Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter
Ice Age Trail Update
October 2019
Richard Smith
Head to the Obey Center this Saturday Morning for the Parade of Colors
The colors are beginning to shine at the Chippewa Moraine, and so you won’t want to miss the annual Fall Color Hike, the Parade of Colors, on Saturday, October 5, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Obey Interpretive Center. Bring your family, grab a friend, or find someone new to the trail to bring along. No one should miss autumn on the Ice Age Trail, and this is a great opportunity to hike and enjoy the fall color, cool weather, and camaraderie.
Several chapter volunteers will be on hand to shuttle hikers to their starting points, serve as hosts and coordinators, and to serve or provide refreshments. (If you’d still like to help, send an email!)
If you’re not familiar with the event, here’s the plan:
- Arrive at the Obey Center east of New Auburn on Hwy M between 9 and 11 a.m.
- Tell us how far you’d like to go — 6, 5, 4, 2, 1 miles — and our volunteer will drive you and your group to your starting point, armed with a map and a few snacks (bring your own water).
- Here’s the good part: walk back, soaking in the fall air, colors, sounds, smells, and spirits of the fall woods.
- Somehow you’ll magically end up back where you started, for a chance to grab some refreshments, and perhaps stay a bit longer with the kids to see the exhibits and games at the Obey Center. You might even buy a T-shirt, fleece, hat, or trail guide.
- Head home relaxed and mark your calendar for the first Saturday next October.
Libby Stupak
Finish Off a Season of Trail Improvements on Saturday, Oct. 19
We’ve spent much of this season relocating a section of trail that’s pretty much done now, so its time to catch a few spots that had to wait. October’s a great time to enjoy a beautiful, cool fall day helping out on the trail.
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 day so we can plan for you.
Happy New Year to all of our Very Important People!
Our volunteers have put in a lot of hours keeping the trail in good shape and building that new section this season. Our annual reporting year has now ended on September 30, so if you have any hours that weren’t captured on a sign-in sheet at a meeting or workday (or by the project leader), please send them in as soon as possible. Our window to finalize our consolidated chapter report is small.
If you need help in organizing your report, it is preferable if you send it in on a standard reporting form. You can download a PDF, then either fill it out on your computer and email it, or do it by hand and either scan and email it or mail it in.
Download the reporting form here:
- Email it!
Thanks for all your help all year!
Mark Your Calendar for Regional Rally, Saturday, Nov. 16
The date for the annual fall Regional Rally for the northwestern area is now set for Saturday, Nov. 16, at Birchwood. Note that this has changed from the date on the annual trail calendar postcard sent last winter. Watch for details in the November Dispatch.
Chapter Annual Meeting Is Coming on Monday, Nov. 18
As long as your calendars are handy, check to see that the annual meeting is down for 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.