On a crisp mid-October Saturday morning, I made my way to Rock River Heritage County Park, which is aptly named as it’s situated on the banks of the Rock River in Rock County, Janesville, Wisconsin. This park is a recent addition to the area, having opened its gates just this summer. Prior to its transformation...Continue reading
Tag: hiking
Late August Hiking at Lulu Lake: A Wildflower Wonderland
Late August is a magical time for nature enthusiasts, especially at Lulu Lake, The Nature Conservancy. Surprisingly, this late in the season, the landscape is still adorned with an impressive array of wildflowers. As I hiked along the old railroad bed, I was overwhelmed by the amount of wildflowers still blooming. Late August is a...Continue reading
Ghost Pipe
Hiking along the Ice Age Trail Near Whitewater Wisconsin and I came across these Ghost pipes. I had not ever seen them before or more likely, overlooked them. Nestled within serene woodlands and shaded groves lies a botanical treasure that has captured the fascination of both nature enthusiasts and researchers—the Ghost Pipe. This elusive...Continue reading
Birds Foot Violet- Hoary Puccoon
I recently observed a controlled burn along the Ice Age Trail in the Southern Kettle Moraine. This burn had the beneficial outcome of allowing me to explore an area that I wouldn’t have ventured into otherwise. I had identified this specific area near the Ice Age Trail using Google Maps’ satellite view. While unofficial...Continue reading
Revived Fern Fronds
In early May, I strolled through the woods along the Ice Age Trail, with a sense of wonder, on the lookout for wildflowers or anything that might capture my attention. Starting from Olsen Cabin, I meandered along the IAT for a bit before veering towards the John Muir Hiking-Biking Trails. It was there that I...Continue reading
Everywhere A Sign
Everywhere a sign, here’s mine. I started volunteering with our local chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance in 2019. About 6 months before the nasty C word shut everything down. After many years of hiking and camping many different areas, it feels good to help preserve, protect and improve a trail system...
Are The Trails Icy
A recurring inquiry I often receive is, “Are the trails icy?” When it comes to trails in Wisconsin, especially after snowfall, one should anticipate icy conditions. The compacted snow on the paths undergoes a transformation into hardened snowpack, which swiftly transitions into ice. With the continuous cycle of snow, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures, it...Continue reading
Winter Leaves- Marcescence
Embarking on a winter hike amidst the chilling grip of a 0-degree Fahrenheit morning, the snow beneath my feet emits a satisfying chorus of crisp crunches and faint squeaks. This season holds a special place in my heart for these short ventures, as the air is filled with the serene rustling of leaves that tenaciously...Continue reading