Construct a 348-foot-long boardwalk in three days? No problem! Volunteers quickly gained experience as they rotated between crews. This rotation gave everyone the opportunity to learn the necessary skills and to fill in seamlessly wherever someone was needed. Adding to the remarkable pace was the knowledge and previous experience of nine volunteers who had taken part in a boardwalk training earlier in the summer. The seeds planted at the boardwalk training visibly sprouted at Clover Valley and are emerging along the Trail.
Thank You to the 49 volunteers who contributed 1,121 hours and not only built the boardwalk, but also cleared a forest shrouded in buckthorn, upgraded 1.7 miles of signage, prepared hundreds of meals, and conducted maintenance on nearby sections of Trail.
We may need to up-the-ante on future boardwalk projects to adequately challenge our volunteers!
Special Thanks:
Jerome Converse, Andy Whitney, and the Walworth/Jefferson Chapter for their immense efforts ahead of the project to ensure a successful event.
The five Spirit Stick Award winners in attendance – Bill “Kangaroo” Knickrehm (2001), Nancy Lazzaroni (2004), Gary Klatt (2010), Dean Paynter (2016), and Pat Witkowski (2017).
John and Renae Mitchell for graciously opening their property for parking, access, and of course the Ice Age Trail!
Al Sulzer and the folks in the kitchen for the delicious food.
State Senator Janis Ringhand for touring the worksite and pitching in to install deck boards on the boardwalk.
All the Crew Leaders for providing leadership and the skills to accomplish the work.
Goehner Industries for generously donating the white oak decking for the boardwalk.
Next Up:
Join us as we head to Manitowoc County September 13-17 to begin work a brand new section of Trail through Walla Hi County Park. The dramatic terrain of the kettle moraine brings wonderment – and plenty of work. Rockwork, tread construction and signage are on the docket.
We Appreciate Our Generous Corporate Friends:
