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 18, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Sing-along with the Madison Folk Music Society. Sing fun songs with the Folk Music Society who provide song books, song leaders and instrumental accompaniment. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Molten Lava and Melted Ice. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike around the Pothole Trail and learn about the gee-whiz geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 3 p.m. Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Bat Story and Craft. Nature Center. Listen to the story Bats at the Beach then create a bat to keep. Learn where you can see bats at Peninsula, too. 10 - 10:45 a.m. Kayak Tour. A naturalist-led paddle along Peninsula?s incredible coast with basic paddle instruction, geology, and park history. Preregister at Nature Center. Ages 16 and younger must be in a kayak with an adult. Rental fee $15 (+ tax), which includes $5 donation to Nature Center. Meet at Nicolet Beach. Weather permitting. 10 a.m. ? noon.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 Painting Nature. Join Artist Elaine Cregan for an afternoon of water coloring in Nature. Learn basic techniques while enjoying the natural beauty of Whitefish Dunes. Pre-registration by June 16 to reserve your spot is strongly suggested but walk-ins are welcome. $10 charge for materials. Suggested to bring a nature photo or object. This adult class begins in the shelter building. Big Red Tent ?Up in the Sky: Butterfly. Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - ?Camp We-Kan-Tak-It? A musical comedy about life in Wisconsin?s Civilian Conservation Corps, an original multi-media production based on 1930?s CCC camp newspapers. Limited seating, $5 tickets available at the Devil?s Lake Visitor Center. Program in the outdoor amphitheater in the Northern Lights Campground (weather permitting, cancelled in case of rain). 7:30 p.m. Big Band Concert. Enjoy the music! Listen and dance to the sound of live bands; the Hal Edwards Orchestra or the Summer Wind Band, in the historic north shore Chateau overlooking beautiful Devil?s Lake. Admission is $5 per person. 7:30 ? 10:30 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - What's On My Line?Ever pull up your fishing line and find something bizarre on your hook, or catch an animal that looks more alien than fish or reptile? Find out what that animal might be, why it's there, and what it can tell you about the water you're fishing in! Meet at the amphitheater by Hartman Lake Shelter Building. 10 a.m. Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. June';s topic: ?Who, besides fish, live in Allen Lake??
? Interstate State Park , St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Paul Bunyan, Log Jams, and River Rats. Join Naturalist Julie Fox for a hike up to the summit and hear colorful stories of lumberjacks and white pine. Meet at the Summit Ridge Rock Trail sign. 4 p.m. Wisconsin?s Logging Days. Join Naturalist Julie Fox for a lively and informative program about some of the colorful people of our past who shaped this area?s future. Ice Age Center. 7:30 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Beetles. Did you know there are 30,000 species of beetles in North America? Make your own beetle to take home, learn about Wisconsin beetles, discover what makes beetles different from other insects, 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.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 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]. 4-5 p.m. Edible and Medicinal Plant Hike. Hike around the park with the naturalist and identify and sample different edible plants and medicinal plants found in Wisconsin. Meet at the campground amphitheater. 2 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get some expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area and Long Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Join park volunteers for an outdoor cooking demonstration using recipes from the park cookbook "Cooking with Friends". This will be a great opportunity to pick up some tips and gather ides for your next camping trip or cookout. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Amphitheater. Noon-1:30 p.m. Universe in the Park. The Astronomy Dept of UW-Madison begins their session with a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy or recent astronomical news. At the conclusion of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will go outdoors to set up telescopes and provide park visitors the opportunity to view whatever astronomical objects are available. Question and answer period takes place around the telescope. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 8:45 p.m.
? Military Ridge State Trail, Riley, (608) 437-7393 - Trail Hike with Meg Skinner. Join Meg as she explores the geological, cultural, and natural history of the Riley area and Aldo Leopold?s Game Cooperative. The hike will include the natural springs, the turtle pond, and other special stops. Meg offers a wonderful interpretive discussion on the snapping turtles, eastern painted turtles, and Blanding?s turtles that frequent the turtle pond. Meet at the DNR parking lot in Riley, just west of Verona on County Highway J. If you bring your bicycle, Meg may treat you to a trip to the Observation Deck for a close up view of the Sugar River and the surrounding wetlands. Free Program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail [exit DNR]. 10-11 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Eagle Trail Hike. 10-11:30 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. Celebrate the Year of the Niagara Escarpment by hiking Peninsula's most spectacular trail. Discover Peninsula's amazing geology and history. About two miles. Difficult. Pack a snack for a rest stop along the way. Tower Talk. Stop by Eagle Tower from 1-2 p.m. to have your questions answered by the park naturalist.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - The Mississippi River Valley: A Personal Story. Join Chloris Lowe, a member of the Sky Clan of the sovereign Ho-Chunk Nation, as he shares with us a brief history of this small part of the Mississippi River Valley. After his indoor presentation, everyone is invited to join him for a walk to nearby mounds. People of all ages and abilities are invited to attend. 7 p.m.
? Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Dog Hike. Our volunteer naturalist will lead a hike about dogs, coyotes, and wolves Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on this hike. Rain date is Saturday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. Meet at the nature trail parking area off of Powder Hill Road. 11:30 a.m.
? Potowatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Become a Wisconsin Explorer. Start the weekend off by being one of the first to grab a copy of the NEW Wisconsin Explorer booklets. We'll do one of the fun activities and show you how to earn a collectable state symbol patch! Nature Center. 4 p.m.Potawatomi's Scaley and Slimey Critters. Find out what makes snakes slither and toads croak at this program for the entire family. You'll even get to meet a few of the park's scaley and slimey critters! Campground Shelter. 7 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 339-6881 - Universe in the Park. Meet astronomy students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. View a slide show and learn about current space events. Then check out the night sky with a telescope. Kiosk Shelter. 8 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ?Up in the Sky: Flies. Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 1-3 p.m.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Snakes Alive. Tom Kessenich presents a fascinating display of live snakes common to southern Wisconsin. Every one present has the opportunity to touch a few of these snakes. 8 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Nature's Pincushion. 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Discover the prickly world of porcupines. Craft one to keep! Wildflower Basics. 1-2 p.m. Nature Center. Designed especially for older kids and adults, this program features flower nomenclature, identification, and folklore. A short walk in the nearby woods will be included.
? Potowatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Scaley and Slimey Drop-In Activities. Create creature crafts and discover some wild facts about Potawatomi's reptile and amphibian residents. Come and go as you like. Nature Center. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
? Straight Lake State Park, Luck, (715) 483-3747 - Summer Outdoor Family Adventure: Just Take a Hike! Discover the wildflowers, wildlife and unique features of Straight Lake State Park on a leisurely walk this Father?s Day. 4-5:30 p.m.
Monday, June 21, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Campground Program. 4 p.m. Campfire! 8 - 9 p.m. Nature Center. Native American legends and favorite songs featured at this family campfire. Peninsula is thrilled to welcome back Charlie Dickson and Don Makuen. Don't miss it!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 1-4 p.m. June?s topic: ?Who, besides fish, live in Allen Lake??
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - FrogWatch Survey. Naturalist led survey of frog species. Learn how to identify frogs by their call and help collect data that will be added to a national database. Get directly involved in the effort to conserve and protect our amphibian friends. Meet at the High Cliff office. After sunset, call the office for details.
? 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 - Weed Warriors. 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Havenwoods Birding Walk. Join the Havenwoods Birding Group for our weekly birding walk. We'll hike through fields, forests, and wetlands in search of birds. No experience is necessary. Please ask at the front desk if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars. 8-9:30 a.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) -483-3747 - Watchable Wildlife Around Lake O? the Dalles. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a 1-mile hike around Lake O? the Dalles. Discover what makes the lake unique and watch for signs of wildlife that live there. Meet on the lake side of the Beach House. 2 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Afternoon at the Movies. Children ages 4-10 are invited to join us for a children's nature movie. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Hemlock Trail. Meet at Weborg day use parking lot. We'll watch for Canada Mayflowers and Sarsaparilla on this 1 1/2 mile walk. Park ecology featured, too. 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slide show presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) -483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox and Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Movie Night at the Park. Join us for the first showing of our new DVD entitled "A Loon Story". Bring the family; children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free program, donations accepted. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Rock and Roll. Nature Center. Join the park naturalist for a talk about Peninsula's Niagara Escarpment, a globally significant feature that is the "backbone" of the park. An optional fossil hunt for kids will follow with fossil replicas kids can clean and keep. $1 fossil suggested donation. 11-11:30 a.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ? Under the Water: Fish. Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 1-3 p.m.
