International Trails Summit (ITS)
The International Trails Summit is coming to Madison, Wisconsin! The summit, hosted by Professional Trail Builders Association and American Trails, provides 3 days of high-impact learning and connection opportunities, with the key areas of focus being:
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Career Pathways and Trail Training
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Comprehensive Public Engagement
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Interpretation and Storytelling
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Partnerships and Collaboration
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Research and Technology
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Technical Trails Skills:Trails and Community Resiliency
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Trail Funding
There will also be several pre-summit workshops happening at the ORA Community Trail Farm. You do not have to register for the conference in order to register for the workshops.
- Stonework for Trails
- Women’s Mechanized Construction
- Flow Trail Design and Construction
- Chainsaw Bucking and Limbing Training
- Rigging for Trail Work
2025 Winter Full Moon Candlelit Walks
ORA hosts a series of candlelit walks in the winter to bring a little light upon us during the dark days of winter. We plan these around the full moon calendar to take advantage of as much light as possible. These walks are considered easy/moderate to allow most to be able to attend, whether it be walking, rolling, or strolling. These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood!
Each location chosen utilizes a path that is considered “easy to moderate” to navigate by foot, stroller or wheelchair. Candles will light the route, but if you’d like to see clearly where you’re stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight.
Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s’mores!
- January 13, 2025 – Chad Erickson Park
- CANCELLED – February 12, 2025 – Lower Hixon Park
- March 13, 2025 – Gateway Trails, Grandad Bluff Park
We could use some help making these happen. Sign up here to volunteer!
2025 Goose Island Grind Paddle Races
The Goose Island Grind is a series of paddle races around the ~7 mile loop within Goose Island County Park. Racers can participate in recreation or competitive events, with morning and afternoon options.
Have a kiddo that likes to paddle? We have events for them too! Lunch is on us, and registering before May 11th gets you a free dry-wick event t-shirt.
Trail Master Course
The 2025 Trail Master Course training course offers extensive and up-to-date trail building techniques taught by Mike Riter from Trail Design Specialists.
Contact ORA Trails staff to learn more and register.
Chainsaw Training Course
Have you ever been interested in learning how to operate a chainsaw? While in the field? Now is your chance!
*Stay tuned for 2025 chainsaw training course schedule
Volunteer Trail Work Nights
Trail maintenance is an important factor in the sustainability of the trails. Volunteer your time, #getoutside, and be involved in the outdoor community! ORA will provide tools, occasional refreshments, and a safety chat. Work nights are led by crew leaders/trained ORA volunteers. Thank you for your time and help!
Upper Hixon Trail Work Nights will occur every 3 Mondays of the month from May-September, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Meet near the weather ball in the Upper Hixon.
Lower Hixon Trail Work Nights will occur every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from May-September, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Meet at the Lower Hixon parking lot.
Please wear appropriate clothing suitable for the outdoors and weather. This includes pants (not shorts), sturdy footwear, and work gloves. Bring a willingness to have fun, work with others, and get your sweat on!
Please be sure to complete your volunteer waiver before attending!
2024 Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic
ORA Trails is joining forces with Brook’s Adventures to offer The 2024 Women on Wheels MTB Clinic July 27th to 28th.
This fun and welcoming event will allow you to build your confidence on your bike while exploring the ups and downs of the beautiful trails around LaCrosse. Coaching throughout the event will cover safety, riding fundamentals and skills training.
The event will start Friday night at Smith’s Bike Shop with a meet and mingle with snacks! If you choose to camp you will head to the Goose Island Campground to set up camp and join the fireside chats with your coaches. Saturday begins with breakfast (for campers), stretching, skills, riding, lunch for everyone, more skills, more riding, dinner at the trails (for all), more fires, and camping. Sunday will offer breakfast (for campers), stretching, more skills, and one final EPIC ride. Our skills clinic will be held at the amazing trails at Upper Hixon with great flow and features.
No experience necessary to attend – but safety is always a priority. Your bike must be a mountain bike with gears and working brakes. Helmets are required. Bring a water bottle, your own beverages (BYOB), a camping chair and blanket.
For more information, or to register for the event, please go to the Mountain Bike Clinics page at BrooksAdventures.com.
Events Calendar
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