NEWS:

Come on out to Murphy Flowage and help us kick off the trail-building season with a bang!...read more

New merchandise galore in the IAPTF online store...read more

Position announcement: IAPTF Development Director...read more

Trail Building

Chapter Events

Just about every weekend of the year, you'll find IAPTF volunteers out working to build and maintain the Ice Age Trail. More often than not, these volunteers are doing work as part of a project organized by one of the more than 20 IAPTF volunteer chapters throughout the state. To find out how to get involved with your local chapter, visit our chapter pages.

Mobile Skills Crew Projects

Another way to get involved is to attend one of our Mobile Skills Crew (MSC) events. MSC events offer a great opportunity to give back to the outdoors while spending quality time in it. Volunteers at MSC events work hard, learn standardized trail building, develop lasting friendships with each other and, perhaps most importantly, have fun.

Each year, MSC leads six or more trail-building events at Ice Age Trail locations throughout Wisconsin. The program’s vision is to build a statewide cadre of volunteers who are trained in advanced crew leadership and trail construction techniques. MSC-trained volunteers, in turn, apply their knowledge and experience to local trail-building projects. This process allows us to continuously refine the Ice Age Trail into one of the premier hiking trails in the United States.

Previous trail construction background is not necessary to participate. And you are welcome to lend a hand for whatever time period your schedule permits, without having to commit to the entire multi-day project. We need in many other areas too, including food preparation, community outreach, publicity, administration and entertainment.

MSC events start on a Thursday morning and conclude the following Sunday at noon. Meals are provided, along with a place to pitch your tent. Bring leather work gloves, water bottles, hiking/work boots and appropriate clothing for the weather. Advance registration is highly encouraged to help plan food and crew needs.

The MSC season typically starts in May and winds down in October. Check out our online calendar for info on upcoming MSC events.

Also, check out the “Unofficial Ice Age Trail MSC Web Site,” filled with project photos and information.

Below are some of the documents associated with Trail project planning, design and construction that illustrate our procedures and commitment to excellence.

National Park Service Project Review Forms
Challenge Cost Share Project Reports
VIP Parental Approval Form
Mobile Skills Crew Trail Construction Notes:East New Wood Lincoln - 2006
Mobile Skills Crew Trail Construction Notes:Holy Hill - 2006
MSC Strategic Plan
MSC Project Application
MSC Project Planning Timeline
MSC Project Team Description
MSC Project Team Organizational Chart