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, June 4, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Skyline Trail Hike. Meet at Skyline parking lot on Shore Road. Watch for birds and wildflowers, learn about Camp Meenagha, then ascend a gentle slop up to a spectacular overlook. About two miles. 10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday, June 5-6, 2010 - Free Fishing Weekend
? Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June is designated as Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state of Wisconsin. All the waters of the state are open, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply.
Saturday, June 5, 2010 - National Trails Day
? Brule River State Forest, Brule, (715) 372-5678 - Family Fun Day - There will be catch and release fishing, fly tying and fish filleting demonstrations, gyotaku (fish printing) on t-shirts (bring your t-shirt or purchase one for $5), hatchery tours, canoe trips, turkey calling demonstrations turkey tail mounting demonstrations, and much more. Register at the Hatchery for raffle prizes and gift bags for children. The activities will take place at the hatchery and the Bois Brule Canoe Landing. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
? Capital City State Trail, Madison, (608) 224-3606 or e-mail - National Trails Day Celebration. A 5-mile section of the trail will be dotted with interpretive signage as you pass through the E-way. Stop at the rest station hosted by the Friends of Capital Springs State Recreation Area for water, information or trail passes. Volunteer with Fontana Sports on removing brush along the trail and enjoy a pizza lunch. Sponsored by Friends of Capital Springs State Recreation Area. Capital City State Trail between Glacial Valley Road and Nob Hill. 9 a.m. - noon.
? Hank Aaron State Trail, Milwaukee, (262) 271-6083 - Summer Family Health Jam. Milwaukee Public Schools, Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail [exit DNR] and the Harley-Davidson Museum have teamed up for a day of fun activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Bring your whole family to the museum along the Hank Aaron State Trail to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. The event will go on rain or shine and is free to the public. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Passport to Nature. Join the park naturalist for some fun exploration in the Quarry Pond. This little oasis in the middle of the old Limestone quarry is a great place to see wildlife as well as catch frogs, salamanders, pollywogs, and lots of neat insects. Some equipment will be provided by the park, so bring a net if you have one. Make sure to bring clothes and shoes that can get wet. Fun for kids of all ages, see you there! Program will begin at the Effigy Mound Parking Lot. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park [exit DNR]. 9-10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Wildflower Walk. Wildflower Walks with Naturalist Ron Kurowski will be every Saturday from April 17 to June 5. Meet at the forest headquarters on Highway 59 at 10 a.m. Be prepared to carpool to the hike location. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Some sites may be muddy. The hike will last about 1.5 to 2 hours.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 Garlic Mustard Pull. Kohler-Andrae State Park is seeking volunteers interested in pulling garlic mustard in the park. Due to the extensive area involved, large work crews are needed. Groups and individuals are invited to participate. Please bring work gloves and insect repellant. Garbage bags will be provided. Admission fees waived for participating volunteers. Meet at playground. 9 a.m. - Noon. Build a Nest and Become a Bird. Volunteer naturalist Chris Lilek will be here with one of her great presentations for the kids. This is a great opportunity for them to learn about bird ID, nest ID, bird vocabulary and to participate in games. The time will go quickly. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Amphitheater. 1-3 p.m. Astronomy at the Park. The Sheboygan Astronomical Society will be setting up their telescopes at Kohler-Andrae. They invite the public to come to take a look at the night sky to see the first quarter Moon, Venus, Saturn, M13, Albireo and M57. It will be an interesting experience for all ages. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Adjacent to Bath House lot. 9-11 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Hooked on Fun Morning. Swim on over to the Nature Center, any time from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dive into any or all of these fin-tastic stations, while supplies last. Programs are free but donations for craft supplies appreciated. Make a Fish Banner to keep with paint and paper. Learn to Cast with a Rod and Reel. Try Knot Tying.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 Volunteer Workday. Be an Invader Crusader. Help improve the view and habitat for native vegetation by combating invasive Eurasian Honeysuckle along Potawatomi's shoreline. Tasks for the entire family. Tools provided. Meet at the Picnic Shelter at Lot 2. Sponsored by the Friends of Potawatomi State Park. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Become a Wisconsin Explorer. Kids, start the weekend off by being one of the first to grab a copy of the new Wisconsin Explorer books. We'll do one of the wild Wisconsin Explorer activities and show you how to earn a cool collectable state symbol patch! Campground shelter. 7 p.m.
? Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (715) 232-1242 - National Trails Day. Enjoy a day of activities on the Red Cedar State Trail. Nature Hike with Dennis Weibel - 10 a.m. The Voyager, 3 Pieces (Jim Swanson) - 11 a.m. Kenton and Rebecca, Wild Living School: Snakes Alive - Noon. Who Gives a Hoot: Owls - 1 p.m. Raptors from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center - 11a.m. to 1 p.m. Bike Safety Checks, Door Prizes and Give-a-ways, hot dog/brats will be available, and much more. Hosted by the Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail and Hoffman Hills. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 6, 2010 - State Parks Open House Day
? Big Bay State Park, Bayfield (715) 747-6425 - Learn-to-Fish Workshop - Car ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island for a Learn-to-Fish Workshop. (beach/day use area). All ages. Sponsored by Big Bay State Park. 1 to 3 p.m.
? Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715)757-3979 or e-mail - Open House. Explore 16 miles of hiking trail, fish inland lakes or Caldron Falls Flowage, learn the basics of fly-fishing, see a fly tying demonstration and enjoy a cook-out lunch provided by the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park. Information on the new campground and construction progress will be on display in the Woods Lake Shelter. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; free admission all day.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport - (920) 533-8322 - Lake to Lake Trail 10K Run/Hike. Second-annual run/hike takes place on the Lake to Lake trail between Mauthe and Long Lakes. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Kettle Moraine, Long Lake Preservation Assn, and the Dundee Long Lake Lions Club. Registration fee of $28/person includes a goodie bag and light snacks. Register online [exit DNR] or at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area at 8 a.m. on the event date. Race starts at 10 a.m. E-mail for more information. Spring Nature Fest. There will be something for all ages at four different activity stations. Learn about our fascinating fish, take flight with birds of a feather, defend against alien attacks and create your own nature print. Bring your own t-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. (Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, off County Highway GGG south of New Prospect) All ages. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Spring Open House. Visit Kohler-Andrae for the annual spring open house. No vehicle admission charge today. Sanderling Nature Center. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
? La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, (608) 337-4775 or e-mail - Prairie Walk with Bob Lee. Discover and learn about the native wildflowers and grasses on this abandoned railroad prairie remnant. Wear comfortable walking shoes and other clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat to block the sun. Sponsored by Friends of the La Crosse River State Trail. Meet in Rockland where the trail crosses Commercial Street (County Highway J). 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Fish Tales. Nature Center. Favorite big fish stories and fingerplays with Mrs. Duncan. Then, transform a recycled DVD into a shiny fish to hang at your campsite. A vehicle admission sticker is not required today. 10-10:30 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Sturgeon Day on the Bay. Join us at Potawatomi for State Parks Open House Day and the Wisconsin Free Fishing weekend. There will be crazy sturgeon crafts, funky fish lore, family fun, and information and activities for all. Meet at the picnic shelter area at lot 2. Noon ? 3 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville (262) 878-5600 Fishing Clinic - Drop in on Walleyes Unlimited learn to fish day! Please bring your own equipment (some will be available). Learn new fishing skills or brush up on old skills.. Target age: all ages welcome. Sponsored by Walleyes Unlimited. 9:30 a.m. ? 2:30 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Bagley (608) 996-2261 Free kids fishing clinic with instruction in fish identification, knot-tying, fly-tying, fish painting, casting, and water safety skills. A handful of mentors will be available to take kids and a parent out afterward for a fishing excursion on the Mississippi River. Call Chuck in advance to sign up for this event ? space is limited. Target age: 6-12. Sponsored by Grant County Outdoor Sport Alliance and Wyalusing State Park. Contact: Chuck Horn, (608) 822-6574. (meet at Peterson Shelter) noon to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Legend of the Lady's-slipper: 10-10:30 a.m. Nature Center. Enjoy an Ojibwa Indian legend about a favorite Peninsula flower.
? Weed Warriors: 1-2 p.m. Meet at Lone Pine parking lot on Shore Road. Save the escarpment by pulling garlic mustard below Norway Bluff.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Ribbeting Fun. Nature Center. What's the difference between a frog and a toad? What do frogs sound like? All ages welcome at this naturalist talk. Optional children's craft to follow. 11-11:30 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Trees are Terrific! DNR Forester Bill Ruff will be here to share his knowledge about trees of Wisconsin. After an introduction to forestry, get out on the trail for an up-close examination of Potawatomi's trees and forest. Meet at the Amphitheater. 10 a.m.
