WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 27, 2008
With warmer temperatures this week, snow has begun to rapidly disappear from southern Wisconsin, but snow cover continues to hold on across central and northern Wisconsin, with 10 to 20 inches still being reported on the ground in some locations. The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Waukesha County was still reporting some diehard skiers out on trails as of early this week, and snowmobile trails were still open and in fair to good conditions in the most northern tier of counties. Ice conditions remain pretty good on most lakes across the Northwoods, with thickness in the 26 to 30-inch range still being reported, but conservation wardens were cautioning people to stay off southern lakes. While some southern lakes still had 15 to 20 inches of ice, shoreline access has eroded in many areas, river channels are opening up and the ice is getting rotten very fast.
Success for panfish has dropped off on northern lakes, with the thick ice and heavy snow putting fish in a very lethargic mode. Panfish action has picked up on many southern lakes, though, as melt water is increasing oxygen levels. Perch action has been good on Lake Winnebago off Oshkosh. Perch season is closed on Green Bay until May 20 in order to protect the fishery during their spawning season. Some anglers were still on the ice in Sawyer Harbor for northern pike. The Coast Guard's ice breaker has been moving through Sturgeon Bay last week.
Water levels on the Upper Fox have been at flood stage but are starting to come down. The upper Wolf River is just starting to open up and early walleye anglers have started fishing the Upper Fox and Wolf rivers for prespawn walleyes. Many southern river systems, including the Rock and Crawfish rivers, were flowing over their banks. The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 8.4 March 26, down considerably from last week. The main channel is open and anglers in boats have been congregating below Dresbach Dam where they been having moderate to good action on walleye and sauger.
Stream flows are increasing on Lake Michigan tributaries with warmer temperatures and snow melting. Conditions on smaller streams will improve first, with the best steelheading opportunities likely in the Pigeon River, Sauk Creek, the Menomonee River, Oak Creek, or the Pike River. Ice on the Sheboygan River is breaking up. In Milwaukee, shore anglers have been catching a few brown trout.
Black bears were reported out and about in Ashland and Washburn counties this week, so it is time for people in bear country to begin securing garbage cans, taking in pet food and taking down bird feeders at night to avoid attracting hungry bears.
More than 56,000 remaining permits for the spring turkey season go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, March 28. While there are a few turkey management units with permits available in the April 30 to May 4 hunting period, most remaining permits are for the later hunting periods. An updated listing of units with leftover turkey permits and the numbers of permits available can be found on the DNR Web site at or by contacting a DNR Service Center. The permits can be purchased: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at DNR service centers during their regular business hours; at all license sales locations, or over the phone toll-free at 1-877-WI LICENSE.
Despite the colder temps and abundant snow in some parts of the state, bird migration is progressing, with blackbirds, robins, bluebirds, meadowlarks and other early migrants have arriving in most portions of the state. The first phoebes were reported this week. Waterfowl migration has been slow but steady. Blue-winged teal were reported in the Madison area. Sandhill cranes are back on territory and a few whooping cranes have also been reported migrating north. And woodcock have been seen performing their aerial mating display flights at night.
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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
Despite the colder temps and abundant snow in some parts of the state, bird migration is chugging along right on schedule! Blackbirds, robins, bluebirds, meadowlarks and other early passerine migrants have arrived in most portions of the state. This week also saw our first pheobe arrivals of the year. Waterfowl migration has been slow but steady. The southern counties are seeing strong goose numbers including some snow, Ross's and white-fronted geese. Open water around Madison and other locales has attracted all of the regularly occurring species of ducks including the first blue-winged teal of the year. This spring has been a good spring for white-winged scoters along Lake Michigan and a few red-throated loons have also been reported. Sandhill cranes are back on territory and a few whooping cranes have also been reported migrating north with the sandhills. The next week should bring territorial American woodcock, an influx of waterfowl and some of the early passerines including tree swallow, pheobe, kinglets, fox sparrow and creepers. Rare birds currently being seen include harlequin ducks in Sheboygan, red-throated loons at various places in Lake Michigan, and lingering snowy owls in Kewaunee/Brown counties.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Signs of spring are slowly appearing as March comes to an end in the North. Reports of bears leaving their dens and people tapping maple trees are a sign of the season to come. Although grooming has ended for the year, the ski trails still had enough snow remaining to allow for cross-country skiing last weekend. The Red Granite Trail remains open to walkers, snowshoeing, and dog walking. Off-season camping is also an option at Copper Falls this time of year. For those willing to brave the elements, camping this time of year offers peace and solitude.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Washburn County - A bear was reported out and about this week and robins have arrived back in the area.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the long and snowy winter continuing, ice conditions remain pretty good on most lakes across the Northwoods. Ice thickness remains in the 26 to 30-inch range on the lakes, with 3 to 6 inches of thick, heavy snow on top of that. Vehicles have still been accessing most lakes but travel has been hampered by thick snow and slush in quite a few shoreline areas. Access sites are getting rutted up from salt off of vehicles, but most are still usable with a 4WD that has good clearance. However, anglers should be cautioned that conditions can change quickly at this time of year. Ice can deteriorate is a very short period with warm sunny conditions or a heavy warm rain. Success for panfish has dropped off in the last few weeks as the thick ice and heavy snow seems to have put the fish in a very lethargic mode. Crappie have been the main target and very few success stories have been reported. Some fair catches of perch have been made and a few nicer bluegill have also been caught. Small minnows and waxworms have been the favored baits. Look for the panfish bite to improve as warm temperatures arrive -- which will get water flowing down the holes and spur on the early spring bite.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Northern Marinette County ATV Trail system will be closed effective April 1, until further notice, to protect the soft trail bed from erosion damage during spring breakup. Several robins have been sighted now throughout the county. Snow depths are still hindering travel into the deep woods. Cool nights and above freezing day temperatures are increasing the sap flow in the trees. Daylight hours are extending slowly which will increase thawing activities. The Peshtigo River is open in several areas and thinning ice in others. Turkey over-the-counter sales begin Friday at 10 a.m. at any vendor, one per customer per day until sold out.
Oconto County - Fishing action is picking up on the Oconto River at the Stiles Dam, but fishing success has still been on the slower side. Continued warmer weather may be the key to increased action. Some ice fishing action still present around Oconto Harbor. Perch season is closed until May 20 in order to protect the fishery during their spawning season. Ice conditions are deteriorating slowly, be cautious when traveling across frozen waters. A Hunter Safety Course will be offered at the Oconto Middle School beginning April 3 through 29. In order to register for the course please contact the instructor at 920-834-5790. An ATV Safety Course will run April 28 through May 3, for registration information you must call the instructor at 920-834-4532.
Shawano County - Water levels on the Upper Fox have been at Flood Stage but are starting to come down. The upper Wolf River is just starting to open up and early walleye anglers have started fishing the Upper Fox and Wolf rivers for prespawn walleyes. Tundra swans, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, woodcock, red-winged blackbirds, eastern meadowlark, northern harrier, American robins and killdeer are some of the new spring arrivals. The snow is melting very slowly and percolating into the soil, since there was not a lot of frost in the ground. Ice fishing for panfish has really picked up in the last few days. Anglers have been reporting nice catches of bluegill and crappie from several area lakes. Anglers should concentrate effort during early morning or late afternoon/early evening hours. Anglers should use extreme caution since ice conditions are starting to deteriorate with warmer temperatures.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - On the Fox River in Green Bay, fishing has been slow; anglers’ main target species has been walleye. Anglers have been catching 0 to 30 fish depending on the time of day; however, the early morning has been consistently the better time to fish. Shore fishing seems to be especially slow. Crank baits and plastics seem to be working best in shallow water. Boat anglers have had some luck along the deeper channel with vertical jigging, plastics, and trolling. Water temperature is around 38 degrees.
Manitowoc County - Anglers had a slow week of fishing, enduring cold winds and cloudy skies. Water flow in rivers was high with cloudy water. Faster flowing sections of rivers were open while slower flowing rivers were still iced over. In general, harbor areas were open. On the Manitowoc River, fishing was slow with anglers having little success catching trout. One angler picked up a small rainbow trout off the north pier stub. On the south pier, one angler landed a nice brown trout weighing in at 2.8 pounds and 18.25 inches with a half ounce Cleo. A few anglers found success catching brown trout and steelhead in Silver Creek late last week; however, in general, fishing was slow. In Two Rivers, fishing from the piers has been slow. Ice has broken up from the boat ramp allowing a few boaters to launch. Most boaters have been trolling the shoreline with stick baits or crank baits. On the West Twin River, anglers have been fishing at the Shoto dams and around the Shoto island. Fishing was slow over the weekend, although early in the week, during sunny afternoons a couple anglers had some action fishing behind the conservation center landing a few trout with spawn sacs. On the East Twin River, a few anglers were fishing the Mishicot dam Sunday. These rainbow trout anglers had little success fishing with a spawn sac and bobber combination.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County -
Peninsula State Park – As of March 26, snow cover was approximately 6 inches. All sections of the cross-country ski trail system were in marginal (icy) if not barely usable condition. Conditions are not likely to improve as normal March temperatures persist. The grooming of trails is done for the season. Snowmobile trails and the sledding hill are closed. Ice conditions are hazardous. Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park. There have been occasional sightings of turkey vultures and bald eagles in the area.
Potawatomi State Park - With the warmer weather of the last week, snowmobile trails in Door County are closed. There was still skiable snow in the park for cross-country skiers as of last weekend, but conditions have deteriorated after several warm days in a row. Some anglers were still on the ice in Sawyer Harbor. The Coast Guard's ice breaker has been moving through Sturgeon Bay last week.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Perch action has been hot along the west shore of Winnebago off of Oshkosh. There is still a fair amount of ice on the lake but the launches and shorelines are opening up as well as any areas of flowing water.
DNR Southeast Region
Sheboygan County - After the snow on Friday, a great blue heron was seen sitting on the side of the Black River. It stood on the side of the river, hunched up with it feathers puffed out in an attempt to ward off the cold. Unmoving, it stared at the glassy surface of the water, a large fluffy harbinger of spring. Two pairs of wood ducks were seen swimming along the pigeon river. Untrusting of people who invade their woods, they fled into the sky.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Nature and hiking trails contain snow covered or icy areas. The sandhill cranes and blackbirds have returned. A bald eagle has been sighted. The showers, flush toilets, and water fountains are scheduled to open Friday, April 18.
Harrington Beach State Park - Trails have little to no snow. Depending on the day, one might find some icy or wet and muddy spots. The Bridal Trail as well as Meadowlark Trail are closed. For your safety, Please stay off these trails due to construction of the new campground, which has started. Quarry Lake is still frozen, but it is NOT recommended to go out on, due to the weather this winter and the many springs throughout the lake.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit - There was still cross-country skiing opportunity in the Milwaukee area at Lapham Peak. The ski trail system is still snow-covered, though warm spring weather is rapidly taking its toll. However, another 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast for Thursday and the 1.2 K loop of man-made snow still has a big base and is skiable.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Southeast Wisconsin was hit hard by snowfall again this past Friday. Warmer temperatures and some rain are in the forecast for this week, so expect stream flows to increase on local Lake Michigan tributaries. Conditions on smaller streams will improve first, so look for steelheading opportunities in the Pigeon River, Sauk Creek, the Menomonee River, Oak Creek, or the Pike River.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, the marina still has ice in most areas, and the boat launch is not usable. Ice on the Sheboygan River is breaking up, and faster moving stretches of river are open. Fishing off the south pier has been slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, despite muddy harbor water, shore anglers fishing near the power plant have been catching brown trout and a few steelhead on spawn sacs. Sauk Creek has produced a few steelhead in areas upstream near the high school.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore anglers fishing behind the Summerfest grounds and at Jones Island have been catching a few brown trout on spawn sacs or spoons. The Menomonee River and Oak Creek are open, and ice is breaking up in the upper stretches of the Milwaukee River. The Bender Park boat launch is open, and boaters have been catching good numbers of brown trout near the Oak Creek power plant.
Racine County - In Racine the Root River remains high, and water clarity is relatively poor. Some brown trout, though, have been caught out of the deeper holes on spawn sacs and white or chartreuse jigs. The Root River Steelhead Facility is running, but no processing days have been scheduled yet.
Kenosha County - The Pike River in Kenosha is open in stretches. At lower flows, steelhead have been spotted in the Petrifying Springs Park area. In the harbor, open water can be found near the Holiday Inn, and anglers have been catching fair numbers of steelhead and brown trout. Spawn sacs or tube jigs tipped with wax worms generally work well in that area.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park – The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 8.4 March 26, down 0.1 from the previous day. No fishing activity to report. Most ice anglers are done for the season at Wyalusing State Park. There is still too much ice at the boat landing to launch a boat. North facing slopes and trails remain snow and ice covered. Other trails may have patches of snow and ice in places. Trails that are not snow covered may be muddy. Turkey Hollow and Sentinel Ridge Trails are most likely the trails in the best condition for hiking. Visitors can hike Sugar Maple Nature Trail to Pictured Rock Cave and view the frozen waterfall. Sugar Maple Nature Trail is open to Pictured Rock Cave. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. Park bird feeders have not been as active due to warmer temperatures and lack of snow. Sightings at the feeders and in the park include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, gold finches, mourning doves, tree sparrows, rooster pheasant, and crows. Returning migrants include: flickers, bluebirds, robins, meadowlarks, turkey vultures, red winged blackbirds, grackles, sand hill cranes, Canada geese, and kestrels. Bald eagles are renovating their nests. Listen for woodpeckers drumming to announce their territory. With the return of grackles, increase the amount of safflower in your seed mixes. A gradual shift to straight safflower is a great way to attract songbirds and minimize grackles and squirrels. This is a good time to check bird houses. If they were up all winter, mice may have moved in and you will need to evict them if you want birds to nest in the box. Bluebird houses are most successful mounted in pairs with each house ten feet apart, and each pair of houses 300 feet apart.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County – Snowmobilers in southern Wisconsin got in one last ride last weekend, but the 10 inches of snow disappeared quickly from any open field or south facing slope. Ice anglers were still out fishing Madison Lakes as of March 25, although they probably shouldn't be. There is anywhere from 15 to 20 inches of ice on Lake Waubesa with the south end of the lake still having good solid ice. The ice off of the north end of the lake near Lake Farm Park is getting rotten very fast and the river channel is opening up. Anglers have been getting a few bluegills and perch. Shoreline access has eroded in many areas, although it's still good on parts of the lake. Fewer and fewer anglers are venturing out every day and the ice fishing season should be over by this weekend although we're still a week or so away from ice out. Spring has arrived regardless of the snow and below average temperatures. Northern shovelers are showing in big numbers on the Madison lakes, along with a lot of diving ducks in their striking spring plumage. Sandhill cranes were up to their ankles in the white stuff! Woodcock are performing their aerial mating display flights at night. Lots of red-winged blackbirds, turkey vultures, robins, meadowlarks, and a few bluebirds have returned to the area. No tree swallows yet. Chorus frogs haven't begun their nocturnal song but should begin any night now. Turkeys and deer are still in winter flocks and herds and can be seen feeding in open fields during daylight hours.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Cross-country skiing is still allowed when there is enough snow, but the trails will no longer be groomed or tracked this season.
Jefferson County - Anglers were having fair to good success catching bluegill on Rock Lake off of Tyranena Park and on Elm Point. Waxworms were working the best but some fish were being caught on spikes and plastic. Action has been slow on Hope Lake and Mud Lake by Lake Mills. The ice on the area lakes is beginning to break up about a foot out into the water on the north shorelines of the lakes from the warm sun. The ice on the rest of the lakes is still around 12 to 16 inches thick with the top 4 inches in poor condition and slushy in spots. The Upper Rock and Crawfish rivers were flowing over their banks in many locations. Record flooding is projected this spring for the lower Rock River; however, a slow melt has helped prevent serious flooding so far. Nearly a foot of snow last week slowed springs arrival. Flocks of robins have been eating the remaining crab apples and berries for food. Coyote hunters who got out over the Easter weekend had good success in tracking coyotes with the new snowfall. A few snowmobilers were out on the trails in Jefferson County due to the fresh snow; however, the trails were still closed due to the ground not being frozen underneath. A few calls were received from upset landowners with the snowmobilers trespassing on the closed trails.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Ice is still holding up on area waters. Rivers and flowages are getting hazardous and travel on them is not recommended. Anglers should be very cautious on inland lakes. Panfish action has picked up on most waters. Walleye sauger have been hitting on the Mississippi River at Redwing, with more boats out than previous weeks; sauger were still the most common catch, with a few trophy walleye being reported. Fishing on area trout streams has been pretty good with occasional runoff events causing poor conditions, but over all in this area the runoff has being very gradual with freezing conditions at night and only mid 30s most days. Also there was less snowfall in this area than most other parts of Wisconsin. Migrant waterfowl and bald eagles have been showing up especially on open areas of the Mississippi and St Croix rivers.
Willow River State Park - The Willow River is up a little bit but the clarity is good on the race branch. The water is a little stained but not dirty. The upper portions in the park are running clear of ice but there is shelf ice along the banks. With the lack of rain and the gentle thaw, good fishing conditions are present now. Overnights have had freezing temperatures so the thaw has been gentle so far. All trails are open to hiking and will contain a mixed bag of wet conditions for the short term future. It is pre-mud season for a week. Hiking in the wet snow that has not been well compacted by hikers will be some work. Hiking with poles can add an element of stability in slippery conditions and poles make hill climbing is easier. The first trails to open up and dry out will be the White-Tail, Knapweed, and Pioneer, all up on the prairie. Trout Brook and Willow Falls have been compacted with hiking over the weekend and will be slower to open also due to shade. At Willow, there was enough snowfall to provide un-groomed skiing for the past weekend. Reports indicated better than expected spring skiing on Saturday. There were wet spots, puddles, burnouts, trails packed flat from hiking, and generally slow snow which favored classic skiers. Those on no wax skis reported the up hills were easy with the no wax grips biting in. A Sunday afternoon skier reported much faster conditions than Saturday, and the skied in track was actually forming a ridge as the surrounding snow melted. Ski season began Dec. 1, 2007 and it will be remembered as one of the better seasons in years. Willow skiers have things to look forward to in the 2008-09 season with the expected addition of a Ginzu groomer. The Ginzu can break up “boilerplate,” that rock hard base that forms without regular new snow. The Ginzu also sets a great classic track. Volunteer groomers are few and more will be needed for the 2008-09 ski season and beyond. The Willow River Nordic ski club will be more active in warm weather with more trail brushing work. People willing to help with these activities should contact the park office and ask for Jeff (715) 386-5931. Deer are easily visible from the road and trails. A mink was reported along the Willow River blow the dam on Sunday. It will be a while before the park road and shoulders are completely clear of ice, snow, and runoff water. The dump station will not be available until late April. There is a lot of snowpack in the campground and it may not be open to vehicles until the weekend of April 19. Tent campers may walk in. There will be updates on camping as the weather warms in here and on the recorder. At nearby Kinnickinnic State Park, the Green, Yellow, and Red trails will be the first to open up and quickest to dry. All of these listed are also the least muddy when that time arrives.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
The coming of spring is evident throughout the La Crosse Area. Ice fishers have been having light to moderate action on panfish in some backwaters areas of Lake Onalaska that still have substantial ice. Operation of motor vehicles on Lake Onalaska is strongly discouraged. A peregrine falcon has been hunting in the downtown La Crosse Area; large concentrations of bald eagles have been observed along the Black River near I-90 and below Dresbach Dam and around agricultural fields in La Crosse County. Bluebirds are returning to the area, so if you haven't already cleaned out your bluebird houses, it is important that you do so quickly. Bluebird houses should be placed 5 to 6 feet above the ground in pairs (25 feet apart). Pairs should be placed every 100 yards. Entrance holes should face north, east or northeast to prevent sunlight from entering the hole and overheating the box. Boxes should be monitored weekly and undesirable materials such as house sparrow or starling nesting materials or wasp nests should be removed. One should also remove the remains of a successful hatch once the birds have fledged, as bluebirds will initiate a second nest if the first is successful.
Mississippi River - The main channel of the Mississippi River opened up last week and fishers in boats have been congregating below Dresbach Dam where they been having moderate to good action on walleye and sauger. Fishers have been using the Seventh Street landing in La Crosse to launch large crafts and been pushing smaller crafts across a short distance of ice from the upper Dresbach Dam Boat Landing to access the Mississippi River. However, use caution when traveling on area backwaters as ice conditions are quickly deteriorating. Rafts of diving ducks and great blue herons have been observed on open waters of the Mississippi; flocks of sandhill cranes have been observed returning to the area. Tundra swans are passing through the La Crosse vicinity on their way back to northern Canada and Alaska. They will not stay here as long in spring, or in the large numbers of fall. Many species of other beautifully colored waterfowl can also be seen, including the secretive hooded merganser. Early spring is the best time to see hooded mergansers.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Despite the recent warm temperatures, cross-country ski trails were still in skiable condition as of March 24 with a solid base. The ice on Cornell Flowage has not opened yet, but has become discolored in the main channels. Panfishing pressure has been very light at Perch Lake with mixed results. Late day fishing on the North campground lagoon has been productive. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The lake has started to open up below and to the north and south of the Buckhorn Bridge. But some people are still ice fishing. Sandhill cranes have been heard in the area and some robins seen. Spring is around the corner! Trails are icy and may be melting in spots. Some roads are still closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. Check out new and revised exhibits in the office interpretive room. Work is being done at launch A and C during the drawdown to extend the launches. There are still dates available for the accessible cabin in May, Sept, and Oct. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The trails may be icy or slushy with warming temperatures. Park stickers are required - please self-register in the Czech Ave/winter parking lot. The main entrance is closed at this time. The stairs are not maintained for winter use. Early spring is a great time to get out and take photos for the annual photo contest.
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, March 21, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Spring Into Spring. Through songs, stories and games, we will welcome spring back to Wisconsin. We'll even go outside to explore for some signs of spring's return. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Windy Days. What flies on spring's blustery winds? Geese, moths, and kites do! We'll go on a wind walk to learn about the wind and those who use it. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Purple Martin Workshop. Johnny Anderson, a local purple martin enthusiast, will show a video about attracting martins to your backyard, show examples of all types and designs of houses made from gourds, tell you where and how to place them, and answer questions. Special guest Ron Seekamp also will share his knowledge and expertise, and show workshop participants his modified pivoting martin house. The workshop is for all ages. Please call to register in advance. Ice Age Center. 2-4 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Park Work Day. Do you need service hours or a service project? Dress to be outside working--layers of old clothes, work boots, gloves and a hat as we clear or cut brush at these flexible workdays. Stay as long as you like. Visitor Center. 1-3 p.m. Spring Into Fitness Kick-Off and Hike. Discover spring on the beautiful 1.9-mile Green Trail. You may sign up your team today for the Spring into Fitness event (come by 8:45 a.m.). You do not hve to be part of the event to hike. Trail will be muddy! Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 9-11 a.m.
Friday, April 4, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Woodcock Watch. Discover the American Woodcock and its aerial mating flight. Meet at the park office for an introduction to its habits and habitat followed by a hike to witness this phenomenon. Dress to be outdoors and in tall marsh grass. Bring flashlights and rubber boots! Meet at the park office. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Pink-Toed 'Possums. What has pink toes, a hairless tail and a pouch? An opossum, of course! Discover other interesting facts about the only North American mammal with a pouch. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Family Program: Squirrels—Nuts of the Forest. Squirrels are some of nature’s clever creatures. We’ll do some activities inside and then go outside to look for their homes, signs, and hopefully see a squirrel or two! Environmental Awareness Center. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
• MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8110 - Maple Syrup Festival. Guided tours of the sugar bush and maple syruping process, horse-drawn wagon rides (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.), wildlife exhibit and museums (until 2 p.m.), all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast sponsored by Poynette Optimist Club (Resident Center Lodge, 8 a.m. - noon), demonstrations of home-made ice cream churned by an antique engine and how to make maple syrup in your own backyard, live music, raffle drawing (1 p.m.) The Friends of MacKenzie will be offering refreshments and selling maple sundaes and souvenirs. Sponsored by Friends of MacKenzie, Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: What’s Hatching Out of That Egg? Eggs come in a wonderful variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Find out about the tiny lives growing inside them. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Creating a Five-star Bird Attraction in Your Yard. Author Mariette Nowak will show how to increase the number and variety of birds in your yard by growing native plants offering natural habitat and a year-long smorgasbord of berries, nuts, seeds and insects for the birds. She also will discuss the importance of native plants versus cultivated plants for birds and problems with invasive non-native plant species. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over age 10. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 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/
