Tag Archives: Trailbuilding

2023 Trail Steward of the Year: John Kolbe

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail, Trail Steward of the Year
John Kolbe, 2023 Trail Steward of the Year, is flanked by members of the Trail Team: Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager (L) and Chad DuChateau, Director of Trail Operations (R). Photo by Cameron Gillie (aroundwisco.com)

John Kolbe, a resident of Delafield and member of the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter, was named Trail Steward of the Year. The Ice Age Trail Alliance staff bestowed this honor during the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Annual Conference and Membership Meeting in Sheboygan in April 2023.

The Trail Steward of the Year award recognizes a volunteer whose work contributes in an extraordinary manner to Trail management and development.

These contributions include:

  • Strengthening landowner and/or partner relations;
  • Trail layout, design, and construction;
  • Significant trail maintenance and stewardship efforts.

Continue reading →

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie

We’re going to do more trail improvement on Monday, June 12 to (hopefully) complete the great work done on Saturday, June 3.
What: Clear invasive brush to improve forest health, reveal the area’s natural beauty and enhance the hiking experience.
When: Monday, June 12,  9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  June 12 is a rare opportunity to use gas chainsaws (due to noise) in this patch of woods.  We won’t have another opportunity until the course closes in late fall.    
Where:  University Ridge Golf Course.  Enter through the main gate at 9002 County Hwy. PD, Madison.  See the attached map.
PARKING:
 1. Please park in the back of the parking lot near the clubhouse, then take the short walk on the Ice Age Trail to the work area.
  or
2. Park at the Noer Turf Research Facility, 2502 S. Pleasant View Rd. (County M), Verona and walk the Ice Age Trail to the work area.  It is a short walk.
  or
3.  There will be some parking on the grass, on the north side of the dirt cart path shown on the map.  This is the left side as you pull in.  Park with all wheels in the grass–please don’t block the path.
4. It is OK to park along the main road, IF all four wheels are in the grass.
**Monday is the day after the AmFam tournament wraps up.  The course is closed to golfing.  Expect lots of trucks and heavy equipment on the road and in parking areas.
 
What to wear/what to bring: Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and lightweight boots.  There is plenty of thorny gooseberry and multiflora rose.  Leather gloves are a must.  It is tick season.  Wear outer clothing treated with Permethrin.  Tick-borne illness is no fun!  Bring plenty of 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.  Go to:  https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Packet-Individual-301a-IATR-Staff_508-1.pdf 
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.
If you plan to help on June 12, please reply to this message.  This is very important so I can plan for enough tools and supplies.  It also allows me to communicate with you, should plans change due to weather, etc.
Questions?  Call, email or text me.  I hope to see you on June 12!  Happy Trails

Link to details: June Trail Improvement Project map

Incredible Progress Made for October’s Grand Opening

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Volunteers work to move a large rock in the mud, while one dog looks on and another naps.
Volunteers work together on a stonework project, while one "volunteer" takes a quick snooze. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Clouds of Northwoods gnats swarmed volunteers, encouraging a run to Walmart for head nets! But, despite this springtime challenge, 101 volunteers donated 2,773 service hours, making incredible progress toward the October 1st Grand Opening.
Continue reading →

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie

Join us on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3, as we improve the Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will clear thick buckthorn and honeysuckle in a beautiful, shaded glen on the Madison segment at University Ridge golf course.
What: What: Clear invasive brush to improve forest health, reveal the area’s natural beauty and enhance the hiking experience.
When: Saturday, June 3, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where:  Enter University Ridge Golf Course through the main gate at 9002 County Hwy. PD, Madison.
Parking: See attached map.
1. Please park in the back of the parking lot near the clubhouse, then take the short walk on the Ice Age Trail to the work area.
2. Park at the Noer Turf Research Facility, 2502 S. Pleasant View Rd. (County M), Verona and walk the Ice Age Trail to the work area.  It is a short walk.
3.  There will be some parking on the grass next to the dirt cart path shown on the map.  Park with all wheels in the grass–please don’t block the path.
**Final preparations are taking place for the AmFam golf tournament to begin on June 5.  Expect plenty of activity on the road and in parking areas.
What to wear/what to bring: Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and lightweight boots.  There is plenty of thorny gooseberry and multiflora rose.  Leather gloves are a must.
It is tick season.  Bring insect repellent or wear outer clothing treated with Permethrin.  Lyme disease is no fun–I know from personal experience!
Bring plenty of 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 2023, please do so before this trail event: https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Packet-Individual-301a-IATR-Staff_508-1.pdf
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.
If you plan to help on June 3rd, please send me an email (listed below).  This is very important so I can plan for enough tools and supplies.  It also allows me to communicate with you, should plans change due to weather, etc.
Questions?  Call, email or text me.  I hope to see you on May 20!  Happy Trails—

Link to details: June 3 Trail Improvement Project map

A Mighty Group Tackled Winter Storm Clean-Up in Northern Wisconsin

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Three certified sawyers walk along down trees and branches from winter storm damage.
The Alliance's newly formed "roving crew" helped clear winter storm damage on the Ice Age Trail in Northern Wisconsin. Photo by Rick Gamble.
A winter of ice and snow did quite the number on the Ice Age Trail in Northern Wisconsin, making the Trail impassable in places from downed trees and brush. It took considerable effort from segment maintainers to even open parts of the Trail this spring. To help with the efforts, a hardy group of 46 volunteers spent 1,035 hours clearing the Trail where progress was measured in feet, not miles.
Continue reading →

Volunteer Spotlight: Alice Weinert!

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Interview conducted by: Miranda Murphy, Operations Assistant.
Article written by: Maura Hanley, AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Support Specialist.
An Alliance volunteer sits on newly constructed stone steps at a Trailbuilding event.
Alice Weinert, Ice Age Trail Alliance Volunteer. Photo by Michelle McArdle.
Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers are the living breathing soul of the Ice Age Trail. They build, support, and maintain it. They donate thousands of hours of their time every year to care for the Trail.

One of these dedicated volunteers is Chicago resident Alice Weinert.

Continue reading →

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie

You’re invited to help us continue trail improvement at University Ridge Golf Course.  If you’re not signed up for the Rib Lake MSC, here is an opportunity to do good locally.  Beds of Mayapples, carpets of wild geranium, singing orioles and rose-breasted grosbeaks…though this section has become known for its overgrown invasives, it still has much to offer.  Let’s enhance the hiker experience and improve the health of these woods!
What: Trail improvement on a wooded section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.  We will cut and treat buckthorn and honeysuckle.  We’ll build brush piles to burn next winter.
When: Saturday, May 20.  9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where:  Enter University Ridge Golf Course through the main gate at 9002 County Hwy. PD, Madison.
Parking: See attached map.  Park in the back of the parking lot near the cart path.
**Golfing season is in full swing, as are preparations for the AmFam Tournament in early June.  Be alert for lots of activity!
What to wear/what to bring: Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and lightweight boots.  There is plenty of thorny gooseberry and multiflora rose.  Leather gloves are a must.
It is tick season.  Bring insect repellent or wear outer clothing treated with Permethrin.  Lyme disease is no fun–I know from personal experience!
Bring plenty of 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 2023, please do so before this trail event: https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Packet-Individual-301a-IATR-Staff_508-1.pdf
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.
If you plan to help on May 20, please reply to me.  This is very important so I can plan for enough tools and supplies.  It also allows me to communicate with you, should plans change due to weather, etc.
Questions?  Call, email or text me.  I hope to see you on May 20!  Happy Trails—

Link to details: University golf course map

Impressive Outcomes in Unpredictable Weather

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Two images of a "Welcome Volunteers!" sign. One (on the left) with early spring weather and one (on the right) covered in snow.
The "Welcome Volunteers!" sign looks very different on the first day of the MSC Rib Lake project versus the last. Photo by Alice Weinert.
A guarantee for April MSC events: Unpredictable weather. Yet, the promise of cloudy, 40-degree days and chilly, rain-soaked nights didn’t deter 73 volunteers who donated 1,995 service hours. They remained undaunted even after waking to half a foot of snow on Sunday morning.
Continue reading →

Volunteers Braved Winter in Wisconsin to Help with Land Restoration

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Volunteers smile and wave at the camera during lunch.
Volunteers smile and wave during the Steenbock Preserve HIP event. Photo by Bob Leedle.
More than 130 volunteers braved winter in Wisconsin—the frigid temperatures, icy terrain, and blustery wind—and volunteered at one (or multiple) of the Alliance’s Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) events.

Winter is the ideal time for controlling woody invasives. Snow cover offers relatively safe conditions for burning brush piles, and the cold temps prevent folks from overheating.

The goals of the HIP events include:

  • Enhancing hikers’ experiences along the Ice Age Trail.
  • Advancing the process of restoring native habitats by removing invasive species.
  • Creating space for a variety of native plant species and wildlife to use these habitats.

We couldn’t preserve, restore, and maintain the land’s beauty without the help of so many dedicated volunteers.

Continue reading →

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

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.

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie

Continuing our great start at University Ridge!

Come out and help us continue trail corridor-clearing in beautiful oak-hickory woods at University Ridge!  With a little luck, we’ll mostly complete stage 1 of this project before spring rolls around.
On Saturday, Feb. 18 we will continue opening up the trail corridor, creating nearby brush piles in the woods for burning later.  (We won’t be dragging brush to the corn field anymore.)
What: Help remove invasive trees and shrubs on the University Ridge trail section.  We will cut, treat and pile brush nearby.
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.
When: Saturday, February 18, 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 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.

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

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

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie

Continuing our great start at University Ridge!

On Saturday, January 14 we will continue a trail improvement project on the Madison segment where it traverses University Ridge Golf Course.  The trail corridor at Uni Ridge is 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 plant seedlings a chance to thrive.  And, we may build more “Rabbitats,” purpose-built brush piles to create wildlife habitat.

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 during this project.  We will have a fire pit for cooking your lunch and warming up. Also–the work area is only a  five minute walk from our parking area.

When: Saturday, January 14, 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.

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, 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.

Our partners at the Noer Turf Facility and University Ridge Golf Course are favorably impressed by your efforts on the Dec. 10 & 22 work days.  We’re working together to find the best way to dispose of the massive quantities of invasive brush we’re generating.

I hope to see you on Jan. 14!

Link to details: University Ridge trail project, east end

Trail Improvement, Madison Segment, Dane County

Photo Credit: Cameron Gillie

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

Two Events Complete a Successful Season

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Ice Age trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, MSC Season, trailbuilding, MSC
Two MSC events bring the successful trailbuilding season to a close. Photo L: Dave Caliebe. Photo R: Patrick Gleissner.

Firth Lake Segment: October 17 – 21

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, MSC, trailbuilding, boardwalk, firth lake segment, chippewa moraine chapter
The new 736-foot boardwalk rises above the mud along the Firth Lake Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Cold, blustery conditions did not deter the 37 hardy volunteers who framed up half of the 736-foot-long boardwalk on the first day. By the fifth day (or 1,081.5 service hours later), a new structure stood proudly along the route, and the old one had been dismantled and carted away.

How’s that for a wildcard project? It muscled its way onto the calendar a few months ago when funding from the National Park Service came through. Typically, projects of this magnitude are planned out a year or two in advance. Continue reading →

A Popular Segment Made Safer!

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Volunteers work together building a 330-foot boardwalk along the Lapham Peak Segment. Photo by: Patrick Gleissner.
Volunteers work together building a 330-foot boardwalk along the Lapham Peak Segment. Photo by: Patrick Gleissner.
Is it possible to complete four days’ worth of work in a three-day project? It sure is! Volunteers – 187 – from across the state (and even Illinois) donated 3,048 service hours as they tackled 3 project areas to:

  • Craft 2 reroutes totaling 2,200 feet of new tread.
  • Build a 330-foot boardwalk.
  • Construct 3 stone staircases (for a total of 15 steps).
  • Frame and fill 14 box steps.
  • Install enough check dams to stop a small river.

Continue reading →

One Step Closer to Reopening the Rib Lake Segment!

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Autumn was off to a beautiful start in the Northwoods during the recent Rib Lake MSC Event. Photo by: Patrick Gleissner.
Autumn was off to a beautiful start in the Northwoods during the recent Rib Lake MSC Event. Photo by: Patrick Gleissner.
Like Autumn marching into the Northwoods, volunteers steadily moved forward on the rebuild of the Rib Lake Segment. In total, 102 volunteers donated 2,625 hours for the latest effort: clearing brush, crafting tread, and constructing stone steps and retaining walls.
Continue reading →

Nearly a Mile of Brand-New Trail!

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, LaBudde Creek Segment, MSC 2022
A smiling volunteer team stands by their work: posts firmly planted and trailhead signage affixed. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
The push to complete the Ice Age Trail took a step forward during the LaBudde Creek MSC event. Thanks to 101 volunteers who, over 2,030 hours, opened a brand-new ¾-mile extension. This effort was a worthy feat in itself. Still, crews also upgraded two boardwalks, maintained a half-mile of existing Trail, built a new boardwalk, and scouted out another mile of potential new Trail. Continue reading →

Explore Marathon County’s Newest Gem!

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Rice Lake Preserve, Rice Lake MSC, White Cedar Segment
A happy crew worked together to fasten deck boards along an 873-foot-long boardwalk. Photo by Holly Lorentz.
Part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail’s beauty is its ability to shepherd hikers through the varied landscape of Wisconsin, including hard-to-get-to or otherwise inaccessible places. Thanks to 88 volunteers donating 2,185 service hours, a new segment winds through the Ice Age Trail Alliance-owned Rice Lake Preserve. Continue reading →

Tremendous Progress on Trail Reroute!

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Route, New Hope Iola Ski Hill MSC
A volunteer displays great pride and delight with the new boardwalk and viewing platform built during the project. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
Iola Winter Sports Club property acquisitions and a renegotiated easement created an opportunity to reroute the Ice Age Trail from ski trails onto a dedicated hiking path. Over 5 days, 117 volunteers worked 2,962 hours to construct 4,000 feet (a little more than ¾ mile) of new Trail along breathtaking kettles and a wonderful wetland. Continue reading →

Fresh Tread in a Storybook Setting

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Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Rib Lake Segment MSC, Taylor County
Volunteers work together to maneuver a boulder into place for what will become a set of stone steps. Photo by Patrick Gleissner.
The Ice Age Trail brings all sorts of folks together, and this MSC event was no exception. First-time volunteers, New Vision Wilderness students, a pair of TikTok celebrities (their Instagram handle is “thruhikers”), and a long-distance hiker passing through joined seasoned trailbuilders as they cut fresh tread on the Rib Lake Segment. This confluence of novelty and experience resulted in more than 3,000 feet of completed trail, with a generous head start on another 1,000 feet!

Continue reading →

2022 Trail Steward of the Year: Gerald “Jerry” Pfeifer

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Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Trail Steward of the Year, Jerry Pfeifer, Gerald Pfeifer
Dave Caliebe, Trail Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance (right), congratulates Gerald "Jerry" Pfeifer, winner of the Trail Steward of the Year award for 2022. Photo by Cameron Gillie.

The Trail Steward of the Year award recognizes a volunteer whose work contributes in an extraordinary manner to Trail management and development.

These contributions include:

  • Strengthening landowner and/or partner relations;
  • Trail layout, design, and construction;
  • Significant trail maintenance and stewardship efforts.
Continue reading →

A Long-Awaited, 350-foot Lodi Marsh Boardwalk is Complete!

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Volunteers wasted no time utilizing built sections of the boardwalk to more easily navigate the marsh as they finished construction. Photo by Riley Dupee.
Volunteers wasted no time utilizing built sections of the boardwalk to more easily navigate the marsh as they finished construction. Photo by Riley Dupee.
In typical April fashion, 40 volunteers experienced all four seasons over three workdays. Each day brought a surprise. Would it rain or snow? Who would lose a boot to the marsh? The only thing volunteers knew for certain: two-inch thick, white oak deck boards are heavier than they look. Nevertheless, they tackled it all with good humor – laughter was as common a sound as the squelching of muck boots.

Continue reading →

The Student Conservation Association is hiring an Ice Age Trail work crew!

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Photo by Cameron Gillie.
Photo by Cameron Gillie.
A partner organization, the Student Conservation Association (SCA), is hiring an Ice Age Trail work crew for the summer!

This is a great opportunity for those starting out or considering a career in the outdoors.

Crew members will spend their summer with a team of like-minded peers, gaining hands-on training and developing trailbuilding and leadership skills. And they’ll be working in some of the most scenic locations Wisconsin has to offer, right along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Continue reading →

Farewell to Brad Crary, Special Projects Coordinator

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Brad Crary assisting with food prep at an MSC Event. Photo by Cameron Gillie.
Brad Crary assisting with food prep at an MSC Event. Photo by Cameron Gillie.
On Friday, April 1, after 14 years with the Alliance, we say goodbye to Brad Crary. Many of you know Brad from his years coordinating project support for scores of large-scale MSC events. He was a fixture at basecamp, managing logistics big and small: setting up the tent, assisting with food prep, and ensuring coffee was ready first thing in the morning. No matter the hour, he wore his trademark smile.

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