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.
Friday, February 1, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Winter Sleepers. Discover what animals sleep through the cold and snow of winter, and why they do it. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6- year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
• Black River State Forest, Black River Falls, (715) 284-4103 - Candlelight Ski. About 1.5 miles of the tracked cross-country ski trails will be lit with candle luminaries. Hikers as well as skiers are invited. The lighted course is suitable for both beginner and advanced skiers. Also raffle, warming house, bonfire, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and a grill. Trail pass fees will be waived for the event but donations are welcome. Sponsored by Black River Forest Trail Foundation. Smrekar parking lot, 4 miles east of Millston on County Highway O and north .5 mile on Smrekar Road. 6-9 p.m.
• Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Candlelight ski. Two trail loops, a 1 and 2 miles long, will be lit for cross-county skiers. A separate 3/4-mile-long loop will be lit for hikers and snowshoers. Leashed pets are allowed on the hiking loop, but not on the ski trails. Volunteer Naturalist Al Swain will leading hikes at 7 and 8 p.m. The friends will provide a straw bale warming structure, bonfire, and free hot drinks and marshmallows for roasting. Kathy’s Kause, a multiple sclerosis fundraiser, will sell brats, hotdogs, chili, and baked goods. State trail pass fees will be waived for the night, but vehicle admission stickers will be required. Please drop off any old candles or surplus wax at the bonfire collection area. The candles will be melted down and used to make new candles for future candlelight events. Sponsored by Friends of Blue Mound State Park. 6-9 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods. Refreshments served by the Friends of Harrington Beach State park Trailhead at Adolph & Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Snowshoeing Fun. Join the staff for a morning of outdoor fun! We’ll take a hike on snowshoes to enjoy the park in winter. Make sure to dress warmly; most of the time will be spent outside. If there is no snow, we will take a hike instead. All equipment will be provided. .10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Cross-country ski or hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit by candlelight. At the bonfire join fellow hikers and skiers for hot drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. The trail is perfect for novice skiers with no steep hills or sharp turns. Zillmer Trails. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Wisconsin Dells, (608) 254-2333 - Torchlight Ski/Hike. The Friends of Mirror Lake State Park will be hosting torchlight ski, hike and snowshoe events. Two 1-mile trails illuminated with torchlight will be available. As in past years, there will be a bonfire to warm up and food sales. The only cost for the event is a daily or annual park sticker that may be purchased upon entrance to the park. 6-8 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Tracking 101. Join us at the second "Once a Month 101" class. Bundle up and we will hike in search of animal tracks, homes and other signs. Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
• Brule River State Forest, Brule, - Learn to Ski at Afterhours. Ski club volunteers will provide free instruction for beginner skate or classical skiing. Rent skis, boots and poles for $4 per pair for youngsters 12 and under and $10 for others at the trailhead warming hut. Rentals must be checked out between 12:30 and 1p.m. and returned by 4 p.m. Children must have a signed release form. Everyone is welcome. Youth groups are encouraged to participate but must preregister. Trail passes are not needed if you are participating in the learn-to-ski program. To rent equipment, register by 4 p.m. Thursday before the event. Call Cragin Machine Shop, (715) 392-6988, with the name, shoe size, sex, age, weight, and height of persons wishing to rent equipment. Afterhours Ski Trail, 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
Friday, February 8, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414)527-0232 - Learn the Sky with Your Naked Eye. Join Mary and Joe Glover to learn about the night sky - at night! Come first and learn how to use a star chart, look for constellations, and find the North star. Then go outside and look for the stars we just learned about. If you have already been to the program, just meet us outside to look for the stars. Dress warm! Environmental Awareness Center. Program at 6 p.m., stargazing at 7. No admission sticker required.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
• Brule River State Forest, Brule, (715) 372-5678 - Candlelight Ski. Candles will light 2 miles of trails. Grills, picnic tables, and a bonfire will be provided. Trail passes not required for this event. Sponsored by Brule River State Forest and Brule Valley Ski Club. Afterhours Ski Trail. 5-9 p.m.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 - Candlelight Ski. A 1.8-kilometer loop of trail through the heart of the forest will be groomed, tracked and lit with more than 600 candles. The trail is wide enough for diagonal striders and skate skiers. If there is no snow, take a candlelight walk. Picnic tables and a large barbecue grill will be available near the trail head for persons who wish to cook their food. Chili and warm drinks will be provided. Large warming fires will also be built and maintained throughout the night. Starting at 5 p.m. that Saturday all day-use fees at the trailhead will be waived. Flambeau Hills trailhead, on County Highway W 20 miles west of Phillips and 15 miles east of Winter. 6-9 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Follow the Footprints. With snow on the ground, winter is a great time to look for animal tracks. Stop inside the building and follow some animal footprints. Then grab a tracking guide and head outside to look for some animal tracks. Environmental Awareness Center. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Forest, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Candlelight Night. Enjoy a night of skiing, snowshoeing, walking or riding on a horse-drawn wagon on trails lit by luminaries. Cross-country ski trail - 1.6 kilometers (one mile). Snowshoe trail - .75 miles. Walk or wagon ride - 1 mile. Snowshoes, warming fires and refreshments will be available. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park. Trails begin across from the South Campground entrance. 6-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature Program: Learn to Ice Fish. Learn the tricks of winter fishing with some experienced ice anglers. We will start inside the heated Mauthe Lake picnic shelter for a presentation on safety tips and appropriate gear and tackle. Then it's off to Mauthe Lake to try our best at luring those fish out of the water. Equipment, tackle and bait will be provided. This program is best for folks over age of 6 years. Call by February 6 to register. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Meet at the Pike Lake Beach South Shelter to ski or hike 1.5-miles on a candlelit trail. Throughout the evening, refreshments and a large bonfire will be provided at the south shelter building. Northern Cross Science Foundation will be on hand with telescopes to provide an opportunity to view stars and planets. Please, no pets allowed. 6-9 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Valentine Candlelight Ski and Hike. Celebrate Valentine's Day a bit early while enjoying the winter wonderland at night with family and friends. Ski or hike the 2-mile cross-country trail lit by almost 200 tiki torches. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets or sleds allowed. Cross country ski trail--stop at park office for map. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening cross country skiing along 2 miles of groomed ski trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are done, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the LKSP Friends Group. Grills will be available for cooking. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on cross country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m. Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening cross-country skiing along 2 miles of groomed ski trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are done, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the LKSP Friends Group. Grills will be available for cooking. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Night Ski and Snowshoe. Ski a 1 or 2 mile trail through a winter wonderland illuminated by glowing candles. If you don't ski, a .75-mile lighted trail is available for hiking and snowshoeing. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Weather permitting. Guided snowshoe hike lead by Naturalist Rod Gont begins at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Ski trailhead (boat landing parking lot). 5-8 p.m.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 - 18th Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe Event. Ski, hike, or snowshoe a 1-mile trail lit by homemade candles. Bonfire, refreshments and grills will greet skiers at the end of the trail. Trail suitable for skiers of all abilities. Experience Newport State Park in a different light. Picnic Area parking lot #3 and Fern/Europe Bay Trail. 6-9 p.m.
• Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Junction, (715) 542-3923 - Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike. Enchanting wooded trails, great people, and warm, cozy fires. There are 1.5- and a 3-mile loops for skiing and a 1-mile loop for hiking and snowshoeing. Admission is free. Refreshments are served. There are two warming fires: one at the start/finish and one at the halfway point warming hut on the 3-mile loop. Raven Trail, near the Clear Lake Contact Station off of Woodruff Rd. 6-9 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Candlelight Ski. Ski a candlelit 1-mile, double-tracked trail through forest and meadow. Bonfire with refreshments at the warming shelter; $2/person suggested donation. Enter at Highland Road, 1 mile north of Fish Creek at State Highway 42 and County Highway A. If no snow, the event will change to a hike starting at Park Headquarters. Event will be cancelled if weather is severe. 5:30-8 p.m.
• Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 - Candlelight Ski Along the Peshtigo River. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening skiing along the Peshtigo River on an easy 2-mile candlelit trail groomed for both diagonal striding and skating. Non- skiers can try an easy 1-mile candlelit hike along the Peshtigo River. Hikers and pets are not allowed on the ski trail, but are welcome on the hiking trail. Warming fires and hot chocolate will be available for everyone. Spring Rapids Trailhead off of Kirby Lake Lane, 5 miles west of Crivitz off County Highway W. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Candles are placed and maintained along 1.5 miles of ski and hiking trail. Throughout the evening, refreshments and a large bonfire will be provided. Northern Cross Science Foundation will be on hand with their telescopes to provide an opportunity to view stars and planets. Please, no pets. South Shelter. 6-9 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please pre- register by calling (262) 878-5600. Program is weather dependent. Shelter #1. 9-11 a.m. Park Work Day. Do you need service hours or a service project? Dress to be outside working--layers of old clothes, work boots, gloves and a hat as we clear or cut brush at these flexible workdays. Stay as long as you like. Visitor Center. 1-3 p.m.
