Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter
Ice Age Trail Dispatch
October 2015
This is Magic!
You may have heard about a furious competition among supporters of many trails in the United States. The top two winners of the competition will win a $25,000 grant to help develop their trail. The IATA project is near Rib Lake in nearby Taylor County. The competition is fierce between Florida Trail, Continental Divide, IAT, and some of the others. IATA is currently in 3rd place, but it changes all the time. The way to win is by the number of votes cast by supporters. The odd thing is you can vote daily until Oct. 31. So, if this is your thing, then take a moment to vote, and set a reminder to yourself to vote as often as possible, even every day, until Oct. 31.
Here is the link: superiortrails.michelobultra.com
Copy it into your browser and vote. Then set a reminder to do it again daily. Note: Be sure to click through all the steps each time, including the final click to confirm your vote!
Strike Up The Band: Parade of Colors Coming Saturday
The Parade of Colors hike is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 3, and everything is lining up for a fantastic day. The weather looks to be perfect for the hike, all the pieces are in place, and the color is just beginning to appear. The glacial ponds are full, the trail awaits. Grab your hiking friends, and make the trip. More Info
Parade of Colors - Special Fundraising Effort
This year, we are making a special effort to encourage Parade of Colors participants to make a special donation, all of which will go to the Ice Age Trail Alliance for trail building and other trail support. Usually we accept donations and put them to use locally, but due to the unexpected and unprecedented reduction in state support for the IAT by the legislature, we’ve chosen to dedicate all the donations received at this year’s hike to support the Alliance’s state-wide efforts. Your special contribution of whatever size will add to this effort to help the Alliance fill a major gap in its operating expenses. Please keep this in mind as you plan to come to the hike. Be assured, however, that there is no charge and we are always thrilled when you come, whether you choose to contribute or not.
If you prefer to contribute directly to the IATA online ahead of the hike, we’ve set up a special page for you where you can use your credit card! You have the flexibility of making monthly donations as well. Take advantage of this new helpful option.
Regional Rallies Return: Saturday, Oct. 31
Your annual opportunity to get together with IAT supporters from around our region returns on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Regional Rally. A day full of planning, training, and camaraderie is on tap. We’ll hear updates from IATA staff, discuss the creation and execution of exemplary trail events, and even practice by planning a regional event. Lunch is provided. It’s a small taste of the annual conference without traveling so far.
The Northwest regional rally will be at Oak Forest Center next to Straight Lake State Park near Frederic (Polk Co). (Register here). It runs from 9 AM to 3 PM. Oak Forest Center is at 2824 130th St, Frederic (map)
While the Rally that will cater to our region is being held on Oct. 31 in Polk County, there are two additional rallies you could attend if you can’t make our local rally: Saturday, Nov. 7 in Walworth County (register), and Sunday Nov. 8 in Portage County (register).
If you register to attend, please let us know as well so we can assist with car pooling (if requested) and be assured our chapter is well-represented.
Trail Improvement Day: Saturday, Oct. 17
Our final trail improvement day scheduled for 2015 is on Saturday, Oct. 17. Trail Improvement days provide an opportunity to spend a Saturday working on one of a variety of projects that improve the trail for all, from tread work to signage to trail clearing to cleanup. Plan to join us for the morning, or continue into the afternoon. Meet at 9 AM at the Obey Interpretive Center near New Auburn and we’ll take off for our work location from there. Bring a lunch and water if you can stay into the early afternoon, and wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. By all means please let us know you plan to come so we can plan our work and contact you with updates or weather issues.
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The Ice Age Trail
A Walk Through Time