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 17, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - A Billion Years on the Pothole Trail. Join Naturalist Barb Walker and hike back in time to see the geological wonders created over the last billion years. Pothole Trail sign. 3 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Dragons of Summer. These dragons don't breathe fire, but they do eat a lot of flying insects. Uncover the amazing facts about dragonflies. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Night Hike: Fading into Darkness. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your insect repellent and sense of adventure. The theme for this hike is night lights. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 8:30-10:15 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Kayak Tour: 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15/person. Please phone (920) 868-3258 for complete information. Bear Tales: 11 - 11:30 a.m. Bear tales and facts featured at this children's storytime.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Geologic History of Door County. The geologic history of the Door Peninsula is a dynamic story of moving continents, far away volcanoes, tropical seas and continental ice sheets, which led to the formation of the Niagara Escarpment and the beautiful landscape that exists today. Amphitheater. 7 p.m. Watercoloring Nature. Join local artist Elaine Cregan for this hands-on lesson in watercolor painting. Art supplies will be provided in exchange for a $10 participant fee. You may wish to bring a photo or other object to work from. Picnic Shelter. 1 - 3 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Invasive Insects With Bill. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Each week focuses on a different theme. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Family Fun: Frisbee Trees! 10 a.m. at the Camp Interstate Shelter. Come and test your frisbee tossing ability and tree identification skills at the same time. oin Naturalist Julie Fox for a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy! Paul Bunyan, Log Jams and River Rats. 2 p.m. at the Summit Rock Trail sign. Join the naturalist for a hike up to the summit and hear colorful stories of lumberjacks and white pine. A Trapper?s World. 4 p.m. at the Camp Interstate Shelter. See a display and demonstration as Interstate Park Ranger Rusty Weise illustrates the tools of modern day trapping and explains the different styles used as well as the importance of trapping for wildlife management. Wannigan Days Parade. 6 p.m. The annual Wannigan Days Parade starts in St. Croix Falls, WI and ends in Taylor?s Falls, MN. ?Wannigan? is the Native American word for the floating cook shack used by lumbermen during log drives.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Snakes of Wisconsin. Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of snakes. Randy Hetzel, a naturalist, will explain the unique adaptations of these remarkable reptiles and what habitat requirements they need to survive. You may even have the opportunity to meet some live snakes. This program is best for adults and children over the age of 8 years. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m. Drop In at the Beach: Wisconsin Reptiles and Amphibians. Many snakes, turtles, frogs, toads and salamanders make Wisconsin their home. Meet a few of these wondrous creatures up close and learn some of their unique adaptations. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time 1-4 p.m. Winged Mammals: Bats Exploring Nature Program. Steeped in myth, bats often get an undeserved bad rap. Learn some truly astounding facts about bats and maybe gain a new appreciation for them. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Summer Candlelight Hike. Enjoy a self-guided hike along the beach and wander the sand dunes along the cordwalk. The trail is lit with tiki torches for this annual summer event. Refreshments served at Sanderling Nature Center. Sorry, no pets or strollers allowed on the hike. Park at Sanderling Nature Center or North Beach lots. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Dutch Oven and Outdoor Cooking. Noon - 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Nature Bike Ride: 10 - 11 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. Tree ID, Peninsula history, and the founding of Ephraim featured on a 0.5-mile walk. Talon Key Chains: 11 a.m. - 12 Noon. Nature Center. Eagles, osprey and owls are all raptors. Discover what makes raptors such terrific hunters. Then paint a replica talon to put on a key chain. $1 donation/talon. Going Batty: Evening. Time to be announced.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Ice Age Trail Hike. We'll hike Potawatomi's portion of the Ice Age Trail and find out what makes this trail so unique. Bring your camera. Trail conditions: Easy to moderate inclines, uneven trail surfaces. Meet at the Observation Tower. 4 p.m.
? Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Concert in the Clouds. The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park sponsor the summer Concert in the Clouds series [exit DNR]. The Wausau Symphony Band will be performing in the park amphitheater. 6 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Horsing Around. Meet and visit with horses and riders from Diettrich Stables to learn about horse care, history and riding tips. Shelter #2 at the Beach. 4-5 p.m. Insect Safari. Capture, identify and release some of the park?s insects. Learn how fascinating insects can be! Visitor Center. 8-9 a.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Universe In The Park. Come learn about the planets, stars, and comets. Astronomers will present a slide show and talk about the night sky. Then go outside and look through a telescope to check out the summer night sky! Meet at the kiosk shelter. 8 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Spiders And Webs. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Each week focuses on a different theme. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
? Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Kids Fishing Contest. Kids up to age 12 can take part in the Willow River fishing contest. There will be different age groups and time slots. Bait will be provided. There is a small fee per angler. Sponsored by the OWLs Friends Group. Meet at the dam. 9 a.m. - Noon.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Guided Canoe Trip. Take a guided canoe trip through the backwaters of the Mississippi River, led by former Park Ranger, Bruce Klang. Sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing. Arrange for canoe rental at the concession if needed. Meet at the boat landing. 9 a.m.The Cultures of Prehistoric and Historic Native Americans. Come enjoy this presentation about the area's earliest residents by Merle Frommelt from Effigy Mounds National Monument. Meet at the Peterson Shelter. 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Nature Puzzlers. How good are you at solving mysteries? Try your skill at solving puzzles and mysteries about the world of nature. Adults are encouraged to participate with children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in any time. Noon - 3 p.m.
? La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, (800) 540-8434 - Prairie Walk. Join volunteer naturalist/columnist Bob Lee for a leisurely walk on the trail to discover and learn about native wildflowers and grasses on this abandoned railroad prairie remnant. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Meet in Rockland at the trail crossing on Commercial St. 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Timberdoodle Talk and Shorebird Art: 11 a.m. - 12 Noon. Nature Center. The timberdoodle is a worm-eating bird with a wild courtship flight. Learn all about it - then paint a wooden bird to keep. $3 donation/supplies. Limited to twenty. Please register at Nature Center, (920) 854-5976. Toboggans, Trees and History: 1 - 2 p.m. Nature center. Join the naturalist for an easy walk around the Nature Center, discovering Peninsula's incredible past - and forest ecology.
Monday, July 20, 2009
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Figure Out Feathers. Youngsters ages 6-8 working toward their Explorer patch are invited to join volunteer Paula Olig on a hike to find and identify feathers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet outside Sanderling Nature Center. 9:30 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Eagle Trail Hike: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. Sky high bluffs, graceful cedars and incredible Peninsula history featured on this two mile hike. Difficult. Pack water for a rest stop along the way. Campfire with Charlie and Don! 8 - 9 p.m. Nature Center. Peninsula welcomes back our two favorite octeganarians for rip-roaring songs and Native American tales around a blazing campfire. Don't miss this great family fun.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House Open. Hellestad House. 1-4 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Kayak Connection. Meet Tom Koeppen and friends from Lakeshore Seakayakers for an introduction to the sport of sea kayaking. This is a dry-class for those ages 10 and older, covering skills, gear, and kayaking groups. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Wild About Wolves: 10-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Peninsula welcomes Newport Manager Michelle Hefty, who will teach us about about wolf adaptations and behavior. Discover whether or not wolves really are in Door County. After her 30-minute talk, kids will have the option to craft wolf origami, listen to a howling good story, and see a stuffed wolf. Michelle will stick around to answer questions. Turtle Art at Nicolet Beach: 1 - 2 p.m. Meet near the playground. See shells from common species, then craft a turtle in the "ojo de dios" fashion. Night Hike: 9-10 p.m. Nature Center. Experience Peninsula in a different light.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - The Secrets of Eagle Peak. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a hike up the trail to learn the secrets of the peak and see a beautiful view of the St. Croix River Valley. Meet at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp. 10 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join Joe and Mary Glover to learn to read the night sky without a telescope. After class move outdoors to test your skills. Bring a chair or blanket and flashlights, and remember to dress for lakeside weather. No pets allowed. The program is free, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Wacky Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Nature Center. Something wacky is going on at the Nature Center. Wear your shirt backwards for a silly prize. Have your fortune told by Madame Bomba. Walk the wacky UnNature Trail to see what doesn't belong. Try making ice-cream in a plastic bag. Donations appreciated.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo (608) 356-8301 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW-Madison Astronomy Department for a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy and recent news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will have telescopes set up outside for park visitors to view whatever astronomical objects are available. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the park amphitheater in the Northern Lights Campground. 8:30 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalists Julie Fox and Barb Walker will share a story and activity with preschool through kindergarten children and their parents. The short activity after the story will reinforce the story's 'nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally will last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the participants. 10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit, Dundee, (920) 533-8322 - Outdoor Adventure: Traverse a Flood Plain Forest. The East Branch of the Milwaukee River runs through Mauthe Lake from the north and then heads south. The periodic flooding of the river greatly influences the nearby plant communities. Join us as we walk the 2-mile trail around Mauthe Lake exploring this unique community for its resident plants and animals. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 6:30-8:15 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Incredible Insects: 10-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. DNR Entomologist Linda Williams, Bug Woman, will reveal amazing facts about six-legged critters. Then, we'll sweep a meadow for bugs and craft bugs to keep. Smokey Bear on Patrol: After 1 p.m. Smokey will be visiting park hot spots like the beach and campgrounds, making sure YOU are helping to prevent wild fires.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Insects With the Bug Lady. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Each week focuses on a different theme. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
