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 31, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit, Dundee, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: The Ants Go Marching. Do you ever wonder why ants march single file, or what they?re doing in their hills?; We?ll find the answers to these questions and much more. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6-year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Walk the Park's Woodlands. Hike the Woodlands Dunes Trail with Drew Morris. Learn about tree identity, age of trees and other interesting facts. Family hike. No pets allowed. Meet at trailhead near the playground. 10 a.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.
? Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775. Build a Bug Hand Puppet. Recycle common items while learning about bugs. Fun for all ages. Meet at the Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Bird Bonanza. Drop in and learn about our Wisconsin birds. Hands on activities and displays located at the park office. 10 a.m. to Noon.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Hike: Summer Flowers. Havenwoods grasslands are exploding with color. Orange butterfly-weed, purple coneflowers, and yellow black-eyed Susans are ready to make our hike through the prairie an exciting one. New in 2009! Spend an hour on a family-friendly hike through Havenwoods. We'll use magnifiers, binoculars, and super-duper outdoor lookers to spend the morning in nature. 10:30-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
? Heritage Hill State Park, Green Bay, (920) 448-5150 - Laura Ingalls Wilder Day
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Fishing Fun. Experienced anglers will share their knowledge on how to bait a hook, cast a line and reel in fish. If you're lucky, you may even learn to clean the fish you catch. Bring your fishing gear, if you have some. A limited number of rods and reels will be available, and bait is provided. People over the age of 16 will need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Long Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Tree Houses for Wildlife. Trees provide homes to many different animals. Learn what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots of forest and city trees. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in anytime 1-4 p.m. Searching for Hidden Treasures: Geocaching. The global positioning system (GPS) has revolutionized how to find directions and locate specific sites. Wisconsin Geocaching Association members and Jackie Scharfenberg, forest naturalist,will show how to use a hand-held GPS device and compass, and how to read a topographic map. Then we will be off in search of hidden treasures at selected geocache locations. This program is best for people over 10 years old. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6:30-8:45 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - The Sands of KASP - Sand Stories, Games and Crafts. Join volunteer naturalist Chris Lilek as she reveals the history and source of KASP beach sand through stories, games and sand painting. Bring the family and prepare to get down and dirty in the sand. No pets allowed. A vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the beach near the bath house. 3-4 p.m. Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Come hike with John Johnston to search for the wild edible and medicinal plants found at Kohler-Andrae. John will share tips on using these unique and interesting plants. Wear comfortable shoes - the hike lasts about an hour. Meet at the closed gate. 2 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Fern Walk: 9 - 9:45 a.m. Meet at Nature Center. Discover identities of lush bulblet and marginal wood ferns, as well as other ferns of the Niagara Escarpment. Easy walking. Beautiful Bats: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Enjoy the story Bats at the Beach then craft one to keep. Flashing Fireflies: 7 - 8 p.m. Nature Center. Fantastic firefly facts, story and a cool glow stick craft. $1 donation/glow stick.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - George Richtman: Life of a Riverman
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Spider House Hike. You'll peek into a few funnels, over some sheets and through a few orbs looking for spiders and the creative constructions they call home. Meet at the Nature Center before heading over to the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail. 4 - 4:45 p.m. Spy on a Spider. Crawl over to Potawatomi's Campground Shelter and spy on a few 8-legged critters that hold secrets we will surely uncover during this hair-raising family program. Campground Shelter. 7 - 8 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]. Dangerous Folk will be performing in the park amphitheater. 6 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Bird Bonanza. Drop in and learn about our Wisconsin birds. Hands on activities and displays located at the park office. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Fossils! 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.
? Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775. Storytelling Hour. Meet at the Wildcat Mountain Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Outdoor Cooking Demonstration with free samples. Across from the tennis courts. 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reptiles and Amphibians by Matt Heeter, Coulee Herpetological Society. Meet at the Nature Center (next to Peterson Shelter). Sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing. 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Open House. Interstate State Park is celebrating the completion of a new addition to the Ice Age Interpretive Center with an open house. There will be free admission to the park for the event. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to noon, and a special dedication of the addition will take place at 11 a.m. at the Ice Age Center. The pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park, will serve as a fundraiser to furnish the new classroom addition. Funds will also be used to build a nearby shelter building for use for educational field trips. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 10.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Tree Houses for Wildlife. Trees provide homes to many different animals. Learn what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots of forest and city trees. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in anytime noon - 3 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Spider Crafts - Drop-In Program. Kids and their parents can pop by the Nature Center to make one or all of the spider related crafts we'll have available for you to create. Feel free to come and go as you wish. Nature Center. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Prairie Garden Program. Meet at the Park Office. 10 a.m. Human History Walk. Meet at the Concession Stand. Sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. 6 p.m.
Monday, August 3, 2009
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - The Universe from the Hubble. All ages are invited to meet Harald Schenk for a slide presentation showing Hubble space telescope images and find out why the recent shuttle mission was needed. The rogram will last about an hour. If the weather cooperates a telescope will be set up outdoors to view the night skies. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Eagle Trail Hike: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. Hike Peninsula's most spectacular trail. Learn tree ecology, geology and park history. About two miles. Difficult hiking. Animal Signs Quest: Stop by the Nature Center any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to walk a short trail, discovering animal signs. Figure it out - get a prize.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Junior Naturalist Program. Available to youth ages 9-14. Sessions include: Kids Homemade Camp, Nature Playground and Crafts, Geocaching and Field Identification. Pre-registration is required and attendance is limited. Call or stop in the office to register and for more information. Attend at least 2 sessions to graduate with a certificate, patch, and prize on August 18. Other dates are August 11 and August 18. Meet at the north picnic shelter. 10 a.m. to Noon.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House Open. Hellestad House. 1-4 p.m. Please call ahead to verify event has not been cancelled or changed.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Meet the Ranger. Families are encouraged to meet a park ranger to learn about a ranger's job in the park and see the equipment they use. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the park shelter between campsites 13 and 15. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Talking Tombstones. 10 a.m. - Noon, Blossomburg Cemetery. Learn Door County history through costumed characters and friendly descendents of early settlers. Meet Dr. Sneeberger, Carl Anderson, Julia Duclon and many others. $2 suggested donation. Please bike. Cars may park in Nelson's picnic lot. Limited handicapped parking on Shore Road. A state park vehicle sticker is not needed to attend this event. Rain or shine.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Junior Naturalist Program. Available to youth ages 9-14. Sessions include: Kids Homemade Camp, Nature Playground and Crafts, Geocaching and Field Identification. Pre-registration is required and attendance is limited. Call or stop in the office to register and for more information. Attend at least 2 sessions to graduate with a certificate, patch, and prize on August 18. Other dates are August 11 and August 18. Meet at the Kiosk Shelter. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
? MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 - Wildlife Exhibit Tour ? Community Workshop Learn about each of the native animals living in our wildlife exhibit by joining us for a free guided tour with a MacKenzie staff member. RSVP not required.. Contact Jenny Krause, wildlife technician at 608-635-8105 or jennykrause@wiwf.org. More information about the center is on the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Web site [www.wiwf.org/education/MEEC] (exit DNR) 6-7:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Lost Treasure! 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. We've found an old letter from Sailor Sven, telling of hidden gemstones in the nearby woods. Gemstone ring craft to follow. $1 donation/treasure. Watercolor Workshop with Elaine Cregan 1 - 3 p.m. Weborg Shelter. $10 donation includes paint, instruction. Register at Nature Center. Whether you're a beginner or just want a refresher, this special workshop with a Door County artist is for you. Kids and adults ages eight and older.
Thursday-Sunday, August 6-16, 2009
? State Fair Park, West Allis, - Wisconsin State Fair [exit DNR]. Visit the Department of Natural Resources exhibits at this year's Wisconsin State Fair. The theme for the 2009 DNR Park is Renewable Energy and Climate Change. Children age 6-12 can get 'Passport to Fun' to direct them and their families to the various program displays for simple and fun activities, passport stamps, and prizes. Near the southwest corner of the fairgrounds..
Thursday, August 6, 2009
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House Open. Hellestad House. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call ahead to verify event has not been cancelled or changed.
? 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.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Life on the Ledge: 10 - 10:30 a.m. Nature Center. A discussion especially for adults and older kids about the ancient cedars growing on Peninsula's Bluffs. Wisconsin Style UnNature Trail: Stop by the Nature Center any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. See how many items you can spot along the trail that do not belong. If your number is correct, you can pick a free nature poster. Night Hike 9-10 p.m. Nature Center. Experience Peninsula in a different light.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Moon Calendar. 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.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Archaeology Program. Meet at the Peterson Shelter. 6 p.m.
