Reconnect: Waterville Segment Trailbuilding Event
September 15 @ 8:00 am - September 19 @ 11:59 pm
When Ice Age Trail enthusiasts get behind an idea, great things happen – like an easement purchase along the Waterville Segment, known for its oak forest, wetlands, and prairie. This recently acquired strip of land, now permanently protected, gives us the green light to build a new half-mile section of tread and boardwalk parallel to a busy connecting route. This project is the direct result of many people coming together to improve the hiker experience and build more Ice Age Trail.
Overview:
We aim to give hikers a half-mile reprieve as we move the Ice Age Trail off of a busy rural road. In the plans: new tread construction, boardwalk construction, and tread maintenance.
See a map of the project area [PDF] (coming soon)
What We’re Doing:
We’ll remove invasive brush, craft brand new tread, and construct a 385-foot-long boardwalk giving hikers a scenic, half-mile reprieve from busy Waterville road. Since many hands make light work, this project will likely expand into trail reroutes planned for nearby segments.
Schedule:
Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
Work begins at 8 A.M. on Wednesday, September 15th and will continue until 12 P.M. on Sunday, September 19th.
Base Camp & Meals:
Camping space will be provided at the Pine Woods Group Camp Site 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 an 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: