Arlette graciously took some time from her busy hiking schedule to answer our questions. Read on to hear from this inspiring long-distance hiker and dollmaker from the Netherlands.
Meet Arlette Laan, the woman hiking all 11 National Scenic Trails
Author Archives: Justine Kaptizke
A Long-Awaited, 350-foot Lodi Marsh Boardwalk is Complete!
The Student Conservation Association is hiring an Ice Age Trail work crew!
This is a great opportunity for those starting out or considering a career in the outdoors.
Crew members will spend their summer with a team of like-minded peers, gaining hands-on training and developing trailbuilding and leadership skills. And they’ll be working in some of the most scenic locations Wisconsin has to offer, right along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Farewell to Brad Crary, Special Projects Coordinator
The Case for Connector Routes
By Mary Cieslewicz, Thousand-Miler
Knowing many aspiring Thousand-Milers merely tolerate road miles and other hikers eschew them entirely, I devote this essay to the joy of hiking connectors, hoping to inspire an appreciation for the miles marked not by yellow blazes but by white stripes.
What I learned Backpacking the Ice Age Trail
By Cameron Gillie, Thousand-Miler and Contract and Volunteer Photographer for the Ice Age Trail Alliance
Trail Magic
By Yolanda Deloach, Thousand-Miler
My year on the Ice Age Trail helped me to leave a spirit crushing path. During my newbie trail days, someone had told me that there was magic on the trail. I was intrigued, but I also thought it was cliche–something cool to say about trail hiking. But as my miles added up, this magic began to reveal itself.
Welcome Claire Finucane as our new Property Steward!
Claire Finucane, Property Steward
I grew up on a small hobby farm where I raised chickens, goats, and a pony. Our family spent a lot of time hiking, camping, skiing, and days on Rock Lake, immersed in and enjoying Wisconsin’s incredible scenery. You can still find me enjoying all four seasons: hiking, camping, swimming, hammocking, skiing, or kayaking.
Volunteers Braved Cold, Wind, and Ice to Help Make the Ice Age Trail More Scenic
Winter is an excellent time for cutting and burning. Snow cover offers relatively safe burning of brush piles, and the cold temps prevent sawyers from overheating.
7 Reasons for Newbies to Attend the Ice Age Trail Alliance Annual Conference
Are you a recently-joined member of the Alliance? Long-time member who has never attended? Working on a section-hike or thru-hike of the Ice Age Trail? Enthusiastic hiker eager to learn more?
Our conference schedule includes many things you may be interested in: a long-distance hiking seminar, presentations from thousand-milers, special interest sessions ranging from ice age geology to trailbuilding 101, a screening of the documentary about Emily Ford, “Breaking Trail,” guided hikes, and a keynote presentation from record-setting hiker, Jennifer Pharr Davis… to name a few.
Still not sure? Here are a 7 more reasons you may want to attend!
Welcome Sarah Driscoll as our new Philanthropic Coordinator!
Sarah Driscoll, Philanthropic Coordinator
Like many other nature enthusiasts, I spent much of my childhood outside. Every summer, I camped with my family and explored the nine acres of prairie surrounding my home. As an adult, I enjoy outdoor activities, especially camping and fishing with my husband, Bryce, hiking throughout the state, and simply sitting around campfires with my friends.
Welcome a familiar face, Riley Dupee, as our new Field Operations Specialist!
Riley Dupee, Field Operations Specialist
After a summer of interning with the Alliance Trail Program, I am officially part of the team as Field Operations Specialist. So, please stop calling and emailing Mike. You did it. I’m hired. Thank you!
Welcome our new Director of Trail Operations, Chad DuChateau!
Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations
It is an honor to be transitioning into the Director of Trail Operations position with the Alliance. As a Wisconsin native, my passion and professional pursuits focused on outdoor recreation. The glacial Chain O’ Lakes of Waupaca provided my early education for what water, woods, and wildlife could do for my soul. Nature also fueled my studies at UW-Madison. Exploring lakeshore paths and Arboretum habitats, ultimately led to my degree in horticulture and natural resource management.
Winter Hikes and More this December!
Revel in the restful quiet of a snow-covered landscape. Feel the crunch of snow under foot, or snowshoe. Take advantage of leaf-off season to admire expansive landscapes of glacial features.
Hike under the full moon on the winter solstice, go for a festive jaunt with Santa, explore your favorite Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail transformed into a winter wonderland.
Welcome Winter with Trail Community Fun
But don’t close the shutters till spring just yet!
Our Trail Communities are proving there are many opportunities to get out and into the festive spirit throughout the month. Venture out and enjoy the lights, the snacks, and the community at any of these upcoming events!
Cyber Monday with Corporate Friends of the Ice Age Trail
However, Ice Age Trail enthusiasts can still realize some Cyber Monday savings.
Hoping to upgrade your gear, get a new pair of hiking footwear, or get a gift for the outdoor-lover in you life? AND get some great deals?
Our corporate friends have you covered!
Find some great Cyber Monday discounts, and support the Ice Age Trail at the same time!
2021: A Successful Trailbuilding & Stewardship Season!
After Five Years, the Reimagined Ringle Segment is Complete
Right in our backyard, your selfless dedication created a lasting legacy. We spend our lives working toward achievements in which we take pride. If we’re fortunate, we may create something that lives beyond us. In this case, a signature segment contributing to the health and happiness of people we may never meet.
Be proud of the work you’ve done and what you’ve helped accomplish.
A Successful Year of Trailtessa Events Planned by Women for Women
Closed out Trailbuilding Season with Major Upgrades to Three Segments!
Calls of “Coming through!” rang out as hikers passed through the work area. The heavy hiker traffic caused frequent but not unwelcome interruptions. “Holy sh*t!” one hiker exclaimed. “I was here a couple of days ago, and this wasn’t here.”
Enjoy October Hikes (and More) on the Trail!
We have lots of upcoming hikes and activities planned, making it easy for you to get outside, enjoy glorious fall color, and log your miles as part of the Challenge.
Get these events on your calendar and enjoy new levels of fun as you achieve 41 in 2021!
Saturday, OCTOBER 2:
- Polk County: Immerse yourself in hummocky landscape and basalt bedrock outcroppings during this 4-mile hike along the Straight Lake Segment. A potluck follows.
- Chippewa County: Experience the colors, smells, and sights of fall on the Ice Age Trail at the annual Parade of Colors hike.
- Langlade County: Experience a 5-mile round trip hike along the Kettlebowl Segment and see the glacial feature known as the Big Stone Hole.
- Waupaca County: Hike the lovely forested and hilly terrain of the Hartman Creek Segment and support the Waupaca/Portage County Chapter’s Hike-A-Thon.
New Section of Waterville Segment Replaces Busy Road Walk!
Cheers to a Successful Weeding and Wine Event Series
Thank you to the 40 volunteers who contributed 142 hours in our first year of the Weeding & Wine Wednesday volunteer event series. Their dedication through rain or shine and positive attitudes made this season a great success.
Your Incredible Support Leads to Match Increase
Your commitment impressed the trustees of Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust so much they decided to increase their match from $120,ooo to $200,000! Thanks to your generosity and that of Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust, the Alliance will be able to protect and preserve additional land across the state.
The Reimagined Ringle Segment is almost a Reality!
The stage is set, and with October rapidly approaching, we await the final act in the Reimagining of Ringle saga.