Complete WDNR Outdoor Report June 11, 2009Some unseasonably cool temperatures and wet weather has slowed outdoor recreational activity in Wisconsin over the last week, but the forecast is for warmer weather to finally arrive over the next week. The cool temperatures have kept water temperatures down with the temperature dropping back to the upper 50s on many northern lakes. The cool, damp weather has finally eased wildfire danger levels to low to moderate statewide.
With most of the state receiving and inch or more of rain in the last week, water levels on many rivers and streams have come up and should be providing good paddling opportunities for the upcoming weekend. However, water levels on some larger rivers have been dropping. Low water on the upper Mississippi River and Upper St. Croix River has made navigation difficult. Boaters need to be wary of wing dams and sand bars. In the south, the Rock and Crawfish have finally begun to drop to seasonally normal levels after being high much of the spring.
The generally cold weather has prolonged the bass spawning season and pushed back the bluegill spawning period. Pre-spawn bluegill were still being caught and they're being found in 5 to 8 feet of water. Musky success has been fair with anglers reporting quite a few sightings and follows. Walleye fishing remained inconsistent, as the mayfly hatch continues to provide a big source of natural food. Bass action has been fair, but success should improve once spawning activity is fully complete in the next week or two.
Walleye fishing has been excellent out on Green Bay and there has also been some nice muskies caught over the last week on the bay. Smallmouth bass fishing was fair to good throughout Door County. Northern pike were being taken along the Sturgeon Bay ship channel. The rainy and windy weather slowed fishing on Lake Michigan. Surface water temperatures out on the lake have been holding in the upper 40s to around 50. Tollers out of Manitowoc had some luck landing chinook salmon and lake trout, with some brown trout reported up around the northern tip of the Door Peninsula. Trollers out of Sheboygan and Port Washington reported a mixed bag of chinooks, lake trout, and coho being taken. Trollers out of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha reported mostly coho and chinook salmon. Anglers fishing from the piers at harbors generally reported a slow week.
The Mississippi River was at 7.55 feet this week at Prairie du Chien but was expected to come up some due to recent rain. Walleye and sauger action continued to be very good on most days, and smallmouth bass have been very active near dams and wing dams and bass fishing ws very good on the upper Mississippi and St. Croix and rivers.
Despite the late date, the cool temps and unfavorable winds have delayed some bird migrations. Many of the migrant flycatchers are still being reported even in southern Wisconsin. Young birds are now becoming very evident with broods of ducks, geese, sparrows, robins, rails and other early nesters fledging and foraging with their parents.
Birds foot violet, yarrow, hoary and Carolina puccoon, serviceberry, chokecherry, hawkweed, star flower, cinquefoil, wood sorrel thimbleberry, dogwoods, highbush cranberry, campion, and buttercup are blooming.
Black bears continue to raid bird feeders in the north so people in bear country should continue to remove feeders in the evenings. Fawns are now a common sight and have begun moving around more with their mothers. Deer feed heavily on forbs growing along roads in the spring, and this is the second highest period for vehicle deer collisions following the rutting period, so motorists should be very alert for young fawns following does crossing roads. Bucks antler development is now very visible as they are covered in velvet. Ticks continue to be very abundant and mosquitoes have been out, but the cool weather seems to have kept their numbers down somewhat.
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Statewide Birding Report
Despite the late date, there is still some migration occurring statewide. The cool temps and unfavorable winds have delayed migration for many shorebirds and passerines. Many of the migrant flycatchers are still being reported even in southern Wisconsin. Young birds are now becoming very evident with broods of ducks, geese, sparrows, robins, rails and other early nesters fledging and foraging with their parents. Rare birds reported recently include black-necked stilts in Horicon and Madison, a purple gallinule in Honey Creek, summer tanagers, yellow-breasted chat at Spring Green, chuck-will's widow in the Black River State Forest and laughing gulls along the Lake Michigan coastline. As always, please report sightings to eBird Wisconsin (
www.ebird.org/WI).
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The inch of rain that we received earlier this week helped bring up the level and flow of the Bois Brule River. As of June 11, it was flowing at 147 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 64 year average is 167. The 6th annual Brule Family Fun Day turned out to be a great day of fun and learning intertwined. More than 200 people came to learn how to tie a fly, cast a line to catch some trout, how to lure a turkey in with turkey calls, and find out how DNR fisheries staff monitor fish populations. Kids also got to learn the art of gyotaku or fish printing by making their own designs on t-shirts. Another thing that the kids enjoyed was a game that the DNR fire control staff set up. Kids got to "put out a fire" with water back cans that wild land fire fighters use on real fires. A class at UW Superior Lake Superior Research Institute is working on a biofuels research project. On June 9 the students created a list of all of the plants blooming off of Jersett Road (South of Lake Nebagamon). They found more than 25 plants blooming, including: dog violet, birds foot violet, yarrow, blackberry, hoary puccoon, carolina puccoon, smooth serviceberry, round-leaved serviceberry, sand cherry, chokecherry, wood-betony, *orange hawkweed, yellow king devil, tower mustard, star flower, field pussy-toes, silver leaved cinquefoil, rough cinquefoil, common cinquefoil, three-toothed cinquefoil, wild oats, wood sorrel, low bush blueberry, mountain/red honeysuckle, pale corydalis, bearberry, and greater goat’s beard. Other blooming plants are thimbleberry, dogwoods, highbush cranberry, campion, daisy, buttercup.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The wet, windy and generally cold weather of the past week has made for some erratic fishing action on waters across the Northwoods. Musky, walleye and panfish have been the primary species of interest and all have provided some fair but spotty action. Panfish have been the most consistent with some good catches of bluegill, crappie and perch being reported. Water temperatures have dropped back into the upper 50s on many lakes and this has pushed back the bluegill spawning period. Pre-spawn bluegill are being caught and they're being found on the break lines in 5 to 8 feet of water. Crappie have still been found along the shallow weed edges and the best fishing has been in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Musky success has been fair with anglers reporting quite a few sightings and follows. Small bucktails and spinner baits have been most productive and a few low 40-inch fish have been reported from a couple of the local lakes. Walleye success has been real inconsistent, as the mayfly hatch has begun and this has provided a big source of natural food. It seems that the walleye have been ignoring most of the jig and minnow baits, with crawlers and leeches providing some limited action. Bass action during the early catch and release season has been fair, with up and down water temperatures keeping fish on the move. Most of the catches have been of smaller fish but success on larger fish should begin to improve once spawning activity is fully complete in the next week or two.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Fishing activity continues to fluctuate along with the weather. During this past week the area continued to have unstable weather patterns, as a result the fish responded accordingly during the week. Both crappie and bluegill action is picking up. The crappies can be found along the weed edges in 6-10 feet of water. The bluegills are just starting to spawn and can be found along the edges of shallow warm water. Walleye can be found in deeper water along any green vegetation. Muskie and bass action has been fair. Bass have still been aggressive as they try to protect their spawning sites. Remember that bass season is catch and release only until June 20. Anglers, as well as hikers and campers may wish to bring along bug repellent. Mosquitoes and the black flies are out in force. Black bears continue to raid bird feeders in the area so please remove your feeders in the evenings. Fawns are now a common sight throughout the area. At this time of year many people call in to report fawns they have seen that appear to be abandoned. Each year we like to remind people that the fawns are in most cases not abandoned. The mothers are not far away and keep a careful watch on their young at a distance. Fawns will remain in one location for hours at a time waiting for activity to lessen at which time the mother may call it out or come back to pick it up. If you do come upon a fawn that you believe is truly abandoned, please contact your area wildlife biologist. Do not approach or attempt to touch the fawn. The bucks antler development is now very visible as they are covered in velvet this time of year. Area physicians are reporting a higher than normal treatment of Lyme disease so far this year. The ticks are very abundant right now and every precaution should be taken to avoid a tick bite. If you are bitten by a tick and in doubt, please contact your local physician.
DNR Northeastern Region
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Walleye fishing over the last week has been excellent out of Bay Shore County Park; most anglers have been trolling in 10-20 feet of water. The best catches have been on crank baits in 20 feet of water. Anglers that are having luck on harness seem to be running a bit shallower in 10-15 feet. The perch fishing is still slow with few fish being caught, but most fish have been of quality size. Also there has been a few bonus muskies caught over the last week.
Manitowoc County - The rainy and windy weather this week resulted in only a fair week of fishing for anglers in Manitowoc. Early in the week, boat anglers trolling on Lake Michigan had some luck landing small catches of Chinook salmon and lake trout. Successful anglers were trolling in 120 to 150 feet of water. Anglers fishing from the piers with spoons had little success this week. In Two Rivers, anglers had a slow week of fishing. The number of anglers fishing off the pier was low all week with very few fish being caught. Only a few boats tried their luck trolling on Lake Michigan this past week. A few Chinook salmon were landed by anglers trolling in 80 to 130 feet of water.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The weather was not so beautiful this week. Cloudy to partly cloudy days with cool temperatures and showers, along with moderate to strong winds, made for less than ideal conditions to be on the water. Chinook salmon along with some lake trout were taken by anglers braving the weather conditions out on Lake Michigan. Most of the salmon action is centered out over the bank reef north of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. A few brown trout are still being taken by anglers trolling south of the canal and up around Baileys Harbor. Browns have also been reportedly taken up around the northern tip of the peninsula, by anglers trolling in the top 25 to 30 feet of water. Northern pike were being 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. Reports have been coming in of some nice muskies being caught and released in Little Sturgeon Bay. Walleye action continues to be good with anglers trolling at night with stick and jerk baits 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 are all producing fish. Daytime action also remains good for walleyes with reports of some nice fish being taken from the area between Henderson Point and Chaudoir’s dock, trolling in 8 to 30 feet of water, and from shore in downtown Sturgeon Bay, mostly from the rocks at Bayview Park. Crawler harnesses and stick baits seem to be the baits of choice for daytime walleyes. Smallmouth bass fishing was 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 smallies. 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 few smallies.
Peninsula State Park - Between 400 and 500 people attended the Centennial dedication celebration last weekend. Special events related to the park's 100th birthday will continue throughout the summer and into the fall. For more information visit [www.peninsulafriends.org]. Trails are in good condition though recent rains have flooded sections of mountain bike trails. Warbler migrations are winding down and most summer birds are here. Watch for squadrons of white pelicans, bald eagles, great egrets and osprey. Yellow lady slippers are just starting to emerge; polygala and blue-eyed grass are at their peak. Peninsula State Park golf course is open and tee times are generally available. Visit the Golf Course website at [www.peninsulagolf.org] or call 920-854-5791
Potawatomi State Park - The park received some rain on June 7 and 8, but the forecast for the rest of the week is a sunny one. Sturgeon Bay will host the Steel Bridge Songfest June 11-14.
Kewaunee County - A week of cooler, wet weather with a few of the more seasonable days mixed in made for a somewhat decent week of weather for fishing. 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 been met with very limited success. Some fish were being found out in the deep waters off of Kewaunee and Algoma. Most fish were found in depths over 100 feet down to around 200 feet. Some fish were being found in depths even deeper. A mixed bag of browns, rainbows, lakers, and kings were all being found. All fish, however, are in limited quantities. Most anglers have been using a mix of spoons, plugs, and flashers. Action out on the lake has been slow due to the low water temperatures. Surface water temperatures out on the lake have been holding in the upper 40s to around 50.
DNR Southeast Region
Havenwoods State Forest - Trail are in good condition. Deer, coyote, owls, turkey, hawks, ducks, bluebirds, heron, kingbirds are being seen. Volunteer are need to help cut buckthorn, dig teasel, and pull garlic mustard.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore fishing has been slow, but trollers have been catching a few chinooks, coho, and lake trout in 70 to 120 feet of water. Most fish have been taken on flies, and they have been scattered throughout the water column.
Ozaukee County - Shore fishing has been generally slow in Port Washington. Trollers out of Port have reported a mixed bag of chinooks, lake trout, and coho being taken in 70 to 100 feet of water. Both spoons and flasher & fly combinations have been productive.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore fishing has been slow. Trollers out of Milwaukee have been catching some chinooks and coho from 90 to 140 feet of water.
Racine County - Trollers out of Racine have been catching mostly coho along with a few lake trout in 60 to 120 feet of water. Coho have come in the top 20 feet of water on orange dodgers or flashers with flies in aqua, green & gold, or blue & silver. Lake trout have been taken closer to the bottom.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore fishing remains slow, but trollers have been catching coho, along with occasional lake trout and rainbows. Most fish have been caught in 80 to 120 feet of water. Orange dodgers and green flies have worked well, along with small spoons.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Jefferson County - White bass action has slowed on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers. A few fish were still being caught on twister-tails but most were small. Catfish were still being caught on stink bait on the Rock and Crawfish rivers. Some of the fish were in the 3- to 4-pound range. Most were channel catfish but a few flathead catfish were being found as well. On Rock Lake anglers have been doing well catching bass on a variety of baits. A few bluegill were also being caught but warmer weather is needed to spur action. The boat landing at Mud Lake just south of Lake Mills is still unusable due to a rusted out culvert under the road leading into the parking lot. It is slated to be repaired in the near future. The water levels on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers are finally getting back toward normal summer levels.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Recent rains have helped green things up, but most rivers and lakes are very low. Spring spawning of bass and panfish appear to be delayed by cool water temperatures. Bass fishing is very good on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers and inland lakes. Walleye action on the St. Croix and Mississippi is fair. Trolling crank baits and live bait rigs have been producing the best. Bass and panfish action is good on Lake Tainter and Menomin in Dunn County. Low water on the Mississippi River and Upper St. Croix has made navigation difficult. Boaters need to be wary of wing dams and sand bars. Trout action on local streams has been good, but cloudy days are best due to low and clear water.
Willow River State Park - The persistent cold weather has made for slow fishing on Little Falls Lake. Maybe by the weekend there will be enough warmth to turn the fishing back to good. The rain was welcome. The lake could still be a bit cool for swimming although the beach is open. There is a construction project in progress at the beach. Deer fawns are out. It is egg laying time for snapping turtles. One was spotted up near the old office building on the Yellow trail. That is a long way uphill from the lake. If a turtle happens to cross your campsite, just leave it go. The turtle is well equipped to defend itself with claws and a bite for which it is named. A hiss is a warning to stay clear and do not touch! All campsites are now reservable including sites #33-37. Weekends will be full but there is some availability Sundays through Thursdays. When you arrive to camp, vehicle sticker purchases are made at the window, camping registration is at the counter inside. The Nature Center will be open depending on volunteer availability.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Many songbirds are fledging their first clutches of nestlings. As these young birds leave their nests, it will take several additional weeks before they become proficient flyers. Until then, they are vulnerable to predators, such as crows, raccoons, coyotes, fox, cats, and dogs. Young rabbits, squirrels, and foxes have also been reported. Deer also feed heavily on forbs growing in openings. These forbs are high in protein which is necessary for antler growth and milk production.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River slowly dropped this week. The current river stage is 7.55 feet. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for a slight increase in water level due to recent rain. The Prairie du Chien area saw over an inch and a half of rain over the weekend. Even so, the Wisconsin and Kickapoo Rivers are in good shape. Water clarity on all three rivers is fair. A fair amount of aquatic vegetation is starting to grow especially in the backwater areas and marshes. All trout streams in the area are in good shape with normal flow and water clarity is good. Bluegill, crappie and perch fishing has been spotty again this week. In the Prairie du Chien area anglers have been fishing Horseshoe (aka Sturgeon, aka McGregor) and the Lower Bottoms with some success but not every day. The Ambro Slough complex north of Prairie du Chien has seen a fair amount of fishing pressure however the “catching” has been slow to spotty. The most popular bait has been a chunk of night crawler or garden worms. Anglers fishing off the long wall at the Lynxville dam have taken a few decent perch and bluegill using a chunk of night crawlers. Perch have been taken “dead lining” a piece of night crawler off the bottom while bluegills have been caught using hook and bobber. Fishing at Cold Spring has been very slow for bluegill and crappie. Walleye and sauger action continued to be very good on most days. Trolling and casting crank baits or drifting with live bait has worked well. Some of the hot spots have been on the Roseau Slough, Harpers Ferry Slough at the mouth of the Mississippi River, and on the wing dams. Fishing up by the dam has been spotty. Night crawlers and leeches have been the best live bait so far. Smallmouth bass have been very active on closing dams and wing dams. Live bait and artificial baits have worked well. Largemouth bass action has been decent. Largemouth bass can be found in a variety of habitats. Plastics and spinner baits have worked well. Catfish, both flathead and channel have been biting. Fish off the bottom while using a variety of live bait has been the answer. The best advice is to move around until active fish are located. Sheepshead have become very active. A piece of night crawler fished off the bottom has been the best tactic. Trout fishing has been very good. Vegetation and insects are staring to make fishing a bit more difficult. Many local streams produced some very nice brown and brook trout. June bugs are out in force, especially at dusk. There had been a pretty good hatch of “pesky” gnats, but they seemed to have died back. Wild baby animals are starting to show up every where. Fawns, baby mammals, waterfowl broods, and song bird babies are all out and about. Please view baby wild animals from a distance and do not pick them up or harass them.
Perrot State Park - Trails are in good condition. The boat dock has been installed. Water levels are close to normal. Anemones, jack-in-the-pulpit, baneberry, all violets, puccoon, cream indigo, buttercups, wild ginger, columbine, woodland phlox, prairie phlox, wild geranium, Virginia waterleaf, showy orchids, spiderwort, wild lupine, harebell and cream indigo are currently blooming in the park.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in dry condition. Prairie wildflowers are really beginning to bloom and wild lupine and cream indigo are the current standouts!
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Anemones, wild ginger, blackberries, spiderwort, hare bells, columbine, and baneberry are in bloom.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People are taking advantage of the nice weather fishing, boating and hiking. Crappies, perch, white bass, northerns, walleyes, bass and catfish are being caught. The accessible fishing pier is located by the north shelter. Kids will want to check out the stocked kids fishing pond across from the park entrance (park along Cty G and hike in). Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the park and many visitors have been enjoying them. Ticks are out and mosquitoes have hatched and are still bad, so remember to use bug spray and do a tick check after hiking.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground is open and there have been 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 12, 2009
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Detectives: Discovering Secrets--Junior Forest Explorers. We'll hone our detective skills to help us discover some of the secrets of nature from unraveling tracking stories to uncovering hidden animal homes and mysterious patterns. 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) 854-597 or e-mail - Tin Can Bird Feeder. Learn "bird brain" facts about common Peninsula birds then craft a bird feeder from recycled materials. $2 donation/feeder. Nature Center. 10-11 a.m.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Feathers, Leaves, Petals and Ice. A discovery hike along the Oak Ridge and Ice Age Trails. Meet across from the Group Camp entrance. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Discovery Saturday: Life as a Toad. Could you survive as a toad? Come play our toad survival game and make a toad house to take home with you. These activities are for everyone! Just drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. No admission sticker required. Adult Program: Wild Walk. Need a good excuse to get outside? Join the Havenwoods staff each month to see what's growing or moving around Havenwoods. As we walk the trails, we'll keep track of the flowers that are in bloom and record what animals or animal signs we see. Meet at the education Come dressed for natural adventure and meet at the Education Center. 10-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Pondering the Potholes and Other Glacial Wonders. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike on the Pothole Trail and learn about the unique geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign.. 4 p.m. Hike to the Summit. Meet the naturalist for a hike up to the summit. Learn fascinating facts about the history and geology of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign. 7 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature Program: Canoe a Kettle. No, we don't mean a cooking kettle, but a glacial kettle, Mauthe Lake. Basic canoe instructions will be provided before we paddle our way around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. Call by June 12 to register. Limit 24 to 30 people without equipment. No experience is necessary. The program is best for families/groups with children over the age of 8 years. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Tree Houses for Wildlife. Trees provide homes to many different animals. Learn what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots of forest and city trees. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in any time 1-4 p.m. Wildlife of Wisconsin - Natural History and Current Status. Wisconsin is home to many different amazing and unique wildlife species. Through the use of non-releasable educational animals, Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center staff will share how we humans can to better coexist with our wild neighbors. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - 400 Years Of Astronomy. Celebrate International Year of Astronomy with Kevin Koski of Rustic Skies Astronomy for the DVD presentation of 400 Years of Astronomy. Learn about Galileo, his first telescope and the next 400 years. See a replica of a Galileo telescope. Sponsored by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 2 - 3:30 p.m. Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January 2007, Tom Brown started on a thru 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 which will include slides and a display of equipment needed to attempt his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Free program, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Wolves of Wisconsin. Join Michelle Hefty, Manager of Newport State Park, for this program about wolves. You will learn the differences between wolves, coyotes, and dogs. Also, learn the current status of wolves in Wisconsin, and specifically Door County. Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m. Track Casts. Hey Kids, find out how to figure out all those tracks you see along the trails .You'll make a plaster track cast to take home too! Parents, please accompany and assist small children. Campground Shelter. 4 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Fishing Clinic for Kids. Kids under 16, bring an adult and learn fishing basics from the warden then try to catch your own fish. Please pre-register, space is limited. Call (262) 878-5600. Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Whose Ribbit Is It? Discover how and why frogs sing and which ones live at the park. Take an evening hike to listen for a frog chorus. Visitor Center. 8-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Snapshot or Photograph. Things to think about before you click the shutter-- some basic tips to help beginners take better photos. Allen Lake fishing dock, or in case of inclement weather, Hellestad house. 10 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Drop In at the Beach: Tree Houses for Wildlife. Trees provide homes to many different animals. Learn what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots of forest and city trees. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time noon-3 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Chipmunk Cafeterias and Other Animal Signs. Wild animals are shy, but we can find plenty of signs that they are living in Potawatomi's forests. You'll search for salamander bunkers, woodpecker apartments, and chipmunk cafeterias during this fun hike along Potawatomi's Nature Trail. The trail is easy with some slight inclines. Meet at the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trailhead. 10 a.m.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Junior Rangers: Diggin' Dirt. Turn over a shovelful of dirt and you will find all kinds of things! We'll discover worms, sand, dead leaves, tiny insects, and other things that make up the soil. 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: Diggin' Dirt. Turn over a shovelful of dirt and you will find all kinds of things! We'll discover worms, sand, dead leaves, tiny insects, and other things that make up the soil. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Solar System Hike. 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. Hike is best for those ages 8 and up. Please wear comfortable shoes to hike on the beach. No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a short hike up the valley and take a trip back in time. Meet at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking lot. 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
• 'Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalists Julie Fox and Barb Walker will share a story and activity with preschool through kindergarten children and their parents. The short activity after the story will reinforce the story's 'nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally will last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the participants. 10 a.m.
• 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. Free program. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent - Flower Power. 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. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 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/
