Land Purchase Will Allow Ice Age Trail Expansion In Waukesha County

WAUKESHA, WI — A 30-acre plot of land in Waukesha County is now protected for Wisconsin's 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, according to a news release by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

The new plot of land in Ottowa connects with another plot to the north owned by the trail alliance, and when combined, it will become a new mile of the trail and a short loop trail, plus a new parking area, according to the alliance's release. The new portion of the trail will also mean hikers no longer have to use Waterville Road to bridge trail segments.

The land is not yet open to the public, but is slated to be opened by late 2023 or 2024, the release said. It was acquired by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources using a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship fund.

“We’ve seen this as a key property for more than 20 years,” says Kevin Thusius, Senior Director of Land Conservation Strategy for the Alliance in the release. “It is vital for the connection of the Ice Age Trail.”

Beyond connecting the existing Ice Age Trail, the land purchase will help preserve an entire drumlin, or a teardrop-shaped hill that was carved away under a glacier.

"Although Wisconsin is home to one of the largest concentrations of glacial drumlins in the world,
very few are found along the Ice Age Trail, which traces the edge of the last continental
glaciation," reads the news release. "In protecting this property, this pristine example of a small drumlin is also permanently protected."

“In addition to preserving the amazing geology on the property, the land will eventually be restored to native habitats,” Thusius said in the release. “This land protection is not just a win for the Trail, but for conservation."

“This is one of the most populated areas of the state, and the public lands in the area are
receiving extensive pressure from outdoor enthusiasts,” Thusius said. “This will give folks another recreational opportunity in the area.”