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, August 14, 2009
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Junior Forest Explorers: Insect Investigations. Join us as we investigate some of the phenomenal diversity of the largest class of animals on our planet - insects. This program is based on the activities found in the new Wisconsin Explorers booklets. This fun-filled program is for all 6- to 12-year-olds. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 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. Noon. Meet at Nicolet Beach at 9:45 a.m. Paddle Peninsula's incredible coast learning about geology and history. Must pre-register at Nature Center (920) 854-5976. Children under age 16 must be in kayak with an adult. $15 plus tax per person rental payable at Nicolet Boat Rental with $5 donation going to park education. ABC Naturally: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Nature story and alphabet hike. Opening Reception - Regatta Light Sculpture at Tennison Bay: 5 - 7 p.m. Part of Ecotivity exhibit sponsored by Peninsula School of Arts, Exhibit is open August 14-28. Artist Dan Engelke will install a 20-25 piece kinetic sculpture on the shore and in the water of Tennison Bay entitled Wood Wind. Each piece will be lit at night by attached solar-powered LED lights. Best viewing at dusk. Bike to Tennison Kayak Launch. Limited parking near playground. Remember: Peninsula is closed to outside visitors at 11 p.m. each evening. For more information, call (920) 868-3455. Rainbow Scopes: Tennison Campground playground. Drop by any time from 6:30 7:30 p.m. to see Wood Wind and to make a rainbow prism scope to keep. $1 donation/prism.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - 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 - Star Stories. 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, August 15, 2009
Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Summer Candlelight Hike. Night Noises - Midnight Music for the Brave at Heart! program at 7 p.m. by volunteer naturalist, Chris Lilek at the amphitheater. Hike the 1.4-mile nature trail, lit by the moon and tiki torches from 8 -10 p.m. The Friends of Buckhorn will provide refreshments and campfire at the amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Buckhorn State Park. South shelter parking lot and amphitheater. 7-10 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Naturalist Knapsack. A show and touch talk for all ages about some of the park's animals. Meet at the Hellestad House. 10-10:30 a.m. Universe in the Park. Universe in the Park is an outreach program of the UW-Madison, Department of Astronomy. The program begins with a 20-30 minute talk and slide show about astronomy. Then view the night ski through telescopes! Weather permitting. Meet at the Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Prairies. Prairie flowers are at their peak at the end of summer. Drop in and print your own prairie T-shirt (bring your own T-shirt), learn what lives in a prairie, make a prairie watercolor, and much more! You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Fly Fishing Workshop. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Sssssnakes! Slithering across the ground with their tongues flicking, snakes arouse our curiosity or sometimes our fears. Uncover some truly astonishing facts about these legless reptiles and the habitats where they live to gain an appreciation of their role in nature. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Water Wonders. Dive into the wonders of water. Try your hand at some wild and wet experiments to discover the amazing properties of water. You will also uncover how plants and animals use these properties to survive. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in anytime 1-4 p.m. Learn the Night Sky with the Naked Eye. You don't need an expensive telescope to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the clear night sky. Joe and Mary Glover, night sky observers, will share ways to identify objects found in the dark sky using just some simple tools and your naked eye. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. 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. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9-10:45 p.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Bats and Humans Need Each Other. Bats are one of the best friends we humans ever had. Janet Raddatz will share her knowledge of these special creatures. Following the presentation, join Janet and Andy Raddatz for a walk around the park with a bat detector that will translate inaudible, high-frequency bat sounds into humanly audible clicks and chirps. This presentation is for the entire family, especially the children. Free program, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Salamander Hunt: 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Discover salamander facts. Catch a release a few in the nearby woods. Tin Can Feeders at Nicolet Beach: 1-2 p.m. Meet at the playground. $2 donation/feeder. Transform a coffee can into a bird cafe.
Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Miraculous Lives. Join the Coulee Region Wildlife Rehabilitators and their feathered friends for a presentation at the Nature Center. 4:30 p.m.
Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, (920) 794-7480 - Sand Sculpture Contest.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Bald Turkey Vultures and Naked Opossum Tails. Kick back and bring the family down to the campground shelter for a few tall tales about Potawatomi's wildlife. You'll enjoy animal folklore from around the globe. We'll even have a campfire crackling and cookies waiting for you! Campground Shelter. 7 - 8 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Snakes Alive! What makes a snake a snake Come to this program and find out then hike in search of snakes in the park. Visitor Center. 1-2 p.m. Horsing Around. Meet and visit with horses and riders from Diettrich Stables to learn about horse care, history and riding tips. Shelter #4 at the Beach. 4-5 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Luminaries!. Join the naturalist to learn about nature's luminaries and create a luminary for the Candlelight Walk. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access.. Drop in any time 1-3 p.m. Candlelight Beach Walk. As the sun sets over the dunes, the candles are lit once again for park visitors to enjoy a walk on the sandy beach. A beach grid makes part of the trail handicapped accessible. Stroll along with family, friends or your sweetheart for this quiet walk. Enjoy the sounds as the dunes and beach awakens for the night. The park will be open past its usual time of 8 p.m. for this special event. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. Shoreline. 7-9 p.m.
Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Northwest Suburban Astronomy Program. The Northwest Suburban Astronomers will present a talk and slide show on the solar system. Following the slide show there will be public viewing of the night sky through a variety of telescopes. Program begins at dusk about 8 p.m.
Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Human History Walk. Meet at the Concession Stand. Sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, (262) 248-2528 - Wet and Wild! The wetland is teeming with wildlife! Using scoops, nets and magnifiers, we'll investigate the animals and plants in this habitat. This program is designed for 5- to 12-year-olds. Near the fishing pier at Ceylon Lagoon. Join us any time between 10 a.m. and noon.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit , Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Water Wonders. Dive into the wonders of water.Try your hand at some wild and wet experiments to discover the amazing properties of water. You will also learn how plants and animals use these properties to survive. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in any time noon - 3 p.m.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Critter Crafts - Drop-In Program. Stop by the nature center and create one or all of the critter crafts we'll have available for you to try. Feel free to come and go as you wish. Nature Center. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Rock Collecting For Fun. Join Ed Mindock for a presentation on rock collecting as a hobby. A hands-on approach to beginning and understanding rock collecting and having fun doing it. All ages welcome. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Jessy Thorp at Pioneer Cemetery: 10-11 a.m. Meet at Weborg Shelter. Park at Weborg overflow lot. Meet a character from the past (circa 1915) while discovering Peninsula history. Centennial Talk for Door County Historical Society (DCHS): Evening presentation at The Landmark. For more information, contact the DCHS at (920) 743-5809.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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 - 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. 8:30 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Things with String: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Join 6th and 7th grade Girl Scouts from Downers Grove, Illinois for sing-along camp songs and Things with String, fun crafts using string. Rainbow Scopes: Tennison Campground playground. Drop by any time from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. to see Wood Wind and to make a rainbow prism scope to keep. $1 donation/prism.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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. - Bear Hunt: 10 a.m. - Noon. Nature Center. Learn about Door County bears. Then find five clues that lead you to your very own teddy bear. $12/bear. Limited to ten families. Meadow Walk: 1 - 2 p.m. Nature Center. Stroll the meadow learning facts and folklore about late summer meadow flowers.
Thursday, August 20, 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 p.m.
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. - Outdoor Cooking: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Nature Center. $2 donation/person. Please show you know how to share. Sample recipes from Peninsulas best-selling cookbook: Pit Toilet Jell-O, Silver Turtles, Heron Legs and more.
Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Shipwrecks. 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.
