Travel writer and memoirist Melanie McManus returns to the Hartland Public Library for a program about hiking the National Trails. Ms. McManus has previously visited the Library for her Ice Age Trail memoir Thousand-Miler: Hiking the Ice Age Trail and her travel book 100 Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells Before You Die. She will discuss her writing and hiking life, and answer questions from the audience.
Image credit: MichaelZeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com
A total solar eclipse, one of nature’s most spectacular sights, is coming to North America on April 8. While our location is outside the path of totality, viewers will see an 85-90% partial eclipse. A partial eclipse can be watched leisurely from wherever one happens to be. What better place to see it than the wide-open skies of the Lapham Peak Prairie!
We will be hike the prairie portion of the Lapham Peak Segment, pausing to watch the eclipse along the way. Peak coverage will occur at 2:07. Looping back along the bike trail will make for a for a 3-4 mile hike.
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful, but not necessary. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.
CAUTION: Anyone observing a partial eclipse should be extremely careful to avoid damaging their eyes.
Looking at the sun is harmful to your eyes at any time, and most people never do it. The danger that an eclipse poses is simply that it may prompt people to gaze or stare directly into the sun. A large partial eclipse can be especially insidious, not only because it is so attractive but because the sun’s overall dimming makes it less painful to look at. The most important rule to remember here is to use ISO-certified-safe solar glasses and viewers. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing. Free eclipse glasses can be found at many public libraries including both the Waukesha Public Library and the Delafield Public Library. More info for safe eclipse viewing can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety.
Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Photo by Xiping Wang
Great news, hikers! The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is bringing back Twilight Trail Hikes; its well-attended, weeknight series of hikes for 2024! This series of hikes will take place on the last Tuesday of the month, April through September. No need to sign up, just show up!
This out-and-back hike starts at the Monches Segment’s northern trailhead, where we will enter the Charles Schurz Forest and explore its wooded moraines. We will then descend toward the marshy banks of the Oconomowoc River to the “interesting bridge” and return.
This hike is approximately 3.25 miles long. The northern end of this segment is hilly and a hiking stick is helpful. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and a flashlight/headlamp, if conditions warrant. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
The Monches Segment’s northern trailhead is located along the Waukesha-Washington County line in the Town of Merton (Waukesha County) at the intersection of CTH Q (County Line Road) and CTH E (Washington County)/CTH K (Waukesha County). The Monches/Hwy K Parking Lot for this hike is located approx. 0.13 mile north of the this intersection. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
We can always use extra help with mowing duties. Nearly 25 miles of Trail needs to be mowed and/or trimmed several times throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. We supply the equipment, including the trailer, but a vehicle with a hitch is necessary. If you think you may enjoy running a brush mower or trimmer and have a few hours to spare, please consider this volunteer opportunity. The time commitment depends on the weather and how much rainfall we experience.
Interested volunteers should email Mike Drehobl to be part of this amazing crew. Mike will get back to you with all of the necessary details.
Our chapter is introducing “Senior Saunter Walks” featuring gentle 1-to-2-mile walks on paved paths. These walks are led by chapter member, Mark Miner. They will be offered on the fourth Wednesday of March, April, and May.
Join us on a Senior Saunter Walk to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a portion of the Delafield Segment who’s trailhead is adjacent to Cushing Memorial Park. Our leisurely walk will follow the Bark River and through the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk to downtown Delafield. These walks are wheelchair and stroller-friendly and are not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!
This 1.5- 2 mile walk begins on the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk . Situated along the Bark River in Delafield, the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk winds along the Bark River for 3/4 mile between Cushing Memorial Park and St. John’s Pond. Along the way are nine separate war memorial sites, a bridge, the entry plaza, two ecological information areas, and a Peace Garden. The Riverwalk concludes in downtown Delafield. Once downtown, you can stop for a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping. Then return to Cushing Memorial Park either by the way you came or along the the paved Lake Country Recreation Trail (Main Street). Walkers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Most importantly, bring water.
This walk will start out at the Cushing Memorial Park parking lot.
Questions? Mark, your hike leader will answer them for you.
Photo by Unknown
Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015. The Hartland Walking Club was created by local volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee. Check the Hartland Walking Club’s Facebook page for updates and additional activities.
We will hike from the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot in Hartland, for an approximately four mile out and back hike. The hike begins by walking on a paved path that parallels Cottonwood Dr., eventually crossing North Shore Drive. This segment continues off-road over wooded, hilly topography.
This is an easy to moderate hike suitable for hikers of most ability levels. There is very little elevation gain before getting to the wooded section of the trail. Anyone not wishing to hike the full distance can turn back at any time and return to the parking lot.
All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. There is no fee for this activity. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike.
We will meet at the the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Email comments or questions to Jeff, your hike leader.
Photographer Unknown
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a hike from Lapham Peak Segment’s southern trailhead to the tower. The Lapham Peak Segment starts by heading east on the paved Glacial Drumlin Trail for 2 miles where it crosses Hwy 18 and continues through the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Lapham Peak Unit to the tower. This will be an approximately 4.5 mile hike.
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
We will meet at the Tower parking lot and carpool to the UW Field Station. From there we will hike back.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for boardwalk repairs on the Eagle Segment. We will be staging materials and redecking a prairie boardwalk.
As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training. We do need a few more cordless drills. If you are willing to bring one, please make sure it is clearly labeled. We will be using a T25 bit.
Participants should dress in layers for the weather with sturdy footwear and gloves. You will want to bring a water bottle. Please meet at 9:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.
Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs two miles north of Eagle. We will meet at the end of a gated gravel drive off of Hwy 67.
Watch for last minute weather related information and contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com or 262-490-3515.
Photo by Stu Brandel
This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024.
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
Photo by John Hart
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a 3-4 mile out and back hike on the Merton Segment.
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Meet at the Ice Age Trail Parking Lot – Monches/Merton.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Photo by Jeff Miller
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the prairie portion of the Lapham Peak Segment. We will loop back along the bike trail for a 3-4 mile hike.
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting
Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the IATA Meeting
Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter Meeting
Please note that this month’s meeting will be held in the Hausmann Nature Center at Lapham Peak
AGENDA
WELCOME BY CHAPTER COORDINATOR – Barbara Johnson
Guest Speaker – Author Martha Bergland, author of The Birdman of Koshkonong -The Life of
Naturalist Thure Kumlien – Introdution – Mark Miner
OPENING OF BUSINESS MEETING
➢ Introduction of the Leadership Team who are present
➢ Welcoming of new members and guests
SUBMITTED FEBRUARY MEETING MINUTES and LEADERSHIP REPORTS, (Included as a link, in
this meeting agenda/announcement)
➢ Questions/Comments
TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator
HIKE LEADER’S REPORT, Mark Miner, Jeff Romagna
PRESENTATIONS REPORT, Mary Cieslewicz for Diana Matthews, Presentations Coordinator
TREASURER’S REPORT, Sanjay Shoney, Treasurer
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
➢ 2024 Annual IATA Conference, April 18th – April 21st (Chapter DonaGon)
➢ Upcoming Special Events (Calendar Handout)
➢ Questions/Comments
ADJOURNMENT/SOCIAL TIME
WELCOME BY TRAIL COORDINATOR, Pat Witkowski
GUEST INTRODUCTION:
We are very excited that Riley Dupee, Field Operations Specialist at the Alliance, has offered to attend our Feb. 15th chapter meeting. Riley participates in Trail construction and maintenance projects as well as land stewardship projects.
Riley works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, government agencies, and private partners to increase the Alliance’s capacity to execute on-the-ground construction and maintenance of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. As part of that
work, she provides leadership and training for volunteers and local chapters, helps coordinate local and statewide trail improvement projects (such as trail signage upgrades, tread improvements, trail structure construction and
maintenance, and invasive species control), and oversees and manages the Alliance’s tool and equipment inventory.
Riley also works closely with the Land program, expanding its stewardship capacity, helping to maintain Alliance-owned preserves, leading Habitat Management events and participating in property monitoring.
Her overview of what is coming up on the statewide level will be of much interest, and a great way to begin the new year! Welcome, Riley!
OPENING OF CHAPTER MEETING
➢ Introduction of Leadership Team members who are present
➢ Welcoming of new members and guests
SUBMITTED MINUTES & LEADERSHIP REPORTS
➢ Questions or comments
COORDINATOR REPORTS:
TRAIL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Pat Witkowski, Trail Coordinator
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT, Sherri Ritz, Social Coordinator
TREASURY UPDATE, Sanjay Shoney, Treasurer
PRESENTATIONS AND OUTREACH REPORT, Diana Matthews
HIKE LEADERS’ REPORTS, Jeff Romagna
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
➢ Ice Age Trail Crew Events / Get Involved!
➢ new ”Safe Swamping Video” available (with other Safety and Training Resources)
➢ Dan Watson NPS Volunteers in Parks Program Updates session, on Zoom
➢ First Aid / CPR Training (survey of need)
➢ 2024 Annual IATA Conference, April 18th – April 21st
• Silent Auction Donations: https://www.iceagetrail.org/silent-auction-donation/
➢ Think Outside Program for 4th graders
➢ Mammoth Hike Challenge Coordinator for 2024
➢ Questions or comments
➢ Upcoming events and calendar items:
• Waterford Area School District – Presentation for teachers & staff, Feb. 23rd
• Waterford Area School District – Hikes for teachers & staff, Feb. 24th & 25th
• Monty visits – Urban Candlelight Hike, Feb 24th
• March 2 – Redecking Eagle Boardwalk (weather permitting)
• March 6 – Dan Watson NPS Volunteers in Parks Program Updates session
• March 11 – Tool Cleaning and Sharpening/Monday Mudder start up
• March 13 – Hartland Walking Club hike – Merton Segment
• March 16 – Segment Stewards Soiree, Training and Appreciation
• March 21 – Chapter Meeting – Lapham Peak, Trecker Lodge
• March 27 – Mid-week Hike – Downtown Delafield
• April 8 – Mower and Trimmer Training
• April 10 – Hartland Walking Club Hike – Lapham Peak Segment
• April 13 – Chapter Workday
• April 24 – Mid-week Hike – Downtown Waukesha
• May 4 – Chapter Workday
• May 8 – Hartland Walking Club Hike – Hartland Segment
• May 21 – Hartland Library Outreach
• May 22 – Mid-week Hike – Downtown Oconomowoc
• June 1 – Chapter Workday (National Trails Day)
• June 21 – Trailtessa “Be Mindful” – Hartland Marsh (Registration required)
• On deck – Delafield’s 4th of July parade
ADJOURNMENT/SOCIAL TIME
We welcome all to join us after the chapter meeting to meet and socialize with other members. Feel free to bring a snack or beverage to share.
Photo by Mark Miner
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Friday, April 26
7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Dunes Segment, Manitowoc County
Woodland Dunes Nature Center, Two Rivers
Be brave! Explore the magical time of twilight with a group of other women and girls.
Be curious! Learn about evening spring sounds, then explore part of the Dunes Segment of the Ice Age Trail for a short, guided twilight walk. Watch the timberdoodles perform their courtship display and listen for frogs and other critters.
If the sky is clear, scope out the night sky with an astronomer. Bring a headlamp/small flashlight and be prepared for some areas of mud on the trail. Trail length will be about ½ mile and is on fairly even ground.
Open to all ages. Registration required, space is limited.
Contact Jessica Johnsrud, jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org, or call the Nature Center at 920-793-4007 to register.
Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.
Join the Waukesha / Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a Trail Improvement Day. We will be clearing invasives, restoring habitat, enhancing scenic views and repairing tread along the Scuppernong Segment of the Ice Age Trail in the heart of Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
All tools and training will be provided. Bring a water bottle and wear sturdy footwear and gloves. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement if you do not have one on file. Download Agreement.
Meet at the D.J. Mackie Picnic Area parking lot. Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs.
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Photo by Stu Brandel
THIS HIKE HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024.
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
Photo by Ben Nelson
Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015. The Hartland Walking Club was created by local volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee. Check the Hartland Walking Club’s Facebook page for updates and additional activities.
We will hike from the Hartland Public Library to the Hartland Marsh for a fourish mile out and back hike. The hike begins by walking on the paved IAT through town. The trail gets off the pavement at the Maple Ave Wayside, taking us to the Marsh.
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. Anyone not wishing to hike the full distance can turn back at any time and return to the Library.
All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. There is no fee for this activity. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike.
We will meet at the Hartland Public Library.
Email comments or questions to Jeff, your hike leader.
Photo by Natasha Steenburgen
Bring in the New Year with a fun-filled hike! Come early and enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate and cookies!
Our chapter has organized three guided loop hikes:
Each hike will be guided by knowledgeable leaders who will share information on various points of interest. Dress for the weather. Ice cleats may be helpful. These hikes are free, although a park sticker or day pass is required for entrance to Lapham Peak. Save time and purchase your sticker early. It can be ordered online here.
All three hikes will begin and end at the Mike Fort Shelter located near Homestead Hollow in Lapham Peak.
Email comments or questions to either of our hike organizer, Barb.
