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.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Feathers, Petals, Plates and Scales. A discovery hike along the Dike Trail. Lasts about 1.5 hours. Meet at the Beach Parking Lot. 10 a.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Hike: Bugging Out! There are lots of amazing insects everywhere! We'll spend some time catching insects and seeing the variety of species we can collect. New in 2009! Spend an hour on a family-friendly hike through Havenwoods. We'll use magnifiers, binoculars, and super-duper outdoor lookers to spend the morning in nature. 10:30-11:30 a.m.No admission sticker required.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Monarch Butterfly Tagging. Monarch butterflies begin their migration to Mexico in late summer. After a short discussion on the monarch butterfly and a demonstration of how to tag a monarch butterfly by local naturalist Randy Korb, drive to nearby fields to net and carefully apply numbered wing tags to monarchs. Tagging is part of a tracking project by Monarch Watch [exit DNR] of the University of Kansas. Three monarchs tagged by children last fall in St. Croix Falls were found in Mexico. The fee is $5 for non-members and $3 for Friends of Interstate members. Pre-registration is required. Wear shorts or pants, tennis shoes, hat and bring sunscreen. Drinking water and nets are provided or bring your own. Meet at the Ice Age Interpretive Center.1-3 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Family Concert with Lil' Rev. Lil' Rev is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music-historian who has traveled throughout the United States. His exuberant concerts are celebration of life filled with songs, history, stories, poems, quotes and jokes. This evening of music is great for all ages from preschoolers through grandparents. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter, or in case of inclement weather, the Ice Age Visitor Center.. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Winged Mammals: Bats Exploring Nature Program. Steeped in myth, bats often get an undeserved bad rap. Learn some truly astounding facts about bats and maybe gain a new appreciation for 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 at the Beach: Summer Sun Celebration. Celebrate the end of summer with all its warm sunny days. Discover what work the sun can do for us from cooking food to powering a car or flashlight. Create a special solar piece of art. Try some sun experiments and maybe even get a peek of the sun through a solar scope. There will be something for everyone. Just keep those sunny thoughts. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in any time 1-4 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Universe In The Park. The UW-Madison Astronomy Department begins their session with a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy and recent news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will have telescopes set up outside for park visitors to view whatever astronomical objects are available. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8:30 p.m.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Birding/nature/geology Hike. Birder Peter Grim and Park Educator Marry Heidke will lead a hike into the more remote areas of Mirror Lake State Park. The hike will include the Northwest Trail as well as going off trail into the Fern Dell state natural area. Part of the hike will include areas where no trail exists. This hike will be more than three miles long. Expect some physical demanding aspects and rewards. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring binoculars, camera, and field guide if you wish. Please call in advance so we know about how many will be coming. Meet at park headquarters. 9 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Learn to Hoot! Great horned owls are beautiful, mysterious and one of Potawatomi's top predators. We'll uncover the secrets of these incredible creatures during this interesting family program. You'll even be able to give a real hoot by the end of the program! Meet at the Campground Shelter. 7 - 8 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Great Outdoor Challenge. Get a team of 2-8 people and visit five fun outdoor challenge stations to compete for prizes. Call (262) 878-5607 to sign up or drop in between 9 and 10 a.m. Challenge will take about 90 minutes. Award ceremony and free picnic at noon. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Amphitheater. 9 a.m. - noon. Meet the Ranger. Learn about a park ranger's job first hand. Visit the squad car and see which equipment is used. Beach Playground. 1-1:30 p.m. Concert in the Park. Drop in to enjoy the lively folk and classic tunes and guitar playing of Ed Peterson and Bob Nelson. Amphitheater. (If the mosquitoes or weather are bad, meet at Visitor Center.) 6:30-8 p.m.
? Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Full Moon Hike. The event begins indoors with a presentation on birds with Ed and Angie Colosky. After the presentation go out for a hike. Meet at the Nature Center at 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Summer Sun Celebration. Celebrate the end of summer with all its warm sunny days. Discover what work the sun can do for us from cooking food to powering a car or flashlight. Create a special solar piece of art. Try some sun experiments and maybe even get a peek of the sun through a solar scope. There will be something for everyone. Just keep those sunny thoughts. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time noon - 3 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Night Hike. Families are encouraged to meet Ranger Morgen to experience walking around the park at night with only the aid of natural light. No pets allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the enclosed shelter. 8 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Universe in the Park. Join the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slide show presentation. Upper Picnic Area(no pets allowed). 9 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Draw the Wind. Let your creative side escape during this sensory program for the whole family. You'll discover the many interesting and fun ways you can keep the memories of your trip to Potawatomi. Each participant will get a pocket journal to take home. Amphitheater. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Wild about Wildcards. Stop by the Nature Center to start or add to your collection of Wisconsin Wildcards. You'll have a chance to gobble up a few new designs and learn some mystifying tricks and critter crafts you can make with the cards. Drop-in program?feel free to come and go as you wish. Nature Center. 2-3:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Introduction to Wisconsin Explorer. Kids, bring an adult to participate in this fun, redesigned nature program. Learn how you can earn a colorful patch! Amphitheater. 10-11 a.m. Dragons and Damsels. Explore their habitats to discover why dragonflies and damselflies are so unique and so important. Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
Monday, September 7, 2009
? Governor Knowles State Forest, Grantsburg, (715) 463-2898 - "Just for Fun" Horse Show.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Nature Games for Kids. Kids 5-10 years old, play some fun and active nature games. Amphitheater. 10-11 a.m.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Sunny Sunflowers. Take a close up look at some giant flowers. Taste some seeds, share some with the birds, and save some for planting next year. 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.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Fall Bird Migration through the Kettle Moraine. Join Bill Volkert, a DNR wildlife educator, as he unravels some of the mysteries surrounding the migration of our summer resident birds. Through his spectacular images of these winged migrators, he will share the incredible journeys they take to escape winter's cold and snow. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
