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, July 30, 2010
? Amnicon Falls State Park, Superior, (715) 398-3000 - 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 .
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Hike to the Summit. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike up to the summit. Learn interesting facts about the history and geology of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign. 3 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Here Kitty! Snarl with the wildcats of Douglas County-cougars and bobcats! Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Family Bike Ride: 10-11:30 a.m. Meet at Nature Center. Provide your own bike. Pedal past a black ash swamp, a rocky bluff, and to Kodanko Field on this leisurely, three mile ride. Family friendly pace along rolling terrain, with several scenic stops. Kayak Tour: 10 a.m. - noon. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15/person. Please phone (920) 868-3258 for complete information.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Stone Skipping. Enjoy a walk after dinner. We'll take a stroll down to the water's edge and skip some stones, then weave our way through the woods along a portion of the Tower Trail. Meet at the Campground Shelter. 7 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Meet the Mammals. Explore the wonders of the whitetail deer. Join the naturalist for this hands-on experience. Amphitheater. 10-11 a.m. Big Red Tent ? On the Beach: Tracks. 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. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - The Elderly Brothers. Original and classic rock music with Carroll Sigler and David Off. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Mosquito Munchers. These little pests are out to suck your blood and we are out to learn more about them. Stop over and play a "skeeter" game and get creative making your own mosquito to take home. Amphitheater. 11 a.m. ? 1:30 p.m.
? 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.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - We Dig Decomposers! Decomposers, we mean those termites, dung beetles and worms. Blech! But wait, these creatures aren't gross! They do extremely important jobs out in nature - who else is going to take out Mother Nature's garbage? Get down and dirty with some of the most important animals out there, and see if you can spot decomposers that aren't animals. Meet at the Hellestad House amphitheater. 10 a.m.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Lizards, Turtles, and Snakes...Oh My! The Fox Valley Herpetological Society will be bringing several reptilian companions to view and hold. This is a family friendly event and a great opportunity to get over your fear of snakes or just get better acquainted. General Store Museum. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park . 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Wildlife of Wisconsin. Presentation on several common animals that can be found in the park. Learn more about how our animal friends live in a constantly changing and fragmented habitat in Wisconsin. Followed by an optional night hike. Family Campground Amphitheater. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Listen! Look! Learn! Naturalist Nancy Frank will lead an indoor/outdoor nature awareness program. Learn how we can be more attuned to nature, then get a chance to practice your new skills along the Skyline Trail. Ice Age Center. 1 p.m. Hiking the Ice Age Trail. The Pothole Trail is the western ends of the 1200-mile-long Ice Age National Scenic Trail that spans across the State of Wisconsin. Join the naturalist and learn about the unique geology of Interstate Park, a unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 4 p.m. Wildlife and What They Wear. Visit with Naturalist Nancy Frank and get a chance to feel the varied ?critter coverings? of our woodland friends. Meet at the grassy area in the center of the North Campground. 7 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - 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. Drop In at the Beach: Outdoor Cooking. Brush up on your outdoor cooking skills or learn a new technique. The naturalists will be baking cakes, toasting pudgy pies, and whipping up some other tasty treats. Come surprised at how easy cooking in the outdoors can be. We'll also cover fire building/safety. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Long Lake Recreation Area North Beach.1-4 p.m. Summer Saturday Evening Event: Alternative Lifestyles: Plants that Eat Animals. Sundews, pitcher plants and bladder worts capture insect prey to help them survive in nutrient-poor soils. Dr. Erica Young?s (asst. professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences at UW-Milwaukee) presentation will cover their incredible natural history and amazing ecology. She will also tell what research is being conducted on this charismatic group of carnivorous plants. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Lions and Wolves and Bears, Oh My! DNR Wildlife Biologist Aaron Buchholz will share information about the status and trends of the timber wolf, black bear and cougar populations in Wisconsin, as well as current management efforts for these species. Program best for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free program, donations accepted. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - 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 .
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 -Snakes Alive. Sssset assssside your fears and watch in awe as Wisconsin Herpetologist Tom Kessenich wows you with his wiggly assistants! 6:30 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Potawatomi's Mammals. Learn about the many mammals that call Potawatomi home. Come and go as you like during this drop-in activity. Nature Center. 4-5 p.m. Black Bears. Bring the family down to the Nature Center to learn a bit about black bears in Wisconsin from one of Potawatomi's rangers. Nature Center. 7:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Dragons and Damsels. Explore their habitat to discover what makes dragon and damselflies so unique and so important. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association . Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Pond Peeking. Dip into the park ponds to see which creatures share your swimming water! Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 339-6881 - Mosquito Munchers. These little pests are out to suck your blood and we are out to learn more about them. Stop over and play a "skeeter" game and get creative making your own mosquito to take home. Mound shelter. 3:30-5 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Sand Sculpture Contest. Bring friends and family to help make sand creations on the beach. Prizes for everyone with grand prizes in three categories. Sand Sculpture Rules [PDF]. You must be present to win. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes. Sculptures cannot begin before 8 a.m. Registration 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., judging 2 p.m., awards 3 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Stones, Bones and Sticks. Presented by Merle Frommelt. Peterson Shelter. 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
? Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - Tour of Ancient Aztalan. Take a tour Wisconsin's most important archaeological site. Aztalan showcases an ancient Middle Mississippian village that thrived between AD 1000 and 1300. Sponsored by Friends of Aztalan State Park. 2 p.m.
? Standing Cedars State Natural Area, Osceola, (715) 483-2274 - Summer Outdoor Family Adventure Series. Uncover the hidden treasures of this protected piece of land; why it was established, what?s happening now, and what it means to you. Learn essential information about learning to hike including how to prepare for a hike, what to wear, what to pack and how to stay safe while on the trail. 4-5 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Outdoor Cooking: Brush up on your outdoor cooking skills or learn a new technique. The naturalists will be baking cakes, toasting pudgy pies, and whipping up some other tasty treats. You'll be surprised at how easy cooking in the outdoors can be. We'll also cover fire building/safety. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - 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 slideshow presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park .
? La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, (608) 337-4775 - Prairie Walk with Bob Lee. Discover and learn about the native wildflowers and grasses on this abandoned railroad prairie remnant. Wear comfortable walking shoes and other clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat to block the sun. Sponsored by Friends of the La Crosse River State Trail. Meet in Rockland where the trail crosses Commercial Street (County Highway J). 1:30 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Mammal Masks. Stop by and make a marvelous mammal mask. Come and go as you like during this drop-in program. Nature Center. 11 a.m. ? 1 p.m.
