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, September 17, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - A Billion Years on the Pothole Trail. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. Join Naturalist Barb Walker and hike back in time to see the geological wonders created over the last billion years.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Legs! What has eight legs? Spiders, of course. Discover some fascinating facts about these silk-spinning insect eaters. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Nature Scavenger Hunt: 10 a.m. ? noon. Stop by the Nature Center for this 15-minute, on-your-own activity. Find all the items on the list and get a prize.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
? Badger State Trail, Fitchburg, (608) 527-2335 - Grand Opening Ceremony. Everyone is invited to the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Badger State Trail segment from Purcell Road to Lovell Lane. This paved portion of the trail will provide a safe, off-road alternative for thousands of commuter and recreational bicyclists continuing through Madison, Fitchburg, and the Southern Dane County area. The event will be held at the trail kiosk at Marketplace Drive in Fitchburg (just south of McKee Road). DNR Secretary Matt Frank and Mayor of Fitchburg Jay Allen, among others, will be speaking at the ceremony. Event begins at 10 a.m.Location Map [PDF]
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Universe in the Park. Meet astronomy students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. View a slide show and learn about current space events. Then check out the night sky with a telescope. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - After Summer Hike. Candlelight hike along North Beach and Quarry Lake as well as public viewing of the night sky. Bonfire and refreshments available. Ansay Welcome Center. 7-10 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Links in the Food Chain. Grass grew in the sun; the rabbit ate the grass; the fox ate the rabbit. All of nature's creatures and plants are links in a food chain or two. Learn how these links fit together to form a web of life. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Observe the Moon. Venture out into the darkness for the first annual International Observe the Moon Night. Kevin Koski, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, will start off with a presentation about the wonders of the moon. If the skies are clear, the evening will end with outside observations of the moon and other night sky objects. This program is best for adults and youth over 10 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Birds of Prey - History of Falconry. Presentation on the history of falconry followed by the role of birds of prey in nature. A flying demonstration and question and answer period will follow. Outdoor shelter. 2 p.m. Wolves Of Wisconsin. Learn about wolf ecology, population, management issues, field study techniques and more from Richard Stoelb, a Volunteer Carnivore Tracker and member of Timberwolf Information Network. Bring the family. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Universe in the Park. 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. Universe in the Park.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Dutch Oven Lunch. Join the Dutch Oven Diva, Lesley Tennessen to learn how to buy, care for and cook in a Dutch Oven. We will make a variety of dishes using our ingredients then eat a delicious meal. Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600. Cost is $10. Shelter #1. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Candlelight Hike. Bring the family for fall fun by candlelight. Hike the two-mile trail on your own or join us for a shorter guided hike. We?ll have a bonfire for the marshmallows. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Monarch Butterfly Program. Donna Starkey will present. Peterson Shelter. 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Devil?s Challenge Triathlon. If you?re up to it, swim 1/4-mile, bicycle 15 miles, then run 3 miles. Starts at the north shore on Devil?s Lake. For more information or to register, see the Wisconsin Triathlon Series website. There is no race day registration. Race starts 8 a.m.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
? MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 - Wildlife Exhibit Series: Unbelievable Ungulates. What makes these animals so amazing? Explore unique adaptations, tracks, scat and so much more while observing animals in the wildlife exhibit. Hands-on activities for all ages. Meet at the Teaching Station in the wildlife exhibit. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
