June 23-26 - Work Project & Working with Rock Training Seminar - St. Croix Falls, Polk County – Project Announcement 

Hello, 

Midwesterners are well-known for setting a veritable smorgasbord of garden and farm-fresh delectables when friends and acquaintances drop by.  Always equal to the task guests tend to pitch-in with a little elbow grease or savvy know-how that defines the expression "many hands make light work"  In fact, the City of St. Croix Falls, recognizing the value volunteers bring to the community and the great asset that the Ice Age Trail is to Wisconsin, has declared the week of June 20th to be "Mobile Skills Crew Week".  How's that for a terrific civic welcome? 

The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation (IAPTF) Indianhead chapter, the City of St. Croix Falls, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and IAPTF Mobile Skills Crew project team invites you to the "City of Trails" June 23-26 to lend a hand and help create a premier IAT hiking experience overlooking the scenic St. Croix River Valley.    

Nearly every trail building activity that we undertake as the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation is represented at this project.  We'll  build a 26' long bridge complete with crib and approach ramp, we'll craft safe passages amongst tumbled basalt and ice-strewn rock, we'll lay into steep side-slopes with 4-step tread,  we'll finesse and rehab existing trail, we'll help out with trail signage, tackle various restoration needs, and present a half-day "Working with Rock" training seminar.  Topping it off we are extremely privileged to be the first trailbuilders ever to work at "Ray Zillmer Park".  This 20-acre parcel honors the man who first conceptualized the IAT and mobilized Wisconsin citizens and national leaders to visualize and create a 1200-mile green space and hiking trail known as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.  This project launches what will be a fitting memorial to Ray and those who take up the call.   

Bring a cooler and at the end of the day enjoy a swim in the sparkling waters of the St. Croix River.  You'll deserve it!  Guaranteed - this one will go in the books as a blockbuster. 

Looking forward to a memorable time and seeing you soon,  

tm

CONTACT AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Contact DEAN DVERSDALL, edgelong@lakeland.ws,  715.472.2248, or SHARON DZIENGEL, sdzjingle@hotmail.com, 262.271.0703, to confirm your attendance.  Please let us know 1) when you will arrive,  2) how long you anticipate staying and 3) If you are interested in the "Working w/Rock" training seminar.  Your timely response helps us accurately plan meal and food needs and organize potential crews.  Please reply to Dean and Sharon and join the fireworks for whatever period of time your schedule permits.  

EVENT SCHEDULE:  Trail work starts 8am Thursday June 23 and concludes Sunday noon, June 26.    Project Team members will be on-site well in advance.  For travelers arriving Wednesday night a light dinner will be provided. 

WORKING WITH ROCK TRAINING SEMINAR:  Intended to introduce local and novice trail builders to the joys and sustainable qualities that result when working with rock this seminar takes place at the Day Road location Saturday morning from 8am to noon.  Please register in advance as space is limited.  You'll enjoy and appreciate 'Skillers Bob Broman and Todd McAllister many insights to this time-honored tradition and take new skills home to share and use as appropriate on your favorite section of the IAT. 

BASE CAMP LOCATION:  Pines Group Camp at Interstate Park, St. Croix Falls. From US Highway 8 exit south on Highway 35 to Interstate Park.  At the park entrance off South Highway 35 follow the yellow and black "Ice Age Trail Event" signs to the Pines Group Camp.  The DNR has provided us with courtesy accommodations and waived park fees.  If you do not already have a Wisconsin State Park Sticker, place the attached (and pasted below) flyer on your dash and you will not be ticketed.  Or, buy a sticker at the entrance station.  Showers and water are provided.   Overflow parking is available at Camp Interstate Shelter.  For more information about Wisconsin’s first State Park, visit the DNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/interstate/ or call 715.483.3747.  Additional Polk County and Interstate Park information is available at http://www.polkcountytourism.com 

WORK-SITE LOCATION:  Meet at the end of Day Road in the City of St. Croix Falls, north end. 

Directions if coming to St. Croix Falls from Wisconsin on Highway 8:  Exit Highway 8 and go north at Highway 87 (the last St. Croix Falls and downtown business district exit).  Go approximately five blocks and take a right on Louisiana Street.  Go east (uphill) on Louisiana Street to the intersection with Day Road, about 5 blocks .  Turn left (north) on Day Road.  Go another five blocks and park along the shoulder of Day Road.  Follow the yellow and black IAT Event signs. 

From  Interstate Park: go left (north) from the park entrance/exit and continue straight (north) under the Highway 8 overpass.  This is Vincent Street.  Stay on Vincent street (you'll see "Hospital/ To Downtown" signs) and take a right off Vincent Street at South Roosevelt Street.  Take the next right at Kentucky Street.  Next, take a left at Madison Street.  Continue one block and veer right onto State Road for one block.  You'll come up to a yield sign; go left onto Day Road.  Follow the yellow and black IAT Event signs.   This all happens pretty quickly and is about a 5 minute drive from Interstate.   

WHAT TO BRING:  Please see the attached.  Dress for variable weather (hot or cool, rain or shine) and for comfort at the days end.  Wear sturdy hiking or leather work boots on the trail and bring leather work gloves. A hat, long sleeves and long pants are recommended for trail work.  Bring a day pack and carry extra water and bug juice.  Remember to bring a towel, swim suit and shorts/casual camp wear for days end.  You provide your own tent and sleeping gear. 

QUESTIONS?  Contact Dean, Sharon, or Tim.