Reconnect: Valley View and Cross Plains Segments Trailbuilding Event
July 28 - August 1
Beneath the shade of invasive scrub trees, a creek lazily snakes its way over the Valley View Segment of the Ice Age Trail. It is indecisive; sometimes high, sometimes low, but always stubbornly thwarting hikers’ efforts to cross.
Not far away, a mammoth lounges in the sun, patiently waiting for visitors. Its back provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside, but how will hikers get there without trails?
Overview:
Join us in Dane County to complete the Valley View Segment extension. We will create a wetland crossing featuring stepping stones and a 400-foot-long boardwalk. Mowing and adding signage next to Timber Lane will get the Trail off the pavement. We will also add new tread through Mammoth’s Back Preserve, connecting Stagecoach Road to County Road P.
See a map of the project area [PDF] (coming soon)
What We’re Doing:
Water crossings: Along the Valley View Segment, we’ll construct a stepping stone crossing through a small creek bed. The stones will allow for both water and hikers to pass freely, and will blend with the surrounding landscape. Plenty of brush and invasive plant species will need to be removed to make way for trail construction, so bring a limber spine! The trail continues through a newly formed wetland area, where we will construct 400+ feet of boardwalk. We may not even get our feet wet, if the dry weather holds!
New tread: Construction will also take place on Mammoth’s Back Preserve! We will lay fresh, new trail from County P to Stagecoach road. A portion of the trail will travel along a cropped field before connecting with an existing farm road. From there, we will be cutting through woodland and prairie as we approach the Mammoth’s Back.
The project as a whole will create nearly three brand new miles of Ice Age Trail!
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
Work begins at 8 A.M. on Wednesday, July 28th and will continue until 12 P.M. on Sunday, August 1st. Camping space will be provided at nearby “PI Hill”, located just east of Cross Plains for those wishing to volunteer multiple days.
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 COVID-19 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: