Mysterious Ringle Segment. Photo by Drew Hanson
After a winter’s rest, recharged trailbuilding spirits bring renewed passion to the transformation underway in the geological significant “Landscape Crossroads” of Marathon County.
During three 2017 MSC events, 227 volunteers gave 5,363 hours of energy and effort to superbly hand-craft the first 1.7 miles of the envisioned 6.7-mile reimagined Trail experience of the Ringle Segment.
Please join Trail friends and help launch Phase II efforts to build the next FIVE miles of Ice Age National Scenic Trail in the demanding and beautifully brutal glacial terrain of Marathon County.
Trailbuilding Event
Ringle Segment
May 15 – 20, 2018
Marathon County
Project Area Map
What We’re Doing
We’re “Lighting the Candles” on the 2018 MSC season and diving head-on into the heart of this transformational experience. Expect lots of stone work, trying new methods to harden and make safe the trail surface, and field-sharpening your pick mattock. Anticipate a full belly and a soul satisfying, howling-a-hoot around the evening campfire.
PLUS…don’t be surprised if a wildcard is played and you find yourself on a satellite crew helping create a brand new Dispersed Camping Area!!
All Abilities and Talents Welcome
As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities…bring the whole family!
Training is provided by certified volunteer crew leaders and all participants get free meals and (for those working with us for multiple days) a free place to pitch a tent.
Registration
To help us plan this event with your needs in mind, please visit our online registration page and register by Saturday, May 12th.
Schedule
Your participation is welcome for any part of the event or the entire week.
Work begins on Tuesday, May 15th and concludes Sunday, May 20th. Trail stewardship activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day except for Sunday when the work ends at noon.
Project Team members will be on site by noon on Monday; if you are interested in arriving early, please call Special Projects Coordinator, Brad Crary at 262-370-2995.
Checking In at Base Camp
Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp for registration, assignments and shuttles to the work site. Base Camp (also the location of the camping area for those spending a night with us) is at R7400 Duncan Road, Hatley, WI (click here for driving directions). Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs as you arrive in the area. Morning and evening meals will be served here and lunch will be in the field.
What to Bring
- Dress for variable weather — even in May extra layers for warmth is advised.
- Bring sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves. A long-sleeve shirt and pants are recommended for trail work; mud boots, if you have them, may come in handy.
- Bring a day pack, water bottles, sunscreen and a hat. A rain jacket is a good idea.
- If camping, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping gear and toiletries.
- Bring a lawn chair; you’ll appreciate having it to relax around the fire in comfortable clothes at the end of the day.
- Ticks or black flies may be numerous so bring your preferred insect and tick repellant.
Questions?
Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Ringle Segment MSC Project Team
NOTE: Photo courtesy of Drew Hanson.