Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter was established in
1984 and currently has more than 430 members. We are
responsible for maintaining 44.1 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail between Monches (on the border of Washington County) and the Town of Eagle (on the border of Jefferson County). The Chapter regularly sponsors Ice Age Trail workdays and hikes which are listed below.
The Chapter meets the third Thursday of each month (except July and December) at 7:00 pm at the Homestead Hollow/Trecker Lodge facility of the Lapham Peak Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest (driving directions).
Occasionally, we will meet at a different location, so be sure to check the Chapter's calendar for location information. Our agenda always allows the opportunity for discussion of news and concerns beyond scheduled reports, and occasionally we have speakers with informative and entertaining programs at the meetings. Below are minutes from recent meetings.
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Ice Age National Scenic Trail Display
The Ice Age Trail Alliance offers many volunteer opportunities and educational programs. We want to celebrate that through displays at nature centers throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Our goals are to increase awareness of the Ice Age Trail, reach out to the youth, and show appreciation for our volunteers. Please contact Jessica if you are interested in joining the Fundraising or Display Design committees.
We are currently accepting donations for the displays from supporters of the Ice Age Trail. Please consider donating to our cause today so you, too, can become a part of history!
Upcoming Events
We will be partnering with the Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) and there will be two hike distances to choose from. Snacks and a free shuttle service will be provided. In addition, we will offer raffle prizes for participants, as well as those who
sign up to be a member of the IATA. If you join at the National Trails Day event, you can enter the drawing for this fabulous REI backpack valued at $35.00! It is like getting your first annual membership for FREE! All proceeds from the raffle will go toward the purchase of nature center displays. Become a part of promoting and protecting one of Wisconsin's most valuable natural treasures.
Please see our events calendar for more information and driving directions. This event is sponsored by the American Hiking Society and takes place nationwide.
Tuesday, May 22nd, 6:30 pm - Chris Miller, one of our Chapter's members, will be speaking about her experiences during her recent 1070 mile hike on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. You can hear Chris's presentaiton at REI in Brookfield. More info is available.
Saturday, June 9th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm- National Get Outdoors Day - Volunteer with Ice Age Trail Alliance and REI
Meetings
Thursday, May 17th - 7:00 pm - We are at the beginning of our very busy season with a lot to discuss regarding hikes, workdays, trail monitoring/maintenance, and community outreach events. In addition, we need to wrap up our final plans for National Trails Day.
Please join us if you can, and stick around afterwards for snacks and beverages. See our events calendar for more information and driving directions. Come early and check out the tower and 6 miles of Ice Age National Scenic Trail that traverses through Lapham Peak. A state park sticker is required for entry.
Hikes
Saturday, May 19th, 9:00 am - Join us for a hike through Lapham Peak State Park. The hike's length is approximately 3 of the 6 miles that traverse through the park. Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot off Cty C (first right turn), and from there we will head toward Hwy 18. The tower offers a fantastic view of Delafield and other surrounding areas, so feel free to climb it for additional exercise. Don't forget your water bottle, hiking boots, and camera! You never know what we'll see.
This is a pretty challenging hike through kettles, along prairies, and in wooded areas. A state park sticker is required for admission. See you there!
Please see our events calendar for more information and driving directions.
FUTURE HIKES - Mark your calendars today!
Saturday, June 2nd, 9:30 am - National Trails Day near Monches Sunday, July 22nd, 9:30 am - Prairie Hike Saturday, October 20th, 9:30 am - TBD
Workdays
- Saturday, June 9th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - We will be working at Lapham Peak State Park, so a state park sticker will be required. Tread work and corridor clearing are going to be the areas we will be focusing on for this project. This is a great opportunity for families to work together on giving back to our environment, while learning how to identify certain plantlife as well. Please see our events calendar for more information and driving directions.
- Saturday, September 8th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - The location and project specifications are being worked out. More information will follow.
- Saturday, October 13th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - The location and project specifications are being worked out. More information will follow.
Community Outreach
Adopt-a-Trail Program
WE NEED YOU!
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter relies very heavily on volunteers to maintain the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and report any trail issues so they can be addressed quickly. If you have a problem to report, please contact Pat. You can also fill out a Trail Report, and if you have questions about what to watch for, we have a guide to assist you. To learn how you can get involved, please visit our Adopt-a-Trail Program page.
PHOTOS NEEDED!
We are working on putting together photo albums of the different sections of the Ice Age Trail in Waukesha County. All times of year are acceptable and encouraged. Please take your camera along with you on your hikes while you explore, and if you are willing to share your adventure through pictures with us, you can email them to Jane. Be specific on the location where they were taken so that everything references the correct segment. These photos may even make it into the "soon to be open" Nature Center at Lapham Peak, displayed for park visitors to view as well! How great would that be?
Walk the Wauk Program
The chapter's Walk the Wauk program rewards hikers who have walked all Ice Age Trail segments in the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter's territory. Download the program brochure to learn how you can join the ranks of "Walk the Waukers."
For additional photos of each segment, click on the links below.
Monches Merton Hartland Delafield Lapham Peak Waterville Scuppernong Eagle Stoney Ridge
Chapter Event Highlights
To read about recent chapter outings and view some event photos, head to our Chapter Event Highlights page.
Volunteer Coordinators
- Chapter Communication Coordinator - Kris Jensen
- Volunteer Coordinator - Yvonne Fort
- Government & Community Relations Coordinator - Ken Neitzke
- Finance & Hike Coordinator - Russ Evans
- Trail Coordinator & Thru-Hiker Liaison - Pat Witkowski (262-490-3515)
- Display Fundraising Coordinator - Jessica Woodward
- Secretary - Kevin Kuhlmann
- Membership Coordinator - Sally Waracyzinski
- Chapter Website Administrator - Jane Wester
Other Places You Might Enjoy...
Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha
Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee
Wehr Nature Center, Franklin
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