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 23, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Join the naturalist for a beautiful hike up the valley to Horizon Rock and learn about some of the ancient geology that makes the area look like it does today. Meet at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking area. 3 p.m. All About Owls. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a special program as part of the Friday night series of programs for kids. Meet Aztec, Barb?s South American owl, and enjoy local food vendors, family fun and music free of charge. The Overlook in downtown St. Croix Falls. 6:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Martin Pattison and Camp Pattison. The story behind the CCC. Nature Center. 7 p.m. Advanced No-Lights Hike. Discover the night like the nocturnal animals. Not recommended for younger children-hour-long and dark. Nature Center. 9:45 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Leopold Trail: Peninsula staff will create and post 8 ? x 11, laminated Leopold quotes on the existing signs of the half-mile, mostly level White Cedar Nature Trail. This is an on-your-own activity which will be promoted throughout the weekend. Thinking Like a Mountain: 10 a.m. - noon. Nature Center. Listen to excerpts from a famous Aldo Leopold essay, see a stuffed timber wolf and discover its survival adaptations. Peninsula naturalists will have learning stations afterwards that include: 1) Wolf Origami, 2) Canidae Skulls and Furs, 3) Wolf, Fox and Coyote Track Art, and 4) Mapping Wolves in Wisconsin (based on DNR data). Kayak Tour: 10 a.m. - noon. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15/person. Please phone (920) 868-3258 for complete information. Aldo Leopold: A Fierce Green Fire: 8-9 p.m. Nature Center. Marybeth Lorbiecki , author of the classic conservation book, Aldo Leopold: A Fierce Green Fire, will share the life and legacy of Aldo Leopold through a photographic talk. An optional book signing will follow the program.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Water Coloring 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 at Lot 2. 1-3 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Trail Workday: Red/Yellow Trails. Join the Staff and Friends of Whitefish Dunes helping spruce up the trails and control invasives. The work will vary depending upon the trail and trail needs, from mulching to pulling invasives to trimming branches. Children under the ages of 18 are welcome but must work with a parent/adult. Pre-registration not required. Lunch will be provided to pre-registered volunteers, please register at least one day prior. Please dress for the weather (long pants are preferable). We?ll provide the water, gloves and snack. Volunteers for this event will receive a complimentary daily vehicle sticker. Meet at the Nature Center for this volunteer opportunity. 9 - 11:30 a.m. Meet the Mammals. Drop by the amphitheater to explore the wonders of two Wisconsin mammals. Featured this week are the skunk and muskrat. Join the naturalist for this hands-on experience. 10 ? 11 a.m. Big Red Tent ? Under Your Feet: Fossils. 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 24, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Cave of the Mounds and Wisconsin Geology. Naturalists from Cave of the Mounds present a program about caves, geology and panning for minerals. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Night Hike and Evening Adventures. Join us around the campfire for a night time story and activites. Make a craft to take home then hike the 1.4 mile nature trail lit by tiki torches. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Buckhorn. Amphitheater. 7-10 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 - Did We Do That? The timber industry has a long and important history in creating current Wisconsin habitats. Take a look at how logging has influenced native and non-native insects in Wisconsin, as well as how humans use insects and the role we play in the survival of insect species. Meet at Hellestad House Amphitheater. 10 a.m. Universe in the Park. Universe in the Park is an outreach program of the UW-Madison Astronomy Department. A typical session begins just after sunset, usually around 8:30 p.m. with a 20-30 minute talk and slide show about astronomy. View the night sky through telescopes! The tracking session will take place at the Hartman Lake parking lot following the slide program until about 11 p.m., weather permitting. Meet at the amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Havenwoods Butterfly Count. Be a part of the North American Butterfly Association?s (NABA) 34th annual butterfly count. These counts help the NABA track the butterfly population in North America. No butterfly watching experience is necessary! We?ll help you learn to identify the species, then take you outside in groups to locate and count butterflies. 10 a.m. - noon.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Native American History Hike. Join the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Effigy Mound trail and a hike along the Red Bird trail to this historical figure's statue and a telling of his story. Family Campground Amphitheater. 11 a.m. - Noon. 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 . 2-3 p.m. Pond Exploration Hike. Join the naturalist for some fun-filled exploration of the Quarry Pond. Some equipment will be provided, wear clothes that can get wet, and be prepared to get up close and personal with lots of aquatic critters! Effigy Mound Parking Lot. 2-3 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Lizards and Snakes! Visit with Naturalist Barb Walker about some of the most fascinating and most feared creatures on earth. Meet Copper the fox snake and Puff the bearded dragon then make and take home a snake of your own. Fun for the entire family! Ice Age Center.1-2 p.m. Molten Lava and Melted Ice. Join the naturalist for a relaxing hike around the Pothole Trail and learn about the gee-whiz geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign 4 p.m. 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. 7 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. Drop In at the Beach: "Tree"mendous Trees. Stop in to find out how the ""tree""mendous trees touch almost all parts of our lives. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. 1-4 p.m. Summer Saturday Evening Event: Outdoor Survival. Become skilled at some easy techniques to help you survive in the outdoors. Jackie Scharfenberg, forest naturalist, will cover hike preparations, simple shelters, water collection, fire building and rescue aids. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Backpacking the Ice Age Trail. Join avid backpacker Sharon Dziengel and IAT Field Representative Brad Crary for a presentation on backpacking the Ice Age Trail. Learn how to get started and about the equipment required. No pets allowed. Free program. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Mill Bluff State Park, Camp Douglas, (608) 427-6692 - Night Hike. Mill Bluff State Park will host a Night Hike led by Dan Peterson. Meet at the park shelter at 8 p.m. A daily or annual admission sticker is required.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Clown of the Northwoods. Funny bears, but beware! Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Paul Bunyan's Sweetheart: 10 a.m. - noon. Nature Center. Participants will explore the power of BIG characters by listening to renowned author Marybeth Lorbiecki read a tall tale. Lorbiecki's story includes a strong conservation message that will be highlighted at learning stations include: 1) Tools of the Forester 2) Make Your Own Rock Candy 3) White Pine Tree Table, and 4) Tall Tale Trivia. A limited number of Lorbiecki's books will be available for sale and signing.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Forests: Our Greatest Servant. Wisconsin Consulting Forester Julian Hutchinson will introduce visitors to one of humankind?s greatest servants. Since way back in history, humans have used forests and forest products for survival and comfort. Learn a bit about a habitat that we can?t live without! 10 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Shoreline Walk. Skip a few stones across the water of Sturgeon Bay and then enjoy a peaceful walk along a portion of the Tower Trail. Campground shelter. 4-5 p.m. How Many Live in Your Home? Come see how many animals a habitat can hold. Just like your house, only so many people can fit inside before it becomes too crowded. Also, learn how predators and prey affect the number of animals at Potawatomi State Park. Campground shelter. 7:30-8 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Baths for Birds. Make a beautiful leaf concrete bird bath using a sand casting technique. Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600 or stopping at the Entrance Station. Cost is $15. You will need to pick up your project at a later time. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association . Visitor Center. 9-10 a.m. Scales and Slime. Prepare to get your feet wet as you stomp in the swamp and discover which reptiles and amphibians live in the park. Be prepared to drive. Visitor Center. 7-8 p.m..
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ? Under Your Feet: Soil. 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.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Astronomy Program. The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present an Astronomy Program at the Huser Astronomy Center. Programs are the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
? Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - 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.
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Music in the Park. Featuring the Palmyra-Eagle Community Band. Outdoors along the north shore of the lake, in the Chateau in case of rain. 6 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Summer Outdoor Family Adventure Series: Twilight Canoe Paddle ? Interstate State Parks to Osceola Landing . Discover nature by night and enjoy the river under the full moon! Bring or rent your own canoe or kayak and join us on this one-way leisurely 7-mile paddle. 5-8 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: "Tree"mendous Trees. Stop in to find out how the ""tree""mendous trees touch almost all parts of our lives. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Long Lake Recreation Area Soutn Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wild Talking Birds. English phrases to identify local birds. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Wildflowers 101: 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Leaders: Peninsula naturalists. Participants will understand the importance of preserving wildflower habitat by listening to excerpts from a 1938 essay by Aldo Leopold, "Letter to a Wildflower Digger" and by discovering basic flower nomenclature through a simple dissection activity. This program will include a walk in the nearby meadow and an optional Flower Fairies and Leaf Warriors craft. $1 donation/craft.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Fishy Fun. Come and go as you like while you find out some fishy facts and make a few cool nature crafts. Nature center. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday, July 26, 2010
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Green Stuff Detectives. A hike to get acquainted with the plants of Pattison State Park. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Butterfly Meadow: 2 - 3 p.m. Monarchs, swallowtails and sulphur butterflies are all a-wing in the meadow. Take a short walk with the naturalist to spy butterflies and their favorite flowers. Afterwards, decorate a butterfly ornament to keep. Bat Watch: Welcker's Shelter Building. Evening time to be announced.
Tuesday, July 27, 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 - Junior Rangers: Beeuties & Beests. Just the sound of a buzz and the flash of yellow and black stripes make many people nervous. Take some time to learn about bees and discover the BEEuty in the BEEst. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 6-8. Grown-ups are welcome to accompany their children. This program is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime: Beeuties & Beests. Just the sound of a buzz and the flash of yellow and black stripes make many people nervous. Take some time to learn about bees and discover the BEEuty in the BEEst. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3 - 5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. It is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Hike to Horizon Rock, Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a short hike up to Horizon Rock ? appropriately named because of the incredible view. Meet at the Horizon Rock Trail sign across from the Pothole Trail. 10 a.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Mysterious Loons. Intriguing highlights about this unique bird. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Native American Flutes: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Details forthcoming. Donation for supplies. Eagle Trail Hike 10-11:30 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. Hike Peninsula's most spectacular trail. Park geology, forest ecology featured.
Wednesday, July 28, 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.
? 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. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the trailhead near the playground. 10 a.m. 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.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Legends of Pattison Park. Sing-along and stories by the Pied Piper of Pattison State Park (Cheri Tesarek). Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Survivor: Whitefish Dunes. You and your family are lost in the forest! Can you make the best decisions to make it home safe? Join the naturalist for this engaging game to prepare for the unexpected. Meet at the amphitheater. 10 a.m.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
? 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 - Beach and Dune Walk. Bring the family to hike the Creeping Juniper Trail and explore the flora of the Lake Michigan beach with volunteer naturalist Andrew Morris. No pets allowed. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 9 a.m. Meet the Ranger. Families are encouraged to meet a park ranger to learn about rangers' job in the park and see the equipment they use. Park shelter between sites 13 and 15. 7 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Nature Program to be announced. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? 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. Meet at the amphitheater. 10 a.m. Big Red Tent ? On the Beach: Erosion. 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.
