Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter
Ice Age Trail Dispatch
July 2021
Come to the Chapter Picnic and Meeting at the Mill Yard Park July 19th
Come join us for our annual picnic at 6:00 pm at the Mill Yard Park in Cornell on Monday, July 19th. We will begin at 6:00 with a pot luck dinner followed by a brief chapter meeting. Participants should bring a dish to pass. You should bring your own plate and utensils, and the beverage of your choice. It’s a great chance to see everyone and hear what’s been happening in the Chippewa Moraine Chapter this summer. The view on the river is worth the trip. Bring a camp chair. If the weather is great, we can sit near the river. Please RSVP at chippewamorainechapter@iceagetrail.org if you are coming. We hope to see you there.
New Parking Lot at the Otter Lake Esker Preserve
Several years ago, the Chippewa Conservancy purchased land at the south end of Otter Lake which contains a beautiful example of an esker. It is hoped that this property will be incorporated into future trail in that area. The Ice Age Trail Alliance raised $5000 toward the building of a parking lot for this property. The new lot has been installed and can accommodate a school bus turn-around. You are welcome to come and hike the length of this esker as an in-and-back. Because they have newly seeded around the parking lot, please go up the road a few feet to the Otter Lake Esker Preserve sign and hike the path through the field to the esker. Hike until you reach the bench at the east end of the esker and then return the way you came.
Directions: County H has an “S” curve below Otter Lake. At the southern curve, turn at 365th Street (at the Curve Inn sign). At the stop sign, turn left onto 140th Ave. This is a dead end road that heads straight west. After it curves north, watch for the parking lot on the right. This is before the first driveway.
Job Opening at Obey Center
The Wisconsin DNR is hiring a Natural Resources Educator located at the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area in New Auburn (Obey Center). This is a part time position. This position provides on-site educational programs and activities to organized school, social, and other groups as well as the general public visiting the property. This includes developing and distributing publications, signage and other materials. The position will assist with outreach, promotion, and public relations for the property. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, this link takes you to the job description: https://wj.wi.gov/psc/wisjobs/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1&JobOpeningId=2114
First Sunday Hike - August 1st
Come and join us for our First Sunday Hike on August 1st. JoAnn Parks will be leading a hike on the Chippewa Moraine Segment. Come join us as we hike on an in-and-back hike beginning at the Obey Center and heading west to 267th Ave. The hike will take you down the Ice Walled Lake Plain and past a series of lakes, including the uniquely named “North of North Shattuck Lake”. Come and enjoy this beautiful piece of trail.
The Obey Center just re-opened on Saturday, June 26th after its Covid-related closure. You will have the opportunity to check out their glacial and Chippewa Valley History displays, check out some live critters, and view a glacial video. The staff is looking forward to seeing you.
Hikers should meet at the Obey Center parking lot on Hwy. M at 1:00 pm. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, long pants, and long sleeve shirt. Be prepared to tuck your pants legs into your socks. Bring water and a snack. Mosquito repellent is recommended. Wear a mask at the parking area if you have not been vaccinated. Maintain 6 feet of distance on the hike. Please send an RSVP to JoAnn at jjjparks123@gmail.com.
Upcoming Hikes:
Walk to End Hunger
The Bohemian Hall - Lodge 141 south of Cornell is sponsoring a hike on the Chippewa River Segment on August 8th. Their goal is to raise money or food items for the Cornell Food Pantry. There are two guided hikes offered at 11:00 and 1:00. There is a limit of 35 hikers per hike. The hikes will be led by JoAnn Parks.
More information to come in the August Newsletter
• September 5 - First Sunday Hike - Obey Center - group picks the hike option
• October 2 - Parade of Colors Hike-Obey Center
August Trail Maintenance Day - Saturday, August 14
Our next trail maintenance day is Saturday, August 14. Look for more information in the August Newsletter.
Future Trail Work Days: August 14, September 18, October 16
Remember, you must have a signed Volunteer Agreement to work on trail projects. Volunteers under the age of 18 need to have a signed Volunteer Agreement with the Parental Consent section filled in and signed by their parent/guardian. See below for the Volunteer Agreement.
Get your Volunteer Agreement and join the trail crew on work projects!
You need to have a completed Volunteer Agreement for the National Park Service in order to participate in our trail improvement days. If you filled one out last summer, you are in good standing.
If you do not have a signed Volunteer Agreement, here is the link: https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/x_INDIVIDUAL-301A-COVID-Packet.pdf Please fill out the fillable form and email it to Daniel_Watson@nps.gov
Please read the following documents before signing the agreement:
• Cover letter from Eric Gabriel NPS https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Cover-Letter_Eric.pdf
• IATA Volunteer Risk Assessment Tool https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-IATR-VIP-Risk-Assessment-Tool-002.pdf
• Covid19HA https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-COVID19-JHA-v2.pdf
When you send in the Volunteer Agreement to Dan Watson, he will sign it and return it to you. Please print a copy for yourself, and forward the email to me at chippewamorainechapter@iceagetrail.org for our records.
See you on the trail,
Vicki Christianson
Chippewa Moraine Chapter Coordinator
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The Ice Age Trail
A Walk Through Time