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Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County
February 25 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie
Continuing our great start at University Ridge!
Friends of the Ice Age Trail,
Come out and help us continue trail corridor-clearing in the beautiful oak woods at University Ridge! We are close to completing phase 1 of the project–clearing invasive species from the trail corridor in the easternmost section of woods. With enough help, we will connect the already-cleared trail corridor with what’s still to be done. We are building brush piles in the immediate area–a big work-saver for all.
If you haven’t been to this area in awhile, the transformation is stunning. Large white oaks, burr oaks and black cherry trees are now visible to trail users. Sight lines are opening up, allowing hikers to see near and far as they move along the Ice Age Trail.
What: Help remove invasive trees and shrubs on the University Ridge trail section. We will cut, treat and pile brush nearby for later burning.
When: Saturday, February 25, 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.
Extra traction may be helpful, depending upon recent weather–yak traks, korkers, micro spikes, etc. can be helpful.
Disposable ear plugs will be available for hearing protection. If you have ear muffs, please bring them. Safety glasses will also be available. If you have your own pair, bring them.
Please note: We may burn some brush piles on Saturday.
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 the email listed below. 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.
Link to details: University Ridge trail project, east end