Trail Trek Challenge is a free year-round hike/walk program on the nature preserves you've helped protect in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Challenge yourself to hike at least five of the 19 designated trails to discover nature's treasures and learn what makes these places so valuable for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.

COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE AND WE WILL SEND YOU A WATER BOTTLE STICKER to commemorate your accomplishment! Add the kids' names to your Trail Guide, and we will send one for each of the kids, too!

When you sign up, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to your downloadable Trail Guide & Hike Log with hike descriptions and a place to record your hikes throughout the year. Downloadable trail maps, an interactive map, and driving directions to each hike location are available from the Nature Preserves section of our website. 

Registration kicks off at Earth Fair on April 27, 2025 with a guided marsh hike at Myrick part at 11am, and you can register at any time throughout the year.

Thank you to our sponsors, whose support helps us

• Protect trees, prairies, and clean water for plants, animals and YOU!
• Teach the value of nature through outdoor recreation and land restoration projects.
• Clear trails and provide free places for people to hike on over 7,000 acres in 9 counties.
• Inspire community members to unplug and spend more time outdoors.

2025-2026 Trail Trek Challenge Sponsors: J.F. Brennan Company, Organic Valley, Emplify Health at Gundersen,
Mayo Clinic Health System, Trust Point, People’s Food Cooperative, Altra Financial Advisors, Explore La Crosse, News 8 Now, 
Powered Printing-A Service of Dairyland Power Cooperative

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Your local grasslands experience...

Mark your calendar and join us on a guided hike for a rare glimpse of the rolling grassland and wildflowers that once carpeted much of this area. This free hike at New Amsterdam Grasslands is offered to the public by Mississippi Valley Conservancy and is sponsored by Olson Solar Energy and News 19. The Prairie Walk and Talk will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. until noon at New Amsterdam Grasslands.

Hike guide, Pat Caffrey, will identify native grasses and flowers and show where prairie restoration efforts have created more habitat for pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Pat, one of the original founders of the Conservancy, has played a key role in protecting New Amsterdam Grasslands and will be able to answer all of your questions about this unique property.

New Amsterdam Grasslands includes 310-acres of scenic remnant prairie, a rare glimpse into the rolling grasslands that were prevalent throughout the area 200 years ago. The property is a boon for native plant, bird, and butterfly enthusiasts. Plant species include big and little bluestem, ironweed, blue vervain, bergamot, wild lupine, white indigo, amethyst shooting star, bird’s-foot violet and many more. You will learn the story of the grassland birds, including bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks, who call this space home as you walk the path with your guide.

What to bring and wear...

• Print out the property brochure and map ahead of time to be sure you know where to go.
• Consider loading the free Merlin app on your phone to help you identify birds by sound.
• Wear good walking shoes, and consider spraying your shoes and pants for ticks ahead of time.
• Binoculars and a walking stick are optional items you may wish to bring along.

The meet-up is at the Rotterdam Avenue gate at 9:45 a.m.  
ANY UPDATES OR CANCELATIONS WILL SENT BY EMAIL THE DAY BEFORE OR OF THE EVENT.

Please register by August 6th so we can plan for the event.