TRAIL TREK CHALLENGE
Trail Trek Challenge is the year-round hike/walk program at nature preserves protected by Mississippi Valley Conservancy. The challenge is to hike at least 5 of the 15 designated trails in the program within a year. The 365-day program works for people who like to walk with family and friends, or solo, and it allows them to hike and walk when it’s convenient for them. The program includes trails that are in or close to La Crosse and trails that are in surrounding counties. Inspirations for day trips and sight-seeing are included in many of the program updates throughout the year.
Details about the kick-off at the 2023 Earth Fair will be coming soon!
Get all the Trail Trek Challenge details, including trail maps, Hike-of-the-Month features, Find Nature’s Treasures, trail conditions, and more at our website.
DRIFTLESS AREA BIOBLITZ 2023
What Is Driftless Area BioBlitz?
Driftless Area BioBlitz is a free, one-of-a-kind, opportunity for families, students, and all naturelovers to search for and learn about plants and wildlife in the Driftless Area. People participate by submitting observations of wild organisms from anywhere in the Driftless Area using iNaturalist. The Driftless Area includes areas in Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa that is free from glacial drift and seems not to have been covered by the Pleistocene ice.
Get all the details regarding the 2023 Nature Challenge and Spotlight on Nature Event Series at Strive2Thrive's Website, strive2thrivecr.org/DABB!
OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP
The gear swap is a great opportunity for area residents to sell gently used outdoor equipment on consignment OR purchase gently used gear. Camping and hiking equipment, bikes and biking gear, fishing tackle, adult and kids outdoor clothing, and more all make great items to buy and sell (no firearms, please). A $2 consignment fee will be charged for each piece of gear individuals would like to sell and a 20% commission donation to the Ski Patrol if it sells.
The timing of the 2023 event is as follows:
· Gear drop off days and times: Thursday and Friday, April 27th, 28th from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 29 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
· Sale hours: Saturday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. (some gear sold with a 20% discount)
· Unsold gear pick-up time: Sunday, April 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Mt. La Crosse Ski Patrol is also proud to partner with Beer By Bike Brigade (BBBB) and the La Crosse Area Mountain Bike Team on this event. Both organizations will be onsite during the event on Saturday, April 29 highlighting their work in the community and helping support the sale.
“We truly believe this event is an opportunity for the greater La Crosse community to come together, share their passions and knowledge for outdoor recreation, and to repurpose their outdoor equipment to make money and for others to enjoy. The swap comes at the perfect time here in Wisconsin when we are all ready to start our Spring and Summer adventure season.”
For more information about the swap, visit the Outdoor Gear SWAP – Surplus with a Purpose Facebook page. For questions about the swap, please contact Keachen Abing at outdoorgearswap@gmail.com
