Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Eclipse Hike at Lapham Peak Prairie

Image credit: MichaelZeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com

About:

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!

The Hike:

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.

Details:

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.

Location:

Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter Senior Saunter Walk: Downtown Oconomowoc – Around Fowler Lake

Photo by Unknown

The Walk:

This month’s Senior Saunter will take us for an enjoyable 2 mile walk around Fowler Lake in downtown Oconomowoc. Our route will take us on the Historic Walking Tour. This walk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and is not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!

Details:

Starting at the Fowler Lake Parking Lot (behind City Hall), we will go west along the lake path and then
north on N. Lake Road. As you get to the north end of Fowler Lake you will go easterly on E. Lisbon Road

and E. Greenland Ave. Then you continue to the south on N. Oakwood Ave , N. Walnut St. and back west

to your staring point on E. Pleasant Dr. Bring water for the hike.

Location:

This hike will begin and end at Oconomowoc’s Folwler Lake Park.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Mower and Trimmer Volunteer Training

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.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter Senior Saunter Walk: Fox River Trail

Photo by Unknown

The Walk:

This month’s Senior Saunter will take us for a walk south along the beautiful Fox River Parkway in Downtown Waukesha. Starting at the Waukesha Schuetze Rec Center at Frame Park, we will walk south on the Fox River Trail toward Bethesda Park. From there we will loop back to Schuetze Center. This walk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and is not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!

Details:

Walk at your own pace for whatever distance you wish (1.6 to 2.5 miles with options for more) on the paved trail. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water for the hike. Note: We do not cancel hikes ahead of time due to weather predictions. If you are not sure, stay home.

Fox River Trail Options:

Frame Park to Veteran’s Park: ~1.6 mi round trip
Around the Frame Park Lagoon: ~1.7 mi. loop
Frame Park to Bethesda Park: ~2.5 miles round trip

Location:

This hike will begin and end at Waukesha’s Schuetze Recreation Center.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter – Senior Saunter Walk: Delafield Segment

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.

The Walk:

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!

Details:

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.

Location:

This walk will start out at the Cushing Memorial Park parking lot.

Contact Information:

Questions? Mark, your hike leader will answer them for you.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter – Hartland Walking Club – Hartland Segment Hike

Photo by Unknown

About:

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.

The Hike:

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.

Details:

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.

Location:

We will meet at the the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Jeff, your hike leader.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Lapham Peak Segment

Photographer Unknown

The Hike:

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.

Details:

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.

Location:

We will meet at the Tower parking lot and carpool to the UW Field Station. From there we will hike back.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

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The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Trail Improvement Day/BoardwalkRepair – Eagle Segment

Trail Improvement/Boardwalk Repair Project

The Workday:

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.

Work Details:

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.

Location Details:

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.

Contact Details:

Watch for last minute weather related information and contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com or 262-490-3515.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter Ice Hike

Photo by Stu Brandel

This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024.

The Hike:

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.

Details:

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!

Location:

We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Merton Segment

Photo by John Hart

The Hike:

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.

Details:

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.

Location:

Meet at the Ice Age Trail Parking Lot – Monches/Merton.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

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The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter: Hartland Walking Club – Lapham Peak Prairie

Photo by Jeff Miller

The Hike:

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.

Details:

Location:

Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.

—–

The Hartland Walking Club was created by local Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter – Chapter Meeting