After nearly 15,000 volunteer hours were donated during Phase Two (May 2018 – October 2020), the penultimate Ringle Mobile Skills Crew Reconnect event is at hand! The baton is passed to dedicated volunteers for Phase Three. The reimagined Ringle Segment is so close to completion, we can almost see the trailhead kiosk.

Overview:

We transition to Phase Three, which picks up where we left off at Mole Brook Road. Boardwalks, stonework, and yes, more rotten granite await!

Google Map Link for general location.
See a map of the project area [PDF]

What We’re Doing:

Construction will commence from Mole Brook Road as we build boardwalk over soggy portions of the trail, reinforce steeper stretches with stonework, and shovel bucket after bucket of rotten granite into place. This event will set the stage for completion of the Ringle Segment in early October. Come prepared for August sunshine and cool summer nights around the campfire.

Schedule:

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

Work begins at 8 A.M. on Wednesday, August 25 and will continue until 12 P.M. on Sunday, August 29.

Base Camp & Meals:

Camping space will be provided at the Duncan Road base camp site (222780 Duncan Road, Hatley, WI  54440) for those wishing to volunteer multiple days (additional information will be available soon).

All meals will be the responsibility of each participant, including bringing your own lunch to the field.  More information on camping, meeting and parking locations will be supplied via the confirmation email sent prior to the event.

What to Bring:

• Bring your mask and work gloves.
• Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
• 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.
• Please bring your own food and beverages for the days you plan to attend.
• A change of clothes for comfort around the fire afterwards.
• 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.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to this event.  Woolly mammoths are welcome.

Registration:

Volunteers in Parks and COVID-19 Safety Information:

No experience is necessary and volunteers of all ages are welcome, provided youth attend with an adult chaperone. If you are new to volunteering with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, please submit the volunteer agreement before the event, see below for more details.

• We’re excited to have you join us, however, please know the symptoms of the coronavirus and be prepared to STAY HOME if you exhibit any of them. Please visit the CDC website and view the symptoms listed there. Consider using the Self-Checker, an interactive guide, located mid-way down the page, which can help you make your decision. Go there now.
• Please complete this Volunteer Agreement, OF-301A Fillable Form.
• The National Park Service (NPS) requires every volunteer to complete a OF-301A Volunteer Service Agreement, whether you are a new IATA volunteer or a returning volunteer who has not yet filled out the post-March 24, 2020 version of this form.
• Please email the completed form to Dan Watson, NPS Volunteer Coordinator, ([email protected]).
• Dan will reply to you with a signed copy of the form.

Please read through these documents as they provide additional safety guidelines:

1. A Cover Letter from Eric Gabriel, Superintendent[PDF]
2. IATR-VIP Risk Assessment Tool[PDF]
3. Covid19Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)[PDF]