Beginner Plant and Insect Identification Hike on the Ice Age Trail

Meeting Location: Meet at Café Wren to enjoy a morning beverage and/or breakfast and to use the bathrooms. Field trip leaders will meet you here for a short introduction. We will leave Café Wren by 9:50am and carpool to the Ice Age Trail. Parking is limited to roadside parking at the hike site. After the hike, we will return to our cars at Café Wren where participants have the option to stay for a late lunch on their own.

Hike Location: Ice Age Trail – Trade River Segment on 140th Ave.

Description: The Ice Age Trail – Trade River Segment offers a splendid setting for a plant and insect identification hike. Be dazzled by the prairie in its summer bloom, enjoy the sound of the flowing Trade River in the woodland, traverse across boardwalks, and enjoy the unique landscape shaped by the last glaciation along the way. We will hike to the big basalt rock dropped by glaciers, and then hike back out. Stops along the way will be to identify insects and plants, and to point out climate resilient landscape features. Board member and entomologist Chuck Bomar will join Landmark staff. This land is now part of Wisconsin’s newest State Park – Straight Lake State Park and is owned by the DNR. Instructions for state park entrance fees will be provided after registration.

Distance and Difficulty: Approximately 2 miles – moderate difficulty on uneven terrain. The beginning of the hike will be in a prairie with little opportunity for shade. Not appropriate for small children due to the distance covered.

What to Bring: Please wear comfortable shoes with ankle support, dress appropriately for the weather and wear layers. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, water and money for the café. If you have hiking poles, consider bringing them; they may be helpful especially for the woodland section of the hike.

No dogs. No bathrooms at the property.

Cost: Free. (Except for State Park entry fees.) Registration is required.

Capacity: 15