WDNR Outdoor Report as of September 2, 2010While most of Wisconsin received additional rainfall in the last week, it was in much lesser amounts than through the summer. Up to 2 inches of rain was reported in some areas, but most of the state remained dry much of the week, and river systems throughout the state have continued to recede, with some northern rivers now approaching seasonal norms. Southern rivers continue to run high, though there are increasing numbers of sandbars available on the lower Wisconsin River.
With the more stable weather pattern, fishing activity has been pretty good on northern lakes, with musky continuing to be the highlight of the last week. Most anglers are reporting quite a few sightings, follows and strikes, and many catches have been made. Action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass was more sporadic this week. Smallmouth were most active on the flowages and larger rivers and largemouth showed a little more consistency, with most being found in the mid-depth areas around cover. Northern pike action has been good with the cooling water temperatures, and panfish activity remained fair.
With the lower water levels on the lower Wisconsin River, anglers reported action picked up for smallmouth bass. The slow-no-wake restrictions are now off the Rock and Crawfish rivers, and anglers were beginning to catch some catfish again now that the water levels are receding.
Strong winds last week created 3 to 4 foot waves along the Lake Michigan lakeshore, diminishing by the weekend but with hot and muggy conditions returning. Surface water temperatures were holding steady in the 63-65 degree range with reports of water temperatures in the mid-40s, 60 feet down. Fishing success out on the lake remained slow throughout the week, with the boats that ventured out averaged just one to three fish. Pier and harbor anglers were starting to see a bit more success as chinook salmon have begun to stage offshore for their fall migration, with a few salmon already spotted up the Kewaunee River.
Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc/Two Rivers area will want to keep an eye out in coming weeks for the flags and buoys that mark commercial fishing trap nets [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/greatlakes/trapnets.htm] as restrictions on where they can place those nets change after Labor Day. A new video, "Share the Water Safely," http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=cbe34c2648194d5f99ff55180275a3e5 shows the markers to look for.
Wetlands are in good shape for the early September goose season. More and more geese have been seen flying to and from wetlands and agricultural fields. Doves were staging in good numbers last week but many migrated out with last weeks cold front.
White-tailed deer are starting to loose their red summer coats. Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks as family groups establish rendezvous sites. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at.
Fall migration for long-distance, Neotropical migrants is in full swing. Birders around the state are reporting good numbers of warblers, thrushes, vireos and other forest migrants. These birds are headed for wintering areas in central and south America.
Regulated wild rice harvest lakes in northern Wisconsin have begun to open, but preliminary reports look like the harvest may be down this year due to the large amounts of rain northern Wisconsin received this summer that raised water levels on many rice beds.
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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
Fall migration for long-distance, Neotropical migrants is in full swing. Birders around the state are reporting good numbers of warblers, thrushes, vireos and other forest migrants. These birds are headed for wintering areas in central and south America. Shorebird numbers are also strong were good mudflats can be found. Waterfowl numbers are starting to build in flooded corn/crop fields and at larger waterfowl management areas. Birders can expect another strong push of migrants from Canada this weekend with the approaching front.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - The highs have been in the mid 70s with the lows in the low 50s. The peak season is well past for berries. The flies and mosquitoes are light, but the deer and other wildlife are abundant. Maple trees are starting to turn. The Naturalist programs are over for the year. . Access to the Madeline Island and the park are usually done with the use of ferry line service that departs from Bayfield and carry passengers and vehicles of all sizes. It runs seven days per week, but frequency varies depending on the time of year.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Water levels in the local lakes, rivers and streams remain a bit high, and levels have been slowly dropping with the relatively dry weather of the last week. Flowages are near their normal levels as most of the dams have had to open gates to pass the excess water that resulted from the heavy August rains. Water temperatures are hovering in the low 70s. Wild rice was ripening on some Northwoods waters, but the rice crop has been reported to be very poor in the Price County area. With some stable and relatively dry weather in the last week, fishing activity has been pretty good in the Northwoods. Musky have been the highlight in the area and action continued to be good. Most anglers are reporting quite a few sightings, follows and strikes, and many catches have been made. Most of the musky have been in the 30- to 38-inch size but a few in the 42- to 47-inch range have also been reported. Large-size artificials have provided most of the action and some of the favorite lures have included stick baits, double-bladed bucktails, and Bull Dawgs. The musky have been found in a variety of locations, including the less-dense weed beds, the deeper weed edges, and some even suspended in the deeper water areas. Action for both largemouth and smallmouth bass has been sporadic, with smallmouth being most active on the local flowages and larger rivers. The smallmouth have been found near cover around deeper water areas, with the successful baits being plastic finesse lures and spinner baits. Largemouth action showed a little more consistency in the past week, with most of the fish being found in the mid-depth areas around cover. The top-water bite never really developed this summer and it seemed the largemouth have been holding around cover in 3 to 6 feet of water. Soft plastics, jig/craw combinations, and spinner baits have been the more successful baits lately. Northern pike action has been good, as the cooling water temperatures favor this species. Some good success has been found on spinner baits casted along the mid-depth weed edges. Walleye action has remained generally slow, with many of the anglers having given up until the fall patterns set in. Panfish activity has been fair - some decent crappie and bluegill have been found suspended around deeper water cover, and rock bass being found just about everywhere else!
DNR Northeastern Region
Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc/Two Rivers area will want to keep an eye out in coming weeks for the flags and buoys that mark commercial fishing trap nets,
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/greatlakes/trapnets.htm as restrictions on where they can place those nets change after Labor Day. A new video, "Share the Water Safely," http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=cbe34c2648194d5f99ff55180275a3e5 shows the markers to look for.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Oconto County - Geano Beach anglers have been catching some perch in the weed beds. Most have been fishing 15-30 feet of water. Minnows have been the best bait due to the amount of gobies stealing worms.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fox River shore anglers have been doing well fishing from Voyager Park and the metro landing at the mouth of the river. Most have been targeting catfish and have had some good success. Anglers have also reported catching sheepshead and white perch as well. Some fortunate anglers have been catching perch at Voyager Park. Anglers that have been trolling walleye in the lower bay have found it a very tough bite. Crawler harnesses seem to be out-producing any other types of bait. Shore anglers have had some good luck fishing from the Suamico boat landing. Most have been fishing perch with bobbers and a piece of night crawler. Walleye anglers have reported slow fishing with mostly sheepshead being caught.
Manitowoc County - Strong westerly winds early in the week switched out of the south by Friday at 15-20 mph creating 3 to 4 foot waves along the lakeshore. The winds finally diminished by Sunday morning but hot and muggy conditions raised temperatures to the mid to upper 80s. Surface water temperatures are holding steady in the 63-65 degree range with reports of water temperatures in the mid-40s, 60 feet down out of Two Rivers. Fishing success remained slow throughout the week in part to the strong winds the whole week. The few boats that ventured out averaged one to three fish per boat out of both Manitowoc and Two Rivers. The fishing action remains very slow, with several boats at the Two Rivers and Manitowoc ramps not landing a single fish. With fishing so slow, there hasn?t been any certain depth to target. Straight out of Two Rivers and just south of the trap nets in 80-100 feet of water appears to be the targeted location out of Two Rivers where boats have been landing a few four year old chinook salmon. Spoons on the riggers 40-60 feet down have been working best with a glow watermelon spoon being the hot spoon. A few boats out of both ports have tried their luck in 200-250 feet of water resulting in a few nice kings and a mix of rainbows and cohos. Glow spoons on the riggers and plaid flasher/fly combos on the dypsy have been working. Set gear 60-100 feet down and keep experimenting since there has been no steady action in a certain area or depth. By Sunday, a few boats out of Manitowoc began fishing the pier heads and landed a few silver four year old salmon. The salmon appear to be coming in slowly, so it won?t hurt to try out front for those salmon. Pier fishing off of Manitowoc and Two Rivers Sunday resulted in a handful of nice four year old, still silver, salmon caught. Anglers had success using three-quarter ounce green champs with an occasional fish caught off of bottom. A few brown trout have also been caught while casting for salmon. Anglers continue to get a few northern pike 20 inches and up in the Manitowoc marina north of the docks using medium shiners or casting with little cleos or spinners.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The last week of August brought difficult Lake fishing conditions to Door County for most of the week, however fishing in Sturgeon Bay and some other protected harbors around the county did prove successful. The last good week of summer temperatures may have been had as predictions show a cooling trend into the fall months. Rain continued to have a minimal effect on the number of anglers on the water as August continued to be much drier than the previous soggy summer months. The number of anglers targeting salmon on Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay was low this week likely due to the reports of slower fishing. A combination of slow fishing and rough waters during the week only produced a few reports were out of Baileys Harbor and Sturgeon Bay with average catches between one to three fish. Fishing on the bank reef has been decent for some anglers, reporting working spoons and flasher fly combos down near the bottom looking for colder water. Some anglers stated they are waiting for the fish to start moving in closer to shore as the salmon spawn should be coming soon. Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing has picked up dramatically as salmon fishing has slowed. Many boats were seen out of Fish Creek and Sister Bay working some of the underwater structures found along the West shore of the county. Purple crank baits were a popular choice this week along with other varieties of crank baits, as well as a few boats still reporting success on crawler harnesses. Little Sturgeon Bay: Anglers have been fishing smallmouth bass in some of the deep rocks and have been doing well. Drop shot rigs have been producing the best action. Perch anglers have also been finding good numbers of perch in the many weed beds throughout the bay. Walleye anglers have been doing very well trolling shad raps or husky jerks. Most have been trolling 12 feet of water or less at night and 20 feet in the daytime. The night bite has been the best for numbers of fish. A few anglers have been fishing pike with limited success. Sturgeon Bay: Anglers have been trolling walleyes along the southwest shore of the county around Larsen?s Reef and down toward Dyckesville with limits reported. Most have been trolling crank baits to produce the best catches. Perch anglers have been catching good numbers of perch up and down the ship channel. Northern pike anglers have had some luck over the last few days but most have been small in size. Smallmouth fishing has been productive in many of the bays on both the Lake and Green Bay side. Drifting and working plastics in rocky areas in about 8-15 feet of water has produced not only good numbers but very nice size as well. Perch anglers have been excited as some nice fish have started to be seen around the county. Some anglers in Sister Bay have reported catching some nice fish on both minnows and night crawlers, as well as seeing some nice schools in some of the northern marinas. An increased amount of perch anglers have been seen along the shipping channel in Sturgeon Bay likely meaning an increase in action. Shore fishing countywide has been good these last few weeks as seen in the number of anglers enjoying it. The Egg Harbor marina has been a great spot for anglers of all ages the first few weeks it?s been open, as well as Anderson?s Dock in Ephraim and the Sister Bay marina. Chaudoir?s Dock: Anglers have been doing well fishing perch in 25 feet of water with some 10 inch plus fish being caught. Best bait has been minnows or night crawlers on bottom rigs. Also some anglers have been catching walleye trolling crank baits to the north. Shore anglers fishing off the pier have been catching some perch and sheepshead.
Peninsula State Park ? All hiking trails and the Sunset Bicycle Trail are open and in good condition. American Folklore Theatre?s 2010 season is complete in the park. See the AFT website for a schedule of fall performances, held at the nearby Door Community Auditorium.
Kewaunee County - The water temperature out on the lake surface remained above 70 degrees during the first part of the week but strong winds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have dropped the surface temperature considerably near the shores and piers. The weather was beautiful during the week but the heavy winds toward the end of the week limited the number anglers that launched at the city ramps. Anglers have spotted more and more salmon off the piers as the days have gone by and appears the fish are staging and are beginning to make some runs into the rivers. The Kewaunee pier continues to draw more anglers as each day passes. There have been more fish caught during the latter half of the week and has been a mixed bag with rainbow trout, brown trout, and chinook salmon making up the catch. Anglers have had the best success with spoons that are either blue/silver or green moonshine. A few salmon have been spotted in the Kewaunee River near the Besadney fish hatchery. The catch continues to be slow in Kewaunee this week most likely due to warm water temperatures in the earlier parts of the week. The average catch per outing this week seemed to be around two to three fish per boat. Anglers having been marking lots of baitfish and fish but the salmon seem to be hugging the bottom and refusing to become active. The fishing on the Algoma pier is still heating up as more and more fish are being caught off the pier daily. The latter half of the week began to signal the arrival of the chinook salmon as it was becoming common to hear that six to eight salmon were being caught in the morning. The brown trout are still being caught off the pier this week and still seems to be the most common catch. There have been a few northern pike caught of the pier this week. Anglers have been using everything ranging from spawn sacs, stick baits, and spoons to catch the fish. The fishing out on the lake continues to be slow with many anglers struggling to catch more than two fish per outing. The more successful anglers have been fishing pretty close to shore near the north pier and have been in waters ranging from 40 feet to about 110 feet of water. The hot lures this week have been spoons but no specific color has done better.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Generally fishing remains slow for both shore anglers and trollers alike. Rain later this week, along with cooler temperatures, should hopefully trigger some movement of mature chinook.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been catching just a few chinook and coho. Most fish have been in 90 to 125 feet of water and have been taken primarily on spoons. Shore anglers in Sheboygan continue to catch a few chinook off the north pier. Early mornings have been best, and both spoons and alewives have produced.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found some chinook, rainbow, and coho, and those with the most fish have been working in more than 100 feet of water. Spoons and J-plugs fished 30 to 60 feet down have been productive. Shore anglers in Port Washington have had some limited success fishing for chinook off the pier, and spoons have produced the most. A few perch have also been taken near the Port Washington power plant on minnows.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee fishing effort has been very low. The few trollers that have been out have been catching a few chinook and lake trout. Most fish have been caught in 60 to 90 feet of water, and glow spoons and J-plugs have taken the majority. Shore fishing has also been slow, however, a 29 inch northern pike was reported caught off of McKinley Pier in the past week.
Racine County - Fishing effort in Racine has been low, but those venturing out have had some occasional success. Off and on trollers have been catching some chinook in 50 to 60 feet of water, but when the fish are not biting in close, chinook and rainbows have been found in 220 to 240 feet of water. Shore fishing remains relatively slow in Racine, and perch fishing has been almost non-existent.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers have been catching some chinook in 60 to 80 feet of water, but fishing there has been hit-or-miss. Rainbows have been hitting somewhat consistently out deeper, around 250 to 270 feet of water. Shore anglers in Kenosha continue to catch occasional browns and a few chinook in the harbor. White tube jigs and gold spoons have both taken fish. Perch fishing has been slow, both for the boats and those fishing from shore.
DNR South Central Region
Currently there will be 33 classes offered for Hunter Education for the month of September in the DNR South Central Region. People who need a hunter safety course to purchase a license should not wait much longer or they may not find an open course. Go to
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/coursereq.htm to find a Recreational Safety Course near you.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Lafayette County - With all the high water this summer the rivers have been up, but with the recent break from the rain, the Pecatonica River has come back down to somewhat normal levels. This river provides for an excellent wildlife viewing opportunity, in addition to fishing and hunting opportunities. A variety of different species of waterfowl, shorebirds, kingfishers, herons have been observed on the water, as well as soft-shell turtles basking in the sun, whitetail deer, snakes, frogs, and of course, the local muskrats. On Sunday a young boy caught his first red horse sucker near South Wayne. Anglers reported having some success catching channel cat on the river over the weekend. Anglers fishing on Yellowstone Lake were catching and releasing small walleye, small bass and even some were catching keeper crappies. Boating pressure remains high on the weekends. Remember, boat safely. A veterinarian in Hazel Green called DNR Warden Jeff King to report having found a bobcat struck while on Buncombe Road. Very uncommon but not the first confirmed bobcat in this area. The vet was given permission to pick up the carcass and freeze it while officials look for a home for the bobcat mount.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - Water levels on the Wisconsin River has retreated to normal in Columbia and Sauk counties, and anglers can now be found trying to take advantage of available shore structure (rocks & trees) looking for smallmouth bass. The bass bite is back on and local anglers are happy to take advantage of this scrappy fish.
Dane County ? Water levels on the Madison Lakes, the Yahara River and Wisconsin River are still much higher than normal but are slowly starting to come down. Fishing has been generally slow on Dane County waters. Panfish are starting to bite around the Madison Lakes, with many decent catches of bluegills reported from both boats and shore anglers. Game fish including walleye and musky fishing has been relatively slow should start picking up within the next few weeks. Things look great for the dove opener with wildlife crews having mowed around parking lots and access trails on state lands. Doves were staging in good numbers last week but many migrated out with last weeks cold front. Birds are gathering in flocks again, but a cold front is forecast to move through the area midweek. Lots of swallows and other early migrants have already left the area. A reminder that nontoxic shot is required for dove hunting on all state and federal lands.
Jefferson County - Water levels on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers are still higher than normal for this time of year; however, the slow-no-wake restrictions are now off on the streams and rivers in Jefferson County. Anglers are beginning to catch some catfish again on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers now that the water levels are receding. Chicken livers are the preferred bait on the Rock River in Watertown with some catfish up to 3 pounds being caught. Lots of carp are still packed in below the lower dam in Watertown making it difficult to locate game fish there. Wetlands are in good shape for the upcoming early September goose season. More and more geese have been seen flying to and from wetlands and agricultural fields. Waterfowl hunters should be aware that the damage to dikes on Princes Point Wildlife Area caused by the 2008 flood and heavy rains in years since have not been repaired completely. That's not to say these areas are not holding waterfowl. The birds are using these areas they are just more difficult for hunters to get to. With the Early September Goose Season starting hunters that set up blinds on public lands are reminded to have their name, address and customer ID# attached to the blind.
Rock County - Water levels on the Rock River have gone down and the slow-no-wake rules have been lifted on all sections of the Rock River in Rock County except the buoyed restricted slow-no-wake zones. Catfish are biting on the Rock River. White bass continue to bite on the Rock River at Indianford and on Lake Koshkonong. Anglers were catching white bass with jig and minnow and with crank baits while trolling. Anglers on Storr's Lake have been catching bluegill with a piece of worm or waxies. Waterfowl habitat improvement continues on private lands throughout Avon Township. Dove Season opened September 1 and the dove population looks better than last year for the start of the season. Sunflower production was good on fields in the Lima Public Hunting Grounds and Evansville Public Hunting Grounds. Hunters must use non-toxic shot on state and federal properties when hunting doves.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Camping is full for the Labor Day weekend. Cooler weather has moved in and rain is predicted for Thursday. Even though its been relatively dry, the prairie is still green. Anglers had some luck on pan fish and northern pike while the weather was stable. That?s the key, having the same weather for a few days and normal water flow through the lake. The beach had plenty of use during the warmer days last week.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks. Family groups have established rendezvous sites. These are typically open areas including old log landings, abandoned quarries, old fields, or grassy hillsides, where family groups meet to socialize, and prepare for an upcoming hunt. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at, whether by another coyote or a human.
Perrot State Park - The trails are in good condition. Water levels have returned to mostly normal and canoeing is highly recommended in the bay. Soils have shifted in the bay due to the flood waters, so things will look different to those familiar with the area. Fishing is still slow, as always. Currently blooming in the park: Goldenrods, Sunflowers, Snakeroot, Partridge Pea, Blazing Stars, Wild Rice, Jewelweed and Ragweed. Blackbirds are starting to gather in larger and larger numbers in the bay and Hummingbirds are frantically feeding at feeders. Walnuts are dropping leaves and walnuts and black cherries are raining down. The roads in the park are lined with a thick layer of yellow leaves and walnuts and hickory nuts pop beneath vehicle tires. Mosquitoes are out and about. Campers are advised to remember their bug spray since there is none to be purchased in Trempealeau.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Prairie grasses line the trails and turtles are sunning themselves on branches in the water. Leaves are falling gently on the trail and the bugs are finally getting better. Virginia Creeper and Sumac are beginning to turn red and fall colors will be here soon.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- All-terrain Vehicle trails are open and in good condition for Labor Day weekend. The northern trails were groomed last week and the southern trails were groomed this week. After a long period of closure due to heavy rains the Oak Ridge trail is open again. Starting in the middle of September crews will begin work on a wetland crossings on the Oak Ridge Trail. This weekend marks the end of the reservation season for East Fork campground. Twelve of the campground's 24 sites are on the reservation system from the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The other 12 sites are first-come, first-served. A new visitor center/campground office is coming to Castle Mound. Construction will start either late Fall 2010 or early Spring 2011. If construction starts in the Fall, the campground will close immediately and not reopen until Memorial Day weekend. If construction starts in the Spring, the campground will close immediately and be open on Friday through Sunday nights only starting Memorial Day weekend and lasting through the construction process. Because of this uncertainty Reserve America is not taking reservations for Castle Mound in 2011 until after January 1.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People have been catching fish from the pier and at their campsites. Kids have been catching and releasing small bluegills , bass and some crappies from the pier at the pond. Trails are in great condition for hiking with the warmer weather and many visitors have been camping, picnicking and fishing. GPS units are available to checkout at the park office. The bugs have not been as bad as in earlier weeks and beaches are still great for swimming. New hunting maps for the park and wildlife areas are available. Waterfowl and small game hunting are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the state park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - There are still some bugs so remember bug spray. Hunting is not allowed in Roche-A-Cri State Park. The stairway up the bluff is closed due to deteriorating lumber. A project to replace it has been approved. The petroglyph viewing platform at the base of the mound is still open and several miles of hiking trails are available.
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.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6220 - A Visit to a Pioneer Log Cabin. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Let?s Talk about Insects! 10 ? 10:30 a.m. Nature Center. Learn what makes insects cool in this talk featuring butterflies and mosquitoes. Find out the latest news on emerald ash borer and beach bark disease. An optional insect craft will follow the talk.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: The Chirping Choir. "Chrrrp, chrrrp." "Katydid, katydidn't!" Who are the members of this evening choir? Listen and learn about crickets and their noisy relatives. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Hike: Step Into the Night. Explore the darkening world listening intently for all those interesting night sounds. Bring your insect repellent and sense of adventure. Best for families/groups with children over the age of 5 years. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center. 8-9:30 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6220 - Life Along the Shoreline. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Nature Story and Craft: 10 ? 11 a.m. Drop by the Nature Center for nature-inspired fun! Theme to-be-announced. Kayak Tour: 10 a.m. - noon. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15+tax /person. Please phone (920) 868-3258 for complete information.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Become a Wisconsin Explorer. Find out how you can earn a Wisconsin state symbol patch, and take a hike along the Ancient Shorelines Trail with the naturalist. Nature center. 4-4:45 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Strolling the Shore. Explore the geology and ecology of the Dunes while enjoying Lake Michigan. Start at the beginning of the park?s life and discover hidden secrets. Whitefish Dunes Amphitheater. 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 4, 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 - Radical Raptors. Does it feel like bird eyes are watching you? It may be when a guest speaker brings a real Red-tailed Hawk to the park. Come learn some facts about bird of prey, dissect an owl pellet and make a craft to take home. A fun program for all ages. Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Universe in the Park [exit DNR]. Join the University of Wisconsin 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.
High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Red Shouldered Hawk Ecology. Join Brown County ecologist, John Jacobs, for a presentation on the biology of Red Shouldered Hawks. Family Campground Amphitheater. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park [exit DNR]. 8-9 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! Get some expert help from a naturalist who will work with the youth on activities from the books. Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake and Long Lake recreation areas. 10-11 a.m. Meet The Ranger. Have you ever wondered what a forest ranger?s job actually involves? Meet a ranger to learn more about what rangers do and the tools they use. Picnic Shelter at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 11 a.m. - noon. Drop In at the Beach: Creatures of the Night. Learn what animals are awake while we sleep at night and how they are adapted to survive under the cloak of darkness. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Picnic Shelter at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.Jupiter and Its Moons. Join Kevin Koski, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, as he shares some of the incredible discoveries that have been made about Jupiter and its many moons. This program is best for anyone over the age of 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Summer Star Gazing. Look through a telescope or binoculars to bring into focus the wonders of the night sky. With the help of experienced night sky observers from the Northern Cross Science Foundation, spy distant planets, dumb-bell nebulas, globular clusters and so much more. The program will be held only if the skies are clear. This program is best for adults and children over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 8:45-10:45 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6220 - Ice Age Jewel: Lulu Lake Canoe Trip. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m. Return of the Gray Wolf. Forest Headquarters. 1 p.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Astronomy at the Park. The Sheboygan Astronomical Society will be setting up their telescopes at Kohler-Andrae. They invite the public to come to take a look at the night sky to see the Gibbous Moon, Jupiter, M13, Albireo, M31, and M57. It will be an interesting experience for all ages. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Adjacent to Bath House lot. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Soaring Eagles Rehabilitation Center. Join us at the amphitheater for our evening program with Raptor Rehabilitator, Linda Bethke who will be joining us to talk about the birds in her life.
New Glarus Woods State Park, New Glarus, (608) 527-2335 - Universe in the Park Astronomy Program. An Astronomy Program presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Astronomy Department. Watch a slide show and then view astronomical objects through telescopes. Shelter building next to the park office. Sunset. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Snakes Alive! 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Play snake trivia to learn about snakes in Peninsula State Park. Then, paint your own wooden wiggly snake to keep. Great craft for all ages! $1 donation/wooden snake. Smokey Bear on Patrol: Smokey Bear will be spreading his fire safety message around park hot-spots this afternoon. Keep an eye out at the beach and around your campground! Night Hike: 8 ? 9 p.m. We?ll explore the nighttime adaptations of Peninsula wildlife and then put our own night senses to the test with a nighttime walk in the woods, packed with games and adventure.
Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Fun Fireside Program. Meet at the nature trail parking area off of Powder Hill Road. Sponsored by the Friends of Pike Lake [exit DNR]. 8:30 p.m.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Old-Fashioned Campfire. Bring the family down to the campground shelter to hear a few tall tales about Potawatomi's wildlife. 7-8 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - How Old are Those Dunes? Join Dr. Rawlings in learning more about the park?s geology and sand dunes. Discover recent dune geologic history and the factors likely to influence past dune activity. Learn the different on-site, satellite and soil analysis methods used within the project. The project was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and included participation by faculty at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the University of Wisconsin-Extension Wisconsin Geologic and Natural History Survey, and undergraduate students from around the country. An optional hike will follow the inside program to explore the dunes. Meet at the Nature Center auditorium for this very special program. 10 a.m. Fall Flowers. Explore the colorful beauty of summer with a gentle hike to discover wildflowers. Learn a bit of legend, lore and identification. Whitefish Dunes Amphitheater. 2 p.m.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Making Ancient Stone Tools. David Off demonstrates how Native Americans manufactured arrowheads, spear points and other stone implements. Amphitheater. 8 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.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Catch and Tag a Monarch Butterfly! Once again local naturalist Randy Korb will share his vast knowledge of this royal butterfly and give you an opportunity to net and tag monarch butterflies yourself. The fee is $3 for Friends of Interstate Park and $5 for non-members. Please call to register. Meet at the Ice Age Center. 1-3 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Universe in the Park [exit DNR]. Join the University of Wisconsin 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.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Night Hike. Families are encouraged to meet Ranger Morgen to experience walking around the park at night with only the aid of natural light. No pets allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the enclosed shelter. 8:45 p.m.
Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Universe in the Park [exit DNR]. Join the University of Wisconsin 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. Sorry, no pets are allowed at the Upper Picnic Area. 9 p.m.
Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Geology of Mirror Lake - Program and Night Hike. Program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. Following the program (starting about 8:30 p.m.) will be a night hike. The hike lasts for about one hour. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Butterfly Meadow: 10 ? 10:30 a.m. Nature Center. Monarchs and sulphurs are aflutter in the meadow! Learn a few butterfly facts, then grab a butterfly net and head into the meadow. After, decorate a butterfly recipe card holder! $1 donation/craft. Naturalist Roving the Park: 2 ? 3 p.m. The park naturalist will be atop Eagle Tower, at Nicolet Beach, and other park hot spots to answer your nature questions. Nature Center at Night: 4 ? 6:30 p.m. Swing by the Nature Center during our special evening hours! Adults can check out the displays while kids work on a nature craft or play a nature game. Bat Watch: 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. Welcker's Shelter Building. Learn why we love bats at Peninsula State Park, then watch bats fly from their daytime roost to feast on mosquitoes.
Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - S'mores Extravaganza! Join the staff of Perrot State Park for this end of summer tradition! Dozens of S?Mores toppings will be available for you to use in creating your monument to summer. Get as creative as you (and your tummy) dare! Meet at the Nature Center. 6:30 p.m.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Eco Art in the Park. Create recycled art projects, start a nature journal, and make some mysterious masks. Bring a T-shirt for track stamping. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the park's south shoreline area. Picnic area. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Pancake Breakfast. Don?t feel like cooking today? Drop in at this tasty breakfast brought to you by the Friend?s group. Pancakes, sausage and beverages for only $6 per adult and $3 per child. All funds raised will help refill the wildlife refuge. Tickets on sale at the firewood shed. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Parking Lot E. 7:30 a.m. to Noon.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - CCC Video on Request: 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m. Nature Center. Learn about the impact the Civilian Conservation Corps had on Wisconsin?s state parks by watching this 15 minute video.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Finding Ferns: 9 ? 9:30 a.m. Nature Center. Learn what makes ferns unique from other plants. Then, take a short walk to learn to identify five common Peninsula ferns. Cloud Windows: 1- 2 p.m. Nature Center. Create a cool tool to help you read the clouds and predict the weather.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Adopt a Highway. Join us to clean up the highway in front of the park. All equipment provided. You must be at least 12 years old to participate. Visitor Center. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. 5:30 p.m.
WDNR Outdoor Report as of September 2, 2010
