Continue reading
Celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4!
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Preventing Tick-borne Illnesses
2022 Trail Steward of the Year: Gerald “Jerry” Pfeifer
The Trail Steward of the Year award recognizes a volunteer whose work contributes in an extraordinary manner to Trail management and development.
These contributions include:
- Strengthening landowner and/or partner relations;
- Trail layout, design, and construction;
- Significant trail maintenance and stewardship efforts.
2022 Spirit Stick Caretaker: Debbie Krogwold
Debbie Krogwold inspires the entire Ice Age Trail Alliance community with her passion for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Her long-time dedication has encompassed a wide range of activities: Trail maintenance and promotion as well as the nitty-gritty details of chapter administration.
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
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.
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.
We’re hiring: AmeriCorps VISTA member!
Position Description
The AmeriCorps VISTA member will help create a bridge between the Ice Age Trail and the positive societal and economic impacts created when visitors visit and locals embrace the Ice Age Trail.
Activities will vary, but they will include assisting in outreach initiatives and cultivating a strong social media presence promoting the positive impacts the Ice Age Trail can have on local economies.
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!
Support the Trail Through Online Shopping!
This holiday season, consider supporting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail while buying gifts for the people you love!
Membership Will Look Great on You!
Get your exclusive knit cap.
Now’s a great time to become a member of the Ice Age Trail Alliance!
Your membership will support trailbuilding activities happening in 2022. It will also help with land protection efforts. Plus, it will also get you an exclusive Ice Age Trail Alliance stocking cap (while supplies last!).
For new members only! Colors may vary.
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.
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.
Ice Age Trail Alliance Receives Prestigious National Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Ice Age Trail Alliance is the Recipient of 2020 National Hartzog Volunteer Group Award
Volunteers’ hard work and dedication not only builds, supports, and maintains the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, it also wins awards.
In 2020, while most National Parks shut down and volunteer activities were stymied, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail remained open and its volunteers continued trailbuilding, maintenance, and support. In fact, a total of 1,499 Alliance volunteers spent nearly 53,300 hours on Ice Age Trail-related activities; all while adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing safety protocols.
Protect Langlade’s Glacial Landscape!
It’s an area where moraines once collided, resulting in amazing glaciation and hummocky terrain. It would be a hiker’s dream to traverse. But right now, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail currently runs along roads. With your help, this will change.
The Alliance Welcomes a New Trail Program Intern
By Justine Kapitzke, AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Support Specialist
Growing up on a campground outside of Pardeeville, WI, Riley spent much of her childhood exploring the marshes and woodlands surrounding the campground. She has lived in other states but feels a special connection to Wisconsin. As she noted, “I didn’t find that attachment to the land anywhere else.”
Meet Melissa Pierick
The staff and board of the Ice Age Trail Alliance are thrilled to welcome Melissa Pierick, our new Director of Marketing and Community Relations!
Melissa will work closely with staff in the Trail, Lands, and Philanthropy programs to improve specific program and cross-program advancement through marketing and outreach. She will implement short- and long-range initiatives associated with the strategic plan and other operational goals, especially those which maximize the Alliance’s profile, reputation, and image.
The members of the Communications staff peppered Melissa with a few questions, excited to learn more about her:
I am very excited to have the opportunity to help spread the word about this amazing National Scenic Trail that we are SO lucky to have in Wisconsin. I believe every resident in Wisconsin should know about it—even if they’re not hikers.
Ice Age Trail Alliance Receives Hartzog Volunteer Group Award
By Dan Watson, Volunteer Coordinator, National Park Service – Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Help Our Precious Pollinators!
