WDNR Outdoor Report as of June 25, 2009
Some very warm summer weather in the last week has provided excellent conditions for outdoor recreation especially on lakes and rivers, but it has also caused some water-related concerns. In the southern part of the state, outbreaks of blue-green algae are being reported on some lakes. Blue-green algae is not only unsightly and smelly, but can reduce oxygen levels in lakes and sometimes produce toxins. People and their pets should avoid water with blue-green algae outbreaks. In the north, outbreaks of columnaris, a naturally occurring bacteria, has caused fish kills on some lakes. Columnaris primarily affects panfish and can cause fish kills especially if outbreaks occur during or just after spawning periods. These kills generally do not cause long term damage to the fishery, and columnaris does not pose a threat to people or pets.
Most of the state received rain in the last week, with some parts of southeastern Wisconsin receiving 3 inches. Water levels were up on many southern rivers, providing some good conditions for paddlers. Northern Wisconsin received less rain, and many lakes and flowages in the north continue to well below normal water levels.
Bass have finished spawning, with largemouth settling into their early summer pattern of cruising the weed beds and hitting on surface baits and soft plastics. Smallmouth have been hanging in deeper water following the rigors of spawning, but they should start moving to mid-depth woody cover. Bluegills have finished spawning on some lakes, but continue to be found in nesting colonies on other waters and some nice catches continue to be reported.
Musky action has been heating up on northern waters with many more fish moving into an active feeding mode, especially on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers and their flowages. The mayfly hatches have subsided and walleye action has improving in the later evening hours near weed edges and break lines.
Lake Winnebago anglers braving the heat this week were rewarded with bags of walleye and white bass, and bass and bluegill have also been found in shallow water and bays. Catfish have been biting on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers. With the warmer water, bluegills are beginning to suspend in deeper water in southern lakes.
Smallmouth bass fishing has remained good along the Door County peninsula. Walleye action has also picked up on Green Bay again. With the warmer weather, salmon fishing was also heating up on Lake Michigan, but many fish have moved deeper, with trollers fishing in 90 down to 250 feet of water. Pier and shore fishing was generally slow this week, except in Port Washington where anglers were catching brown trout and at Milwaukee were some nice perch were being caught.
White-tailed bucks are now being seen sporting some very impressive sized antlers in full velvet. Fawns are abundant and moving around more now so be watchful along the roads. Wild turkey broods are beginning to appear. Watch for wild turkey broods in grassy fields, where the poults feed voraciously on insects.
A recent news report has caused some confusion over the 2009 fall turkey hunting season. The Sept. 12 to Nov. 19 season will take place in all seven Wisconsin turkey management zones. A proposal to extend the season from Nov. 30 to Dec. 31 is currently under legislative review and if approved would take place only in zones 1 through 5.
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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
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park – The park is located on Madeline Island, approximately 6 miles from the Madeline Island Ferry dock. Access to the island and the park are usually done with the use of Madeline Island Ferry Line service. Ferries run seven days a week with various times depending on the time of year. These ferries run between Bayfield and La Pointe and can carry passengers and vehicles along with campers and buses. Contact Madeline Island Ferry lines through the internet at
www.madferry.com or by phone at 715-747-2051. Rates and scheduled running times are posted on their Web site. Trails are in great shape for this year’s camping and hiking season. The park is in the process of adding an accessibility ramp for people with disabilities from the day use area proceeding down to the beach and boardwalk trail. This new ramp will be over 300 feet long and includes a viewing deck. Pet owners are reminded that pets must be on a leash at all times while visiting the park. Camping at Big Bay is going strong with many returning and new campers this season. There has been very stable wonderful weather for camping with warm days in the 70s and 80s and nights in the 50s and 60s. The campground tends to fill every night of the week in the summer, so reservations are strongly recommend to camp at Big Bay State Park from April 15 through November 1. There are 60 sites at Big Bay State Park with 53 available to pull in with campers and tents and 7 walk in sites available for tenting only. There are 15 sites with electrical hookups for campers for a nominal charge. There are hot running showers and flush toilets available for our registered campers use only.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the opening of the Northern zone bass season this past weekend, fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass provided most of the highlights this week. Beautiful sunny skies and warm, humid weather greeted opening weekend bass anglers and action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass has greatly improved in the past week. Both species have completed nesting and are quickly recovering from the stress of spawning. Largemouth are settling into their early summer pattern of cruising the weed beds and have been active on surface baits and soft plastics. Many male largemouth have still been observed guarding their schools of young, but those should be dispersing in the next week or so. Smallmouth have been a bit more of a challenge as the larger fish seem to be hanging in deep water following the rigors of spawning. But look for the smallmouth to start moving to mid-depth woody cover and becoming active on finesse plastics and spinner baits. Panfish action has been very good. Bluegill have still been found in nesting colonies and some nice catches have been reported. Perch have also been active and were being found along the deeper weed edges. Crappie were being found over mid-depth structure and in shallower water along any emergent weed lines. A small minnow fished 1 to 2 feet below a slip bobber has produced some nice catches. Musky action has also been heating up with many more fish starting to get into an active feeding mode, especially on the Flambeau and Chippewa rivers and their flowages. Bucktails and jerk baits seem to be the preferred baits and the late afternoon hours have provided the best action. Walleye action has been fair to good with many anglers having some consistent success on 13 to 17-inch fish in the later evening hours. The mayfly hatches have subsided and this seems to have spurred on the bite on many local waters. The best bait has been a leech on a floating jig head and fished near weed edges and muck/hard bottom break lines.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Walleye action is reported to be fair early in the day and along weed beds or in submerged timber. However weed growth is way behind this year so finding fresh weeds will be difficult. Musky are hitting on surface baits. Some bluegills can be found in the shallows as spawning activity is greatly delayed this year. Antler development on deer is now quite visible with the heavy velvet growth. Fawns are abundant and more active so be watchful along the roads. If you spot the doe, the fawns are not far away. There have been many reports of bear sightings lately. As a reminder, take down bird feeders and be sure garbage containers are secured. Area Conservation wardens continue their reminders to the public to wear PFDs when out on lakes, rivers and streams. It only takes a moment to put that PFD on. No one likes to think that disaster can strike at any moment. Yes, the devices are bulky and hot on those really warm days. However, even the best trained boaters and anglers are as subject to danger as everyone else, even on those days when conditions seem to be at their best. Conservation wardens also continue their reminders to anglers to carry their fishing license on their person and to remember the daily bag and size limits posted for area lakes. Don’t forget to double-check boat registration documents to make sure that they are current. A reminder to hikers and others who just like to walk around in the woods – the wild parsnip is blooming. This is a plant that you really do not want to encounter. You should add this one to your list of items to avoid, along with poison ivy, oak and sumac. The wild parsnip contains a juice that causes severe burns to the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet light rays from the sun. The skin reacts by producing blisters that can last for several weeks and produces a brown scarring on the skin that can also last for months, or even years. Once the plant dies and dries, it ceases to emit the juice and cannot cause a reaction when in that state. The plant is tall with yellow clusters of flowering stems that are about four feet in height. The wild parsnip usually towers above the natural vegetation surrounding it. Area service centers have small, descriptive cards available to the public that will help in identification of this and other problem plants and insects. If you do come into contact with this plant, and no one is immune from its effects, cover your skin right away until you can wash the affected area with soap and water. To help minimize the effects of the exposure, you can cover the contaminated area with a cool, wet cloth. Do not rupture any blisters that may appear. The blisters usually do not itch, nor do they spread. If the blisters do eventually rupture, let the skin remain over the area for as long as you can. Keep the affected area clean and use an antiseptic cream to help prevent infection. Contact your doctor if you have any questions and for further treatment explanations and considerations.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Very warm temperatures have finally arrived in northern Wisconsin and along with them columnaris outbreaks have been reported in fish. Biologists are finding bluegill, crappie, and bass with columnaris sores on the skin and in quite a few waters, fish kills as a result. This bacteria is naturally present in most lakes and fish resist it most times of the year -- however, during warm temperature swings (and coupled with spawning stress) fish become more susceptible to the bacteria. On a few waters we are seeing hundreds to thousands of dead bluegills. These kills are predictable and occur every year about this same time, and generally do not cause any long term damage to the fishery as a result. In a way this is natures way of "thinning the herd." Panfish are biting very well in general on most waters. Bluegills have finished spawning now, and can be caught just about anywhere there are weeds. Fish the weed edges with slip bobbers and garden worms for best action. The walleye bite has slowed with warm weather in place, but you can still catch them, just move a little deeper. Leeches are working best right now, either fished on a jig or below a slip bobber. Largemouth bass are hitting surface baits in the thick cover, or spinner baits over the tops of weed beds.
Northern Highland American Legion State Forest - Summer is in full swing in the forest. Fishing enthusiasts are experiencing some success. Bluegills and bass are active right now. You may now keep bass that you catch, but make sure you follow the size limit guidelines for each lake. Visitors are also reporting some nice walleye and northern pike. As always, visitors staying in campgrounds should remember that they share the forest with wildlife. A moose was sighted near Sandy Beach Campground and campers who enjoy Sandy Beach might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him. Wild strawberries are ready to be picked. Hawkweeds and daisies are in full bloom along highways and biking trails, providing visitors with a beautiful setting in which to enjoy their day. Tick and bugs are active. Please remember to check for ticks regularly each day. Loons have also hatched their young and visitors have seen loon chicks riding on the backs of their parents, which is a unique and special sight for anyone to witness. The Northern Highland American Legion State Forest offers naturalist programs at the Crystal Lake Nature Center. Dates and times for these programs are listed at the Crystal Lake and Clear Lake Ranger Stations. Some of the upcoming programs for the month of July include “Wildlife Ecology of the Northwoods.”
DNR Northeastern Region
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - Anglers in Manitowoc County had a fair week of fishing. Improving weather and lake conditions made for an enjoyable week of fishing. In Manitowoc, boat anglers were landing some nice mixed catches consisting of chinook salmon, rainbow trout and coho salmon. Successful anglers were trolling in 90 to 170 feet of water running baits at various depths. Pier anglers were casting spoons from the north and south pier heads this past week with poor to fair success. A few chinook salmon and a couple brown trout were landed. In Two Rivers, catches from boat anglers trolling on Lake Michigan were comprised mostly of chinook salmon, but some anglers also landed a few rainbow trout, coho salmon and lake trout. Anglers were trolling in 80 to 150 feet of water. Anglers after rainbow trout were trolling in deeper water using high-lines with spoons.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Warm temperatures, you could even say hot by the end of the week, and bright sunny days made for a great week. The salmon action out on Lake Michigan appears too be warming up a little. The bank reef north of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal continued to be producing kings and lake trout. Up north a nice king that was caught off Ellison Bay. Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be fair to good throughout the county. Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats, along with the shoreline off Potawatomi State Park continue to produce smallmouth. Tube jigs, stick baits, grubs, and Katelands remain the baits of choice. Up north, Anderson’s dock in Ephraim, as well as Baileys Harbor, Rowley’s Bay, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay are produced a smallmouth. The daytime action for walleye continued to be good with some nice fish being taken from the area North of Chaudoir’s dock, by anglers trolling crawler harnesses in 8 to 30 feet of water. Crawler harnesses and stick baits seemed to be the baits of choice for daytime walleyes. At night the walleye action remained good with anglers trolling stick baits and jerks in 8 to 25 feet of water. Henderson Point, Sherwood Point, the Sturgeon Bay flats and Dunlap Reef, as well as the area around Fish Creek and Peninsula State park were all reportedly producing some fish. Two nice walleyes were caught from shore at the Old Stone Quarry county park on Tuesday evening. Northern pike are continuing to be taken along the channel in the area between the bridges in the Bay of Sturgeon Bay, as well as Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and Sawyer Harbor.
Potawatomi State Park – The park went from cool spring temperatures to warm summer weather in just a week. The park store is now open seven days a week through Labor Day weekend. Kayak, canoe and bike rentals are available through the store.
Kewaunee County - A week that brought some warmer temperatures to the area and not much rain until the weekend made for some more seasonable fishing days. Anglers have been reporting some success in the morning casting spoons for trout and salmon off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee. Anglers that have been going out on the lake have also been finding some success. Fish are being found out in the deeper waters off of Algoma and Kewaunee. Most fish are being found in depths between 100 feet and 150 feet. Some fish are being found in depths even deeper. Kings and steelhead have been the primary catches with a few cohos mixed in. Most anglers have been using a dipsies and flashers. Action out on the lake has been picking up as of late as the water temperatures are starting to increase. Surface water temperatures out on the lake are starting to break the 50 degree mark and are holding in the low 50s.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Algae blooms are starting to show in area lakes. This happens when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. You can expect to see algae blooms occur between mid-June and late September. Area anglers have reported good amounts of perch being caught on Little Green Lake. Watch out for turtles and young animals crossing the road this time of year. Although most turtles will stop moving when they feel or see an approaching vehicle, motorists are encouraged to do the following during nesting season: slow down near wetlands during June, stop and help the turtle cross the road if it’s safe to do so, turtles found crossing a road should be carefully moved to the side of the road in the direction they are facing, ; and if it happens to be a snapping turtle, use a stick for the turtle to bite and slowly pull the turtle across the roadway by its tail.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
This week wildlife staff will be doing aerial osprey nest assessments on the Lake Winnebago watershed. The nests will be checked for hatchlings to determine the success rate from nests that were recorded as occupied on an earlier spring flight. Often you will find ospreys and eagles use more than one nest and a roosting tree within a small area of habitat. Ospreys were changed from endangered status in Wisconsin in 1972 to threatened in 1989, and delisted in 2009. Lake Winnebago anglers braving the heat this week have been rewarded with bags of walleye and white bass while trolling. Bass and bluegill have also been found in shallow water and bays.
DNR Southeast Region
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails are in good condition. Deer, coyote, mink, owls, turkey, hawks, ducks, bluebirds, heron, and kingbirds are being seen. Golden alexander, false white indigo, wild geranium, and wild quinine are blooming.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore fishing has been slow, but trollers have been catching a mixed bag of chinooks, coho, rainbows, and lake trout in 70 to 150 feet of water. Most fish have been scattered throughout the water column and were taken on dodgers and flies or spoons.
Ozaukee County - Shore fishing has picked up somewhat in Port Washington, with browns taken near the power plant and a few perch caught off the pier on jigs. Trollers out of Port have reported chinooks, rainbows, lake trout, and coho taken in 240 to 350 feet of water. Most fish have been taken from the surface to 60 feet down, and both spoons and flasher & fly combinations have been productive.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee perch anglers have caught fish off McKinley pier on soft plastics. Boaters have also been catching perch at the boils, and both minnows and jigs have been productive. Trollers out of Milwaukee have been catching some coho. Most fish have been 20 to 40 feet down in water anywhere from 50 to 120 feet deep.
Racine County - Shore fishing in Racine has been slow for both perch anglers and trout and salmon anglers. Near shore waters are quite muddy after this weekend’s heavy rains. Trolling out of Racine has also been relatively slow since the storms, although a few coho have been taken in 45 to 60 feet of water.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore fishing remains slow, but trollers have been catching coho, along with occasional chinooks. Most fish have been caught in 65 to 100 feet of water, and coho have been hitting flashers and flies while chinooks have been hitting spoons.
DNR South Central Region
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - This time of year marks the peak of the nesting season for birds and recent sightings at Horicon Marsh indicate that both common birds and some uncommon ones are rearing young on the marsh. Black-necked stilts, a western sandpiper that is rare east of the Mississippi River, have again raised young at Horicon Marsh. This marks the third time that this species has been recorded successfully nesting in Wisconsin and all three occasions have occurred at Horicon Marsh. Also seen recently was a pair of trumpeter swans with young, which is the first brood of swans known for Horicon Marsh. It is sightings like this that are a thrill for birdwatchers and wildlife managers alike. White pelicans are being seen regularly on Horicon Marsh, but the spring high water has eliminated most nesting opportunities for this year. Horicon Marsh is also known as a good place for sighting wetland specialists such as black tern, Forster's tern, great egret, black-crowned night heron, American bittern, least bittern among many others. However, the warm summer weather forces many birds and mammals to seek shelter during the high mid-day temperatures, so plan to arrive early when wildlife is most active.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County – Blue-green algae blooms are being reported on the Madison area chain of lakes. People should avoid swimming or allowing pets to swim in areas with blue-green algae outbreaks.
Jefferson County - Catfish are biting well on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers. The best locations have been the lower dam in Watertown, the County Highway B bridge on the Rock River by Johnson Creek and the Highway 19 bridge by Hubbleton. Some bluegill in the 8-inch range have been caught on Rock Lake. The fish are beginning to suspend in deeper water with the warmer weather. Waxworms have been effective.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wild turkey broods are beginning to appear around the area. Young wild turkeys, called poults, are very vulnerable to predation for several weeks after hatching as they are incapable of flight and roost on the ground. When poults are about two weeks old, they gain the ability to fly up into trees to night roost, escaping from most nighttime predators such as fox, coyotes, raccoons, and owls. As summer progresses, several hens and their broods may join together to form gang broods. Watch for wild turkey broods in grassy fields, where the poults feed voraciously on insects. The young from second clutches of rabbits and squirrels are also venturing from their nests. Oftentimes rabbits and squirrels will give birth to two or three broods each year, with for to six young per brood. Early broods tend to number on the higher side of the range: later broods on the smaller side of the range. Both of these mammals are extremely productive species. Canada geese are also joining together in large groups, so people are likely to see either few or many geese. Most of the adult geese are now unable to fly since waterfowl molt all of their large wing feathers at the same time, unlike most birds. The adults will have limited flight ability for about three weeks.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The horse and hiking trails are in good condition. The Kickapoo River water levels are excellent for canoeing. Canoe rentals are available nearby in the Village of Ontario.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Species of birds seen or heard include: belted kingfishers, loons, red winged blackbirds, bufflehead and mallard ducks ,bald eagles, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, sandhill cranes, bluebirds, Canada geese, great blue herons, robins and blue jays. Canada geese goslings are quite numerous this year and are growing quickly. Dragonflies, damselflies, and fireflies are in abundance. The painted and snapping turtles have been crossing roads in the area and digging nests throughout the park property. Blue flag, dog violet, orange hawkweed, wild columbine, ox eye daisy, wooly yarrow, grove sandwort, blackberry and raspberry vines, and common and wood strawberry are in bloom. The wood strawberries are beginning to produce fruit. The park trails are in very good condition. Hikers have many great opportunities within the park. Whether it’s using the island’s trail system, exploring the wilder areas of the park, or a brisk walk on the park road, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Fishing has been good within the Reserve and area lakes, even with lake levels that are down. Panfish including crappies and bluegills of varying size and largemouth bass have been caught. Dragonflies of many varieties will fly alongside you, swooping in to catch their fill of mosquitoes and deer flies. The native plant rain garden installed two years ago is doing very well with sweet flag iris, Ohio spiderwort, prairie smoke, and porcupine sedge now in bloom. Ask for your free guide to installing rain gardens. Along the trail, bracken and maidenhead ferns are tall and lush. Birds seen on June 20 include grasshopper, song, chipping, and field sparrows, bobolink, indigo buntings, wood pewee, American redstart and red eyed vireo. On a more confusing note, the warblers spotted include; chestnut-sided, mourning, yellow, and common yellowthroat. A family of six otters have been seen numerous times as they travel from lake to lake. The shady hiking trails that traverse the Chippewa Moraine offer a relaxing scenic and cool walk, especially in early mornings. Bugs can be bad so wear a long sleeve shirt, hat, and bring bug repellant. There are 3 loop trails that vary from .75 to 4.5 miles or you can take a linear trail to the east, ending just outside of Brunet Island State Park in Cornell. Fawns and bear cubs are often seen within the Reserve. Please respect all animals and never “kidnap” young that appear to be left by their parents. Generally they are within very close range and are waiting for you to move along. As your drive along roads within the Reserve be mindful of the many snapping turtles and painted turtles are laying their eggs along roadsides, Unfortunately, most of these eggs will be eaten by skunks, raccoons, and crows, long before they have a chance to hatch. Three outpost campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites are scenic, private, and located on a small body of water. Register first at the interpretive center. Please be aware of fire conditions. No fireworks are allowed anywhere on park property.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The two beaches and picnic areas have been busy with people swimming and enjoying the warm weather (the mosquitoes have not been bad at the beach). The accessible fishing pier is located by the north shelter. Applications for the 2009 Youth Deer Hunt are available now from the park or online. New park maps are available at the park office showing the new addition and new park newspapers have arrived. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting at the park and many visitors have been enjoying them. Kids will want to check out the stocked kids fishing pond across from the park entrance (park along County Highway G and hike in). Ticks are out and new mosquitoes have hatched with the warmer weather and rain so they are still bad. Remember to use bug spray and do a tick check after hiking.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground has had many sites open on the weekends. The weather is perfect for taking photos for the annual photo contest and hiking the trails. The picnic shelter by the mound/kiosk is reservable and has volleyball net and horseshoe pits. Some fawns have been spotted in the park. Remember to leave young animals alone - the mothers are usually close by.
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, June 26, 2009
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Junior Forest Explorers: Insect Investigations. Join us as we investigate some of the phenomenal diversity of the largest class of animals on our planet - insects. This program is based on the activities found in the new Wisconsin Explorers booklets. This fun-filled program is for all 6- to 12-year-olds. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Walk The Park's Woodlands. Hike the Woodlands Dunes Trail with Drew Morris. Learn about tree identity, age of trees and other interesting facts. Family hike. No pets allowed. Free Programs. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at trailhead near the playground. 10 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976, Kayak Tour (tentative): Paddle Peninsula's incredible coast, learning about geology and history. Must pre-register at Nature Center (920) 854-5976. Children under age 16 must be in a kayak with an adult. $15 plus tax rental payable at Nicolet Boat Rental, with $4 donation going to park education. 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Mrs. MacReady! Nature Center. Animal stories and songs with a special Peninsula visitor (a.k.a. Renny Lea). 10 - 11 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Forest Invaders. Join DNR entomologist (someone who studies insects) Bill McNee as he talks about invasive insects that threaten Wisconsin's forests. The Emerald Ash Borer will be the focus of this presentation. Learn what you can do to protect our trees! Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Feathery Mystery. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Each week focuses on a different theme. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
• Saturday, June 27, 2009
• Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 264-8994 - Universe in the Park. Join the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky. A chance to look through their telescopes will follow a slide show. This event is free, but a state park admission sticker is required. 8:45 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Naturalist Knapsack. A show and touch talk for all ages about some of the park’s animals. Hellestad House. 10-19:30 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Amazing Forest Mammals. What do humans have in common with bears, bats, raccoons and mice? They're all mammals! Find out what characteristics mammals share and how they are adapted for survival. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Learn to Kayak. This is the perfect program for people who have never kayaked and would like to learn. Join Jen Sazasma, an American Canoe Association instructor, to learn the tricks and fun of kayaking. We will kayak around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. Call by June 25 to register. Class limit is eight people without equipment for each session. No experience is necessary. The program is best for people over the age of 10 years. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 1-3 p.m. Drop In at the Beach: Alien Attack. We're being invaded not by outer space aliens but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will may make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time 1-4 p.m. Family Concert with Tom Pease. Tom Pease is a one-of-a-kind performer for all ages. He is sure to get your toes tapping, your mouth singing and your funny bone laughing. This is an outdoor concert, so remember to bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter, or in case of inclement weather, t the Ice Age Visitor Center, a half mile west of Dundee off State Highway 67. 7-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or (262)594-6220 - Universe in the Park. Spend an evening with the stars! UW-Madison Astronomy Dept will present a slide show, discussion, and question and answer session on new astronomical discoveries and current events in the field. Weather permitting, telescopes will be set up for viewing the celestial bodies passing over the forest that night. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Walk The Park's Woodlands. Hike the Woodlands Dunes Trail with Drew Morris. Learn about tree identity, age of trees and other interesting facts. Family hike. No pets allowed. Free Programs. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at trailhead near the playground. 10 a.m. Wisconsin's Frogs - Sunset Serenade. Each spring Wisconsin's frogs and toads announce their presence with a musical choir. Learn about these amphibians without tails and the songs they sing. Of the 12 species in Wisconsin, nine live in Sheboygan County. Janet Raddatz will share her knowledge of these special creatures. A great family program. The program is free but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976., Pocket Poles: Nature Center. Learn about fish then decorate a wooden pocket pole to take home. $1 donation/pole. 10 - 11 a.m. Bug Boxes at the Beach: Drop by our table at Nicolet Beach playground to create your own bug box. $3 donation/box. 1 - 2 p.m. Eagle Trail at Sundown: Meet at Eagle Tower. Hike Peninsula's most spectacular trail as the last hours of daylight fall across the bay. Two miles. Difficult. 6 - 8 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Mucky Bugs. Grab your old shoes and get ready to search the muck for creepers and crawlers! We'll scoop the waters of Sawyer Harbor and search for what lurks beneath the bottom of the bay. You may get muddy, so old shoes are recommended. Boat Landing. 4 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Scales and Slime. Wear old shoes to stomp in the swamp in search of reptiles and amphibians. Be prepared to drive. Visitor Center. 11 a.m. - noon. Evening Observations. Visit the wetland and see what changes are happening as the water drains. Listen and look for birds and animals. A drop-in program. Observation Platform. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Bird Caws. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Each week focuses on a different theme. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
• Sunday, June 28, 2009
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo (608) 356-8301 - Concert in the Park. The Madison Brass Band will perform in the north shore picnic area, just east of the Chateau. Bring a lawn chair or blankets. In case of rain, the concert will be held inside the Chateau. Sponsored by the Friends of Devil's Lake State Park. The concert is free, but vehicles must have a valid vehicle admission sticker. 6 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Laurel Geyer Painting Demonstration. 10 a.m.
• La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, (800) 540-8434 - Prairie Walk. Join volunteer naturalist/columnist Bob Lee for a leisurely walk on the trail to discover and learn about native wildflowers and grasses on this abandoned railroad prairie remnant. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Meet in Rockland at the trail crossing on Commercial St. 1:30 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976, Finding Ferns: Meet at the Nature Center. We'll learn about common ferns in the park and then take a hike to find them where they grow. 9 - 9:30 a.m. Oh Deer! Drop by the Nature Center any time between 10 a.m. and 12 Noon to embark on a deer clue scavenger hunt. Then, make your own cork deer to take home! Beach Clean-up: Meet at Nicolet Beach playground. Pick up 50 pieces of litter and earn a prize. 6 p.m. Sunsets 'n Watercolors: Welcker's Point. Come watch the sunset, learn how it gets its color, and create your own sunset watercolor painting. 8:15 - 8:45 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Butterfly Brunch. Find out where you can see Potawatomi's Butterfly Tree, discover how you can help butterflies find food in your own backyard and taste a few treats that butterflies help us enjoy. You'll even get to make your own butterfly bath. Includes a craft. Meet at the Nature Center. 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, June 30, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Junior Rangers: Amazing Ants. They're small, six-legged visitors at our summer picnics! Find out about the lives of ants. This program is for primary age children, ages 6-8, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required. Preschool Storytime: Amazing Ants. They're small, six-legged visitors at our summer picnics! Find out about the lives of ants. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976, Morning at Weborg Point: Meet at Weborg Shelter. Summer shore flowers, water birds and fossils featured on an easy walk. Park in the day use lot next to the campground. 8 - 9 a.m. Animal Olympics: Nature Center. Test your skills against the animals - speed, hopping and more. Trophies for winners. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Naturalist at the Beach: The park naturalist will be roving Nicolet Beach, ready to answer your questions about Horseshoe Island, gulls, cladophora and more! 1 - 2 p.m.
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/
