Volunteer Learning

We are dedicated to developing and supporting a robust volunteer force that’s prepared to meet the challenge of building and maintaining the Ice Age Trail. Thus, we offer an assortment of training opportunities to complement the unique skills volunteers bring to the table.

Learning Events

Outside of what volunteers can learn by working with a local volunteer chapter, three trailwide events serve as a classroom for building our volunteers’ skill sets. The following venues focus on hands-on learning:

Ice Age Trail University

Held annually, Ice Age Trail University is our most diverse training event. It takes place over multiple days, and volunteers can register for different courses and gain skills in a variety of areas. The coursework also varies from year to year. There are classes related to creating an Ice Age Trail event, safely cooking for groups of volunteers, learning new trail building techniques and more.

All courses are taught by Alliance staff or experienced volunteers. IAT-U is held in different parts of the state each year and typically takes place in July. Visit the event calendar for dates and locations.

Regional Rally

We host a series of rallies twice a year that take place in different locations across Wisconsin. The rallies are a great place for new volunteers to connect with a local chapter and learn about what volunteer opportunities exist. Rallies are based on a trail-related theme, such as Thinking Like a Hiker or Building Our Base Through Outreach. Visit the event calendar for dates and locations.

Ice Age Trail Alliance Annual Conference

Even though the focus of our Annual Conference is celebrating our volunteers’ accomplishments on the Trail, we just can’t help but squeeze in a few training opportunities.

Each year we provide break-out sessions that help volunteers gain understanding and skills in a variety of areas. This could include how to hike with youth or learning what goes into protecting the Wisconsin landscape.

The Annual Conference takes place each April and is a prime place to connect with fellow volunteers, celebrate our collective work and gain new insights. Visit the event calendar for details about the next Annual Conference.