Trailtessa 2024: Be MINDFUL

Be MINDFUL: An All-Senses, Summer Solstice Sunset Hike

Friday, June 21, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Hartland Marsh, Hartland Segment (Waukesha County)

Cost: $20/attendee; women & girls 16 and older

Be Mindful. Focus on the present moment, letting the light in. Breathe. Expand. Relax. Take advantage of the extended daylight and experience a slow, relaxing hike.

Enjoy a guided hike through the Hartland Marsh, an Alliance-owned preserve, tuning into all five senses as you explore this diverse habitat. See vivid colors. Listen for bird calls. Savor woodland scents. Feel plant textures (safely!). Taste summer. Light snacks and refreshments will be available as well.

BONUS: For those who you can stay a little longer, we’ll take a stroll and enjoy the sunset atop the Aldo Leopold Overlook.

Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, June 16, 2024 or when the event reaches capacity. An event email with final details and logistics will be emailed to all registered attendees on Monday, June 17.

Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.

Thank you partners:

Trailtessa 2024: Be WILD

Be WILD: A Bird Watching Experience from Land and Water

Saturday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail – St. Croix Falls Segment and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Polk County)

Cost: $50/attendee; women & girls 16 and older

Be Wild. Experience the land and water habitats of our feathered friends. Kayak along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in the morning. Hike along a section of the St. Croix Segment, in the afternoon. Learn about native birds in northwest Wisconsin and see lots of them (hopefully!) from the water and from the Trail.

This casual birding experience, offered in partnership with the Wild Rivers Conservancy, includes guided kayaking and hiking. All abilities and experiences welcome.

Included:

Expert support for first-time birders, kayakers, and hikers
Binoculars (or bring your own)
Kayak, paddle and safety vests
Lunch and refreshments

What to Expect

Meet and check-in at Lions Park in St. Croix Falls. Attendees will be shuttled north and paddle the St. Croix River south back to the park. The paddle will be approximately 2.5 hours. Lunch will be provided at Lions Park, along with information about habitat management practices from the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Wild Rivers Conservancy. Enjoy an out and back hike along the Ice Age Trail – St. Croix Falls segment for approximately 2-miles or 1.5 hours.

Location

Lions Park
809 North Hamilton
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend this event, you can receive a refund (minus $10 administration fee) if cancellation is received in writing before June 13. If you cancel after June 13, we will consider your registration fee a donation.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Thank you partners:

Trailtessa 2024: Be CREATIVE

Be CREATIVE: Bee a Pollinator Helper Hands-On Workshop

Tuesday, August 20, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Milton Public Library Story Gardens, Milton Segment, Rock County

Cost: FREE

Be Creative. Ignite your artistic abilities to support pollinators. Create little clay stones (something like this) for fairy gardens, terrariums, or house plant decor! Paint a large-scale mural celebrating bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and fireflies – delightful and crucial pollinators.

Local artists will lead this hands-on workshop for elementary and middle school aged girls. The mural will be on display at the library’s Monarch Festival in September, and the decorated clay stones will be sold as a library and Alliance fundraiser during the festival.

All supplies – paint, paint brushes, clay, etc. – will be provided, as well as hearty snacks.

LOCATION

Milton Public Library & Story Gardens
430 E High Street
Milton, WI 53563

Resister directly with Milton Public Library.

Meet the Artists:

Heather Hanson, Artist and Owner Pottery by Five

Kegane Rynes, Mural artist and face painter

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Trailtessa 2024: Be FREE

Be FREE: A Trail Running Workshop and Trail Run Experience

Sunday, May 19, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Badger Prairie County Park, Verona Segment (Dane County)

Be Free! Fly over rocks and roots through a blur of trees and yellow blazes, discovering beauty and an endorphin-fueled rush. Learn the finer points of trail running – a chance to stride out the door, putting yourself first. And that’s a good thing.

Trail running experts will welcome beginners and seasoned runners to a workshop focused on training, gear, and nutrition tips. Guided runs along the Verona Segment will follow, with distances of three-or six-miles and options for different paces.

Enjoy post-run celebratory refreshments. Join us for the workshop, the run, or both.

AGENDA

The workshop will be 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. The run will be 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION

Badger Prairie County Park
4654 Maple Grove Dr, Verona, WI 53593
(Meet at the main shelter)

Cost:

Trail Running Workshop (ONLY) $20
Trail Run (ONLY) $20
Trail Running Workshop AND Trail Run $30

Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Thank you partners: