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.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport. (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Coping With the Cold. The temperature dips below freezing. We bundle up with hats, mittens and warm coats. Join us as we discover how the plants and animals cope with the cold of winter. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Nordic Heaven Winter Fest. A day of winter family fun. The cross-country ski trails will be groomed and the shelter heated. The Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club will be offering free snowshoeing, free cross-country ski lessons, and kids' winter games. If skiing or snowshoeing is not your thing, bring your sleds and give the sledding hill a try. Food, refreshments and live music will also be on hand. The festival is weather dependent. Greenbush Recreation Area. 11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Winter Candlelight Hike and Ski. Enjoy the winter wonderland at night with family and friends while skiing or hiking the two-mile cross country trail. Almost 200 tiki torches will light the way for this annual event. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets or sleds allowed on the trail. Cross country Ski Trail. 6-9 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski has been CANCELLED due to forecast cold temperatures and extreme wind chill
? Lapham Peak Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski/hike. Enjoy a hike, a heated shelter, bonfire and refreshments. 6-9 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920)868-3258 - Snug in the Snow. Join the naturalist for a short trail hike to increase your understanding of ways Peninsula plants and animals survive winter. Optional: bring your own snowshoes. Meet at the Nature Center. 11-11:45 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Animal Tracks and Signs. Hike the trails in search of animal tracks, homes and other signs. Discover what the park?s animals have been up to this winter! Dress to be outside. Meet at the Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m.
? Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Torchlight Ski. Cross Country skiing and night sky viewing from dusk to 9pm. Come enjoy a winter evening skiing (or hiking) a gentle 1.5 miles trail through the woods and field as 100 torches light the way. Night sky viewing through telescopes with Professor Bob Hirschy and John Heasley beginning at 7 p.m. A program will be held indoors if conditions are not favorable for stargazing. Bonfire and grill available for cook-outs near the park office. Along the trail, stop and soak in the warmth of another bonfire at the midway point. Hot chocolate and snacks will be available in the warming area. Trailhead at the park office. Dusk - 9 p.m.
? Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Adult Ski Lessons. Sponsored by the Willow River Nordic Skiers. Skate and classic techniques will be offered. Students need to supply their own equipment. Each lesson is $10 per person. A bad weather make up day will be scheduled in February if necessary. Call the park office to sign up, (715) 386-5931. Lessons run from 9 a.m. until noon at the Nature Center.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport. (920) 533-8322 - Retro and Ski Backward Day. Dust off those old-time cross-country skis and squeeze into those wool knickers for the second annual Retro and Ski Backward Day! Come wearing your oldest ski outfit and retro skis to ski the trails backwards. Join others in the warming shelter for music, food and fun. This event is perfect for all ages. Bring some goodies to share and your beverage of choice. Sponsored by Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club. Greenbush Recreation Area. 1 p.m.
Monday, January 11, 2010
? Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 - Snowshoe Clinic. Join us at the Nature Center for an introduction to snowshoeing and a guided walk along the Upland Trail. Bring your own snowshoes. A limited number of snowshoes will be available free of charge. Sponsored by the Newport Wilderness Society and Bayshore Outdoor Store. Meet at the Nature Center in the Park Entrance Building. 10 a..m. - Noon.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents. Then a short activity will reinforce the story?s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally lasts between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport. (920) 533-8322 - An Evening With Nature - The Marvelous Moon. The Earth and the moon share a special relationship with each other. Discover the moon's origins, its physical features and its affects on the Earth. Kevin Koski, NASA Solar System Ambassador, will provide an update on what NASA has planned for future moon explorations. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 10 years. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-high Naturalist. Bring your 3- to 5-year old to this fun and involving program. A new topic every month! Dress to be outside. Please call to pre-register. Program will go on regardless of weather but topic may change. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the visitor center and be prepared to drive. 10-11:30 a.m.
