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, September 18, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Sensational Seeds. From as tiny as a dust fleck to larger than a softball, seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Unearth how seeds help plants to grow and thrive. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Tin Can Bird Feeders. 10 - 11 a.m. Birds are flocking to the feeders. Make your own out of a tin coffee can. Learn about birds, too! $2 donation/supplies.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - After Summer Candlelight Hike. Take a candlelight hike along the Lake Michigan beach and Quarry Lake. Telescopes for the public to view the night sky will be provided by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Meet at the Ansay Welcome Center and Puckett's Pond. Sponsored by the Friends of Harrington Beach and the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Candlelight hike 7-10 p.m., public viewing of the night sky 6-11 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Turtles. The weather is still warm and the turtles are active. Drop in and learn what turtles live in Wisconsin, meet some live turtles, make a paper turtle to take home, 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.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Endangered Species--Going, Going, Gone? Many species of plants and animals are endangered of becoming extinct! Learn why they are in trouble and how we can help them survive. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join Joe and Mary Glover to learn to read the night sky without a telescope. After class move outdoors to test your skills. Bring a chair or blanket and flashlights, and remember to dress for lakeside weather. No pets allowed. The program is free, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8 p.m. Rock Collecting for Fun. Join Ed Mindock for a presentation on rock collecting as a hobby. A hands-on approach to beginning and understanding rock collecting and having fun doing it. All ages welcome. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
? Military Ridge State Trail, Riley, (608) 437-7393 - Trail History Hike. Join Palmer Haynes as he explores the geological, cultural, and natural history of the Riley area and Aldo Leopold?s Game Cooperative. The hike will include the natural springs, the turtle pond, and other special stops. Many early fall species are in bloom and Palmer will help you identify them and many other plants along the trail. There is no charge for the hike which starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about one hour. Meet at the parking lot in Riley, just west of Verona on County Highway J. If you bring your bicycle, Palmer may treat you to a trip to the Observation Deck for a close up view of the Sugar River and the surrounding wetlands. For more information, please contact the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail at (608) 437-7393.
? Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area, Contact Friends of Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area at (715) 635-3862 - Second Annual Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area Picnic and Event 10 a.m. Guided tour of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area led by wildlife biologist and property manager, Nancy Christel. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presentation by Chris Cold, wildlife technician and educator. Presentation about his many live critters that allow an up-close and personal experience with some of our native Wisconsin wildlife species, then a guided wildlife walk on the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area. 1-2:30 p.m. Picnic lunch, annual meeting and raffle. The cost of lunch is $6 per person. Children eight years old and under are free. Memberships in the Friends group are $12 for individuals and $20 for a family. One free raffle ticket is being offered with each membership. Please RSVP by Sept. 12
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Shorebirds. Shorebirds are migrating south. Learn what makes a shorebird different from other birds. Then paint a wooden shorebird to keep. $3 donation/bird. Sentinel Trail Hike. 1 - 2:30 p.m. Are the red oaks blazing yet? Let's see what fall color we can find. About 2 miles. Moderate hiking.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Candlelight Hike. Bring the family for fall fun by candlelight. Hike the two-mile trail on your own or join us for a shorter guided hike. We?ll have a bonfire for marshmallows. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
? Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Universe In The Park. Enjoy a short talk and astronomy slide show followed by opportunities to look through telescopes. Universe in the Park is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Astronomy Department. Meet at the amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Trail Run Along the Willow.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Devil's Challenge Triathlon. Several hundred tri-athletes will be running, swimming, and biking in the park. Race begins at 8 a.m. There is no race day registration. For more information or to register, visit the Devil's Challenge Triathlon Web page.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Fluffy, Swirly Clouds. What do you see in the clouds? You might imagine wonderful pictures or be able to tell if it will rain. Come to Havenwoods and watch the clouds with us. 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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Fall Woodcarving Course. This class is for carvers with experience. Join Joyce Levandowski in this ten-week class to carve a Rose-breasted Grosbeak using power tools. Please pre-register and pre-pay. Fee is $60. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Hidden Bluff Trail. 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Bluff ecology, fall flowers featured on this 1/2 mile walk.
