RUSK COUNTY -- Marilynn and Fred Nash, residents of Weyerhaeuser, Wis., received the highest honor possible from the Ice Age Trail Alliance–the Spirit Stick Award–during a recent ceremony.
The Nashes’ involvement with the Alliance dates back to 2008, when they discovered a large-scale Ice Age Trailbuilding event taking place in the Blue Hills area. Since that first encounter, they have each volunteered more than 7,000 hours on Trail-related activities.
Together, they ran the Blue Hills Volunteer Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for many years; Fred serving as Coordinator, Marilynn as Secretary. Without a large volunteer base to rely on, the duo routinely tackles maintenance on a rugged stretch of Trail.
Their “herculean efforts have upgraded signage and improved and maintained problem areas (of the Trail),” says Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
The Nashes happily provide shuttles to hikers. And both participate in large-scale Trailbuilding events, which are held around the state.
In addition, Marilynn served on the Ice Age Trail Alliance Board of Directors for six years. And, she regularly works to promote the Trail and Chapter activities. Fred first envisioned the Blue Hills “Dreamer Route”, which will be the longest Trail re-route undertaken by the Alliance. This new route will take the Ice Age Trail on a more remote path through the Blue Hills, closer to areas of glacial significance.
“Fred and Marilynn are well-loved by everyone they meet for their positive attitudes and passion for the Trail,” says Caliebe. “They exhibit all the hallmarks of Spirit Stick recipients.”
About the Spirit Stick Award
Based on the European wood spirit legend, the Spirit Stick is bestowed annually to an Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteer who: exhibits a passion for the Trail, which has become a way of life; leads by example and inspires those around them; carries out their service in a spirit of cooperation, optimism, and enthusiasm.
Nominations for the award come from Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers or staff members, and are voted on by Ice Age Trail Alliance staff members. It has been presented each year since 2000, typically during the Alliance’s Annual Conference.
Award recipients receive a hand-carved wooden hiking stick, which is passed along from the previous year’s recipient. The names of the recipients are burned on to the stick. Following tradition, the Nashes will carry the stick to Ice Age Trail events for the next year to share it with other volunteers who also embody dedication and commitment to the Trail.
Photo: Marilynn and Fred Nash along with the executive director of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Luke Kloberdanz, with the spirit stick.
Last Update: Apr 29, 2024 8:45 am CDT
