Mornin' to the ‘Scons wondering if they can just leave those leaves ‘til next Spring… This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

By the way, our Wiscampsin Basic Tees just dropped! Sizes/colors are limited, so take a peek before they’re gone.

This week’s weekly:

• 2023 Mammoth Hike Challenge 🥾 

• Stamp design winners 🏆

• DNR now hiring 💰

2023 Mammoth Hike Challenge

Looking for even more ways to see the Fall colors in Wisconsin?

“It’s not an addiction, Mom, it’s an affinity!”

Sure, you could drive the Rustic Roads, or cruise Wisconsin’s bike routes, but there is nothing quite like taking a peaceful hike through the gorgeous Wisconsin country side.

And even better than taking a hike is to complete the Mammoth Challenge, win a groovy patch, and enjoy Wisconsin’s most famous trail - the Ice Age Trail!

Mammoth challenge

• Hike 43 miles on the Ice Age Trail AND visit 3 trail communities in October

• Earn a limited-edition patch and certificate (and get some sweet views)

• Helps support the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s mission

Ice Age Trail Recap

No, it’s not the path you take from your car to the front door on cold February nights…

If you haven’t heard, the Ice Age Trail is the big kahuna of Wisconsin trails.

One of 11 National Scenic Trails, it’s the only National Scenic Trail completely contained within Wisconsin’s borders.

At 1,200 miles long, it’s the hiker’s, backpacker’s, bird watcher’s, holy cripes I gotta get away from the kids thinker’s dream.

And right now, it’s popping off with all the Fall Colors you can aim your eyeballs at.  

Who champions this iconic trail that’s visited by more than 2 million ‘Scons every year? The Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA).

They help fund new segments of the trail and perform trail maintenance for all of us to enjoy!

Mammoth Challenge and the IATA

The Mammoth Challenge is just another way the Ice Age Trail Alliance gets us out ‘der on this epic trail.

Participants have to hike, run, or backpack 43 miles of the Ice Age Trail and visit 3 trail communities in October to complete the challenge.

As the IATA says itself, it’s a great way to explore new parts of the trail, connect with the communities supporting the trail, and introduce your family or friends to the outdoors.

Why else should you do it? The victors will receive a limited-edition patch and a certificate of completion! Perfect decor to hang next to your signed Brett Favre jersey…

Pair this challenge with Fall Colors and… We’re not drooling, you are!

How to get out ‘der

After you register for the event, check out this great map of Fall Colors along the Ice Age Trail so you can soak in all that colorful splendor.

And while you are working on getting the patch, don’t forget to support IATA by getting your slick Mammoth license plate (it helps fund the IATA)!

Oh, already been there, done that with the IAT? A real acorn counter over here…

New segments are added frequently, so check out new parts of the trail that were developed or improved this year and remember, folks—by supporting the IATA, you’re supporting the completion of this iconic trail!

Send this to your neighbor (even if she is from Illinois), lace up those hiking boots, and get out ‘der!

Other great Wiscampsin reads…

Wisconsin's Rustic Roads

New adventure cycling/bikepacking routes in Wisconsin

Hiking the Ice Age Trail

Shop Wiscampsin

Wisconsin State Bird Art Print: “Very nicely made, great colors and design. It looks amazing in my home. Keep it up Wiscampsin ❤️” - Peggy

Wiscampsin Badgers Tee: “It’s the perfect t-shirt to show off my love for camping and Wisconsin at the same time :)” - Emily

Wiscampsin Recycled License Plate Frame: “Love it! Get out der! Makes my Mazda look even better” - Alex

Wiscampsin Mug: “Awesome mug, very lightweight, the mug doesn't get piping hot if you need to microwave your coffee either.” - Matthew

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Holy Smokes! 53% of you said the Fall is your favorite season in WI. Only 3% said Winter is their favorite season… 97% of you must not enjoy frozen snotsicles eh?

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

💰 DNR now hiring!: That’s right, the DNR is hiring park rangers and park managers at some of Wisconsin’s most premier outdoor areas. Put in your two weeks and apply now!

🦋 It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…: Wisconsin’s new State Butterfly? Lawmakers are proposing a bill that would make the Monarch the State Butterfly to raise awareness on its recent struggles with climate change, habitat loss, and disease (which is responsible for 80% of the species dying off in the past few decades).

🏆 Stamp design winners announced!: And boy oh boy, did these wildlife artists do a great job! The 2024 Wild Turkey, Pheasant, and Waterfowl Stamp Design Contest took place Aug. 26 at the Wisconsin Waterfowl Expo in Oshkosh, where artists submitted 30 pieces of art to be judged. Purchasing of the stamp by hunters and stamp enthusiasts helps fund conservation in the state!

 Sponsored by our new Wiscampsin Basic Tees!

Hey ‘Scampsonites: THEY’RE FINALLY HERE!

Yes, we have Wiscampsin Tees back in stock (in 3 colors this time)!

These tees are perfect for hiking, picking leaves outta the gutter, Packer’s tailgates—you name it!

Designed in Milwaukee, made in the USA, and printed in Eau Claire, WI, these shirts are also sustainably sourced to keep our natural places as beautiful as possible.

We only ordered a limited batch (not much room in our garage thanks to our bikes, camping gear, pudgy pie makers, industrial-sized fish-fryer, etc) so place your orders today, lest we run out of your desired size + color!

*As always, 1% of profits will go to the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

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Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… That’s right, we gotta get everyone out ‘der!