Build Trail Where a Meltwater River Flowed!

Enjoy the final fall blooms of native prairie plants as you build Ice Age Trail in Waushara County. Photo by Tim Malzhan. 

The vision which guided the purchase of 235 acres surrounding Bohn Lake in 2004 – to create a focal point for the interpretation of a glacial tunnel channel – continues to unfold this month in Waushara County as we build new and improve on existing sections of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Did you know? Bohn Lake is part of a 14-mile-long glacial tunnel channel, created by a meltwater river flowing beneath glacial ice whose outlet was where the Village of Hancock stands today. The Trail weaves in and out of this tunnel channel, opening for interpretation the subglacial flow of water which carved the landscape.

Is this your first trailbuilding experience? We’re offering a dedicated, guaranteed hands-on “Trail Building Basics” class for first-time volunteers

Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Event

Bohn Lake and Greenwood Segments

Waushara County (Central Wisconsin)

September 18 – 22, 2019

See map of PROJECT AREA

IATA Mobile Skills Crew program logo

What We’re Doing

The scope of work includes:

  • Building about ¾ mile of NEW trail;
  • Creating two new parking areas for improved trail access;
  • Crafting sustainable tread;
  • Building elevated boardwalk;
  • Installing stone retaining walls;
  • Installing and updating signage to National Scenic Trail standards; and
  • Caring for the land by eradicating invasive plants.

We are also cooking and serving summer’s bounty and offering a dedicated, guaranteed hands-on “Trail Building Basics” class for first-time volunteers.

As with all Mobile Skills Crew program events, we’ll be immersed in the art and science of “Trail Building is People Building”.

All Talents and Abilities Welcome!

As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities.

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, September 13th.

All participants receive free meals and (for those staying multiple days) a free place to pitch a tent.

 

Schedule

Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.

Work begins Wednesday, September 18th at 8 a.m. and concludes Sunday, September 22nd around noon. Trail construction activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up by 4:30 p.m.

What to Bring

  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • 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.

Base Camp & Volunteer Check-In

Base Camp and Volunteer Check-In will be at Hancock Park 12370 County Hwy GG, Hancock WI 54943. Google map directions are here.

Questions?

Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).

We hope to see you soon!

Happy Trails,

The Bohn Lake and Greenwood Segments 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.

NOTE: This program made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support from The Coca-Cola Company.