Tyke Hike #10 - Hartland Marsh

When I woke to a chorus of robins this morning, I thought it would be a great day. When I stepped outside and felt the warm sun and the soft breeze, my initial thoughts were confirmed.

It was an absolutely perfect day for a hike. Embry and I couldn't wait to get started. This particular hike was even more exciting because it represented the first "partner" hike between the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the Delafield Pubic Library. In select hikes this year, besides a stroll on a wonderful trail, hike-themed based literature, crafts, and/or songs will be provided.

Speaking of partnerships, this is a fantastic word to describe the location of today's hike: Hartland. For many reasons, Hartland is a crucial element in the future of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

First, the village of Hartland is in the process of becoming an Ice Age Trail Community. Essentially, the community and the Ice Age Trail Alliance work together in a close relationship to dually promote the trail and the amenities near it as a way to promote usage, preservation, and appreciation of the trail. Read more about this at Hartland Hopes to Become an Ice Age Trail Community.

Secondly, our hike today spent some time detailing a wonderful project put together by a local family and fellow community members to help raise awareness (and hopefully increase the number of birds) of the chimney swift, a migratory bird that in certain parts of the year, would act as an excellent insect repellent in this mosquito-rich marsh. Chimney swifts migrate as the weather turns, but look for chimney-like structures to rest as they make their journey. Though they used to be regular visitors of Hartland, the chimney they frequented is no longer standing, so a family worked with the community to build this structure in hopes of getting return visits for years to come. Please read about this amazing project at Hartland Chimney Swifts.

Lastly, this area needs partners like YOU! This particular stretch of land is currently in the very beginning stages of being restored. Invasive species and pest plants have taken over considerable areas of the land. Plans are in the process of being made to help improve the land and restore it to earlier conditions more conducive to native plant growth and the supporting of animals while also making it more enjoyable for visitors. This is a long-term project and there are plenty of ways you can help, Find out more at Hartland Marsh Restoration.

As for the actual hike. .  .WOW! Thirty hikers joined the largest Tyke Hike to date and enjoyed a warm and sunny trek from the Maple Avenue parking lot to the chimney swift and John Muir Overlook. Along the way, the kids and I talked about marsh plants and animals, learned about the chimney swift, stopped at my "magic" tree, and tried to figure out why there were yellow rectangles painted on trees along the way. When we reached the overlook, it was a perfect time for some scenic views while we heard a hawk story, created a hawk craft, and sang a hawk song with Emi Weiss, a local librarian who is teaming up with the Tyke Hike program to get more kids outside.

While hiking back, we heard a chorus of upland chorus frogs, chatted about the important purposes dead trees have in the marsh's ecosystem, and uncovered the secret of the yellow "blazes" painted on the trees before taking a group picture, handing out some Tyke Hike and library goodies and heading home after a wonderful day at the marsh.

Well, almost headed home. My daughter, who had a death grip on our mammoth mascot, Mojo, and wouldn't take a step without her new hiking stick demanded "More hike!" as I packed up the vehicle. I couldn't help but oblige so we went back, climbed the ridge to the Aldo Leopold Overlook, listened to the geese, saw a few turkey vultures, barely missed squishing a fuzzy caterpillar, and jumped on a few rocks before finally calling it a morning. And what an awesome morning it was!

A Picture Tour of our Tales from the Great Smokies Trails

 A small, but fun sample of our trip to Great Smoky National Park. Lots of Tales from the Trail to come. . .  Enjoy!

Roommate Reunion

It doesn't happen nearly as much as I'd like, but I had the opportunity to reunite with a college roommate and close friend yesterday while enjoying one of our favorite hobbies: nature. Both of us have taken our love of nature to more than just a hobby. Josh has become quite the nature photographer and is on a quest to visit all of Wisconsin's State Natural Areas (Please see http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/mans-on-a-mission-to-visit-all-673-wisconsin-natural-areas-b99205255z1-245706441.html and http://www.wisconservation.org/foundation-member-visits-500-state-natural-areas-counting/.) He mentioned is he now over the 450 mark. I am looking forward to hearing his presentation about his experiences on this mission at the May meeting of the Ice Age Trail Alliance's Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter.

My hiking hobby has become more of a passion for education as I love learning new things, experiencing different parts of the trail and (hopefully) spreading my enthusiasm and excitement through the Tyke Hikes and Saunters program I coordinate. In fact, one of the reasons I requested we travel the Eagle segment and portions of the Stoney Ridge segment this brisk Saturday morning was because I am planning this as part of my upcoming Saunters program and I wanted to walk it and see if my initial plans would fit. After finishing the segment, I think I was even more excited about sharing this beautiful segment with students this June.

On the trail, we saw a plethora of birds, including a nuthatch, song sparrows, sandhill cranes, and bluebirds. (FYI  -Josh is much more of an ornothological expert than I and after hearing him rattle off a number of bird species, it's possible that the scientist who named all the birds might have been a pervent.) We also ran into our fair share of hunters and trail runners. We enjoyed the trail loop at Brady's Rocks and exploring the natural spring and scenic viewing areas. But more important than connecting with nature was re-connecting with a great friend. We talked about family, our jobs, the current political environment and its implications on our family and jobs, and anything else that came to mind.

I love many things about hiking. The views are great, the exercise is phenomenal, and the rejuvenation it provides is excellent. However, hiking with a good friend can provide so much more. I hope Josh and I hit the trails again very soon.

Friday Night at Pike

In what might very well become a family tradition, the Dargatz family once again headed out after a long work week to rejuvenate through nature at one of our favorite spots: Pike Lake. Though the trees aren't yet budding, the trails had some muddy spots, and some of the water was still iced over, the sounds of spring were evident. It was a joy to hear our daughter announce that "they're singing" every time a bird was heard. We also heard the distant blare of trains and were quite impressed when the toddler spotted the train in the far distance once atop the tower on Powder Hill.

Our trek started on the Ice Age Trail before venturing off onto the picturesque Black Forest nature trail. While traveling through the continual changes in elevation while carrying a toddler was good for my cardio, being able to experience the views before the sea of green takes over was even better. We even stopped at one of our favorite trees, something we have done pretty much every time.

After finishing off the Black Forest rail, we ventured to the aforementioned tower, burning calories (and quite possible both quads). From the top deck, we saw the beginning of a beautiful sunset and used our binoculars to see a large herd of white-tailed deer in a clearing past the lake. Coming down the tower and the winding hill that you must take to get there provided much needed relief for my legs, while then giving our daughter a chance to trample the leaves and mud gave my shoulders a break.

We reconnected with the Ice Age Trail and proceeded to finishing off the final stretch with the chirp of birds, the chatter of some squirrels, and the wails of a young daughter ready for dinner.

Tyke Hike #9 - Monches

Mother Nature finally helped us out today. After a handful of less than spectacular weather tyke hikes. the sun shining down on all 22 hikers was a wonderful way to start the weekend. Eleven children and eleven adults enjoyed a brisk spring day in the Monches segment. Though muddy at times, the leaf-covered trail and naked trees allowed for spectacular views that will soon be hidden by foliage and flowers.

Though my favorite little hiking assistant's "terrible two tantrums" came a bit early (she turns 2 in a few weeks), we were able to make it through an exciting and energetic stroll through the ups and downs of the forest. With walking sticks in hand, the children were all smiles. Whether it was examining leaves, inspecting acorns, or balancing on fallen branches, the happiness I saw from the children really summed up why I even started Tyke Hiking in the first place.

Today's hike was about the Sights. Smells, and Sounds of Spring. It was awesome having the kids report when they heard a bird or felt a "fuzzy" stump. I even was told that "spring rocks smell better than winter ones." Either way, seeing the kids interact with each other and nature in such a beautiful setting was amazing.

A special shout out goes to two volunteer extraordinaires that were able to join me on the trail. As always, Kevin was a fountain of information about the trail while assisting with sweeping duties and being the lead photographer. We were also graced by the presence of one of our chapter's Blazin' Babes, Chris. She, along with many other fantastic volunteers, improve signage throughout the county and state to help all better enjoy the trail.

Tyke Hikes continue on Saturday, April 18th at 10:00AM at the Hartland Segment, beginning at Centennial Park. We will focus on the importance of Wisconsin's Waterways.

Spring Has Sprung - Lapham Peak & Havenswood

Fresh off a great few days planning my upcoming Saunters program with a wonderful group of educators, it was time to enjoy some fun in the sun exploring with the family. As my previous post mentions, the first stop was Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, a place I regularly visited as a youngster and a phenomenal place to spend time outdoors.

After a nice night of rest, it was back to adventure as the family headed to one of our favorite stops, Lapham Peak. Here, along with many other Ice Age Trail volunteers from the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter, we had an excellent appreciation lunch to recognize those who lead hikes and take care of the segments for all of the hikers and walkers who trek it throughout the year. Not only did I learn a great deal about what the responsibilities of segment leaders, I was able to connect names to faces and have an overall appreciation of all the time and effort everyone does to help the trail be such a great resource.

And, we couldn't just go to a state park for a lunch and meeting, we had to hike. :)   We took a quick jaunt to the tower, headed down the trail a bit and meandered through the mud to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine before heading home.

Then, the final day of the weekend meant a final day to explore.We were able to hook up with some excellent friends and have two terrific toddlers lead us through the urban forest of Havesnswood, a state forest smack dab in the middle of Milwaukee. It was my first trip there, but most certainly not my last. The fallen leaves served as a protective barrier from the otherwise muddy ground and the many fallen branches helped entertain us as we took several trails around, sidestepping a wide array of scat along the way.

Overall, an amazing and adventurous last few days. 2015 is setting up to be quite an exciting time!

Saunters Summit 2015

With the weather turning and an amazing two days of planning for some summer hiking, June can't come fast enough!

Staff from the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Saunters teachers from throughout the state of Wisconsin met in Green Bay this week to communicate about and collaborate on their upcoming Saunters programs. Being a new Saunters teacher this year, I was looking forward to learning about what others have done and coming up with ideas of my own to help make the program I am helping coordinate the best it can be. My co-coordinator and I worked hard to fine-tune our program and get the next steps ready. It was a busy few days, but WOW, I feel like we are ready to hit the trails.

Teambuilding is important, especially after a long and productive day of planning. Our group was able to partake in a "Legends" Tour of historic Lambeau Field. Being a Packer fanatic, I was certainly giddy as I walked throughout the stadium, into the locker rooms, on the rooftops, and on the not so frozen tundra.

The second day of planning was just as productive and really gave us direction and a clear goal for what we have left to do to prepare for the week of hiking awaiting us in June.

My wife and daughter also came to Green Bay to take in some tourist time while I was working, but luckily for us all, we finished with enough time left over for us to visit one of my favorite places to explore as a child: Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. With a very interactive nature center and a variety of woodland animals, waterfowl, and birds of prey to view, we enjoyed walking the trails and visiting all of our forest friends.