Gail Piotrowski, Co-Coordinator – Central Moraines Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance
What do you do?
I build & maintain parts of the Ice Age Trail, promote it, and introduce students to the trail and to the natural (geologic, flora, fauna) connected with it. I also connect, and sometimes organize, other area volunteers who also work on the trail, and cooperate with the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) in support of fundraising that benefits the trail – especially land protection, trail layout & design, and eventually construction.
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
My formal education was in other fields, but the IATA provides excellent “hands on” training for folks who volunteer to help with the trail. I have also taken WI Master Naturalist training and continue to take additional classes to maintain my Wisconsin Master Naturalist certification. Many of those excellent opportunities are sponsored by the Natural Resource Foundation of WI, another non-profit that raises funds for a variety of natural resource related activities including education grants and support for WI State Natural Areas as well as targeted endangered species.
Why did you choose this sort of work?
I sort of fell into it. I had hiked on the trail and eventually decided it was time to “give back.” It’s addicting, and has lead a host of wonderful friendships.
What do you like best about your work?
The excellent leadership – professional, qualified, open to listening (learn of and make use of ALL your resources). They are excellent at tapping into the skills of volunteers, aiding them in acquisition of new skills, and “discovering” new activities that they enjoy. There’s also a wonderful sense of accomplishment as we can easily see the progress of our work as each day progresses.
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Go for it. If you like the outdoors there are a wide range of opportunities available. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses (some if this involves hard physical work) but there are opportunities for folks with all skill levels and physical capabilities. Don’t let being a girl or woman hold you back.
What is an example of something you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Always being a bit different that many other folks. It’s really helped to find an organization that really accepts everyone, and works with them to find a “match” with respect to how they can become involved.
Anything else we should know?
The Central Moraines Chapter is hosting their 2nd Annual Hike-A-Thon on Saturday, October 17 from 8 AM – 3 PM. Hikes start in Ringle and range from 3.4 – 11.2 miles. All hikers MUST register by October 11, 2020. You can read more about the event, here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2940703516039502/
Thank you Gail Piotrowski!
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.