Ice Age Trail News & ReportsYou're Never Too Old to Complete a National Scenic TrailThis February through May, Lyle Lidholm, a 75-year-old from Watertown, Wisconsin, hiked through a good-old fashioned Wisconsin winter and soggy spring to complete a task he started in 2002: covering every mile of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Starting his venture to the finish line on Feb. 2-the anniversary date of his enlistment with the Marine Corps in 1951-Lyle hiked for nearly three months (with a few breaks here and there) before finishing off the Ice Age Trail in early May. Lyle's feat was in part a memorial to the men he served with in the Korean War who didn't come back. Lyle passed through Lodi, of course, and stayed here for a few days as he completed the nearby segments. A Half-Century of Leadership for the Ice Age National Scenic TrailIn 2008, the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (IAPTF), a nonprofit member- and volunteer-based organization, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The IAPTF is holding events throughout the year to celebrate IAPTF accomplishments and increase awareness about the Ice Age Trail. Three new books are also part of the celebration, including updated editions of Ice Age Trail Guidebooks and Along Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail, a coffee-table book featuring the work of accomplished photographer and National Scenic Trails hiker Bart Smith. 'IAT-U' Aims to Swell Ranks of Ice Age Trail Volunteer LeadersThis summer, Ice Age Trail volunteers looking to increase both the challenge and reward of their volunteer experience will take part in "Ice Age Trail University" (IAT-U), a four-day training workshop designed to create a new generation of volunteer crew leaders. The IAT-U event puts into practice the main concept of the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation's Mobile Skills Crew initiative: providing training to volunteers in advanced trail-construction techniques so that those volunteers can in turn share their skills and know-how with other volunteers along the entire route of the Ice Age Trail. Nearly Two Marathons a Day for Three Straight WeeksThat's the equivalent amount of work that Jason Dorgan, an engineer from Madison, Wisconsin, invested into covering the entire thousand-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail in a mere 22 days. Jason's trek (a combination run/walk) in the spring of 2007 generated a great deal of buzz about the Ice Age Trail along with more than $15,000 in contributions that Jason donated to the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation, a nonprofit member- and volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating, supporting and protecting the Ice Age Trail. Colsac Segment -ReportThe pasque flowers are in bloom on the Colsac segment. Look around by the first bench on the top of the hill overlooking the lake. Only one log is down across the trail after recent high winds so this is the trail to hike! Our tread and water structures are holding tight so you can expect a dry boot experience, unless you get to close to the lake. Groves Pertzborn-ReportGiven the recent stormy weather you can expect to climb over a few fallen logs as you make your way from Pertzborn to Groves properties. It is worth the trip however as the may apples and ferns are just beginning to stir. Also, keep a keen eye out for shooting stars. Rumor has it that wood violets are also on the move. Before the trees completely leaf out you can capture fantastic views of Gibralter Rock and Lake Wisconsin. The tread is holding up to the extensive snow and frost melt. Our switchbacks, dips, swales and other structures are doing their part to keep the trail dry underfoot! Lodi Marsh East Segment-ReportFunny how a good solid rain has cleansing qualities on the trail. This holds true for the East Marsh Segment. Coming in from the 113 trail head be prepared for a steep climb with a couple of downed trees, but solid footing. The early wildflowers are rearing their heads, but not as fast as the other two segments. As you get to the top, with great views of the Marsh, you will be standing on a green ribbon of grass surrounded by a recent prairie burn. Now is the time to catch those early prairie plants emerging. Also check out the restoration efforts all along the trail in this segment. Our DNR partners have been removing invasive species such as red cedar, sumac, etc. We have some tread work to do on this segment as extensive melting has had a negative result on less than ideal placed trail. Lodi Marsh West Segment-ReportEverything is similar to the East Segment. However, the low spot (at the bottom of the first hill) is holding some water. This is definitely NOT a dry boot segment. There was also some extensive prairie burning on this section.
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