – Around Fowler Lake

Photo by Unknown

The Walk:

This month’s Senior Saunter will take us for an enjoyable 2 mile walk around Fowler Lake in downtown Oconomowoc. Our route will take us on the Historic Walking Tour. This walk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and is not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!

Details:

Starting at the Fowler Lake Parking Lot (behind City Hall), we will go west along the lake path and then
north on N. Lake Road. As you get to the north end of Fowler Lake you will go easterly on E. Lisbon Road

and E. Greenland Ave. Then you continue to the south on N. Oakwood Ave , N. Walnut St. and back west

to your staring point on E. Pleasant Dr. Bring water for the hike.

Location:

This hike will begin and end at Oconomowoc’s Folwler Lake Park.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Mower and Trimmer Volunteer Training

We can always use extra help with mowing duties. Nearly 25 miles of Trail needs to be mowed and/or trimmed several times throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. We supply the equipment, including the trailer, but a vehicle with a hitch is necessary. If you think you may enjoy running a brush mower or trimmer and have a few hours to spare, please consider this volunteer opportunity. The time commitment depends on the weather and how much rainfall we experience.

Interested volunteers should email Mike Drehobl to be part of this amazing crew. Mike will get back to you with all of the necessary details.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter Senior Saunter Walk: Fox River Trail

Photo by Unknown

The Walk:

This month’s Senior Saunter will take us for a walk south along the beautiful Fox River Parkway in Downtown Waukesha. Starting at the Waukesha Schuetze Rec Center at Frame Park, we will walk south on the Fox River Trail toward Bethesda Park. From there we will loop back to Schuetze Center. This walk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and is not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!

Details:

Walk at your own pace for whatever distance you wish (1.6 to 2.5 miles with options for more) on the paved trail. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water for the hike. Note: We do not cancel hikes ahead of time due to weather predictions. If you are not sure, stay home.

Fox River Trail Options:

Frame Park to Veteran’s Park: ~1.6 mi round trip
Around the Frame Park Lagoon: ~1.7 mi. loop
Frame Park to Bethesda Park: ~2.5 miles round trip

Location:

This hike will begin and end at Waukesha’s Schuetze Recreation Center.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter – Senior Saunter Walk: Delafield Segment

Our chapter is introducing “Senior Saunter Walks” featuring gentle 1-to-2-mile walks on paved paths. These walks are led by chapter member, Mark Miner. They will be offered on the fourth Wednesday of March, April, and May.

The Walk:

Join us on a Senior Saunter Walk to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a portion of the Delafield Segment who’s trailhead is adjacent to Cushing Memorial Park. Our leisurely walk will follow the Bark River and through the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk to downtown Delafield. These walks are wheelchair and stroller-friendly and are not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!

Details:

This 1.5- 2 mile walk begins on the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk . Situated along the Bark River in Delafield, the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk winds along the Bark River for 3/4 mile between Cushing Memorial Park and St. John’s Pond. Along the way are nine separate war memorial sites, a bridge, the entry plaza, two ecological information areas, and a Peace Garden. The Riverwalk concludes in downtown Delafield. Once downtown, you can stop for a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping. Then return to Cushing Memorial Park either by the way you came or along the the paved Lake Country Recreation Trail (Main Street). Walkers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Most importantly, bring water.

Location:

This walk will start out at the Cushing Memorial Park parking lot.

Contact Information:

Questions? Mark, your hike leader will answer them for you.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter – Hartland Walking Club – Hartland Segment Hike

Photo by Unknown

About:

Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015. The Hartland Walking Club was created by local volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee. Check the Hartland Walking Club’s Facebook page for updates and additional activities.

The Hike:

We will hike from the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot in Hartland, for an approximately four mile out and back hike. The hike begins by walking on a paved path that parallels Cottonwood Dr., eventually crossing North Shore Drive. This segment continues off-road over wooded, hilly topography.

Details:

This is an easy to moderate hike suitable for hikers of most ability levels. There is very little elevation gain before getting to the wooded section of the trail. Anyone not wishing to hike the full distance can turn back at any time and return to the parking lot.

All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. There is no fee for this activity. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike.

Location:

We will meet at the the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Jeff, your hike leader.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Lapham Peak Segment

Photographer Unknown

The Hike:

Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a hike from Lapham Peak Segment’s southern trailhead to the tower. The Lapham Peak Segment starts by heading east on the paved Glacial Drumlin Trail for 2 miles where it crosses Hwy 18 and continues through the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Lapham Peak Unit to the tower. This will be an approximately 4.5 mile hike.

Details:

Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.

Location:

We will meet at the Tower parking lot and carpool to the UW Field Station. From there we will hike back.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

—–

The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Trail Improvement Day/BoardwalkRepair – Eagle Segment

Trail Improvement/Boardwalk Repair Project

The Workday:

Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for boardwalk repairs on the Eagle Segment. We will be staging materials and redecking a prairie boardwalk.

Work Details:

As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training. We do need a few more cordless drills. If you are willing to bring one, please make sure it is clearly labeled. We will be using a T25 bit.

Participants should dress in layers for the weather with sturdy footwear and gloves. You will want to bring a water bottle. Please meet at 9:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.

Location Details:

Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs two miles north of Eagle. We will meet at the end of a gated gravel drive off of Hwy 67.

Contact Details:

Watch for last minute weather related information and contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com or 262-490-3515.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter Ice Hike

Photo by Stu Brandel

This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024.

The Hike:

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.

Details:

This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.

If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!

Location:

We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Merton Segment

Photo by John Hart

The Hike:

Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a 3-4 mile out and back hike on the Merton Segment.

Details:

Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.

Location:

Meet at the Ice Age Trail Parking Lot – Monches/Merton.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

—–

The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Evening Hike @ Lapham Peak Prairie

Photo Credit: John Bechtel

Hike:

Join us on Tuesday, October 15 for an evening hike in the beautiful Lapham Peak prairie under the almost-full Hunter’s Moon. This out-and-back hike will start at 6 p.m. at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot. We’ll head west into the prairie to the end of the Lapham Peak segment before turning around for the return hike. With this hike you can count 4 miles toward the Mammoth Hike Challenge! Before the hike get dinner or enjoy a post hike drink in Delafield, the closest Trail Community to the Lapham Peak Segment.

Details:

This hike is 4 miles. Bring a flashlight or headlamp; we hope to have moonlight, but it might be dark before the end of the hike. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.

Location:

We will meet at Lapham Peak’s Evergreen Shelter parking lot.

Contact:

Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or our chapter email.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting

Introduction of the Leadership Team who are present

Welcoming of new members and guests

Submitted Minutes & Leadership Reports – Questions or comments
– Motion to approve

Trail Activities Report – Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator Boardwalks Initiative – Pat Witkowski

Hike Leaders Reports – Beth Bechtel, Mark Miner, Jeff Romagna, Aliza Schaefer, Mike Schroeder

Mammoth Hike Challenge Report – Jessica Woodward
Treasurer’s Report – Sanjay Shoney
Social Activities Report – Sherri Ritz
Presentations Report/Outreach Report/First Aid Training – Diana Matthews Old/New Business

Questions/comments

Future Chapter meeting and Events
December 14th – Holiday Gathering (5-9pm)
January 1 – First Day Hike
January 16 – Chapter Annual Meeting/ Election of officers/Potluck dinner February 20 – Chapter Meeting
March 20 – Chapter Meeting
April 10-13 – Annual Conference (Stevens Point)

Social Time! Bring a snack to share and enjoy some Chapter camaraderie!

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting, Beer and Bonfire

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting, Beer, and Bonfire

Earn bonus miles by attending our Chapter meeting! Learn more about our Chapter’s projects and events. Have fun socializing with us around a bonfire! Beverages (beer, wine, soft drinks) and popcorn will be available.

Agenda coming soon!

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA

Meeting Agenda

WELCOME BY CHAPTER CO-COORDINATOR – Diana Matthews
➢ Introduction of Coordinating Team members who are present
➢ Welcoming of new members and guests

SUBMITTED MINUTES & LEADERSHIP REPORTS (motion to approve)
➢ Questions or comments

COORDINATOR REPORTS:

TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT – Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator
HIKE LEADERS’ REPORTS – Jeff Romagna, Mark Miner, Beth Bechtel
(Note: “Two For” Mammoth Hike Challenge Hike to follow below)
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT – Diana Matthews for Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator
TREASURY UPDATE – Sanjay Shoney, Treasurer
TRAIL COMMUNITIES REPORTS –
PRESENTATIONS AND OUTREACH REPORT – Diana Matthews
MAMMOTH HIKE CHALLENGE – Diana Matthews for Jessica Woodward
➢ Registration, Trail Magic(!), Trail Community Partners
➢ “Two For” Mammoth Hike Challenge Hike
➢ Special MHC Events:
➢ Culver’s Fundraising – Mark Miner
➢ Midwest Hikes+Hops – Diana Matthews

OLD/NEW BUSINESS
➢ First Aid / CPR Training (survey of need for 2025 – sign up sheets at the door)
➢ Think Outside Program for 4th graders
➢ Boardwalk Fundraising Initiative – Mark Miner for Jessica Woodward
➢ Waukesha Freeman article
➢ Questions or comments
➢ Upcoming events and calendar items:

• September 13 – Kohl’s Cares Work Day
• September 21 – Outreach at Retzer Nature Center Apple Harvest Fest (9-4)
• September 22 – World Rivers Day along the Bark River
• September 24 – Twilight Hike, Scuppernong
• September 25 – Mid-week hike, Loew Lake
• October 2 – Culver’s Trail Magic Fundraiser in Hartland (5-8:00 p.m.)
• October 3 – Midwest Hikes+Hops, Delafield Brewhaus (6-8 p.m.)
• October 5 – “Two-for” Mammoth Hike Challenge Hike (8 a.m. start)
• October 5 – “Curious Hiker” presentation + family-friendly hike with the Delafield Library
• October 9 – Hartland Walking Club Hike – Hartland Segment
• October 17 – Chapter Meeting, Beer and Bonfire
• October 18 – Moonlight Hike, Hartland Marsh
• October 19 – Habitat Improvement Day, Hartland Marsh
• October 19 – IAT Presentation for Kettle Moraine Wild Ones
• October 23 – Mid-week hike, Holy Hill
• Boardwalk Fundraising – ongoing!
Help us reach the $15K match, and ultimate goal of $72,000.
Please help spread the word!

ADJOURNMENT/SOCIAL TIME
We welcome all to join us after the chapter meeting to meet and socialize with other
members. Feel free to bring a snack or beverage to share.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA

August Meeting Agenda

Introduction of the Leadership Team who are present
Welcoming of new members and guests
Submitted Minutes & Leadership Reports (motion to approve)
Questions or comments Trail Activities Report – Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator
Hike Leaders Reports – Beth Bechtel, Mark Miner, Jeff Romagna
Social Activities Report – Sherri Ritz Presentations Report
Outreach Report – Diana Matthews
Mammoth Hike Challenge Report – Barb Johnson
Boardwalks Initiative – Jessica Woodward
Retzer Nature Center Outreach
Old/New Business
Questions/comments

As always, our Chapter Meetings are open to the public and Chapter membership is not required to attend.

>>>> A State Park sticker or Day Pass required for entry into the park.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting

AGENDA

WELCOME BY CHAPTER CO-COORDINATOR – Barbara Johnson

➢ Introduction of the Leadership Team who are present

➢ Welcoming of new members and guests Guest Speaker, Eddee Daniel, Project Director for A Wealth of Nature: Parks and natural areas in SE Wisconsin

SUBMITTED MINUTES & LEADERSHIP REPORTS (motion to approve)

➢ Questions or comments

TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator

HIKE LEADERS REPORT, Beth Bechtel, Jeff Romagna, Mark Miner

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator

PRESENTATIONS REPORT, Diana Matthews OUTREACH REPORT

OLD/NEW BUSINESS – Barb Johnson

➢ Questions or comments

➢ Balance of year meeting calendar July – no meeting – Chapter Picnic July 27th, 4pm, Mike Fort Shelter August 15th September 19th October 17th – Meeting and Harvest Gathering Potluck November 21 December – no meeting – holiday gathering (TBD)

As always, our Chapter Meetings are open to the public and Chapter membership is not required to attend. Watch for the yellow “ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT” signs after you enter the park (annual sticker or day pass required for admittance).

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting

CHAPTER MEETING AGENDA

WELCOME BY CHAPTER COORDINATOR – Barbara Johnson
➢ Introduction of the Leadership Team who are present
➢ Welcoming of new members and guests

Guest Speaker, Yolanda Deloach, Author of Squatter: One Woman’s Journey to Reclaim Her Spirit on the Ice Age Trail

SUBMITTED MINUTES & LEADERSHIP REPORTS (motion to approve)
➢ Questions or Comments

TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator

HIKE LEADERS REPORT, Beth Bechtel, Jeff Romagna, Mark Miner, Group Hike Coordinators

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator

OLD/NEW BUSINESS
➢ Questions or Comments
➢ Buzz Builders Round 2/Volunteer Opportunities
➢ First Aid/CPR Survey
➢ Balance of year’s meeting calendar
June 20th
July – no meeting – Chapter Picnic July 27th, 4pm, Mike Fort Shelter
August 15th
September 19th
October 17th – Meeting and Harvest Gathering Potluck
November 21
December – no meeting – holiday gathering (TBD)

ADJOURNMENT/SOCIAL TIME

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter Meeting

Please note that this month’s meeting will be held in the Hausmann Nature Center at Lapham Peak

AGENDA

WELCOME BY CHAPTER COORDINATOR – Barbara Johnson

Guest Speaker – Author Martha Bergland, author of The Birdman of Koshkonong -The Life of
Naturalist Thure Kumlien – Introdution – Mark Miner

OPENING OF BUSINESS MEETING

➢ Introduction of the Leadership Team who are present

➢ Welcoming of new members and guests

SUBMITTED FEBRUARY MEETING MINUTES and LEADERSHIP REPORTS, (Included as a link, in
this meeting agenda/announcement)

➢ Questions/Comments

TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator

HIKE LEADER’S REPORT, Mark Miner, Jeff Romagna

PRESENTATIONS REPORT, Mary Cieslewicz for Diana Matthews, Presentations Coordinator

TREASURER’S REPORT, Sanjay Shoney, Treasurer

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

➢ 2024 Annual IATA Conference, April 18th – April 21st (Chapter DonaGon)
➢ Upcoming Special Events (Calendar Handout)
➢ Questions/Comments

ADJOURNMENT/SOCIAL TIME

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting Agenda

WELCOME BY TRAIL COORDINATOR, Pat Witkowski

GUEST INTRODUCTION:
We are very excited that Riley Dupee, Field Operations Specialist at the Alliance, has offered to attend our Feb. 15th chapter meeting. Riley participates in Trail construction and maintenance projects as well as land stewardship projects.
Riley works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, government agencies, and private partners to increase the Alliance’s capacity to execute on-the-ground construction and maintenance of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. As part of that
work, she provides leadership and training for volunteers and local chapters, helps coordinate local and statewide trail improvement projects (such as trail signage upgrades, tread improvements, trail structure construction and
maintenance, and invasive species control), and oversees and manages the Alliance’s tool and equipment inventory.
Riley also works closely with the Land program, expanding its stewardship capacity, helping to maintain Alliance-owned preserves, leading Habitat Management events and participating in property monitoring.
Her overview of what is coming up on the statewide level will be of much interest, and a great way to begin the new year! Welcome, Riley!

OPENING OF CHAPTER MEETING
➢ Introduction of Leadership Team members who are present
➢ Welcoming of new members and guests

SUBMITTED MINUTES & LEADERSHIP REPORTS
➢ Questions or comments

COORDINATOR REPORTS:

TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator
TREASURY UPDATE, Sanjay Shoney, Treasurer
PRESENTATIONS AND OUTREACH REPORT, Diana Matthews
HIKE LEADERS’ REPORTS, Jeff Romagna

OLD/NEW BUSINESS
➢ Ice Age Trail Crew Events / Get Involved!
➢ new ”Safe Swamping Video” available (with other Safety and Training Resources)
➢ Dan Watson NPS Volunteers in Parks Program Updates session, on Zoom
➢ First Aid / CPR Training (survey of need)
➢ 2024 Annual IATA Conference, April 18th – April 21st
• Silent Auction Donations: https://www.iceagetrail.org/silent-auction-donation/
➢ Think Outside Program for 4th graders
➢ Mammoth Hike Challenge Coordinator for 2024
➢ Questions or comments
➢ Upcoming events and calendar items:
• Waterford Area School District – Presentation for teachers & staff, Feb. 23rd
• Waterford Area School District – Hikes for teachers & staff, Feb. 24th & 25th
• Monty visits – Urban Candlelight Hike, Feb 24th
• March 2 – Redecking Eagle Boardwalk (weather permitting)
• March 6 – Dan Watson NPS Volunteers in Parks Program Updates session
• March 11 – Tool Cleaning and Sharpening/Monday Mudder start up
• March 13 – Hartland Walking Club hike – Merton Segment
• March 16 – Segment Stewards Soiree, Training and Appreciation
• March 21 – Chapter Meeting – Lapham Peak, Trecker Lodge
• March 27 – Mid-week Hike – Downtown Delafield
• April 8 – Mower and Trimmer Training
• April 10 – Hartland Walking Club Hike – Lapham Peak Segment
• April 13 – Chapter Workday
• April 24 – Mid-week Hike – Downtown Waukesha
• May 4 – Chapter Workday
• May 8 – Hartland Walking Club Hike – Hartland Segment
• May 21 – Hartland Library Outreach
• May 22 – Mid-week Hike – Downtown Oconomowoc
• June 1 – Chapter Workday (National Trails Day)
• June 21 – Trailtessa “Be Mindful” – Hartland Marsh (Registration required)
• On deck – Delafield’s 4th of July parade

ADJOURNMENT/SOCIAL TIME
We welcome all to join us after the chapter meeting to meet and socialize with other members. Feel free to bring a snack or beverage to share.