Hello Friends of the Ice Age Trail,

On Saturday, Dec. 10 we will begin a trail improvement project on the Madison segment where it traverses University Ridge Golf Course.  The trail corridor at Uni Ridge has become choked with invasive trees and brush.  It’s the usual suspects–buckthorn, honeysuckle, etc.  Our work will improve the hiker experience by opening up sight lines to large white oaks, shagbark hickories and black cherry trees.  By removing the invasives, we will improve forest health, giving native trees a chance for their seedlings to survive.

What: Help remove invasive trees and shrubs on the University Ridge trail section.  We will pile brush nearby where it can be removed by machine.

Please note: we will not be burning brush piles during this project.  We will have a fire pit for cooking your lunch and warming up.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:00 AM to 3:00 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, water, snacks and lunch.

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 have not filed 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, please afford all of us the courtesy of a phone call, text or email to me as early as possible.  Thank you.

I hope to see you on Dec. 10!

Link to details: University Ridge trail project, east end