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 16, 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. Picnic shelter. 8 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - The Secrets of Eagle Peak. Hike up the trail with Naturalist Barb Walker, learn the secrets of the peak, and see fantastic views of the St. Croix River Valley. Meet at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp. 3 p.m.
? Merrick State Park, Fountain City, (608) 687-4936 - 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].
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wildlife Pack. Presentation on gray wolves of Wisconsin. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Winter in July: 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Incredible physics crafts ... plus a visit from the Winter Witch. Kayak Tour: 10 a.m. - noon. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15/person. Please phone (920) 868-3258 for complete information.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Become a Wisconsin Explorer. Discover how you can become a Wisconsin Explorer and find out what you need to do to earn a state symbol patch. The program will include a hike along the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail. Meet at the Nature Center. 4 p.m. Wolves of Wisconsin. Join Michelle Hefty, manager of Newport State Park, for this program about wolves. You will learn how to identify the differences between wolves, coyotes, and dogs. The current status of timber wolves in Door County and the rest of Wisconsin based on tracking and howling surveys will also be discussed. Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Meet the Mammals. Drop by the amphitheater to explore the wonders of two Wisconsin mammals, the raccoon and otter. Join the naturalist for this hands-on experience. Amphitheater. 10-11 a.m. Big Red Tent ? Up in the Sky: Owls . 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. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - High Ridge Bluegrass Gospel. Enjoy an evening of bluegrass music. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Meet the Ranger. Learn what is takes to be a park ranger and ask those tough park questions you have always been wondering about. Take a look in the ranger squad and go home with a park handout. Meet at the beach. 3 p.m.
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - 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 - Bee-yond Butterflies. There's more to life than fluttering by! Lots of insects we don't even see work hard to make a living and enhance our habitat. Drop in to find out who they are. Meet at Allen Lake. 10 a.m. Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. July?s topic: ?Butterflies.? Prairie Parade. Why don't we see many insects in the middle of the day? Get the answers and watch the bugs and beetles come out like clockwork as the day gets dim. Meet at Allen Lake. Possible hike, dress for the evening weather. 8 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Night Sky. Enjoy the night sky during the day! Learn about the constellations, take an imaginary trip to different planets, make a moon calendar, 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. 9 a.m. - noon.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - General Store Museum Tour. Join the naturalist for a guided tour of the High Cliff General Store Museum and nature center. Learn about the many changes that have taken place on the ledge overlooking Lake Winnebago for over a century, culminating in the creation of High Cliff State Park. Meet at the General Store Museum. 2-3 p.m. 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. 4-5 p.m. Astronomy on the Cliff. Join the naturalist for a presentation on astronomy including constellation origin stories, activities and crafts, and a short hike and stargazing demonstration. Family Campground Amphitheater. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park [exit DNR]. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Camp We-Kan-Tak-It. A musical comedy about life in Wisconsin?s Civilian Conservation Corps, this original multi-media production is based on 1930s CCC camp newspapers. Arrive early for a ticket and muffin, milk or coffee provided by the Friends of Interstate Park for a $5 per person donation. Join Naturalist Julie Fox after the play for an auto tour of CCC structures in the park visible from your car. Ice Age Center Auditorium. 10 a.m. - noon. If the River Could Talk, Rock formations, Indian battles, soft gold and log jams. Naturalist Julie Fox will share some of the fascinating history of the St. Croix River Valley on this scenic hike to the summit. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign. 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. 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. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Park at Sanderling Nature Center or North Beach lots. 8:30-10:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wildlife Double Jeopardy. Pit your wildlife brains against fellow competitors. Nature Center. 7 p.m. Intermediate No-Lights Night Hike. Take a hike with park naturalist Jim Craig for an introduction to the night as wildlife experience it. Nature Center. 9:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Sentinel Trail To Eagle Terrace: 9 - 10 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. On this half-mile walk, learn about tree identification, Peninsula history, and the founding of Ephraim. Honey of a Morning: 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Discover Wisconsin's state insect, the honeybee, by buzzing over to play a bee game, make a beeswax taper candle, and taste a yummy honey stick. Meet a real beekeeper, too! $1 suggested donation per candle. Naturalist at Eagle Terrace: Drop by Eagle Terrace (just south of Tower) any time between 2 and 3 p.m. to see furs and skulls from common Peninsula animals.Night Walk: 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Nature Center. Experience Peninsula in a different light on this naturalist-led forest walk. Discover how animals are adapted to survive in darkness, too.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - 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]. 8:30 p.m.
? Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Night Hike. Pike Lake's volunteer naturalist will lead the hike. Rain date is Saturday, July 24. Meet at the nature trail parking area off of Powder Hill Road. 9 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Camping with Dogs. Find out how to make your camping trip a fun experience for both you and Fido! Amphitheater. 4 p.m. Meet the Ranger. Learn what a typical day in the life of a Wisconsin State Park Ranger is like. Bring your camera! Meet at the Nature Center. 7:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Wildflowers and Weeds. Hike the trails at peak wildflower time to discover the difference between a wildflower and a weed. Learn fun facts and folklore too. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 9-10:30 a.m. Horsing Around. Visit with horses and riders from Diettrich Stables to learn about horse care, history and riding tips. Beach, Shelter #4. 6-7 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 339-6881 - Learn to Geocache. Meet the Ealys to learn about this fun way to get outdoors with your family and friends. They will help you get started with what types of geocaches are out there, GPS units to use, and some hands-on experience. You can bring your own unit or borrow one from the park office. Kiosk Picnic Shelter. 2 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ? Up in the Sky: Ducks . 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. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Universe in the Park Astronomy Program. An Astronomy presentation by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Astronomy Department. Watch a slide show and then view astronomical objects through telescopes. Sponsored by UW -Madison Astronomy Department and National Science Foundation. Amphitheater next to the park office. Sunset. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Reptiles and Amphibians. Presented by Matt Heeter. Meet at the Peterson Shelter. 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
? Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - Native American Day. Native American dancers and singers from Wisconsin Dells will be at Aztalan beginning at 1 p.m.Tour of Ancient Aztalan. Take a tour Wisconsin's most important archaeological site. Aztalan showcases an ancient Middle Mississippian village that thrived between AD 1000 and 1300. Sponsored by Friends of Aztalan State Park. 2 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Electronic Pirates Treasure Hunt. Pattison Park?s own ten-station experience-geocache 101. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Talon Key Chains: 10-11 a.m. 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. CCC in Wisconsin State Parks: On request. Enjoy a 15-minute video about a Depression era work group that left an indelible mark on Peninsula.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wild Canine Drop-In Activities. Stop by and make some cool wild Wisconsin canine crafts! Come and go as you like. Nature Center. 10 a.m. ? 1 p.m.
? Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-9340 - Summer Outdoor Family Adventure Series: Bringing Back the Bluebirds! Dive into the life of a bluebird as we take a sneak peek inside a few of Willow River?s bluebird boxes. 4-5 p.m.
Monday, July 19, 2010
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Barking up the Right Tree. Experientially making tree identification simple. Nature Center. 7 p.m. Intermediate No-Lights Hike. Introduction to the night as wildlife experience it. Nature Center. 9:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Geocaching 101: 4-5 p.m. Nature Center. Take a break from a busy day at the beach to learn how to use a global positioning system (GPS) unit. Discover the world-wide craze of high-tech treasure hunting. Campfire! 8-9 p.m. Nature Center. Peninsula welcomes Charlie Dickson and Don Makuen for authentic Native American stories and toe-tapping sing-along songs. Great fun for the whole family.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 1-4 p.m. July?s topic: ?Butterflies.?
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Havenwoods Birding Walk. Join the Havenwoods Birding Group for our weekly birding walks. 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.
? 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.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wildlife Bingo. BINGO with wildlife tid-bits. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Skyline Trail: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Meet at Skyline parking lot on Shore Road. Stroll past the site of Camp Meenahga (1916-48) and learn tree identification as on a two-mile trek includes a spectacular bluff-top view. Solar Box Ovens: 11 a.m. - 12 Noon. Nature Center. Help transform styrofoam coolers into solar ovens, then try cooking a simple recipe with liquid sunshine. Pre-register at Nature Center. One oven per family. $4/oven for supplies and food samples. Knapweed Knock-Down: 1-2 p.m. Nature Center. Spotted knapweed is a problem plant that outcompetes meadow flowers. Join park staff on a knapweed pull in the meadow. Bring work gloves if you have them. This stewardship program is open to youth and adults, ages sixteen and older. Participants are welcome to arrive at Noon for a "thank you" cook out featuring brats and dogs.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Watchable Wildlife Around Lake O? the Dalles, Join the naturalist for a 1-mile leisurely walk around Lake O? the Dalles. Discover what makes the lake unique and watch for signs of wildlife that live there. Meet at Camp Interstate Shelter. 2-3:30 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Story Time. Children ages 4-10 are invited to join a volunteer storyteller to hear a story and join in an activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Night Hike. Meet Officer Morgen to experience walking around the park at night with the aid of only natural light. No pets allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the enclosed shelter. 8 p.m.
? MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 - Wildlife Exhibit Series: A Bird's Eye View. What makes these animals so amazing? Explore unique adaptations, tracks, scat and so much more while observing animals in the wildlife exhibit. Hands-on activities for all ages. Meet at the Teaching Station in the wildlife exhibit. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Rushing Water. Digital photography show of the waterfalls within a day?s trip of Pattison State park (Tom Gerstenberger). Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Bead Heaven: Drop in the Nature Center anytime from 10- a.m. - 12 Noon to create a bead keychain, bracelet.$1 suggested donation. Cemetery Walk with Jessy Thorp: 10-11 a.m. Meet at Weborg Shelter. Park in Weborg day use lot. Mrs. Thorp's husband perished on the Hackley Shipwreck of 1903. Listen to the tragic tale, and other Door County stories, too. Easy walking.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Fossil Find. Search for pieces of the past on our rocky shoreline. Investigate the rocks for clues of ancient animals now fossilized. Meet the naturalist at the amphitheater for this hands-on experience. 10 a.m.Big Red Tent ? Under Your Feet: Roots. 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. 1 - 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 22, 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 or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents. 10 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Movie Night at the Park. Join us for the showing of our DVD entitled "Precious Moments". 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.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Nature Program to be announced. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Chief Kahquados Morning: 10-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Did you know there is a Potawatomi Chief buried at Peninsula? Discover his story and learn about the Potawatomi Nation. Then you'll have the chance to bead an arrowhead (replica) necklace ($1 donation/arrowhead), try playing a Native American game of chance, and even cook Indian fry bread on a tin can. Calling all young camper volunteers to help with this program!
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Wetland Critters. Grab a net and explore the wetland?s unique creatures. Look into the underwater world to discover the many animals that call the wetland their home. Meet the naturalist at the amphitheater for this longer program. Don?t forget to bring your bug spray and be prepared to get a bit wet. 10 a.m.Big Red Tent ? Under Your Feet: Animals. 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. 1 - 3 p.m.
