Author Topic: Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 15, 2012  (Read 1171 times)

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Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 15, 2012
« on: March 16, 2012, 09:50:09 AM »
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI  53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/


DNR Outdoor Report as of March 15, 2012
Unseasonably warm ? and in some cases record temperatures ? have all but erased the Leap Year snowfall and have hampered fishing success, but continue to bring songbirds, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans to the state.
Snowmobile trails in Eagle River will close at noon Friday and Trails listed on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism?s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) are increasingly moving from poor to closed.
With the extremely warm temperatures this week, ice is rapidly disappearing from lakes.  Lakes Mendota and Monona in Madison are completely ice-free.  Lakes in northern Wisconsin still have ice, but what ice remains is honeycombed and dangerous and there are areas of open water in many locations.  Wardens are urging all people to stay off any remaining ice.
Open water fishing continues to pick up with the spring steelhead run already underway on Lake Michigan tributaries.  Steelhead were moving up the Sheboygan, Menominee and Root rivers and Oak Creek.  Shore anglers have been catching brown trout at Port Washington and boaters have taken brown, steelhead and some lake trout out of the Milwaukee harbor. River anglers were reporting fair to good walleye action below dams on the Wolf, Wisconsin, Rock and Crawfish rivers.
The pleasant weather if bringing people out to parks and trails to hike, or plan camping trips. While the nice weather is tempting for a bike ride, state trails managers are asking bikers to stay off the state rail-trails with crushed limestone screening if the trails are soft and damp.  Riding the trails in these conditions can leave deep ruts that are difficult to repair and that make riding dangerous once the trails have dried out.  Several parks are reporting they are getting camping areas cleaned up early in anticipation of campers heading out this weekend to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.  Call parks and forest directly to find out if campsites are open and current conditions.
There is still time to share your thoughts on deer by taking part in one of the remaining public deer hunting forums. The forums began last week and will continue to March 29. An on-line survey is also available for you to provide input. These ?virtual deer forums? allow you to take part without traveling. The online survey will be available until April 3.
Bears are increasingly on the move and bird feeders should be removed, or raised out of the reach of hungry bruins.  Turkeys are beginning to gobble and a roughed grouse was heard drumming recently. Eagles are actively nesting and are defending their Northwoods territories. Barred owls have been aggressively trading territorial calls during the early night hours. A large flock of as many as 250 trumpeter swans were reported moving along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Whitefish Dunes State Park on March 13-14.
Trees, especially in central and southern Wisconsin are budding.  Maple sap is running and it?s uncertain how this warm spell will affect the season this year. Pussy willow catkins are budding out and pasque flowers are already in bloom in some locations.
#   #   #
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.





DNR Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Spring is in the air?warm temperatures, people outdoors, returning wildlife, and the awakening of some critters that we don't look forward to such as mosquitoes and deer ticks are all indicators that spring is on it's way. Robins and Canada geese are back in the area. As of March 14 the mouth of the Bois Brule River is ice free. The northern section of the Bois Brule River, from Highway 2 to Lake Superior opens for fishing on March 31. The rest of the River will open for fishing on the Wisconsin fishing opener on May 5. Trumpeter swans have been sighted in northern Douglas County (at least 29 swans never left southern Douglas County because of open water at the St. Croix Flowage). Turkeys are beginning to gobble and a roughed grouse was heard drumming recently. A couple of people have reported seeing a couple of bucks with new antler growth. Pussy willows (willow catkins) are just starting to become visible. Eagles http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/bird/baldeagle.htm are actively nesting and are defending their territory. They will soon start incubating their eggs. The warm weather is melting the snow rapidly. This is swiftly moving the area into wildfire season once the snow is gone and if we do not get precipitation. People are reminded to renew their annual burning permits. Once the permit is obtained: On the day of the burn, check on the internet or over the phone after 11 a.m. for the daily fire restrictions in the county where you wish to burn: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/ OR 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) (enter the County Code) For more information about burning permits see http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/permits.html.

Spooner DNR Service Center area
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - The snow is melting quickly with mostly sunny skies with 60-70 degree temperatures forecast for the week. Ice is melting on the flowages, and open water is becoming more prevalent. Early migrant ducks have been sighted, including hooded mergansers and mallards. northern harriers are hunting over the marshes, and bald eagles are a common sight as they migrate north. Sandhill cranes and great blue herons have been reported, as well as robins, bluebirds, tree sparrows, juncos and horned larks. Trumpeter swans and Canada geese are common sights as they claim their nesting areas. Species counts are expected to greatly increase over the next few days. Trails are a mix of dry grass, slushy snow and a few mud puddles, but mostly passable. Road conditions through the wildlife areas are good.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the unseasonably warm weather, ice conditions have quickly deteriorated on all lakes across the Northwoods. Some lakes have developed patches of open water and most others are seeing large areas of honeycombed ice that is quickly becoming unsafe for any kind of travel. There have been reports of anglers falling thru weak areas of the ice cover, and the sunny, warm conditions of the next few days will only worsen ice conditions. As such, the ice should be considered extremely hazardous and no travel is recommended.

Flambeau River State Forest - Ski and snowmobile trails are unusable. There is more and more open water on the Flambeau River. Last year the river broke open April 2 and it wouldn't be surprising to see it break open within the next week. Ice depth varies on different lakes. Spring has sprung with temps ranging into the 70s. Snow is spotty in the woods. We are seeing geese, meadow larks, woodcock and kingfishers. Locals are tapping maple trees and pussy willows are out.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Vilas County - Extremely mild temperatures for this time area have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the quality of ice conditions on area lakes. Extreme caution is warranted travel on the ice not recommended. Numerous waterfowl species are starting to show up on areas where there is open water as well as the first arrival of spring songbirds. Some eagle courtship behavior has also been observed. Good action continues for crappies, bluegills and perch in the Eagle River area.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - With the onset of warm weather, grooming of the cross-country ski trails will be suspended.

Rhinelander DNR Service Center area
Oneida County - Snowmobile trails will close March 16 at noon.


DNR Northeastern Region

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Peshtigo Harbor anglers are fishing open water casting Rapala's or drifting live and dead bait looking for pike or trout. The Menominee River has been producing a few browns and rainbows along with a few walleye. Most of the activity is taking place around the Hattie Street Bridge.

Oconto County - Oconto Breakwater Park anglers are casting for trout in the Oconto River, or fishing for pike with live bait and bobbers in the Open water.





Governor Thompson State Park - The ski/snowshoe trails are now closed for the season. Although some areas do have snow on the trail, the 16 mile system is now open to hikers. Most anglers have already removed their ice-shacks from Caldron Falls Flowage and the power company will start drawing down Caldron next week. The water could drop up to 4 feet at a rate of 1/2 inch per hour. We are starting to see open water spring holes on Woods Lake. Anglers should be aware of deteriorating ice conditions. The new visitor center is open for business. The Woods Lake day-use area is open and has picnic tables and benches to enjoy a peaceful lunch or to simply enjoy the seasonal changes around the lake.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The ice is gone from most bays and rivers. With the lack of ice the only fishing pressure has been at Fox Point Landing where boaters are catching walleye using jigs and minnows or Gulp Alive. Robins and red winged blackbirds have arrived, Dogwoods and Willows are putting on color. Spring has arrived for now. Turkeys can be seen feeding in fields and near residences with bird feeders. Turkey hunters are beginning to prepare for the rapidly approaching season..

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Ice conditions are rapidly diminishing at Sturgeon Bay and fishable ice won?t last the week. Open water is visible from the southern bay all the way up to Door County. A few brave anglers are fishing in the shallow weeds at Little Sturgeon Bay for perch and pike. Anglers are reporting 4-6 inches of ice at best, but it won?t last the week.

Peninsula State Park - All trails are open in the park, but maybe wet and muddy for hiking. The bike trails remain closed until they dry out.

Whitefish Dunes State Park - Spring has arrived and all trails are open to hiking. Trail conditions vary from dry, muddy, slushy and wet. A large flock of trumpeter swans were reported on March 13-14 to the nature center. It is estimated that there are about 250 plus birds seen. Closer to shore a pair of red-breasted mergansers were sighted fishing. The pileated woodpecker pair has made great impacts on area trees. Birders are recommended to hike the Brachiopod and Black trail to capture a glimpse of them.

Kewaunee County - The ice on inland lakes is pretty much gone and unsafe. Some anglers are heading out onto Lake Michigan and the shores of the tributary streams searching for brown trout with limited success.

Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Waupaca County - The Wolf River is opening up pretty quick. Anglers are getting boats in the water in several launches down stream of New London. Not many fish in the system yet. Anglers are reporting catching lots of small walleyes down stream of Fremont. Area streams are high, making wading and fishing difficult. Ticks are beginning to appear and wood ducks and red winged blackbirds are back.


DNR Southeast Region

Lakeshore State Park - The ice is gone from the lagoons in, but anglers are still doing well from the shoreline, under the pedestrian bridge, and behind the Marcus Amphitheater. Nice brown and rainbow trout are hitting spoons and other baits. Prairie grasses and plants are mostly dormant, but won?t be much longer. Prairie smoke plants could start blooming in a few weeks. The bird watch continues to be good, with two white-winged scoters and a lone long-tailed duck under the pedestrian bridge recently. Red-breasted mergansers, grebes, and golden-eyes are also present. As usual, both gray and red fox are present and active.






Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore anglers have been fishing the harbor near the Deland boat launch, but they have had limited success fishing for brown trout. Sheboygan River anglers have been catching decent numbers of steelhead below the Kohler dam. The Pigeon River has ideal streamflows, but fishing pressure there has been low.

Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching occasional brown trout on spawn. The water was muddy early in the week due to runoff in Sauk Creek, but it should clear up by the weekend. Anglers fishing the north slip have had less success than those fishing near the power plant discharge. Sauk Creek was high and muddy early this week, but should have ideal conditions by the weekend.

Milwaukee County - Milwaukee boaters continue to have consistent brown trout action around the harbor gaps and in nearshore water about 40 to 50 feet deep. Nice size lake trout have also been caught in the same areas. Trolling silver spoons has produced fish. Boaters fishing off the Oak Creek Power Plant have been catching brown trout. Shore anglers fishing behind the Summerfest grounds have been catching occasional brown trout and rainbows, and spawn has produced most fish for them. Steelhead anglers have been out in full force on Oak Creek and on the Menomonee River near Miller Park. The Milwaukee River still has high streamflows, but it is finally dropping.

Racine County - In Racine anglers fishing off the south pier have been catching occasional brown trout on spawns sacs or casting spoons. Flows on the Root River are high but starting to drop. Decent numbers of steelhead are in the river. The Root River Steelhead Facility is operational, and the first fish processing day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20.

Kenosha County - Shore fishing in the Kenosha harbor has been spotty. Shore anglers have taken a few brown trout on tube jigs. When trollers can get offshore from Kenosha, they have been catching brown trout and lake trout in 50 to 80 feet of water on spoons, and a few coho have been reported as well.


DNR South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Green County - Beckman and Zanders lakes have open water in New Glarus Woods, where all ice cover is gone.

Richland County - Snow has all but left the area. Turkey's are splitting up and many can be seen strutting in open fields. Fishing activity and conditions are improving. Water temperatures remain cold but should warm up as warmer weather is predicted in the future.

Yellowstone Lake State Park - All trails are in useable condition and open to hiking due to lack of snow cover. Use extra caution as they can be muddy this time of year. Numerous animal tracks can be found in the mud and soft earth on the trails. Pileated woodpeckers are also busy in different areas that can be accessed by the trail system. The lake is open (ice is gone) at this time. Panfish action has been very good. Turkeys are active right now as they prepare for their mating season. Bluebirds have returned and Sandhill cranes and ducks and geese are all using the lake. Shed hunters are taking advantage of the lack of foliage to find shed antlers. Campgrounds are closed for the season and will reopen April 1.








Wyalusing State Park - All trails are free of snow and most will be in excellent hiking condition. A few trails may be muddy in places. The ice in Pictured Rock Cave and Sand Cave has melted. Bird sightings in the park, including the office feeder: blue jays, cardinals, gold finches, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, tree sparrows, juncos, tree swallows, phoebes, pine siskins, read shouldered hawk, meadowlark, titmice, killdeers, robins, bluebirds, and fox sparrow. Boats are now using the park boat landing. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien was 8.8 feet March 15. First motorcycles of the year were in last week. Record breaking high temps and favorable warm and sunny forecast will give many people the camping bug for this weekend. Please remember that sites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground are open on a first come first served basis. If the office is closed when you arrive, please self register. Please include money for park stickers when registering for camping. Self registration envelopes and maps are located near the front door of the office. The concession stand is closed for the season. Firewood should be available from vendors located near the park entrance.

Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - South winds and warm temperatures have melted the ice on Horicon Marsh and spring migrants are arriving daily! Sandhill cranes have been seen in larger numbers in farm fields and waterfowl continue arrive daily in large numbers. We have seen ringnecks, bufflehead, scaup, wood ducks, blue winged teal and many geese on the marsh. Red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows, tree swallows, robins, bluebirds and eastern meadowlarks have also started to return to the surrounding areas.

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - South winds and warm temperatures have melted the ice on Horicon Marsh and spring migrants are arriving daily. Sandhill cranes have been seen in larger numbers in farm fields and waterfowl continue arrive daily in large numbers. Ringnecks, bufflehead, scaup, wood ducks, blue winged teal and many geese have been seen on the marsh. Red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows, tree swallows, robins, bluebirds and eastern meadowlarks have also started to return to the surrounding areas.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - Reptiles and amphibians are out of hibernation and moving around. A mass exodus of salamanders in the Goose Pond area was observed after heavy rains earlier this week. Garter snakes were also seen moving through grass at the Pine Island Wildlife Area. Wildlife Management staff are planning to start conducting prescribed burns beginning Thursday March 15 to enhance wildlife habitat (mainly grassland bird nesting habitat) by rejuvenating prairie/savanna species and setting back brush and invasive species. Properties with burns planned for this spring are French Creek, Pine Island, Peter Helland, Grassy Lake, Mud Lake, Paradise Marsh wildlife areas, and Rocky Run State Natural Area and the Poynette Game Farm/MacKenzie Environmental Education Center.

Dane County - Lakes Mendota and Monona opened up completely in the last week. Meadowlarks are singing and woodcock are peenting. Prescribed burns are starting in the area.

Jefferson County - Anglers are catching walleyes and white bass from the Rock and Crawfish rivers. Water temps are slowly climbing which should bring more fish into the Rivers to spawn. Sandhill cranes are returning in large flocks as are the turkey vultures.


DNR West Central Region

Baldwin DNR Service Center area








Willow River State Park - The first eastern bluebird of the year was sighted from the office window a week ago. More birds are arriving and we?ll post lists when visitors turn them in. The Willow River is up so the dam is open. Come see Willow Falls now. This could be a very short high water event and the river level has dropped slightly overnight. There was no freeze. The 200 campground will be open to vehicles March 15 for drive in camping. There are only 30 campsites. Normally, this campground would not be open for at least another six weeks. The pit toilets are open year round. Trails have dried out considerably. Expect to find scattered wet areas especially in low spots and where the trail is on a north facing slope.

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Buffalo River State Trail - The trail is open to ATV use year-round. Sections of the trail may still have some snow and there will be some areas that are very soft. Please stay off the trail when it is soft to minimize damage. Adjoining county ATV trails may be closed. Contact the following counties for information on their ATV Trails: Eau Claire County at 715-839-4738 or Jackson County - 715-284-8475.

Great River State Trail - The snow has melted. The trail surface is soft due to the frost coming out of the ground and the recent rains. Please stay off the trail when it is soft to minimize damage. Trees are beginning to bud out. Many birds have returned and are singing their spring songs.

Merrick State Park - All trails are open and in good condition. There will be some areas that are soft and muddy. Walk the south campground and keep an eye on the sloughs for all of the early spring ducks. The ice is gone on the river and in the sloughs next to the park. Both boat launches are open but the dock has not been put in yet. The water levels are currently at normal levels. Fishing has been good. Turkey vultures are coming through the area and can often be seen in groups of 15-30 sitting in the trees drying their wings in the mornings. The south campground is closed to vehicle traffic and camping. The north campground remains closed due to wet and soft conditions in the campsites.

Perrot State Park - All of the trails are open for hiking and are in good condition. There will be some muddy areas due to recent rains. The river and bay are open. The pasque flowers are now in bloom along the Perrot Ridge Trail. The bluebirds are settling into their houses. Sandhill cranes and turkey vultures have arrived. Mergansers, goldeneye, shovelers, and mallards can be seen in Trempealeau Bay. Small groups of tundra swans have been seen in the area. The boat launch is open but the dock is not installed. The water levels are normal and people can access the Mississippi River from the boat launch. A few campsites are open including electrical sites. Water is available at the maintenance shop. Vault toilets are open in the campground.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - The Kickapoo River and Billings Creek are open for early catch and release trout season. Song birds are flocking back with the strong south winds. Campsites are a bit soggy for pop-ups and trailers - tents should be fine. Campsite reservations are available beginning May 1.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails are closed for the season. Trails will reopen for the summer season on May 15. Cross-country ski trails are closed for the year due to a lack of snow. Now is a great time to enjoy hiking on these trails while there are no bugs. Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek are open for camping.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Chippewa County - The recent warm and wet weather has been forcing bears out of their dens a little early this year. Homeowners should expect more bears at their bird feeders this spring because there isn't much food available in the wild yet. Homeowners should be prepared to take their bird feeders in until the woods starts to green up and wild food becomes more available. Ice conditions will be deteriorating very quickly over the next few days. Ice anglers should use extreme caution when venturing out on to the ice. Watch for migrating waterfowl to start appearing as rivers begin to open up.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - The trails are still thawing and soggy in most locations in the park, please use caution if planning to hike. Biking is not allowed on the trails and dogs are not allowed in the park. A variety of birds are being seen or heard in the park.

Red Cedar State Trail - The trail is thawing quickly; however, there are some soggy spots. Biking is not recommended at this time as it can damage the trail. Hiking is fine if you can avoid the damp areas. A variety of migrating birds are being seen along the river. The restrooms and drinking fountain at Downsville remain closed for the season.

Brunet Island State Park - Species of birds seen or hears include: ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, and blue jays. The bald eagles are back in the area and have been seen feeding along the roadsides. The barred owls have been aggressively trading territorial calls during the early night hours. One great blue heron, the sandhill cranes, Canada geese, and robins have begun to arrive. Sugar maple tapping is in progress throughout the area. With the weather conditions, it may be a short season this year. A number of campground sites are open year round with electricity, hand water pump, and pit toilets available.

Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Sandhill cranes, bluebirds, northern harriers, and red winged blackbirds are returning. Trails are in great shape for hiking with some last remnants of snow remaining. Outpost campsites are ready to go for those wanting to beat the rush for an early camping experience. Many reports of black bears have been coming in as early melt water has pushed many out of their favorite winter culvert.

Lake Wissota State Park - Most of the snow has melted leaving a layer of ice beneath. If hiking the trails, use caution on the slippery surface. Ice remains in the bay so putting a boat in at the landing is not yet possible. Anglers are anxiously awaiting the open water period for their chance at some nice crappies. Crews intend to have the dock in about the last week of April.

Wausau DNR Service Center area
Marathon County - Anglers on the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir report a lot of slush sitting on top of approximately 10 inches of marginal ice. Strong current is eroding the ice quickly. Water levels in the flowage are expected to rise a couple of feet by the end of this week. Some open water has been spotted near the main channel as it weaves through the flowage. Small Perch and small crappie are all that is being reported. Be careful, the ice is very dangerous right now.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Portage County - River flows on the Wisconsin River have increased due to snow melt in the north. Walleyes are biting and action will continue to improve as water temps increase the next several days. Three way rigs or jigs and minnows are working well right now on the current edges. Several area boat landings are closed and will remain so until river flows subside, which is predicted to be next week sometime. Please check ahead with someone in the area if you are heading out to the river to ensure the landing you want to use is open. Remember to have your life jackets on board prior to heading out onto the water. Ice conditions on lakes continue to deteriorate quickly with shorelines opening up. Please use caution on any ice.

Buckhorn State Park - Trails may be muddy this week as temperatures warm up and with forecasted rain. The lake has starting opening up near the bridge with the warmer weather and people have been fishing this past week. Park stickers are required in the boat launch parking lots. The lake is still in draw down

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is closed and parking is available in the winter lot on Czech Ave, park stickers are required to park there. Parking is not allowed in front of the park entrance gate. The stairway up the bluff is still closed and will remain closed during the construction and until all work and safety inspections are completed. We will have a grand reopening in 2012 , date yet to be set. Check out the petro glyph viewing area and all the great trails in the park



UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS

Check with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
?   Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Friday, March 16, 2012
?   Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 - Sweet Taste of Spring Nature Storytime. Freezing nights and warm days make the sap of the maple trees flow. Join us as we learn how maple sap is turned into sweet tasting syrup. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's Center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
?   Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 - Shhh! Listen. It?s amazing what we can discover if we are quiet and we listen. Join us for a listening hike and enjoy nature?s music. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. ? Noon.
?   Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 - Drop in on Finding Your Way. Can you follow a simple compass course, find a geocache, and locate north without a compass? GPS units, maps, and compasses won?t do any good if you don?t know how to use them! Activities and projects will help you find your way with and without technology. Families, friends, and youth groups are invited to ?drop in? anytime from 9 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
?   Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 - Bluebird House Building Workshop. Join volunteers from the Friends of Kohler for this annual workshop. Participants are asked to meet at the park office for a short program on bluebirds followed by the workshop. Bird houses are assembled from a kit. Please bring a hammer if you have one. Participants may purchase house for $7 Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is encouraged. 1 - 2:30 p.m.
?   Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 - Legend of the Wild Swans: 11 ? 11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Can Colleen break the spell that keeps her brothers swans by day but boys by night? Find out in this Celtic folk tale, then learn about Wisconsin swans. Continue with the Irish theme hiking the meadow walk to look for ?snakes,? banished from Ireland. St. Paddy?s Campfire: Noon ? 1 p.m. Nature Center. Cook up some traditional Irish Colcannon (Bubble and Squeak) using pudgy pie irons. Food, pie irons provided. If there is rain, the campfire will be cancelled.
?   Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Earliest Migrants. Bundle up and bring your binoculars to join us for an early morning hike. Discover which hardy migrants have returned and what the resident birds are doing. Trails will be wet. Meet at the Visitor Center. 7:30 - 9 a.m.
?   Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 - Scavenger Hunt. Get Outdoors and explore the park's connection to Wisconsin's Heritage. Stop in at the nature center to pick up a scavenger sheet to complete for a prize. Start at the nature center. 11 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
?   Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 - Scavenger Hunt. Get Outdoors and explore the park's connection to Wisconsin's Heritage. Stop in at the nature center to pick up a scavenger sheet to complete for a prize. Start at the nature center. 11 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
?   Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 - Spring to Life. Here comes spring! The browns of winter are turning green, yellow, pink, and white. Join us as we celebrate the colors, smells, and sounds of spring. Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. 9:30 ? 10:30 a.m.


Thursday, March 22, 2012
?   Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
?   Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Learn To Pan Fish Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to pan fish. Designed for kids age 7 and up with a parent/guardian. Learn how to select rods, reels and line, to tie knots, rig up equipment, and how to cast using several reels. 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. You must sign up in advance by February 29, 2012. Send an email to Reid Urban, call 262-902-4371, or download a registration form at the Scheduled Fishing Clinics website.
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