It's July, the Saturday night of summer! Here's the news about upcoming programs and events!
Women's Mountain Bike Group Ride
August 7, 6:30-7:30pm
Meet at West Chalet for a no-drop ride. Women will self-select into skills groups, and we will lead them on trails based on abilities. Some groups may also ride over to Middleton trails, based on skill level. Stay afterwards and socialize! Contact bike@blackhawkskiclub.org with questions.
New Lead Traps on Biathlon Range
We’ve installed new lead traps on the biathlon range.
Summer Nordic Ski Team Kick Off Camp
High school and middle school Nordic skiers gathered at Blackhawk the end of June to start off their summer training season. Skiers learned about heart rate zones, refreshed their roller ski skills, and heard their muscles loud and clear during a strength session. All while enjoying Blackhawk's summer gifts of the cool (cold!) spring, star-lit night and misty morning. Many thanks to coaches and parents who made camp possible!
Blackhawk Springs
Speaking of the springs, it's official - the springs are 52 degrees! Thanks to Pat Remington for the new thermometer. Learn more from the Wisconsin DNR.
Hiking Blackhawk's Creek Trail
by Jill Stevenson
NOTE: Always confirm identification of any plant you touch, collect, or intend to eat. There are a few hazardous plants at Blackhawk and in natural areas throughout Dane County.
Blackhawk’s nature awaits you on the easy-to-access, multi-use Creek Trail. On a recent evening walk, I spotted many natural wonders, beginning at the Otter Den, where I crossed paths (literally) with a boisterous flock of mountain biking kids. They looked so happy. Summer! Friends! Going fast on a bike! Alas, they were pedaling too fast to notice the gems I often spy on this trail.
If you have time to slow down this summer, the shrubs that grow thickly on the creek’s bank allow for spying on shy animals. Look for wood ducks, muskrats, otters, minks, fish and turtles. Mornings are often best for observing but that recent evening, I heard the orioles, spotted a swimming muskrat, noticed some frogs, and breathed in the earthy elderflower aroma from the dense stand along the boardwalk.
The elderflower season can be short, but rewarding. Pick elderflowers on a sunny day before it gets too hot and get yourself home to make this, as soon as possible. Look for the freshest heads, with creamy flowers. Use the cordial on fruit salad, or mix it with your favorite bubbly beverage. I like it with sparkling water but it also makes a great cocktail with your fave spirits and garnished with a lemon slice. Freeze it in ice cube trays (transfer to a zip-top bag) and you can pull out a few cubes in early March when the snow melts and you just need a taste of summer…
Elderflower Syrup: Sunshine in a Bottle (adapted from BBC Good Food)
1 quart water
4 cups white sugar
20-25 elderflower heads
2 lemons
1 tsp citric acid (optional but you can find it in pickling/canning aisle of grocery stores)
Give the flower heads a gentle shake to get bugs out and/or gently swish them in a bowl of water. Snip the flowers off the stalks and the stems as best you can. Some leftover short stems are fine.
Pare the zest off the lemons. Slice the lemons into rounds and add both to a large bowl with the flowers.
Dissolve 4 cups white sugar into 1 quart water over low heat. Cool to room temp and pour this syrup over the flowers. Let sit on the counter to steep for 24 hours. [No worries-the citric acid and lemons provide for preservation.] Strain and bottle; refrigerate. Use within 6 weeks or freeze. Enjoy!
*As far as foraging goes, a general rule is never take more than 10% of a patch of whatever it is you are after.
Upcoming Events
For upcoming events and additional details, keep an eye on our club calendar: https://blackhawkskiclub.org/news/club-calendar
August 7, 2025, 6:30pm – Women's Mountain Bike Ride (meet at East Chalet)
August 9-10, 2025 – Ninja Mountain Bike Camps at Blackhawk
August 23, 2025 – Run the Hawk Race
September 9, 2025, 7pm - Returning member registration
September 13, 2025, 1-3pm - Open House
September 30, 2025, 7pm - New member registration
Blackhawk Program Managers on their annual property walk-through in early July.