November Dispatch

Ice Age Trail Alliance

Chippewa Moraine Chapter

Ice Age Trail Dispatch

November 2019


Libby Stupak

Elections! Budget! Information! Its time for the Annual Member Meeting, Monday, Nov. 18

It is our final chapter meeting of 2019, and time to elect officers for 2020, approve a budget, and transact other business that comes before the members. There will be next year’s plans and calendar to approve, and check-in with what we have accomplished in 2019. Time to roll up the sleeves and take care of business!

We will meet on Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chippewa Falls Public Library. 





Register now for the annual Regional Rally at Birchwood, Saturday, Nov. 16

There is still time to register for the annual Regional Rally, which this year is happening in Birchwood on Saturday, Nov. 16. Get new ideas for next year by learning what’s worked for our friends in the region. There will be 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. (The other remaining meeting is this Saturday, 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.




Bench and viewshed on the newly-completed rerouted trail.  Photo:Jerry Sazama

A newly rerouted segment of trail is complete at last!

Maintenance Coordinator Jerry Sazama and our intrepid crew of trail elves have been working away all season to complete a rerouted section of trail midway between Deer Fly Trail and Hwy E, and at long last the task is ready for prime time. The final touches were completed during the October trail improvement day, which despite the nasty, miserable weather saw an enthusiastic team tackle it and several other tasks along the trail in the pouring rain. The final highlight was the installation (see below) of a new bench and viewing area along the newly rerouted trail (seen above in friendlier weather).

Congratulations and a hearty tip of the hat to Jerry Sazama and all the volunteers who have contributed to this project over this season and last.


Installing the bench. You should have been there!   Photo: Jerry Sazama



Help Us 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.


Save the date: Snowshoe Hike on Saturday, Feb. 1

Break out the snowshoes and be ready for our annual Family Snowshoe Hike on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at the Obey Interpretive Center. We’ll be collaborating with the Mayo Clinic and Girl Scouts again to make this a really fun day for all ages. 

Well, at least put it on your calendar for now. Between now and then, wear orange when you’re supposed to and enjoy all the holidays.


Newsletters and information are also available at the chapter web site: http://www.iatchippewa.org. You can also go here to View Online.