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, January 29, 2010
? Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 - Snowshoeing by Moonlight. Join naturalists Rod Gont and Frank Lowly as they lead one or two-hour snowshoe hikes by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve snowshoes. There's no charge, but donations are accepted. Warming fires will be going and hot chocolate and hot water are available. Meet at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Reserve Unit Visitor Center. 6:30 p.m.
? Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (715) 232-2652 - Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe. Enjoy a lighted trail, hot chocolate and a warming fire at the Menomonie Depot Visitor Center. Limited ski rentals will be available through Stout Adventures; contact Tim Mertz (715) 232-5190 for availability. Snowshoes will be provided by the Menomonie School District at no cost. 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
? Governor Nelson State Park, Madison, (608) 831-3005 - Park Bonfire. There will be a bonfire for visitors at the park. Hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting will be available while supplies last. If the weather is severe, the event will be cancelled. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. As dusk descends hundreds of candles will illuminate two separate trails for hikers and skiers. A warm and welcoming bonfire will greet skiers and hikers back at the shelter. Willow sticks will be provided for toasting snacks and charcoal grills will be available for the more serious cook. A concession stand, with free refreshments including bars, cookies, cider and hot chocolate, will be graciously provided by the Friends of Hartman Creek. Soda pop will be for sale. There is no fee for this event, but an admission sticker is required on vehicles. 5-8 p.m. Alternate date: Saturday, February 6.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Eco-Scavenger Hunt - Winter Birds. Are you up for a challenging Eco-Scavenger Hunt? This one focuses on birds of winter. Stop in the building to pick up your scavenger hunt card and map. Then, find the spots listed on the scavenger hunt map. (They are marked with yellow flags.) Stamp your card with the rubber stamps; found at the base of each flag. Once your card is stamped, bring your card back to the front desk to claim your prize. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
? Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe. Lighted ski, snowshoe and walking trails will be available as well as refreshments.Call (715) 967-2800 to reserve a pair of snowshoes. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. 5-8 p.m. Snowshoe Fun Obstacle Race for all ages and skill levels, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Naturalist-led snowshoe hike 6:30-7:30 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) 878-5607 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please call to preregister. Event is weather dependent. Meet at Shelter 1. 9-11 a.m. Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Help at our workday! You may come for the whole time, for several hours, for one workday or for all of them. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Please stop at the office when you arrive and you will get a free daily pass for your vehicle. Make sure you dress to be outside working. 1-3 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - The candlelight ski and hike are both cancelled due to the icy conditions and the bitter forecast. The Friends' have decided not to reschedule for this winter.
