Sandstone rock outcroppings will soon be given their due. Corridor clearing for new Ice Age Trail will highlight these lovely landscape features. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Trailbuilding Event & Celebration
Cross Plains Segment
August 8 – 12, 2018
Dane County
Project Area Map [PDF]
Light the Candles for a mile of NEW Ice Age Trail, the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, and the 60th birthday of the Ice Age Trail Alliance!!!
It’s not often we get to rub shoulders with the folks who will benefit most directly from our efforts. Yet, trailbuilding in collaboration with a Trail Community affords us this opportunity. Week-long, we’ll gather with residents of the Village of Cross Plains, sustainable farming practitioners, outdoor retailers, elected officials and other trail enthusiasts from near and far to celebrate the splendor and diversity of Wisconsin, the Ice Age Trail, and the soul shaking experience of all stripes of people of all ages and all walks of life coming together over the span of 60 years to make real a shared vision for long distance hiking, conservation, and community.
What We’re Doing
We’re building a mile of new Ice Age Trail on the contours of a burly hill overlooking Black Earth Creek, with long, leaf-off views east to the terminal moraine and west deep into the Driftless area. Satellite projects to continue work done during April’s Crew Leadership and Skills training, and in June at IAT-U, may also spring up as time and talent permit. NOT TO MENTION, we’re throwing the hootenanny of the season Friday and Saturday with planned events, presentations and a community dinner Friday with seating for 300 – and you are most cordially invited! See details below.
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 Monday, July 30th.
Schedule
Your participation is welcome for any part of the event or the entire week.
Work begins on Wednesday, August 8th and concludes Sunday, August 12th. Trail stewardship activities begin each day around 8:00 am and typically wrap up between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm each day except for Friday when work will end at 3 pm, and 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.
60th Celebration & Community Dinner
All volunteers for this event, regardless of when you work during the August 8 – 12 timeframe are invited to the 60th Anniversary Celebration and farm-to-table dinner on Friday, August 10th.
Volunteers who sign up to work on Friday will automatically be signed up for the festivities on Friday evening.
If you are not working during the day on Friday, but would like to attend the dinner, please email Brad Crary (brad@iceagetrail.org) to express your desire to attend Friday’s dinner.
The farm-to-table dinner is a ticketed event and your name will need to be on the guest list in order to attend.
If you would like to have friends or family join you for the community dinner, they will need to purchase a $25.00 ticket to the event. They may get their tickets here.
Checking In at Base Camp
Volunteers should report each day at the Volunteer Check-In Station across from the Fire Station, 1501 Bourbon Road for registration and assignments (click here for driving directions). Base Camp (also the location of the camping area for those spending a night with us) is at 4409 Rocky Dell Road, Cross Plains, 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 at Base Camp and lunch will be in the field.
What to Bring
- Dress for variable weather — even in August 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.
- 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 repellent.
Questions?
Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Cross Plains Segment MSC Project Team
Note: Header photo by Dave Caliebe.
Generous Sponsors of the 2018 Mobile Skills Crew Season:
