January 31st was a big day for outdoor enthusiasts in the Mid-Kettle Moraine. The Heiliger Huegel Ski Club hosted the 2nd annual Langlauf Cross Country Ski Race. The race consists of a 5k and 10k race for both skate and traditional skiers. The course uses ski trails on both the HH Ski Club land and the neighboring Schoofs Preserve. The Schoofs Preserve is a 51 acre public preserve owned by the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (I do much of the trail upkeep on the preserve).We were busy in the morning getting the trail routes marked and the weather was quickly deteriorating into rain. That did not stop the 50+ participants from having a good time. Later that afternoon, I brought a group of 7 students from MUHS environmental science classes and the ESO homeroom to explore the preserve on snowshoes. After a 2 hour hike exploring the Schoofs Preserve we returned to HH for a nice fire and smores at their chalet fire. These are the sort of outings that the Laudato Si’ Project is happy to help with.

Langlauf XC ski race on the Schoofs Preserve. Run by the HH Ski Club

MUHS students snowshoeing on the Schoofs Preserve