Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter
Ice Age Trail Update
Mid-October 2019
Libby Stupak
Finish Off a Season of Trail Improvements on Saturday, Oct. 19
The colors have been gorgeous, and the weather is now improving; we’ve planned great fall weather for this Saturday, so you will want to get out and help with a grab-bag Trail Improvement event this Saturday, Oct. 19.
We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Obey Interpretive Center. Then its off to the various work locations. We’ll have light refreshments back at the Obey Center at around noon, but bring your own water, possibly a snack for mid-morning, and work gloves. Tools provided.
Please confirm your intent to attend the improvement dayso we can plan for you.
Register NOW for Regional Rally, Saturday, Nov. 16
By mid-November most of the trail work has ended and the fall hiking season has tapered off in time for “deer season”. So it must be time to gather for the annual Regional Rally on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Birchwood. The agenda includes a chance to share our successes and hear what our friends in the region have been up to as a source of new ideas for next year. IATA staff always include updates on what’s happening in the Ice Age Trail world, and a peek at what’s in store for 2020. The Birchwood meeting is one of three, and you are welcome at any of the other meetings if they work out better: Nov. 2 in Whitewater, and Nov. 9 in Hatley (Marathon Co.). The Birchwood rally is at the Lakeside Senior Center, 110 Euclid Ave, Birchwood WI 54817, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No lunch this year, but morning snacks will be provided.
Read the full information at this link, and then go ahead and register for the Birchwood rally here.
Chapter Annual Meeting Is Coming on Monday, Nov. 18
Mark your calendar for the chapter’s annual membership meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. We’ll elect officers, approve a budget for 2020, and review our chapter’s progress in 2019 and plans for 2020. Join us at the Chippewa Falls Library.
We’ll Tell the IAT Story at the Annual Fall Outdoor Expo on Sunday, Nov. 23
Before its time to take a break for holidays and winter diversions, we have one last chance to celebrate the Ice Age Trail at the Outdoor Expo on Sunday, Nov. 23. Twice each year we have an opportunity to tell the story of the IAT to silent sports enthusiasts at the expo in Minneapolis. Consider joining the team and sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the IAT at this event. You’ll have time to explore the rest of the exhibits, as well as the sales at the adjacent Midwest Mountaineering outdoor outfitters. Additionally, a series of presentations throughout the day offers subjects that may well lure you to future adventure destinations unknown, or teach you a new skill.
Richard Smith
Parade of Colors Enjoyed by Chinese Scholars
The cold, rain, and wind definitely dampened the enthusiasm for hiking at the Parade of Colors, so our attendance would have set an unfortunate record were it not for a group of Chinese scholars from all over China who are currently studying at UW-Eau Claire who braved the weather for a taste of our glacial landscape (and weather). Local International-Student Host Paul Lin has facilitated attendance by the scholars in many prior years, but rarely have they received as warm a welcome as this year.
Needing fewer drivers than usual, our volunteers jumped on the opportunity to inventory our merchandise and our tool collection, essential tasks made enjoyable by the team working together.
Richard Smith
See you on the trail,
Richard Smith
Chippewa Moraine Chapter Chair
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The Ice Age Trail
A Walk Through Time