WDNR Outdoor Report as of June 19, 2008
While southern Wisconsin is beginning to recover from last week’s floods, many river systems in the south remain at or above flood stage. Rivers are out of their banks, continue to have high flows and some treacherous areas, contain a lot of floating debris and possibly bacteria and other hazardous materials. Boaters should continue to refrain from using rivers until they recede to more normal levels. Many counties throughout southern Wisconsin continue to have emergency slow-no-wake rules in place on lakes and rivers. Boaters are urged to abide by these rules, as creating wakes can create waves capable of further damaging flooded shorelines. Water levels on most lakes and flowages across the Northwoods are near normal to a couple inches high. River and stream flows are running high but none are really considered to be at flood stage.
Devil’s Lake and Wildcat Mountain state parks remain closed, the campground at Rocky Arbor State Park is scheduled to partially reopen this weekend, the Elroy-Sparta and 400 state trails are closed and a section of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail remains closed, but most other state park, forest, trail and recreation area facilities are open. Check the state park current conditions Web page or call park offices directly for the latest information.
The high water, combined with windy and variable weather conditions in the past week and have made for some tough fishing, though success has been pretty good. In the north, mayfly hatches have been strong, making for some real inconsistent success on walleye. Walleye key in on this big source of natural food at this time of year. Musky success continues to be very good, with anglers reporting quite a few catches and some multiple fish days. Panfish have once again been the highlight of the week, with some good catches of bluegill and crappie being reported. Warmer water temperatures have pushed the bluegill up onto their spawning beds. Bass action during the early catch and release season has been very good. The bass season opens to harvest in the northern zone this Saturday, June 21, but most bass anglers will continue to practice catch and release. Look for bass to finish up their spawning activity within the next week. Few anglers were fishing in the south because of the high water levels. For those who were, fishing action was actually fairly good despite the high water and cloudy water conditions. Largemouth bass and northern pike were reported as being active and panfish action has been moderate.
On the Fox River of Green Bay, the walleye and musky bite has slowed down. Due to the heavy rains and high water of the Fox River, the river is quite dirty. Many boat anglers have shifted to fishing in the bay. Walleye were moving to deeper water, 10 to 15 feet. The yellow perch bite is picking up. Some anglers have been able to catch their limit on multiple occasions. The bay water temperature is in the upper 60s. Lake Michigan anglers had a fair week of fishing despite less than favorable weather conditions. Anglers were trolling in 100 to 150 feet of water and picking up a mixed bag of fish landing chinook salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, a couple coho salmon and a few brown trout. Shore fishing has been generally slow except for occasional chinooks hitting alewives.
The Mississippi River is about 3 feet above normal above La Crosse.. Abundant floating debris, including whole trees, is moving downstream. Currents are also very fast in some areas.
Preliminary figures show that hunters set yet another spring turkey harvest record, registering more than 52,000 turkeys during Wisconsin’s 2008 spring wild turkey season, a 3 percent increase from 2007.
The first turkey poults are being seen. It is still too early to say what impact the flooding will have on turkey reproduction this spring. Sandhill cranes with young have also been seen cruising the wetlands and agricultural areas. An abundant crop of cotton-tailed rabbit babies is being seen, along with the associated nuisance problems. Snapping turtles are crossing the roads throughout the county to lay eggs and many have been observed dead on the highways. Snapping turtles can live a very long time and can reach ages around 100 years old, so the next time you see a turtle on the road please try to avoid it to protect the populations of these very old creatures.
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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
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Windy, wet and variable have been the main words to describe the weather for the past week and this has made for some tough fishing conditions, though success has been pretty good. Water levels on most lakes and flowages across the Northwoods are near normal to a couple inches high. River and stream flows are running high but none are really considered to be at flood stage. The wet conditions have brought on the biting insects in force, with large batches of mosquitoes and no-see-ums (and deer flies set to make their appearance by this weekend). The mayfly hatches have also started in earnest and this has made for some real inconsistent success on walleye. With the walleye keying on this big source of natural food at this time of year, they have been ignoring most of the jig and minnow baits, and crawlers/leeches have provided some limited action. Musky success continues to be very good, with anglers reporting quite a few catches and some multiple fish days. Smaller bucktails and jerk baits have been the most productive and some decent catches have been also been made with live suckers. Panfish have once again been the highlight of the week, with some good catches of bluegill and crappie being reported. Warmer water temperatures have pushed the bluegill up onto their spawning beds and many catches have been made using worms and small twister tails. Crappie have still been found along the shallow weed edges, with small minnows fished just below a bobber producing some good success right before dark. Fly fishers have also been having good success on panfish, with mayfly imitations being the best pattern. Bass action during the early catch and release season has been very good, with most of the catches being of small to medium-size fish. Look for bass to finish up their spawning activity within the next week, and then success on larger fish will began to improve.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Menominee River has been producing good numbers of walleye. Trolling with stick baits and using Lindy rigs or slip bobbers and leeches have been best bets. Good numbers of catfish, sheepshead, and a few small perch were also being caught fishing a tight line on the bottom with crawlers. Musky fishing has tapered off somewhat due to increased water flows from the dam. The Peshtigo River is seeing an influx of young people now that school is out. Some trout are being caught on spinners and fly's while garden tackle is producing some blue gills and rock bass in the slack water. The bite is back on for catfish at the Peshtigo Harbor area fishing crawlers on the bottom. Trout streams are seeing reduced pressure at road crossings and water levels remain steady. Cooler temps have slowed the mosquito hatch but continued showers will extend the season. Blackberry bushes have been in bloom with many blossoms and strawberries are ripening. Aquilegia, daisy, hawkeye and paintbrush skirt the woodland ditches along country back roads. Sandhill crane with young are cruising the wetlands and agricultural areas. Turkey poults are out and about and bear observations are frequent.
Oconto County - The water temperatures at Oconto Park II and the Breakwater Harbor is 70 degrees. With the brisk winds few boats ventured out in the bay. Those anglers applying their trade along the pier have been catching a mixed bag of panfish, sheepshead, and smallmouth bass, using live bait as well as casting spinners, spoons, and stick baits. The Stiles Dam has been producing some bluegills along with some nice brown trout. The panfish were being caught on live bait (crawlers) while the browns were biting on minnows being free floated in current seams, small spinners, and a variety of flies, both surface and sub surface. Many inland lakes have good bass populations with nice sized bluegill and crappies.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - On the Fox River of Green Bay, shore anglers have been catching numerous rough fish. Boat anglers were finding the walleye and musky bite slowing down. Due to the heavy rains and high water of the Fox River, the river is quite dirty. Many boat anglers have shifted to fishing in the bay. The walleye bite from the west shore of the bay has slowed significantly over the last week. The east shore walleye bite is slow, but many anglers have been catching their limit. Many walleye caught were under the size limit. Crawler harnesses, of any color, produce results. Walleye seem to be moving to deeper water, 10 to 15 feet. The yellow perch bite is picking up, especially north of Bayshore Park. Some anglers have been able to catch their limit on multiple occasions. Both minnows and worms are catching perch; some anglers have even caught a few perch on jigs. Perch seem to be biting at 25 to 30 feet. Finding the perch seems to be the key. The bay water temperature is in the upper 60s. In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, all bites were slower. Nearly all targeted species (e.g. smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike) were being caught, but the numbers have been lower than in the past week. Finding the fishes is the key. Incidental rock bass bite has shown the largest numbers. Water temperature is in the upper 50s.
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc anglers had a fair week of fishing despite less than favorable weather conditions. Nice lake conditions on Saturday morning allowed anglers to land some nice catches. Anglers that were trolling in 100 to 150 feet of water, picked up a real mixed bag of fish landing chinook salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, a couple coho salmon and a few brown trout. The largest fish were a 16 pound chinook salmon, a 6 pound rainbow trout, a 11.5 pound lake trout, a 3 pound coho salmon and a 10.5 pound brown trout. Anglers fishing the Manitowoc piers had a slow week for chinook salmon. Most anglers were casting spoons. In Two Rivers anglers also had a fair week of fishing. Boat anglers had some success throughout the week landing a mix of chinook salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout. Boat anglers were trolling in anywhere from 80 to 170 feet of water with spoons. Pier anglers had a slow week of fishing while contending with dirty and debris filled water brought down river after heavy rain. Inside the harbor on Wednesday, one lucky perch angler caught a nice perch with minnows just off the bottom.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park - Peninsula was spared Mother Nature's fury. Rains have been moderate and all park facilities are open and in good condition. Some trees are down due to late week winds, but crews have cleaned things up. All trails are open and in very good condition. Standing water remains on one section of the mountain bike trail system. The Sunset Bike Trail is dry and in very good condition. Wildflowers sightings are changing daily. Yellow lady slippers are at their peak! All campgrounds are open. Peninsula State Park golf course is open, with tee times generally available. Visit the Golf Course website at
www.peninsulagolf.org or call 920-854-5791. American Folklore Theatre’s (AFT) summer season starts in mid June. For a schedule visit [www.folkloretheatre.com]. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is open for tours seven days per week. For a schedule visit [www.EagleBluffLighthouse.org].
Kewaunee County - Colder water temperatures have continued to keep a fair number of anglers off of Lake Michigan this past week. There were some reports of salmon catches in the 150-200 feet depth range and anglers were fishing 100-120 feet down from the surface. Other schools of salmon and trout are most likely deeper right now, in perhaps 300-400 feet. Water temperatures are just getting into the low 50s around Algoma and south to Kewaunee. A streak of warm weather will bring up water temperatures closer to optimal conditions as summer approaches.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit - Hiking trails between Powder Hill Road and County CC are posted closed because of high water. All other trails are open but muddy. All campsites are open and are drying out. The KMSF-Pike Lake Unit beach sand area is under water but otherwise open for swimming. A slow no wake order is in effect for boaters on Pike Lake. Picnic areas are saturated and muddy. The men's beach house rest room facility is currently closed for repairs. Alternative bathroom facilities are available at the beach area. Powder Hill Road, which is a southern entrance to the forest, is closed because of high water. Use Kettle Moraine Road from Highway 60 to access the forest.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. All campsites are open. The tree swallow chicks in the nest box at the park office are getting ready to fledge. Visitors can view the activities on the television located in the office conference room. The Wisconsin Great Lakes Beach testing conditions can be viewed at
http://www.wibeaches.us/traverse/f?p=BEACH:HOME:17041187235832071976Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore fishing has been generally slow except for occasional chinooks hitting alewives off the south pier. Trollers have been catching a mixed bag of chinooks, coho, lake trout, and rainbows on various flies. Fish have been scattered from 100 to 180 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - Port Washington trollers have been catching chinooks, rainbows, coho, and lake trout 40 to 60 feet down anywhere in 100 to 200 feet of water. Blue and green flies and spoons have been productive.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore fishing has been slow. Milwaukee trollers have been catching chinooks, coho, and lake trout in 70 to 90 feet of water. Purple, blue, and black flies have been producing. Boaters fishing for perch at the South Metro boils have been catching decent numbers of fish.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has been slow, and trollers have had to search for fish as well. There are pockets of muddy water out to 200 feet, but most fish have been found scattered in 50 to 150 feet of water. Chinooks, coho, and a few lake trout have been hitting purple or green spoons as well as white or green dodgers or flashers with blue or green flies.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore fishing has also been slow. Trollers off Kenosha have been finding scattered coho and a few chinooks, with the majority of action in 40 to 100 feet of water. Spoons and dodger and fly combinations have been producing the best.
Inland fisheries team report
Most area lakes have a "Slow-No-Wake" restriction in force at this time due to high water. Even lakes without the rule in effect should be navigated carefully to avoid shoreline erosion and the loss of docks or boats. Fishing action has actually been fairly good despite the high water and cloudy water conditions. Largemouth bass and northern pike were reported as being active on several area lakes. Panfish action has been moderate. Few people were out trying to find fish because of the low expectations they had following the flooding. Carp bow-fishing has been great at many locations. The carp spawn may be more successful this year than in most past years due to the flooded conditions. Carp often spawn in flooded vegetation and this seems to be the ideal year for spawning success. If the water levels drop quickly, it would expose the carp eggs to air and kill them. Area trout streams are high and still fairly muddy at this time but, conditions are improving and should be good over the coming week. The stained water color can actually benefit trout anglers compared to the usual crystal clear water.
DNR South Central Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area -Water levels in Horicon Marsh came up rapidly at the beginning of this week as flood waters moved downstream into the marsh. In many places, water is up to and even over some of the dikes. The biggest impact to wildlife is through flooding of nests of the many marsh birds that build their nests close to the water line. Bitterns, terns, rails, coots, grebes, redhead and ruddy ducks, pelicans and others were likely washed out as they were in the midst of nesting when the rains hit and rising water inundated their nests. Many of these birds will likely nest again for the year, but they often times are not as successful and don't raise as large a family, since there is little time to build up necessary body reserves for egg production. However, since many of these birds remain well hidden in the interior of our marshes, the true impact will be difficult to assess. Canoeing on Horicon Marsh and other surrounding waters is not recommended due to the high water, strong currents and debris that has been washed into the water ways creating serious hazards.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Glacial Drumlin State Trail – The west section of the trail is closed. The section which is closed has bridges going over the Crawfish and Rock rivers. The water is extremely high and has large debris pounding on the bridge support structures. At this time we feel it is not safe for use. Once an engineer has inspected and approves the reopening of the trail, all will be notified of the opening.
Dane County
Governor Nelson State Park - All trails are open for hiking, but some of the lowland trails have standing water. Boat landing piers have been removed until the lake level recedes. Boat landing restrooms and fish cleaning table remain open. There is a slow-no-wake ordinance in place on Lake Mendota and other Madison area lakes. The beach and pet swim area are closed by order of Dane County Health Department. When building sand castle on the beach please use caution when walking due to erosion. All visible washout areas have been repaired but the underwater erosion remains from the storms.
Lake Kegonsa State Park- As results of recent heavy rain, all fishing, pet, and boat launch piers have been removed. Dane County has issued a "slow-no-wake" order for Lake Kegonsa. The marsh boardwalk is closed. Lakeshore trail is closed. The campground open and in good condition, just wet. The beach is open, but the water level is a lot higher than normal. Please use caution.
Jefferson County - High waters in Dodge and Jefferson counties have slowed fishing activity dramatically on the rivers. The lakes and rivers in Jefferson County are slow-no-wake due to flood conditions on the rivers and high waters on the lakes. More deer are being seen lately having gotten pushed out of the river bottom due to the flood. The bridges over the Rock and Crawfish Rivers on the Glacial Drumlin Trail are temporarily closed to walkers and hikers due to the extremely high waters. Snapping turtles are crossing the roads throughout the county to lay eggs and many have been observed dead on the highways. Motorists are urged to avoid hitting the animals.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - As of June 19, the Willow River and Little Falls Lake were the color of chocolate milk and will remain so for a while. Maybe by the weekend the clearing will be in progress. Anglers fishing below the dam need to be aware that when the gate is opened, the water rises quickly. In spite of poor water color, anglers continue to give it a try above the dam in the lake. In a park we normally sell as “not buggy,” the deer flies are becoming a presence. For the moment, all trails are clear of down trees except some of the ski loops which are not mowed. There is a Full Moon hike and birds presentation at the Nature Center Saturday, June 21, beginning in the classroom at 7 p.m. Regular vehicle admission rates apply but the event is free.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wisconsin has 11 different turtle species and most species breed and nest soon after emerging from wintering areas. All turtles lay eggs and many turtles are now laying eggs in self excavated nest. Some turtles such as painted and map turtles may nest twice in a year while others only nest once. Incubation is typically 60 to 90 days and some late nest may not hatch until the following spring. Young turtles that hatch and eggs that do not hatch in fall will overwinter using a Glycol like antifreeze to keep them from freezing and hatch and emerge in spring. If the winter is dry and cold significant mortality can occur on turtles. One of the mortality factors with turtles is being ran over by vehicles which could have impacts on turtle populations. Snapping turtles can live a very long time and can reach ages around 100 years old, so the next time you see a turtle on the road it is probably going to or coming from a nesting site and should be avoided with vehicles to not impact the populations of these very old and ancient animals. The public is reporting many deer fawn observations throughout the area. Fawns do not typically travel with does for the first several weeks of their lives. Does are very protective of their fawns and tend to be intolerant of other adult does during the majority of the summer. By autumn, does become less protective of their fawns and will associate with offspring of the previous year and other family groups. The public is also reporting an abundance of cotton-tailed rabbits and their associated nuisance problems. People boating on the Mississippi River should be especially careful. Abundant floating debris, including whole trees, is moving downstream. Currents are also very fast in some areas. Most wetland wildlife is using flooded backwaters and floodplain marshes and forest. A new food source is available in many places.
Merrick State Park - The Mississippi is about 3 feet above normal and expected to crest later this week. Fishing has been very slow. The south campground is open, but some sites are underwater and closed but it is very minor. Additional wildflowers blooming include indigo, larkspur, spurge, coreopsis, four-o-clock and wild sage.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - We would like to remind everyone that when you observe or come across young birds or animals, do not touch them and please leave them as they are. Their parents are very likely to be close by, and are quietly waiting for you to move on. Generally, they will wait until you leave the immediate area before attending to their young. Species of birds seen or heard include: rose-breasted grosbeaks, belted kingfishers, ruby throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, a variety of wrens, red polls, bluebirds, lake gulls, golden finches, mallard ducks, common loons, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. Fishing in the area has been productive even with all of the rainy weather. Pan fish spawning activity has been sporadic with the swings in temperatures we have been experiencing. The great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey and bald eagles are on their nests. The fireflies and a variety of dragonflies and damselflies are out in abundance. Blue flag, marsh marigolds, dog violet, wild columbine, bellworts, false rue anemones, 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. Park trails are generally dry and in very good condition. The picnic area flush toilet building and the camper dump station are open for the summer season.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Trails and campsites are dry. Lake levels are normal. Mosquitoes are still abundant so remember to bring bug spray. Lake breezes kept them away at times at campsites. Visitors have been enjoying the picnic areas and beaches. Most campsites are reservable and fill up fast for the weekend. There are three non-reservable, first-come sites at the park. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application. The 2008 application is also available on the park website through the DNR internet site. Deadline is on July 15th!
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Campsites and trails are dry. There are many quiet sites available during the week. There are some mosquitoes so remember your bug spray. Trails are in great condition for hiking. If the office is closed, please self-register in the parking lot. If you self-register for an annual sticker, it will be mailed to you.
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, June 19 - Saturday, June 21, 2008
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Mammals, Friday - Archeology, Saturday - Mammals. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p. m.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Great Lakes Sport Fishing. Hear a member of the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen speak on salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The presentation will include the history of salmon fishing, information on the five species in Lake Michigan and a display of tackle and gear used for this sport. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Friday, June 20, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Friday Folk Jamboree: David HB Drake. Listen to a local folk musician. Beach picnic shelter. 7-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Home Sweet Home. Did you ever wonder what lives underground, in the grass,or in a tree? We'll discover where the animals of the Kettle Moraine call home. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Venture Into the Night Hike: Nighttime Insects. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your insect repellent and sense of adventure. Meet at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 8:30-10:15 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Bats of Wisconsin. Wildlife rehabillitator Sue Saari will talk about bats. Learn what a bat detector is and how it is used. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Wonderful Wetlands. Wetlands are wonderful habitats filled with unusual creatures. Take a dip into our inside "pond," learn to do some cattail weaving, play in our giant indoor wetland, and much more. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. Environmental Awareness Center.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Beware! Alien Invaders. Garlic mustard, buckthorn, gypsy moths and house sparrows are a few of the non-native plants and animals invading the Kettle Moraine. Through fun-filled activities, we will learn why these aliens are unwelcome, how to prevent their spread and how to control them. 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. Drop In the Beach: Wings of Colorful Scales. On wings of colorful scales, butterflies flutter through the daylight while moths float through the night. You will be amazed at the lives these incredible insects lead. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. 1-4 p.m. Searching for Hidden Treasures: Geocaching. The global positioning system (GPS) has revolutionized how to find directions and locate specific sites. Learn from the Wisconsin Geocaching Association experts how to use a hand-held GPS device and compass, and how to read a topographic map. Then we will be off in search of hidden treasures at selected geocache locations. This program is best for adults and children over the age of 10 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6:30-8:45 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Join park volunteers for an outdoor cooking demonstration using recipes from the park cookbook Cooking with Friends. This will be a great opportunity to pick up some tips and gather ides for your next camping trip or cookout. Amphitheater. Noon - 1:30 p.m. Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hike with John Johnston to search for these unique and interesting plants found at Kohler-Andrae and learn about their uses. Wear comfortable shoes. Closed gate west of camp host site. 2-3 p.m. Solar System Walk. Join Solar System Ambassador Kevin Koski on a hike of our solar system. Learn fun and fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system and find out why Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Please wear comfortable shoes for the hike on the beach. Hike is best for those age 8 and up. Sanderling Nature Center. 2:30 p.m.
• Military Ridge State Trail, Riley, (608) 437-7393 - Eco-Tour. Sponsored by the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail . Take a nature hike on the Military Ridge State Trail led by Meg Skinner. The hike begins at the Riley trailhead and will focus on the geological, cultural, and natural history of Aldo Leopold’s Game Cooperative. 10 - 11 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Chainsaw Carving Demonstration. Chainsaw carver Dennis Nellis will demonstrate his art. Come see him in the act and discover what he creates from an ordinary block of wood. Meet at the Potawatomi Nature Center. 1 p.m. Contra Dance. Come learn how to Contra Dance. This folk dance is similar to line dancing mixed with square dancing. No experience is necessary and all dances are taught. Great live music! Sponsored by the Sugar on the Floor Barn Dance Society and the Friends of Potawatomi State Park. Meet at the picnic area near the shelter building. 6 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Concert in the Clouds. This concert series is sponsored by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park . Peter Mulvey will be performing at the Rib Mountain Amphitheater. Admission to the concert is free, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. 6 - 8 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (608) 756-1599 - Volksmarch. Six- and 10-kilometer walks through prairie and woodland, past wetlands and around Wolf Lake. Walks are free or $3 for Volkssport credit. Sponsored by Dairyland Walkers. Start near the Molinaro visitor center between 8 a.m. and noon and finish by 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Wings of Colorful Scales. On wings of colorful scales, butterflies flutter through the daylight while moths float through the night. You will be amazed at the lives these incredible insects lead. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.
• La Crosse River State Trail, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Always on a Sunday: Prairie Walk. Here's your chance to learn about native wildflowers and grasses on this remnant of railroad prairie. A leisurely walk on level terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat to block the sun. Enjoy the afternoon along the trail with local columnist and naturalist, Bob Lee! . See prairie June grass, porcupine grass, penstemons, yarrow, tall meadow-rue, goat’s rue, thimbleweed, and coreopsis. Meet at the trail crossing on Commercial St. (County Highway J) in Rockland. 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Kayak Connection. Join the Lakeshore Sea Kayakers to learn about the basics of kayaking, including equipment, gear, safety and destinations. Time for questions as well. Bathhouse. 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Young People's Wildlife Poetry Workshop. Young people in grades 1-8 wishing to sharpen their wildlife observation skills, hear wildlife poetry and try their hand at writing wildlife/plantlife poetry are invited to take part in Gerald Bertsch's workshop. Half hour program with majority of time devoted to each young person creating his or her own "memory moment" set to the music of poetry. Young people must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 3-3:30 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/
