Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter
Ice Age Trail Update & Reminders
Early September 2014
The Moon Will Be Watching At Appreciation Event, Saturday Sept. 6
The weather is shaping up nicely for our member appreciation Super Moon Hike this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Chippewa Moraine. A two mile circle trail will be marked for a self-guided hike, or, there will be two guided hikes (6:30 PM and 7:30 PM) for those who prefer the group experience. There is also a shorter hike available. Please start self-guided hikes no later than 8:00 PM. It’s a great chance to explore a section of the recently-acquired “Old Girl Scout Camp” section of the Chippewa Moraine, and get great views of Hodge Lake in the super-moonlight!
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 6:00-9:00 PM
- Where: "Old Girl Scout Camp”, northeast of the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor’s Center.
- Entrance is at 26900 145th Street, ½ mile north of County Highway M.
- 145th St is 1.5 miles east of the main Chippewa Moraine entrance, and is marked with the Camp Manitou sign.
- Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs to guide your way once you get in the area.
- Here’s a map to get you there.
- Parking: Inside the camp. Follow the signs.
- Bring: Flashlight, bug spray, and an adventurous spirit! (See if you can get by without using your light!)
When you finish your hike, join us for some light refreshments by fireside in the Recreation Building. We plan to roast marshmallows as well.
Note that the recent rain has left the trail muddy in spots, and reinvigorated the mosquito population! There are no rest rooms at this event. This is at the Chippewa Moraine, NOT at Camp Nawakwa. Be sure to check the map, or plug 26900 145th St., New Auburn, into your GPS or phone.
No Chapter Meeting in September!
Our regular chapter meeting, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15, is being cancelled due to the Trailbuilding Event at Camp Nawakwa. But do take a moment to consider how you will help out at the Parade of Colors! Our next chapter meeting will be on Monday, November 17.
Interested In Glacial Geology?
If you have more than a passing interest in glacial geology, we could use your help! The Cold Cache Team is looking to expand the selection of Cold Cache sites in the county, and would like your help. Dolly McNulty, chief cold cacher, will be here on Sept 17-18 and would like to meet with a local representative and go visit some potential sites in the afternoon. If you’re interested, please contact the chapter. If you don’t know what Cold Cache is all about, look here.
Join Our Special Workday Next Thursday, Sept. 11
Join us on Thursday, Sept. 11 as we will be working on the trail west of Camp Nawakwa, clearing brush to grease the skids for the Trailbuilding Event the following week.
Meet and park at the trailhead on Hwy E, just south of the Camp Nawakwa entrance at 9 AM. If you plan to come, please reply by email so we can plan for tools, and let you know if there is a change.
As usual, bring a lunch and water, and wear sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, and work gloves. No tools should be required.
Just Another Request to Register for Trail Building Event at Camp Nawakwa, Sept. 16 - 21
The IATA’s Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event at Camp Nawakwa begins in just over two weeks, and registering your plans to participate really matters. The deadline for pre-registration is Friday, Sept. 12, but do it sooner if you can as food needs to be purchased ahead of time!
See our last newsletter for more information, or go directly to the IATA web site for information and online registration here. Don’t miss your opportunity to make your mark on Ice Age Trail history!
Our own Jerry Sazama will be the event crew leader, so if you have questions about what is involved or are uncertain what you can do, feel free to contact him (email or 715-723-6955).
See you on the trail,
Richard Smith
Chippewa Moraine Chapter Chair
--
The Ice Age Trail
A Walk Through Time