May 2018 Trail Dispatch

Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter

Ice Age Trail Dispatch

May 2018


Trout lily, Chippewa River Segment, IANST, May 6, 2018

It’s May!

Finally, it is May, and the old proverb, “be careful what you wish for” may apply if you look at the trail opportunities that lie in store this month. Not counted is the hike we already had on May 1 for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, and our own Sunday Hike on May 6. We all hope to see you at one of the following opportunities to contribute this month, but even if these are not your thing, know that the trail is in generally good shape and awaiting your visit. Lots of wildflowers are popping up, and whether you fancy bloodroot, hepatica, trout lily, wood anemone, trillium, wood violet, spring beauty, or whatever pops up next, the window for these annual beauties is small.


Scout Trail Cleanup Day Planned for Saturday, May 12

Two local scout groups—boys and girls—and their parents and leaders will join us for a special trail cleanup day in the Kim's Crossing area east of Deer Fly Trail on Saturday, May 12. As these volunteers are new to trail work, we need some regular volunteers to join and help provide training and guidance. These projects are a lot of fun, especially if you like working with kids. If you’ve not done it before, this is a great time to start. If you can help, please register using the yellow button below.

Register for Scout Cleanup Day - May 12


Regular Chapter Trail Improvement Day Is Saturday, May 19

We’ll work the morning of Saturday, May 18 to begin preparing for the Harwood Lakes project at Mudbrook in June. Access trail needs to be prepared, and a new trail route needs to be prepared. If you can help, we will meet at 9 AM on Saturday, May 19, at the Deer Fly Trail trailhead parking area. We’ll have a tailgate party at the conclusion, but bring your own water, possibly a snack for mid-morning, and the usual bug repellent, & gloves. Long pants and socks are important to keep ticks at bay. Please register by clicking on the yellow bar below.

Register for May 19 Trail Improvement Day


Chapter Meeting Is Monday, May 21

Chippewa Moraine IAT Chapter members will meet on Monday, May 21 at 6:30 PM at the Chippewa Falls Public Library for its regular bi-monthly chapter meeting. These meetings allow chapter volunteers to get together to review and enhance the various projects ongoing and planned. It is a valuable check-in, and an opportunity to learn about what is happening both locally and trail-wide. Please join us!


Blue Hills Trail Improvement Day Rescheduled for Tuesday, May 22

We will venture northward on Tuesday, May 22 to lend a hand in the Moose Ear section of the IAT in the beautiful Blue Hills. Our plan now is to meet at the Obey Center at 8:15 AM on Tuesday, May 22, and head north in consolidated cars due to the distance, access, and parking area available. Whether you were signed up for the first try at this project, or are now finding that you can join us on this day, please register again (please click on the yellow button) so we know what personnel and tools we need to assemble. This project will last into the afternoon, so please bring a lunch, water, and insect repellent. 

Register for Blue Hills Day May 22


Harwood Lakes Trailbuilding Event Opportunities Still Available

A new boardwalk/bridge over the Mudbrook backwaters will be constructed at an MSC trail building event to be held from June 6-9. We’ll say goodby to the WCC-constructed structure that has shifted substantially over the past 35 years or so. In addition to the structures, new tread will be constructed. This is an IATA Mobile Skills Crew project, and will include the usual MSC features: food and campsites are provided at no cost, learn as you work under the eyes of experienced MSC leaders, lots of camaraderie and entertainment capping off a day of hard work. Camping will be at the Old Girl Scout Camp northeast of the Chippewa Moraine Interpretive Center. 

The event is identified as the Harwood Lakes Segment project, and registration is still open. The catch is that due to the circumstances caused by much of the activity being on a boardwalk and bridge, the registration is capped at 40 participants. Registration is open, but there are only a few slots left and we hate to leave you out. If you are still hoping to come, you should register now.

Harwood Lakes MSC Info & Registration


Did You Vote Today? Yesterday? Help IATA Win $5000!

Did you vote yet today? Remember to vote for your favorite trail and help IATA win! It’s the Gear Junkie’s “Fastest Known Time” contest. One of nine “Iconic Trails” will win $5000, and all will win something. You can win something, too (a guided hike, a pair of trail shoes). Vote early and often — daily if you wish — and even get bonus votes each time you upload a photo taken on the trail. Vote often between now and May 31.

The IAT is doing quite well right now with lots more votes than its closest competitor, the Superior Hiking Trail. One suspects they are planning a stealth attack when our guard is down, so don’t be lulled into complacency!

Set your reminders app to remind you to vote every day. (Note: The new day starts at 7 PM).

Vote Now!


Coming Up In June: Trails Day Hike, Harwood Lakes MSC Project

Mark your calendars for upcoming events in June: 

Trails Day Hike: Saturday, June 2 at 9 AM, Meet at Obey Interpretive Center

Harwood Lakes MSC: Wed-Sat, June 6-9, See article above

Trail Improvement Day: Saturday, June 16 at 9 AM, meet at Obey Interpretive Center

IAT-University: June 28-July 1


Where to Find IATA and Chapter Event Information

The go-to place to find current information about all our chapter events and IATA events everywhere is the calendar at the IATA website, www.iceagetrail.org. The Calendar link is in the menu, or bookmark www.iceagetrail.org/events/. To find our chapter-specific events, either choose Chippewa Moraine from the dropdown menu under Event Category and click the “Find Events” button, or just bookmark this yellow button: 

Chippewa Moraine Chapter Events


See you on the trail,

Richard Smith
Chippewa Moraine Chapter Chair

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The Ice Age Trail
A Walk Through Time