Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of June 10, 2010Some much needed rain fell in northern Wisconsin in the last week, which is helping to alleviate severe drought conditions, but much of the north still remains well behind annual rainfall averages. The north received 1.5 to 2 inches of rain, while some areas of southern and central Wisconsin received more than 3 inches. Streams and rivers are running much higher in the last week statewide. Some lakes in northern Wisconsin came up a little, but many still remain well below normal levels. The rain has kept wildfire conditions at low statewide.
The erratic weather continued to make for variable fishing success. In the north, musky anglers have been out in good numbers and nearly all have been seeing fish. Mayflies are now hatching on many northern lakes and this has upset the walleye bite. Northern pike success continues to be good and panfish action has been very good, especially for bluegill and crappie. Bluegill are still nesting on many waters, with some nice fish found near spawning beds.
The first fish raised at Wild Rose Fish Hatchery?s newly renovated coolwater facilities were stocked in Wisconsin waters this week. Staff transferred northern pike raised at the hatchery to several south central Wisconsin lakes. A new video
http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=409dd40577714f62ba1ed4acc9eed9aa shows the historic event and gives anglers and others a first glimpse of the coolwater facilities.
Lighter winds combined with nice temperatures allowed fishing to pick-up on Lake Michigan, but some northwest winds over the weekend made fishing difficult at times on Green Bay. Good smallmouth bass fishing has continued around Door County. Fish have still been seen on beds along the shorelines along the west side of the county. Perch fishing has been hit or miss for most anglers, but some fish were still being caught.
Water clarity on Lake Michigan remains good with temperatures ranging from 55-58 degrees along the lakeshore and mid-60s in the harbors. Salmon and trout fishing has remained productive, with some limits reached. Anglers were coming in with mainly salmon but some lake trout and an occasional rainbow trout as well. Trollers out of Manitowoc reported some large chinook salmon. Trollers out of southeastern ports reported decent numbers of coho and chinook salmon along with a few rainbow and lake trout. Overall, shore fishing remained slow but some coho and brown trout have been reported.
The Mississippi River has been holding steady for most of the week and was at 7.8 feet this week at Prairie du Chien. Fishing activity remained good with anglers finding decent bluegill action in the backwaters and sloughs. Bluegills should start to move out of the shallow water areas as the water temperatures rise. Walleye and sauger fishing also remained good.
There have been about a dozen reports of black bear sightings in southern Wisconsin in the last week, an indication that the black bear population in the state continues to expand forcing bears to move south in search of suitable habitat. Area residents should not be overly concerned as bears generally try to avoid contact with people; however pet food, garbage cans and bird feeders should be secured or removed if bears are present. Young rabbits, squirrels, and foxes are being seen.
The summer nesting season is in full swing as most migrant birds have now winged their way through the state or onto breeding grounds. Many waterfowl, cranes and early songbirds have fledged young and are tending to broods. A whooping crane pair in the Necedah area has hatched two chicks as of last week and Kirtland's warblers appear to be back in even stronger numbers this year with at least five early nests. The warm weather of May has led to a banner crop of early nests and has probably resulted in very few weather-related nest failures.
Fireflies, dragonflies and damselflies are out in great numbers. Cecropia moths have been seen. Young fox snakes have been seen sunning themselves. Blue flag, dog violet, orange hawkweed, columbine, ox-eye daisy, wooly yarrow and yellow lady?s slipper orchids are in bloom.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
Statewide Birding Report
The summer nesting season is in full swing as most migrant birds have now winged their way through the state or onto breeding grounds. Many waterfowl, cranes and early passerine nesting birds have fledged young and are now tending to broods. Of special interest is a whooping crane pair that has hatched two chicks as of last week and appears to still be tending to one of the chicks in the Necedah area and Kirtland's warblers appear to be back in even stronger numbers this year with at least five early nests. Migrant songbirds that arrived in early May are just now starting to fledge some early nests. The warm weather of May has led to a banner crop of early nests and has probably resulted in very few weather-related nest failures. Rare birds reported in the last week include glossy and white-faced ibis, black-necked stilt and other great marshbirds at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and a prairie warbler in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Dickcissels appear to be common this year in appropriate grassland habitats as well. As always, please report sightings to Wisconsin eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help better track migrant bird populations.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Trails are in great shape. The highs have been in the upper 60s with the lows dropping down to the upper 40s. There continue to be numerous sightings of black bears on the island, which is typical for this time of the year. The fawns are starting to present themselves. Campsites have been quickly filling up, and reservations are highly recommended. Access to Madeline Island and the park is usually via Madeline Island Ferry Line service. The ferries depart from Bayfield and carry passengers and vehicles of all sizes. They run seven days per week. The frequency varies depending on the time of year. Contact Madeline Island Ferry lines through the internet at
www.MadFerry.com. Rates and scheduled running times are posted on their website.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Phoebes are building their second nests, does are with fawns, spiderwort is blooming, wild strawberries are ripe.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) -The erratic weather conditions of the past week have made for some variable fishing success. Musky anglers have been out in pretty good numbers and nearly all have been seeing fish, with good number also being boated. The musky have been relating to the edges of the newly forming weed beds and most of the fish that have been caught have been in the 32 to 40 inch size. The most productive lures have been smaller bucktails and stick baits, and fished a little slower than normal. Mayflies are now hatching on many northern lakes and this has upset the walleye bite on most of these waters. The jig and minnow combinations are no longer being successful and most of the action is taking place on leeches or night crawlers. Northern pike success continues to be good, with fish still being found in shallow water around and over any new weed beds. Panfish action has been very good, with bluegill and crappie providing some excellent action. The bluegill nesting period is still occurring on many waters and some very nice fish have been found near the spawning beds. Crappie have been found in fairly shallow water along the emergent weed lines, with a small minnow below a bobber providing some good action. Most largemouth and smallmouth bass have completed their spawning period, though some nesting can still be found on some of the larger, clear-water lakes. Anglers are reminded that the Northern Bass season opens on Saturday, June 19 - but anglers should still practice a lot of catch-and-release as many bass are still guarding schools of fingerling fish.
DNR Northeastern Region
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - Light easterly winds combined with temperatures in the 60s last week allowed fishing to pick-up out of both Manitowoc and Two Rivers. Scattered rain with strong easterly-northeasterly winds slowed fishing on Sunday. Water clarity remains good with water temperatures ranging from 55-58 degrees along the lakeshore and mid-60s in the harbors. Angler success has picked up during the past week, with boaters averaging five to seven fish and some landing up to 13 fish. Some large chinook salmon have been reported from several boats anywhere from 18 to 21 pounds. Angling success has been concentrated in the 140-160 foot range between the areas straight out of Manitowoc all the way to the northern most trap nets north of Two Rivers. North of the trap nets, off the lighthouse, anglers had success throughout the week in 80-100 feet of water. A few boats reported catching some 8- to 10-pound chinook as shallow as 30 feet north of the trap nets. Coolers consisted mostly of chinook salmon, with a few rainbow and lake trout. Blue dodger/aqua fly, white dodger/pearl fly combinations, and blue and silver spoons were successful on downriggers throughout the week. Orange, bloody nose, watermelon, and blue dolphin spoons had the most success on high lines, pump handles, and the dypsy. With your downrigger depths out deep, try setting them in the 80-110 foot range. If fishing less than 100 feet in total depth, set your riggers in the 40-60 foot range. The majority of salmon have been taken during the morning bite before 7 a.m., so start as early as possible to get big chinook before fishing slows by mid-morning.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Pleasant weather conditions were had for the beginning of last week; however rain, fog and wind showed up toward the weekend. Rain on Friday dampened some fishing activity, fog on Saturday morning made navigating difficult and strong winds from the northwest on Sunday made for tough fishing on the Green Bay side of the county. Despite a few poor days of weather, anglers continued to be successful. Salmon and trout fishing has remained productive for this early in the year. Fishing along the bank reef has been a popular destination; however, fish were also being targeted in 150-200 feet of water in other spots in the lake. Fishing out of Baileys Harbor for salmon picked up with many reported limits being reached. Most anglers were working fly and flasher combinations on down riggers, and spoons on dipsy diver rigs. Steelhead have been active in the upper 60 feet of the water column, and an occasional lake trout has been seen down deeper too. Good smallmouth bass fishing has continued around the county. Fish have still been seen on beds along the shorelines of Sturgeon Bay and in the bays heading north along the West side of the county. Plastics and crank baits have been productive, usually fishing in 4-10 feet of water. Perch fishing has been hit or miss for most anglers, but some fish were still being caught. Fishing near the bottom with slip bobber rigs with minnows is a safe bet to land some tasty fish. Working the weed edges and the edge of the shipping channel in Sturgeon Bay has been the choice for most anglers. Walleye continue to be caught within the bay and out toward Sherwood Point, crawler harnesses have been the main attraction. Northern pike fishing has been slow with few reports of catches, however a few musky have caught since the season opener.
Peninsula State Park ? Yellow lady?s slipper, ox-eyed daisy, wood anemone, blue-eyed grass, and harebell are in bloom. Bald Eagles have been spotted regularly from the bluff. A snapping turtle was reported nesting along the Weborg causeway in early June. All hiking trails and the Sunset Bike Trail are open. Please report any trees or branches found lying on trails to park staff. Thanks to volunteer efforts in tree removal, the off-road bicycle trails are open to riding. Nicolet Beach is open for swimming. Concessions and rentals are available daily. Note: Flush toilets and showers at Nicolet Beach are in the process of being replaced and are not available. The nearest shower facilities are in the North and South Nicolet Bay campgrounds. The boat launch at Nicolet Bay is open. The Nature Center?s scheduled hours for the summer season are Sunday - Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. American Folklore Theatre?s 2010 season begins on June 17. Guided and self-guided tours of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum started June 7 are offered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days per week. An additional fee is required to enter the lighthouse, or you may walk around the lighthouse grounds. The Peninsula State Park Golf Course is open and tee times are generally available, and reservations may be made. Visit the golf course Web site or call (920) 854-5791.
Potawatomi State Park - Cecropia moths are out. Canada mayflowers and wild columbine are blooming. Young fox snakes have been seen sunning themselves.
Kewaunee County - The week started off on the right foot with temperatures in the low to mid 70s with sunny skies. The winds were also very calm at the beginning of the week and led to lots of fishing opportunities. Unfortunately as the week progressed, a cold front moved in and brought a few thunderstorms and high winds with temperatures in the low 60s. As a side note to weather, the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery released about 720 brown trout that averaged 10 inches per fish at the Kewaunee Ramp on Thursday. The Kewaunee ramp has been very successful again this week with a few boats coming in with eight to 10 fish. The species have been mainly king salmon and lake trout this week with an occasional rainbow trout being brought in as well. The action in the latter part of the week took place at about 90-120 feet of water with fish biting about 70-80 feet down. The more common lures being hit at flies but there has not been a specific color as it seems most colors are getting hits. The Kewaunee pier continues to see increases in fishing pressure and there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of fish being caught. The more successful anglers have been catching the fish down near the end of the pier and have been using aqua colored spoons. The Algoma ramp saw a decreased amount of fishing pressure this week due to the rough weather in the last part of the week. Anglers were highly successful at the beginning of the week with many boats harvesting four to five fish that were composed mostly of king salmon. The depths being fished varied from 130-260 feet with fish being caught through out those depths but as the week progressed, the action slowed down and the fish moved shallower with the most successful depths being around 80 feet. The south pier continued to see increased action as more reports of steelhead being caught and as more schools of bait fish begin to emerge along the pier.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - All trails are open. Trails east of Powder Hill Road have some wet and muddy areas. Temporary planks are on the trail in these areas to help hikers avoid the mud. The accessible trail pier is in place for the season. Swim area buoys are in place for the season. The lake water is tested four days a week for elevated bacteria levels. Any warnings will be posted.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been catching chinook, coho, and rainbows, although fishing has slowed somewhat. The most fish have been caught between 100 to 120 feet of water, anywhere from 20 to 70 feet down. Shore fishing in Sheboygan has been relatively slow, although a few browns have been taken near Edgewater Power Plant.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found a mixed bag of fish between 60 and 180 feet of water, from the surface to 90 feet down. Decent numbers of chinook, coho, rainbows, and a few lake trout have been hitting flashers and flies or spoons. Shore fishing in Port Washington has been generally slow.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers have been catching decent numbers of coho and chinook, along with a few rainbows and lake trout. Orange dodgers coupled with blue or green flies have taken the majority of fish, and the spoon bite remains slow. The most consistent depths have been 45 to 150 feet of water. Overall, Milwaukee shore fishing remained slow but some coho and brown trout have been taken off McKinley pier. Alewives fished on the bottom have produced the most. The McKinley fish cleaning station is now up and running.
Racine County - In Racine, trollers have been catching decent numbers of coho as well as a few chinook. Fish have been in as close as 30 to 50 feet of water or as deep as 120 feet. Orange or red dodgers and green flies have taken the most fish. For shore anglers in Racine, an occasional coho has been taken off the piers on alewives, and early mornings have been the most productive.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers have been finding fish in a variety of depth ranges, from 40 feet of water all the way out to 130 feet. Trollers have been taking mostly coho, along with a few chinooks, some of which have been in the 20-pound range. Dodger and fly combinations have been productive, but spoons have been catching a fair number of fish as well. Fishing from shore in Kenosha has been slow, and there has been very little fishing pressure.
DNR South Central Region
No reports.
DNR West Central Region
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.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River has been holding steady for most of the week. The river stage was at 7.8 feet Tuesday. The forecast for the Mississippi River is to remain steady just below the 8 foot mark. The Kickapoo River is up a little from last week. The river stage in Gays Mills and Steuben was at 7.45 and 7.24 respectively. The Wisconsin River has been up and down a bit during the past week. The current river stage in Muscoda is 1.53 feet. Historically the Wisconsin River can easily fluctuate a few inches in one day under normal flow. Canoeists and kayakers who spend the night camping on the Wisconsin River must make sure they secure their watercraft so it doesn?t drift away over night. If the Mississippi River drops near the 7 foot mark boaters will have to use extra caution around wing dams, closing dams, and back water sloughs. Fishing activity remains pretty good.
Prairie du Chien Area?s Lower bottoms and Ambro Slough Complex: Anglers have been finding pretty decent bluegill action in the backwaters or in sloughs with light current. Look for bluegills to start to move out of the shallow water areas, especially as the water temperatures rise. Horseshoe Lake, the Upper and Lower Doubles, Big and Little Missouri, and Fish Lake have all been producing bluegills. Most anglers are using a chunk of night crawler for bait. There has been some bluegill action staring on wing dams too. Perch action has been spotty throughout the area. Some are finding decent sized perch in the 10 to 12 inch range, but you?ll have to look hard for them. Check for perch along or in deeper weed lines. Walleye anglers are starting to target the wing dams on the main channel in the Prairie du Chien area. Also look for walleyes on the Roseau Slough. Walleyes have been hitting crank baits and nightcrawlers. Large and small mouth bass have been active throughout the area. Some anglers have been looking for crappies in the snags in backwater sloughs. Crappie action has been spotty so far.
Cold Spring: The Cold Spring area continues to be slow. There has been some action in the shallows, but there are better spots to try for bluegills. Better fishing exists on the other size (west side) of the railroad tracks on the Mississippi River. Walleye and small mouth and large mouth bass are being taken on live bait and crank baits. Boat operators are reminded that the Cold Spring area is a slow-no-wake area. Also, Cold Spring (east of the railroad tracks) is considered inland waters.
Mississippi River: Walleye and sauger action was pretty good this week. The Lynxville dam area and the McDonald cut were producing some walleye and sauger. Wing dams along the main channel have been pretty good. Walleye tactics include dead lining, drifting with jig and minnow, trolling crank baits, or anchoring above a wing dam and working live or artificial baits. Another place to check for walleyes is the ?S? curve by Harpers Ferry. Walleye activity has been decent there. Anglers fishing at the mouth of the Wisconsin River have had limited success. Trout anglers are finding that local streams are still in good shape. Trout anglers will find insect pests and shoreline vegetation might cause some problems. Even so, trout fishing conditions are very good and action has been good. There still are a substantial number of gnats out awaiting outdoor users. Besides the gnats, deer flies, horse flies and mosquitoes are out. Poison ivy, parsnip and stinging nettle are also out. The DNR advises that if you come across a baby wild animal to just leave it alone. Pets are problematic for the young animals so control your pets. Whitetail deer have having their fawns now and numerous reports of fawn sightings are coming in. Whitetail mothers are notorious for leaving their fawns unattended for long periods of time. If you locate a fawn don?t pick it up, just move away as the mother will return eventually. Black bear sightings have been on the increase in Crawford County. A dozen or more sighting have been reported in the past couple weeks. Area residents should not be overly concerned, however pet food, garbage cans and bird feeders should be secured or removed to the bears don?t make a habit of returning to those areas.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- A considerable amount of rain fell in Black River on Tuesday. ATV trail conditions are wet with some rough spots. Trails will be groomed next week. An early spring has allowed crews to complete several ATV trail improvement projects north of the Highway 54 parking lot. Crews are now focusing repairs on the section south of the Highway 54 lot to Wildcat Road, which will be closed Mondays through Thursdays with work being completed by June 30. These improvements protect the long-term integrity of the trail system and should significantly reduce weather related trail closures. The state forest and Jackson County will not be participating in the utility terrain vehicle (UTV) pilot this year but are considering it for 2011. This year we will be assessing our trail for the feasibility of adding UTVs in the future. At a minimum we would need to improve signage and to establish a speed limit for the trail system.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? Species of birds seen or heard include: the hooded mergansers, common loons, belted kingfishers, sandhill cranes, golden finches, red polls, mallard and bufflehead ducks, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, and barred owls. There is a pair of bald eagles nesting on Cornell flowage. Canada geese goslings are quite numerous this year and are growing quickly. The painted and snapping turtles have been digging nests throughout the park property. Fireflies, dragonflies and damselflies are out in great numbers. Blue flag, dog violet, orange hawkweed, wild columbine, ox eye daisy, wooly yarrow, grove sandwort, blackberry and raspberry vines, and common and wood strawberry are in bloom. Visitors who observe or come across young birds or animals should not touch them and please leave them as they are. Their parents are very likely to be close by, and are quietly waiting for you to move on. Generally, they will wait until you leave the immediate area before attending to their young.
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 11, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Ladybug Story and Craft. 10-10:45 a.m. Nature Center. Learn about ladybird beetles then paint a rock ladybug to keep. Art in the Park. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Drop by the Fish Creek entrance, across from Julie's Restaurant, to visit with Door County artist Dave Hackett. Dave will be demonstrating painting techniques. Peninsula's centennial print will also be available for sale ($25).
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Geology of Door County. The geologic history of the Door Peninsula is a dynamic story of moving continents, far-away volcanoes, tropical seas, and continental ice sheets. This all led to the formation of the Niagara Escarpment and the beautiful landscape that exists today. Join Ron Stieglitz, UW-Green Bay professor emeritus, to find out more. Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Big Band Concert. Enjoy the music! Listen and dance to the sound of live bands; the Hal Edwards Orchestra or the Summer Wind Band, in the historic north shore Chateau overlooking beautiful Devil?s Lake. Admission is $5 per person. 7:30 ? 10:30 p.m.
? Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slide show presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Discovery Saturdays: Natural Play Time. Do you remember searching in the grass, making dandelion chain necklaces, playing in a sandbox, or just having fun playing outside? Bring your kids to play outside at Havenwoods. These activities are for everyone! Just drop by the big blue tent anytime between 9 a.m. and noon.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Finding those Fascinating Ferns. Ferns are ancient plants that reproduce without seeds. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a walk on the Ravine Trail to learn how ferns grow and to view a variety of beautiful ferns in the park. Amphitheater behind the beach parking area. 1 p.m. Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Hike up the beautiful valley with the naturalist and learn some ancient geology that makes the area look like it does today. Meet at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking lot. 4 p.m. Family Fun: All About Owls. Meet Naturalist Barb Walker and Aztec, a live owl - then make an Owl-On-A-Stick to take home. Fun for the entire family! Ice Age Center. 7 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get some expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area and Long Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Wisconsin's Frogs - Sunset Serenade. Each spring Wisconsin's frogs and toads announce their presence with a musical choir. Come to learn about these amphibians without tails and the songs they sing. Of the 12 species in Wisconsin, 9 reside in Sheboygan County. Janet Raddatz will share her knowledge of these special creatures. A great family program. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, (414) 274-4281 - Gathering Waters Festival. Free event with canoeing and kayaking demonstrations, fishing clinics, boat and bike rides, rock wall climbing, kite flying, exhibits, lawn and garden demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and other activities for kids and adults. There'll be music and picnic areas and you can buy local food and beverages. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Exhibits and demonstrations end at 5 p.m.)
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail - Wildfire! Meet wildfire fighter Bryanna who will share sizzling facts about battling blazes, including safety tips. Learn to walk an imaginary fire line learning about the real techniques used by fire crews. Best for kids ages five and older. Nature Center. 10-11 a.m. Naturalist at Eagle Terrace. Have your questions answered by the park naturalist. Stop by the terrace any time 1-2 p.m. Peninsula Bingo Play a round of PENGO, a Peninsula style game of Bingo. Prizes for winners. Nature Center. 8-8:30 p.m. Night Hike See Peninsula in a different light. Learn how your senses?and the senses of forest animals?are adapted for the night. Leave your flashlights behind?we'll be using our ?night vision!? Nature Center. 9-10 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Astronomy Program. The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present an Astronomy Program at the Huser Astronomy Center. Programs are the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
? Big Foot Beach, Lake Geneva, (262) 248-2528 or e-mail - Our Wild Neighbors. Discover nature with our Naturalist Christee Reince! On the hour-long hike, we will use our detective skills to figure out where our wild neighbors live and what they eat! Dress for the weather and wear proper foot gear for hiking! Meet at the Picnic Shelter. 10:30 a.m. - Noon.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail - Snakes Alive! We'll meet some of Peninsula's common snakes and share slithering snake facts. Then, paint a wooden snake to keep. $1 donation/snake. Limited supply. Nature Center. 10-11 a.m.
Monday, June 14, 2010
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - FrogWatch Survey. Naturalist led survey of frog species. Learn how to identify frogs by their call and help collect data that will be added to a national database. Get directly involved in the effort to conserve and protect our amphibian friends. Meet at the High Cliff office. After sunset, call the office for details.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Tennison Fossil Frenzy. Peninsula's shoreline is full of fossils. We'll learn how fossils are formed, find real fossils along the beach, and then head back to the playground to unearth a fossil you can keep ($1 donation/fossil). Meet at Tennison Bay playground. 4-5 p.m. Bat Watch. Welcker's Shelter. Bat Girl has swooped over to Peninsula to share amazing facts about our only flying mammal. Then stick around to watch bats emerge from their daytime roost to feast on mosquitoes. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Snakes Alive. Meet at the Peterson Shelter. 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 1-4 p.m. June?s topic: ?Who, besides fish, live in Allen Lake??
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Preschool Storytime: Snails and Slugs. Imagine being as tiny as a snail or as slimy as a slug. We'll take a close-up look at these amazing creatures. 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. Junior Rangers: Snails and Slugs. Imagine being as tiny as a snail or as slimy as a slug. We'll take a close-up look at these amazing creatures. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 6-8. Grown-ups are welcome to accompany their children. This program is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Recipe for a Pothole, Hike with Naturalist Barb Walker around the Pothole Trail to learn the makings of Interstate Park's natural wonders. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 10 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Trail Trampers. Meet at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.What trees grow in this forest? What signs of animal life can we discover? 10-11 a.m. Animal Signs Quest.. On-your-own trail quest to learn about animal signs in the forest. Prizes for completion. Nature Center. Stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Weed Warriors. Garlic mustard, an invasive plant, is pushing beautiful flowers and trees out of the way. We need kids to help pull it. We'll show you how and reward you with nature center coupons and cool pins as a thank you. Meet at Tennison Bay playground. 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Havenwoods Birding Walk. Join the Havenwoods Birding Group for our weekly birding walks. We'll hike through fields, forests, and wetlands in search of birds. No experience is necessary. Please ask at the front desk if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars. 8-9:30 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 Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the trailhead near the playground. 10 a.m. Children's Story Time. Children ages 4-10 are invited to join a volunteer storyteller to hear a story and join in an activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Walk with a Forester. Meet at Eagle Tower. Peninsula welcomes Forester Bill Ruff who will share his tools of the trade, including measuring trees, on a family friendly walk. 10-11 a.m. Weed ID. Nature Center. Stop by anytime between Noon and 2 p.m. to learn to identify at least three Peninsula weeds. Learn what the park is doing to control these invasive plants.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents. Check at the park office for the location within the park. 10 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Beach and Dune Walk. Bring the family to hike the Creeping Juniper Trail and explore the flora of the Lake Michigan beach with volunteer naturalist Andrew Morris. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center 9 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Nature T-shirts. Customize a nature t-shirt design and then iron it onto a T-shirt. $2 donation/shirt. 10-11 a.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent ?Up in the Sky: Dragonfly . Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 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/
