UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS,
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, July 18, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Friday Folk Jamboree: Erin O'Brien. Listen to a local folk musician. Beach picnic shelter. 7-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Venture Into the Night Hike: Night Sounds. 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 Long Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 8:30-10 p.m. Nature Storytime: Fluffy, Puffy Clouds. Lie back and watch the clouds float by. Come learn how these fluffy, puffy clouds are formed and what may fall from them. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Park Ecology. DNR Ecologist, Joe Henry, will be here to talk about the relationship between all living things in the park, and how these organisms live in balance. What happens when things are not in balance? Come find out. Meet at the base of the Observation Tower. 10 a.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Universe in the Park. Meet at the Nature Center. View a program inside and then look through the telescopes outside. The event is free but regular vehicle admission rates apply. 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Summer Candlelight Hike. Hike the 1.4-mile nature trail, lit by the moon and tiki torches. Naturalist program, " Night Noises - Midnight Music for the Brave at Heart!" by Chris Lilek at 8 p.m. at amphitheater. Refreshments and campfire at the amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Buckhorn State Park. South shelter parking lot and amphitheater. 8-10:30 p.m.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 - Paddling Adventure. This nature program takes place at the Connors Lake Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 -One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Nature Printing. The flowers are blooming, the leaves are green – what a perfect time of the year to do some nature printing. Drop in to make leaf prints, make a flower press, tie-dye a T-shirt (Bring your own T-shirt.) with natural dyes, and much more. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Universe in the Park. Learn about the latest discoveries and puzzles about our universe combined with a hands-on stargazing session (weather permitting). The program will be presented rain or shine Ice Age Center. 9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Fishing Fun. Experienced anglers will share their knowledge on how to bait a hook, cast a line and reel in fish. If you're lucky, you may even learn to clean the fish you catch. Bring your fishing gear, if you have some. A limited number of rods and reels will be available and bait is provided. People over the age of 16 will need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Birds of a Feather. Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. 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. 1-4 p.m. Gray Wolves: The True Story. Wisconsin has been a historic home for gray wolves. With Jerry Sanders, delve into the amazing lives of these incredible animals lead. We also learn how they are recovering after being extirpated from the state and what the next steps will be in sustaining a healthy population of gray wolves in the Great Lakes region. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 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. Come hike with John Johnston to search for the wild edible and medicinal plants found at Kohler-Andrae. John will share tips on using these unique and interesting plants. Wear comfortable shoes for the 1-hour hike. The program is free but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet in the campground at the closed gate east of the camp host site. 2 p.m. Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January of 2007 Tom Brown started on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Join him for an evening of fun as he talks about the experience of long distance hiking. He will show slides and display equipment needed for his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 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 - Geocaching. Learn the basics of geocaching at Potawatomi State Park. This two-hour program will begin with an introduction to geocaching followed by hands-on experience locating temporary caches. GPS units will be provided. This is a program for all ages and parents are encouraged to join their children. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.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 . The Wausau Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble 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, (262) 878-5600 - Treasure Pouches. Kids of all ages, make your own unique leather treasure pouch to take home and fill. There is a $3 material fee at the door. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Butterfly Neighbors. Capture, identify and release some winged jewels. Learn which butterflies call the park home. Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Kids' Fishing Contest. Kids, try to catch a big bass or crappie for some awesome prizes. Fee $1 per child. 9 a.m. - noon. Full Moon Hike. Meet at the Nature Center to learn about birds (held in the classroom) then go out on the hike afterward. The event is free with an annual or daily admission sticker on your vehicle. 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Birds of a Feather. Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. 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. Noon - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-2420 - Sunsets, Yoga, and Paddling. Wendy Yanke of Indigo Yoga to teach you two of our favorite things at our favorite time of the day! We'll have plenty of insect repellent and incense burning to help you achieve a bug-free Zen. And when we're done you'll see why the sunsets at Big Foot Beach State Park have been rated the best in the state! Fee $30 per class or $100 for four-week session. Please call to preregister. Yoga 6-7 p.m., instructional sunset paddle 6-7:30 p.m.
• 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, July 23, 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 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 24 - Friday, July 25, 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 - Forest Fire, Friday - Invasive Insects. 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, July 24, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Outdoor Adventure: An Ice Age Sunset. We will hike to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to catch a beautiful Ice Age Sunset. Along the way we will explore the surrounding woods and learn of the area's glacial legacy. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Parnell Tower Parking Lot. 6:30-8 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - 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 p.m.
