Joining Forces to Improve Water Quality

By Luke Kloberdanz, Director of Philanthropy for the Ice Age Trail Alliance

When kindred spirits come together, it’s all smiles. Members of the Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. Charitable Foundation present a $25,000 check to Ice
Age Trail Alliance staff. Standing left to right in front of an enormous kettle of New Glarus Brewing Company brew is Ciaran O’Neill-Culhane, Eric Felt, Riley Miller, Mike Wollmer, Kari Haser, Luke Kloberdanz, and Drew Cochrane. Photo by Susan Moen.
When kindred spirits come together, it’s all smiles. Members of the Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. Charitable Foundation present a $25,000 check to Ice Age Trail Alliance staff. Standing left to right in front of an enormous kettle of New Glarus Brewing Company brew is Ciaran O’Neill-Culhane, Eric Felt, Riley Miller, Mike Wollmer, Kari Haser, Luke Kloberdanz, and Drew Cochrane. Photo by Susan Moen.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is proud to call Wisconsin home. The land, the people, and the Trail connecting these places and communities are core elements of our work. In recent years, the Alliance launched its Corporate Friends program, further advancing our mission to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The family is growing!

Recently, the Alliance joined in partnership with an iconic brand, New Glarus Brewing Company and its Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. Charitable Foundation. Established in 1993, the New Glarus Brewing Company’s philosophy is based on individuality, cooperation, and the employment of 100% natural ingredients to produce world-class, handcrafted beers. Like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which meanders exclusively throughout the state, the New Glarus Brewing Company proudly claims their beers are brewed “Only in Wisconsin”.

It only makes sense that two organizations fully committed to improving the lives and lands in Wisconsin work together to benefit all Wisconsinites (and out-of-state visitors)!

Beyond our shared statewide focus, Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. finds the dedication and passion of the Alliance’s volunteer force compelling, along with the Alliance’s strong promotion of its partners, and most importantly, our conservation ethic. Of particular interest to Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. is how we care for wetlands and waterways by crafting boardwalks with significant consideration of these ecosystems.

While doing good in Wisconsin, the Alliance and Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. found our match by improving water protection and quality. The Alliance is honored to put the Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc. funds to good use creating boardwalks across the state in 2021 and 2022. A small volunteer team built the first one along the Montrose Segment in Dane County during May 18 – 20, 2021.

So, the next time you consider a cool beverage, please support our friends and reach for a New Glarus Brewing Company libation after a hike or when around the fire. Cheers to the Ice Age Trail, Only in Wisconsin Giving, Inc., and all things Wisconsin.