A volunteer trailbuilding crew uses their “trail eyes” to assess progress on a new section of tread. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Had the World Trails Network (WTN) existed when Ray Zillmer traveled the state talking with farmers, politicians and the movers and shakers of the day about his vision to create a “Glacial National Park” in Wisconsin, maybe Ray would have borrowed these lines from the WTN Trail Manifesto: “trail is our story…our answers lie not at the end but on the way…every trail makes a life.”
A long-awaited section of new Ice Age Trail is ready to open in Dane County. We just need you! Join us and be part of our trail story.
Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Event
NEW Segment
Dane County (South Central Wisconsin)
June 19 -23, 2019
See map of PROJECT AREA
What We’re Doing
We’re building three wood structures on an interpretive loop and installing signage throughout. We’ll also finish grubbing the Trail corridor and constructing a half-mile of tread. Already, thousands of feet of tread have been built, hundreds of stones have been placed in retaining walls, and acres of brush has been cleared to provide a leg up to complete this project.
Now comes the push to fully open the new section. We’re working where ice melt created proglacial lakes which drained torrentially and cut a 200-foot deep gorge. We’re building with wood, with stone, and with intent. We’re honoring the past by caring for the land, crafting for the future, and engaging in the now.
All Talents and Abilities Welcome!
As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and volunteers of all ages are welcome…bring a friend!
Your participation is welcome for any amount of time you can give. Hands-on training provided by certified volunteer crew leaders gets you in the mix with no wasted time.
Registration
To help us plan this event with your needs in mind, please register by Friday, June 14th.
Schedule
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event. Work begins Wednesday 8 a.m., June 19, and concludes Sunday noon, June 23. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8 a.m. and typically wrap up around 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, work ends by noon.
All participants enjoy free meals and, if spending the night, a free place to pitch a tent.
BONUS: Walk with Dr. David Mickelson Thursday after supper at the lower Wilkie Gorge and get a glimpse of 100,000 years of earth history.
What to Bring
- Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work.
- A change of clothes for comfort around the fire afterwards.
- 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.
- If camping, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping gear, and toiletries.
- Consider bringing a lawn chair; you’ll appreciate having it to relax around the fire in comfortable clothes at the end of the day.
Questions?
Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Ice Age Interpretive Site Project Team
Generous Sponsors of the 2019 Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Season include:
Sitka Salmon Shares is offering all Ice Age Trail enthusiasts and trailbuilders a $25.00 discount on your purchase of a salmon or seafood share. They’ll donate $25.00 to our award-winning Mobile Skills Crew program.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |