Partnerships

JJ and I have been quiet lately! COVID restrictions are now lifted and we’re back in business. We have a lot of exciting news to share and plan to send out a blog post monthly.

For this month’s post, I’d love to share information about two local non-profits we’ve partnered with, both of which are focused on improving and maintaining trails and facilities within the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

The first of these non-profits is the Friends of Lapham Peak organization, a non-profit founded in 1989 that exists to promote and maintain the Lapham Peak Unit of the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Lapham Peak State Park is a gem in southeastern Wisconsin. Visitors to Lapham Peak can hike, bike, run, cross country ski and more. It attracts visitors year round, but ski season is particularly busy when nordic skiers from Wisconsin, Illinois and beyond flock to the man-made snow, which often makes Lapham the only place in the area available for skiing, depending on the natural snow conditions. I’ve been running and skiing at Lapham regularly for the past decade and appreciate first-hand the fund raising work and trail maintenance they do.

The Friends of Lapham Peaks current big fundraising effort is going towards building a brand new lodge at Lapham Peak. The current shelter is nice, but we’ve outgrown it! So many visitors come to Lapham Peak that a new, larger facility is in order. It sure is going to be beautiful!

You can learn more about the Friends of Lapham Peak and the new Lapham Lodge at this link. https://laphampeakfriends.org/lodge/

Copies of JJ Goes to the Northwoods are available for purchase in the Lapham Peak Park office and a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Friends of Lapham Peak.

The other partnership I’m proud to be a part of is with The Kettle Moraine State Forest Alliance, which is dedicated to raising funds for projects, large and small, throughout the Kettle Moraine State Forest, from Whitewater to Greenbush. This non-profit was recently started by local runner, race director, and friend, Robert Wehner. Robert succeeded in raising funds and overseeing the completion of a $100,000+ shelter at the Scuppernong Trailhead and I have no doubt that every cent raised for the KMSFA will be put to good use. You can see photos of the shelter-in-progress on this website. The shelter is now complete and enjoyed by visitors to the trailhead year round!

I have gotten to know Robert over the years through our local trail running community. He directs 5 local trail races, which I’ve been running or volunteering at for the past 10 years. Copies of JJ Goes to the Northwoods are available for purchase at some of his races, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to the KMSFA.

One of my goals in writing JJ’s story is to spark an interest in the outdoors for the young readers. When JJ asks what she can do to help protect nature, Pop responds by saying “most of all, spend time outside. We always want to protect what we love.” I concur, Pop! Both the Friends of Lapham Peak and The Kettle Moraine State Forest Alliance are dedicated to protecting the great outdoors for future generations to enjoy!