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Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County
February 5, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
Continuing our great start at University Ridge!
This winter has seen wonderful improvement on the University Ridge section of the Madison segment. Volunteers have removed mountains of invasive brush from the trail corridor, revealing beautiful white oak, black cherry and burr oak trees. We’ve started the process of improving the health of this patch of woods. Our work should allow long-suppressed native forbs and shrubs to once again reveal themselves.
On Sunday, February 5 I’d like to keep the ball rolling. My goal for this winter season is to complete corridor clearing on the patch of woods where we began in December.
What: Help remove invasive trees and shrubs on the University Ridge trail section. We will cut, treat and pile brush nearby where it can be removed by machine.
Please note: we will not be burning brush piles on this work day. We will have a fire pit for cooking your lunch and warming up. The work area is only a five minute walk from the parking area.
When: Sunday, February 5, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you need to leave earlier, no worries.
Where: Park and meet at the O.J. Noer Turf Facility, 2502 S. Pleasant View Rd. (aka County M), Verona. Please see the attached map.
How to dress/what to expect: We will cut, move and pile brush & small trees. All hand tools will be provided. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring work gloves (a spare pair is handy if they get wet), water, snacks and lunch. Disposable ear plugs will be available for hearing protection. If you have ear muffs, please bring them. Safety glasses will also be available. Again, if you have your own pair, bring them.
Volunteers in Parks (VIP) program: The National Park Service asks that all volunteers file, on a yearly basis, a Volunteer Service Agreement form. In the unlikely event of an injury, a VIP’s medical expenses are covered by the federal government. If you did not file a Volunteer Service Agreement in 2022, please do so before this trail event: https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Packet-Individual-301a-exp-10_2024.pdf
If you plan to help with this project, please reply to this message. This is very important so I can plan for enough tools and equipment. It also allows me to communicate with you, should plans change due to weather, etc.
Courtesy: If you are going to arrive late or cannot come as planned, I understand. Please afford me and your fellow volunteers the courtesy of a phone call, text or email to me as early as possible. Thank you.
Save the dates: I plan another work day on Feb. 18 at University Ridge, working toward the goal of burning all the collected brush on Saturday, Feb. 25.
I hope to see your smiling face on Feb. 5!
Link to details: University Ridge trail project, east end