WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 24, 2011An early spring snowstorm dropped more than a foot of wet, heavy snow through an area of central to northeastern Wisconsin this week, with lesser amounts to the north and northwest, and mostly rain and sleet in the southern third of the state. While the new snow may be tempting snowmobilers and skiers, state recreational safety specialists caution people to call ahead to destination to find out if trails are open and trail conditions. Many counties had officially closed snowmobile trails prior to the storm, and will not reopen or groom them even with the new snow. Many trails had wet areas and standing water prior to the storm, and any trails across waterways should be considered unsafe. Similarly most state parks and forests had put away ski grooming equipment for the year. However, a few locations were still reporting snowmobile trails open on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism?s snow conditions report and skiers are welcome to break their own track on park and forest ski trails, so those looking for one last weekend of snowmobiling or skiing can still find some opportunities.
Most rivers across the state are either completely or partially open, and many southern rivers were at or near flood stage this week. The Kickapoo, Rock and Crawfish rivers were all running very high. The Mississippi River rose more than a foot at Prairie du Chien in the last week. The Flambeau River still had ice cover on some northern stretches, but the Brule River had opened from Highway 2 to Lake Superior, good news for those anglers who plan to fish the early trout season that opens this Saturday.
Southern lakes continue to open up, and lake ice dropped considerably on northern waters in the last week, but some lakes still had 14 or more inches. Most northern lakes had been covered with slush or standing water, which is now covered with up to a foot of wet snow, so any lake travel will be very difficult.
With recent snowmelt and heavy rains, Lake Michigan tributaries are running high and fast, so it will be awhile before they are at ideal fishing conditions. A few anglers have been able to land some steelhead with a few brown trout mixed in on the Root and Manitowoc rivers. The spring steelhead run should be gaining momentum over the next couple of weeks, and crews will start processing fish most likely next week at the Root River Steelhead Facility. A number of harbor boat launches are open and ice free, and small numbers of anglers have been heading out of Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Port Washington and Milwaukee with fair numbers of brown and some rainbow trout being caught.
Spring migration is in full swing with the earliest migrants back, including Canada geese, sandhill cranes, woodcock, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, killdeer and robins. The first tundra swans and white pelicans have also been sighted.
More turkeys have been seen strutting and gobbling, preparing for their mating season. Leftover turkey permits have been selling very well, and have sold out for the first three hunting periods. As of Saturday, hunters can purchase any remaining permits for any zone where they are available. Pussy willows are showing up on the willows. Maple sap had been running very well, but the drop in temperatures may slow that.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Last week?s rain and warm temperatures melted much of the snow cover. This past week showed March's tendency to turn on a dime and go the other direction?cooler temperatures and very high winds mixed with a little snow felt much more winter-like than spring. The forecast through the weekend calls for high temperatures in the 20s and lows in the single digits. Warmer temperatures are expected next week. It has been reported that the Bois Brule River is open of ice all of the way to the mouth of the river. This should make the anglers happy as the fishing opener on the Brule (from Highway 2 to Lake Superior) starts half an hour before sunrise on Saturday, March 26. Signs of spring are still beginning to show up, even if the weather takes temporary downturns. More robins are showing up and looking for worms that have started to come near the surface of the ground. Pussy willows are showing up on the willows and a woodcock was sighted last weekend.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - The trail is no longer suitable for snowmobiling. ATVs/UTVs are allowed on the trail in Sawyer and Washburn counties. Tuscobia State Trail is open Dec. 15 through Nov. 15 in Sawyer and Washburn counties and April 15 thru Nov. 15 in Price County. Sawyer County trails are closed April 1 thru May 15 (opening date is subject to change based on weather conditions). Washburn County trails are closed April 1 thru May 31. National Forest trails are closed March 15 thru May 1.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
The Shell Lake area ended up with about 10 inches of wet snow but it really moved around with the wind. Going into the storm, lakes had with a mixture of water and slush on top. The wet snow is now setting on top. This past weekend red-winged blackbirds, robins, wood cock, and paired up waterfowl were observed.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Following the mild weather of the last week, ice depths have declined down to 14 to 18 inches on most lakes across the North, and the recent snowstorm added 6 to 12 inches of snow to the ice surfaces. This will make travel extremely difficult on the lakes and along with the soft and rutted up access areas, will really curtail most late-season ice fishing activity. Some walk-out activity may be seen, but even that will be difficult with the heavy, grainy snow. Prior to the heavy snow, late season panfish success was fair. Anglers were seeing some decent catches of perch, and they were being caught on small minnows in 6 to 10 feet of water just off the bottom on the mud flats and near weed beds. Some good bluegill catches were also reported, and they were found suspended in deep waters areas and enticed by small ice flies tipped with a waxworm or spike. Crappie action has continued to be very slow, and many anglers are constantly moving around from lake to lake trying to find an active bite. Just a few lakes have seen any kind of consistent action, and anglers have been very tight-lipped on the location of these spots.
Flambeau River State Forest - The forest received 12-plusinches of new snow this week but both the snowmobile and ski trails are done for the season as far as grooming. Area lakes and both the north and the south forks of the Flambeau River are still ice covered. Maple sap is running and geese have been seen migrating back. Until the new snow this week, it was starting to look like spring.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Last week the signs of spring were everywhere, robins, sandhill cranes, skunks, red fox, and red winged blackbirds. This morning everything has changed: A foot of snow was dropped in the area.
Marinette County - People have been ice fishing for northern pike north of the Peshtigo Harbor using tip-ups baited with shiner minnows. Below the dam at Peshtigo anglers have been casting small spoons and stick baits looking for trout and walleye. The same is true of the Menominee River from the Hattie Street Dam down to Stephenson Island. Fishing has been a bit slow up to this point. Boat landings on the Menominee River are close to opening except for boom landing where repairs will have to be made.
Oconto County - People are open water fishing at the Stiles Dam, Iron Bridge, and County J Bridge. Most anglers are fishing for trout and hoping to catch a walleye. Spoons, spinners, and stick baits are being used. Some rainbow trout have been report being caught by the Stiles Dam. A few anglers were venturing on the ice north of Oconto Breakwater causeway, fishing for northern pike with large shiner minnows.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County ? The Manitowoc creel survey began the week of March 14. Strong southerly winds at 10-20 mph, with gusts up to nearly 30 mph influenced the low fishing pressure this week. The temperatures slowly dropped by the weekend to the mid-30s resulting in wind chills near 25 degrees. The sporadic heavy rains on Sunday combined with the winter thaw left local tributaries very high, fast flowing, and murky. But so far, very little flooding has been observed. Tributary water temperatures were steady all week at 32 degrees. The high, fast flowing waters and cold temperatures resulted in very low fishing pressure and limited angler success. Trout anglers fishing the Manitowoc harbor had the most success this week. Most of the success came early to mid-week, due to more anglers being out with the warmer temperatures. The stubby pier near the Manitowoc marina boat launch was the hot spot on the harbor side later in the afternoon, with several brown and rainbow trout being landed with a large number of suckers. Rainbow and brown trout spawn sacs and skein worked best either floating or just off the bottom. The sizes of the browns were usually no more than 5 pounds, but several of the rainbows were 8 to 10 pounds. A few browns were caught off the south pier in Manitowoc using spawn on the bottom. Despite the very high waters near the Shoto dam, a few browns were taken this week floating spawn. Shoto appears to have the highest water in the area, so use caution when fishing from shore and wading should be avoided. Fishing near the Mishicot dam has shown more promising water conditions. Anglers have landed a handful of small male steelhead 12-15 inches along with an occasional brook trout floating spawn. The Seagull Marina boat ramp currently is the best option for boaters. Those brave enough to go out this past week had limited success with a mix catch of brown, rainbow, and lake trout. Boaters report some success with browns and lake trout north of Two Rivers off of the Point Beach nuclear plant in 15-20 feet of water. Fishing between the Two Rivers hospital and the Manitowoc piers in 7-15 feet of water has resulted in a small number of browns and rainbows. Blue crank baits of no particular size have been the color of choice in both areas. Please remember the following regulations this spring on the tributaries. Hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the tributaries from Sept. 15 to the first Saturday of the following May. Also during this time, you may not use hooks that have a gape size larger than one-half inch from point to shank in tributaries. If you observe any violations, please call 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park ? The park received about a foot of wet, heavy snow in this week?s snowstorm. Park crews were focusing on clearing roads and parking lots. It is possible the volunteer cross-country trail groomer may groom some trails, but due to very strong winds, snow cover is sporadic. Some areas have nearly bear ground and other areas have deep drifts. The parking lot next to the sledding hill has not yet been plowed. People interested in weekend snow activities should call the park Friday for the latest conditions at 920-868-3258. The first robin of the year was seen March 19 in the park. The first American woodcock was seen March 23. Goldeneyes have been seen off shore, and pair of black ducks was spotted around March 19.
Potawatomi State Park ? The park received about 12 inches of heavy new snow as a result of the March 22-23 storm. Ski trails have not been groomed yet. Crews were still trying to open the roads as of Thursday morning. The forecast calls for cooler temperatures into next week, so snow cover should last awhile. Call the park office at 920-746-2890 for the most current trail conditions as the weekend approaches.
DNR Southeast Region
Harrington Beach State Park - Trails are in seasonal condition, they have wet and muddy areas. In some areas there is still ice. Quarry Lake and Puckett?s Pond are beginning to thaw for the year. Please remember that these bodies of water are part of the Urban Fishing program. The special regulations on designated urban waters in the Southeast Region are: a year round season, no length limits, and a special season (March 12 thru April 22, 2010) for juveniles 15 years of age and younger and certain disabled anglers. Migratory birds have started to return. Sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds and Killdeer are just a few to mention. The campground will reopen for camping on May 4 for first come first serving camping and for camping with reservations on May 13.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - This week's spring weather brought more ice and rain than snow. Skiing season is over at Zillmer, although a few dedicated skiers have still finding enough snow to ski on at Greenbush. The 2011 snowmobile season has ended as well. The horse and mountain bike trails will open when there is sufficient dry weather to put them in good condition (usually late April). Please contact the Forest Headquarters for the latest trail condition report. Robins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, woodcock, and turkey vultures have all been seen and heard in the forest in the last few weeks. Turkeys have started strutting & gobbling, preparing for their mating season. About 95 percent of the state forest is open to public hunting during the Spring Turkey Youth Hunt April 9-10, and the regular spring turkey season beginning April 13 and ending May 22. No turkey hunting is allowed in the forest on Mondays and Tuesdays. Visitors are recommended to wear bright colors when using the forest during this time. Firearms are not allowed in the Mauthe Lake and Long Lake Recreation Areas or the Greenbush Group Camp. The Zillmer Trail allows firearms during the spring turkey and fall deer gun seasons only. Mauthe Lake campground is open for first-come, first-served camping through April 14. The 100-400 loop sites are reservable as of April 15, and the 500s on April 29. The tee-pee will be installed and available for camping starting May 13. Long Lake campground sites open on April 29, with the even-numbered sites reservable. The remainder of the campground opens on May 6. New Prospect Horse Camp opens on April 29 as well, with all sites reservable. Campers must be accompanied by a horse to stay at this campground. Greenbush Group Camp opens for the season on April 15. All sites are reservable as of that date.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - All trails are open to hikers. There is still some snow and ice on the trails. Pets are not allowed on the Black Forest Nature Trail and must be on a leash 8 feet or less at all times in other areas. The campground and all campground facilities will open April 22.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
With recent snowmelt and heavy rains, all Southeast Wisconsin tributaries are running high and fast. More rain is in the forecast for mid-week, so it will be awhile before the tributaries are at ideal fishing conditions. Smaller streams like the Pigeon River, Sauk Creek, the Menomonee River, Oak Creek, and the Pike River should return to fishable levels relatively quickly, and the steelhead run should be gaining momentum over the next couple of weeks.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, early season boaters should proceed with extreme caution as there is a significant amount of tree limbs and other debris in and around the harbor area. On the Sheboygan piers, there has been no recent activity on the north pier, and fishing has been slow off the south pier. The water temperature in the harbor is 32 degrees. Some anglers have been trying the open areas in the marina with no success. On the Pigeon River the water is high, fast and murky, and there has been no recent angling activity. The Sheboygan River is open all the way up from the mouth to the dam; however, there are still chunks of ice along the shoreline. The water is murky, fast and out of its bank all the way down to New Jersey Street. Some anglers were fishing Saturday morning by Kiwanis Park with no luck.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington the ramps are still on dry ground, and the word is they will be set in the water on April 1. You can launch, and the marina is free of ice. Several boaters have been out fishing, with limited success for browns. In the Port Washington harbor, angler activity has been spread out along the inner harbor and the pier with no real hot spot. Anglers in the north slip have been finding small brown trout and rainbow trout from recent stocking events. Over the weekend two anglers at the power plant discharge caught four 5 to 6-pound rainbows on spawn under a bobber. The rocks along shore have been getting some fishing pressure, with carp caught there. Sauk Creek has been running high and fast, and fishing pressure has been very low.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, McKinley Marina is open and the boat launch is usable. The Bender Park launch is currently closed, with dredging slated to take place in April. Shore fishing in Milwaukee has been slow, and area rivers are very high.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine, water levels are very high, and some areas are unfishable. Water clarity is low with very turbid water, and temperatures are holding around 40 degrees. Most of the recent fishing effort has been concentrated from the Horlick Dam to the first river bend near Quarry Lake. While some anglers were unsuccessful in landing any trout, others had better luck. A few anglers were able to land one to three nice steelhead with a couple of brown trout mixed into the bag. Anglers having been using mostly spawn sacs or yarn balls. Fishing around Lincoln Park and up to the weir has had a slower catch rate than at the Horlick dam. However, a very nice 14.5-pound brown trout was caught in this stretch of river on a small jig tipped with a wax worm. Other anglers reported a couple of steelhead, but catches were limited. A few incidental catches of suckers have also been reported. A few anglers were also fishing farther downstream, from Island Park down to Washington Park. Anglers put in a fair amount of effort, but most were unsuccessful. The Root River Steelhead Facility is up and running for the spring season. DNR crews will start processing fish most likely next week. Boaters launching at Pershing Park and making the run to the Oak Creek Power Plant have been catching decent numbers of brown trout while jigging. Please use caution if you choose to venture there, as conditions on the lake can change very quickly.
Kenosha County - Shore fishing has been slow near the boat launch in Kenosha, but anglers fishing near the Best Western have been catching a few brown trout on small spoons. The Pike River is really high, but steelhead fishing should improve as water levels drop down.
DNR South Central Region
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Spring migration is underway at Horicon Marsh. The arrival of birds is dictated by availability of food. Of course, different birds eat different foods, so as the weather slowly changes birds respond to different environmental factors that make food available once again. At this time of year the earliest spring migrants are back, including Canada geese, sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, killdeer and robins. These birds tend to feed in uplands and as the snow melts they are able to find the food they need early in the season. As the ice recedes, open water makes food available for waterfowl. In areas that have already opened up a great variety of ducks can be sighted at this time of year. Many of the area rivers are already open as well as a number of smaller ponds. It will only take a few more days for wetlands to thaw and eventually for lakes to open which will provide great feeding sites for flocks of ducks. Spring waterfowl watching can be very rewarding since birds of many kinds may be feeding together and ducks are in their most brilliant plumage at this time of year. The first tundra swans and white pelicans have also been sighted in the area with more to come. As the water begins to warm the fish and frogs become active providing food for great blue herons and their cousins. In shallow water areas and saturated mud, invertebrates provide food for long-distance migrant shorebirds; sandpipers and plovers which will arrive by late April and throughout May. Eventually, the soil begins to warm and leaves emerge which coincides with the first insect hatches. That will be the time of year with the greatest migration of summer songbirds. So while the season still holds many natural events that have yet to unfold, there already is an opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife at this time of year. Each species of bird has its own specific food source and its own time of year that it returns to Wisconsin. While early spring weather may advance the migration by a few days or late spring weather may delay it a bit, migrant birds return each year in the same order with predictability.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - All trails are open to hiking, but may be muddy and icy in some areas. The road to the boat landing is open, but the piers are not in the water yet. The campground will open on Monday, May 2. To make camping reservations, please call 1-888-947-2757 or go online to
www.wparks.net.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State park - It?s been a mix of everything for weather since Tuesday. Where wind has not blown trails clean, there should be a crust that will provide good traction until the next warm up or when the sun starts working on exposed areas. There might be an inch of fluff on top. It is dry snow so it is blowing around a lot. The USGS has river level gauges operating on the Willow River above New Richmond. There is a lot of watershed between the gauges and the park. What can be learned from looking at the readings is a general trend occurring upstream: rising, falling, or flat. The dam in the park is spilling extra water. The Kinnickinnic River gauge is right at the park. Normal flow on the Kinni is 90-120 CFS.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/rt Trout anglers are out of luck for a while. The Kinni will drop and clear faster than the Willow.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
People who feed birds should keep a sharp eye on the birds frequenting feeders during the coming weeks. Purple finches are a common early spring migrant in southern Wisconsin. Often confused with the resident, exotic house finch, with which it may associate at feeders, a male purple finch is more uniformly colored than house finches. Also note the purple finch's broad dark jaw stripe, dark ear patch, light stripe behind the eye, and large bill. Purple finch numbers typically peak in late April and the birds rapidly advance to their breeding areas in northern Wisconsin by early May.
Crawford County - All the snowmobile trails in Crawford County are closed. For current snowmobile trail conditions please check TravelWisconsin.com or call the Land Conservation Department at 608-326-0270. Many of the local rivers in the area are currently at flood stage or will be cresting above flood stage this week. Flood warnings have been issued for the Kickapoo and Mississippi Rivers. Persons living in low lying areas in these river basins are urged to take precautions to protect property and lives. The Mississippi River started rising last week after ?bottoming out? at 8.44 feet. As of Monday the Mississippi was up to 10.8 feet. Action and flood stages on the Mississippi River are 13 and 16 feet respectively. The seven-day forecast for the Mississippi River is for it to reach 16.7 feet. The Kickapoo River has really jumped up especially after this week heavy rains. Last week the Kickapoo was around the 8.3 foot stage. As of Monday morning the river stage in Gays Mills and Steuben was at 12.35 feet and 11.45 feet respectively. Flood stage in Gays Mills is at 13 feet. The seven-day forecast in Gays Mills is for the river to crest on/about Thursday at 13.7 feet. Flood stage in Steuben is at 12 feet. The forecast in Steuben is for the river to crest on/about Friday at 12.4 feet. The Wisconsin River has been up and down this week once again. The river stage in Muscoda was at 3.85 feet and rising Monday. Flood stage on the Wisconsin River is at 9 feet. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate in most areas, especially those areas with current. Moderate temperatures, rain, run off and increasing water levels have opened many areas up. Access to ice fishing spots has changed for the worse. Shore lines are becoming unsafe as the water rises. Access to Mud Slough, Tilmont Lake and the upper areas of the Ambro Slough complex can only be done by air boat or hovercraft. The main Channel and East Channel on the Mississippi River are open. Below the dam in Lynxville the ice gone and the boat landing is open. Anglers fishing from boat still have to dodge a few ice chunks that are breaking free from upstream. Ice fishing improved this week; however, travel on the ice is becoming dangerous in most areas. In the Prairie du Chien area Gremore Lake?s bluegill picked up again. The north and south ends of Gremore Lake saw some pretty decent action. Ice conditions on Gremore Lake were still good last weekend. The Ambro Slough is open all along the island. Therefore Tilmont Lake is only accessible by air boat or hovercraft and few have been out there. Mud Slough is difficult to access and has current in it. The upper stretches of the Ambro Slough Complex are only accessible by air boat. The Ambro Slough is completely open at the USFWS boat landing. Areas like the Big/Little Missouri, Upper and Lower Doubles and Fish Lake have seen little fishing pressure because of the poor ice conditions. Spring Lake was very good this week and some decent catches of bluegill, along with a crappie or two have been taken. The Fennimore Cut remains slow. Sturgeon Slough continues to be poor. Now that the river rose again current is the problem there. McGregor (Horseshoe) Lake access is very tricky and not many have been out there. Action at Cold Spring was slow. The boat landing access has open water and shore fishing there has been spotty. Now that the boat landing at Gordon?s Bay is ice free anglers have been fishing from boats for walleye and sauger. Fishing has been day to day. Generally speaking action has been slow with the best bit occurring early in the morning or late at night. The water was very clear but that might change with increased water flow. Perch action in the slack water along the long wall has been decent. The ice broke up behind the long wall this week so anglers will no longer be able to fish through the ice there. Northern pike action has been spotty. Northern pike are heading to spawning areas. Now that the ice is starting to leave the river systems a variety of birds are starting to show up. The most notable migrants have been robins, bluebirds, and sandhill cranes. On the river a variety of waterfowl can be seen. Diver ducks like canvasback, redhead, scaup, golden eye, bufflehead and mergansers are showing up by the thousands. Numerous eagles can now be seen in/around the Prairie du Chien area and up and down the Wisconsin and Mississippi tivers. Eagles are paired up and actively tending nests and most likely their eggs. ?Shed hunters? are out in force. Conditions are pretty good for finding shed deer antlers. Please be courteous and ask permission before entering private land.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? The ski season at the park has come to an end. The ice is breaking up on the Chippewa and Fisher rivers. Maple syrup production is coming along well in some of the nearby woodlots. Birds seen or heard include: mourning doves, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, barred and great horned owls. We have tundra swans and snow geese passing through the area.
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, March 18, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Spring into Spring. Through songs, stories and games, we will welcome spring back to Wisconsin. We'll even go outside to explore for some signs of its return. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 years olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
? Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-2420 - Snowshoeing. Join the staff from Clearwater Outdoors for some winter fun at the park! The group will explore the park on snowshoes for about 2 hours. Snowshoes can be rented from Clearwater Outdoors if needed. Meet at the picnic shelter near the playground. 8-10 a.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop in on Raccoons. Raccoons are everywhere - in the woods, near our houses, and even in our garbage cans. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to learn how they walk, make a raccoon mask, and much more. Then take a handout and head outside to discover how raccoons live at Havenwoods. No vehicle admission sticker required. Amphibian Survey - Citizen Science Monitoring Workshop. Are there any salamanders at Havenwoods? How many kinds of frogs live here? To find out, we plan to survey the ponds and wetlands this spring. Attend this mini-workshop to observe live amphibians, find out about survey techniques, and learn how to identify common species. Come dressed to spend part of the time outdoors. Bring tall rubber boots or hip boots, if possible. Interested participants will be invited to join a naturalist to check traps and to listen for frogs and toads in the weeks after the training. This program is for adults and youths over age 12. 10-11:30 a.m. No vehicle admission sticker required.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Buckthorn Work Day. We will be removing Buckthorn, an invasive tree, from the area surrounding Ottawa Lake. Meet at the boat launch by 9 a.m. Work will include cutting down trees with loppers and handsaws. Dress for the weather and bring your own work gloves and rubber boots if you have them. A free lunch will be provided by the Kettle Moraine Natural History Association. RSVP to Amanda at the Forest Headquarters. Ottawa Lake Boat Launch. 9 a.m. ? 1 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Bluebird Birdhouse Building Workshop. Join park volunteers for a short program on bluebirds and then assemble birdhouses from a kit. Bring a hammer if available. Children must be accompanied by an adult.. Participants encouraged to register in advance but walk-ins accepted. $7 charge per birdhouse if participants wish to purchase birdhouse. Vehicle admission sticker required on all vehicles. Park Office. 1-2:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Tot Time Nature Find: A nature story will be followed by a scavenger hunt especially for little ones. Older kids will be given the option of trying a harder hunt. Prizes! 11 - 11:30 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Earliest Migrants. Bundle up and bring your binoculars to join us for an early morning hike. Discover which hardy migrants have returned and what the resident birds are doing. Trails will be wet. Visitor Center. 7:30-9 a.m. Park Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Come help at our workdays! Workdays are very flexible. You may come for the whole time or for a short time, for one workday or for all of them. Most suitable for ages ten and up. Please stop at the office when you arrive and you will get a free daily pass for your vehicle. Make sure you dress to be outside working. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - Noon.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Discover Fish Printing. Discover the ancient art of Gyote (fish printing). Create a wearable work of art that has fish swimming all over it. Bring a 100% cotton item or purchase some here to print. Drop in between 10am and 1:30pm to participate in this great hands-on nature event. Printing cost $5 and shirt/bag additional $5. Free Wildcard fish set available. Held in the nature center auditorium; offered by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes. Whitefish Dunes Nature Center. 10 a.m. ? 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Windy Days. What flies on spring's blustery winds? Geese, moths, and kites do! We'll go on a wind walk to learn about the wind and those who use it. 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. No vehicle admission sticker required.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Rowdy Red-wings. Look! The red-winged blackbirds are back! Spring must not be too far away. Come celebrate the return of the red-wings to the Kettle Moraine. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 years olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/
