About Us

Board of Directors

The Friends of the Military Ridge Trail, started in 1983, is a group of volunteers committed to enhancing and promoting this wonderful recreational opportunity. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. 

​We work closely with the Department of Natural Resources and assist with trail maintenance, develop and improve the kiosks, signage, and trail facilities, fund raise, and develop and provide educational and cultural opportunities.

Interested in helping out? Click here to get involved!

Our Achievements

The Friends, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have:

• donated trail kiosks and installed trail signage;
• assisted the WDNR in maintaining and improving the trail;
• helped fund comfort stations and overlook platforms; 
• purchased and restored the Ridgeway railroad depot and developed it as a museum; 
• restored a donated rail caboose that can be opened for tours when the depot is open or by special appointment;
• sponsored and supported volunteer interpretive services and environmental education activities, seminars, lectures;
• developed interpretive, scientific, historical, and educational services;
• provided financial support for the trail; and
• donated to groups to support biking.

Our Objectives

Friends continue to: 

• distribute and sell trail passes; 
• assist with local walking and bicycling events; 
• clear brush and control invasive plants; 
• maintain current kiosks and develop new kiosks and signage; 
• coordinate and offer opportunities to learn about the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the trail; and 
• promote other trail related social and fund raising activities. 

By-Laws

By-laws that govern the Friends of Military Ridge Trail

BY-LAWS

DNR Agreement

Agreement between the Friends of Military Ridge Trail and the Wisconsin DNR

DNR AGREEMENT

Jerry Wilson, President 
Dave Pearson, Vice President
Bill Kalscheur, Treasurer
Sarah Castello, Secretary
Kevin Swenson, DNR Liaison
Brad Bates, DNR Liaison

Board Minutes

Some of the Friends. Photo by Mary Kay Baum

Photo by Friends of MRT