Wildcard Season! Join us!

It’s wildcard season with not one, but two wildcards! The main event will take place in Marathon County to continue work on the Ringle Segment. A second, smaller event will take place in Langlade County along the Summit Moraine Segment (formerly Old Railroad) to continue storm damage cleanup.

Help us end the “Building for the 23rd Century” tour on a high note by signing up for one (or both) of the events! Please register by Sunday, October 13th.

IATA Mobile Skills Crew program logo

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Mobile Skills Crew, MSC project 2019, Wildcard Season

Just beyond these stone steps is where the next push forward will take place during the October wildcard in Marathon county. Photo by Tim Malzhan.

Ringle Segment: The Main Event – We’re building more than a mile of sustainable tread mixed in with stonework to push forward the re-imagining of the Ringle Segment.

  • Wednesday, October 16th – Sunday, October 20th
  • Marathon County, Central Wisconsin
  • Base camp is at R7400 Duncan Road, Hatley
  • What We’re Doing: The boardwalks have been built, and all that remains is a mile of untouched flag line. The work scope includes: constructing stone crossings; creating sustainable tread; building retaining walls and steps; and installing trail signage posts and painting blazes. We also need kitchen crew volunteers to prepare meals for trailbuilding crews.
  • Your contribution of time and energy is welcome for any part of the event.
  • Special Note: Jodi Lyon-Grams of the news site Your 50 Forward Story will be attending and filming Friday night through Saturday at the event.
  • Project Area Map
Ice Age Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, IAT, Wildcard Season, Mobile Skills Crew, Summit Moraine Segment

The Summit Moraine Segment still needs a lot of cutting and clearing to restore a positive hiker experience. Photo by Dave Caliebe.

Summit Moraine Segment (formerly Old Railroad Segment): The Sideshow – Summer storms obliterated parts of the Trail in the county and after many hours sawing, clearing, and moving downed trees, a final push is needed to clear the remaining Trail. Project support will be minimal with light breakfast, making our own sandwiches, and dinner in town.

  • Wednesday, October 16th – Thursday, October 17th
  • Langlade County, Northeast Wisconsin.
  • Base camp is at Veterans Memorial Park – N8375 Park Rd, Deerbrook.
  • What We’re Doing: Sawyers and swampers will be needed to help push back the damage along the Summit Moraine Segment (formerly Old Railroad Segment).
  • Limited to 10-15 people.
  • If interested, email Dave Caliebe – dave@iceagetrail.org.

All Talents and Abilities Welcome!

As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities. Hands-on training provided by certified and friendly volunteer crew leaders gets you in the mix with no wasted time.

What to Bring

  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for trail work; mud boots if you have them, may come in handy.
  • A change of clothes for comfort around the fire afterwards.
  • Plan for variable weather – bring warm layers and rain gear.
  • Sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves.
  • Day pack, water bottles, insect repellent, a hat and gaiters.
  • If camping, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping gear, and toiletries.
  • Consider bringing a lawn chair; you’ll appreciate having it to relax around the fire in comfortable clothes at the end of the day.

Questions?

Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).

We hope to see you soon!

Happy Trails,

The Wildcard Project Team

Generous Sponsors of the 2019 Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Season include:

Sitka Salmon Shares is offering all Ice Age Trail enthusiasts and trailbuilders a $25.00 discount on your purchase of a salmon or seafood share. They’ll donate $25.00 to our award-winning Mobile Skills Crew program.

NOTE: This program made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support from The Coca-Cola Company.