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/
DNR Outdoor Report as of July 7, 2011The beautiful weather over the Fourth of July holiday weekend made for some great recreational boating opportunities, but also resulted in some tragic boating accidents, involving both personal watercraft and motor boats. State recreational boating specialists are reminding operators of personal watercraft that it is illegal to operate above slow no wake within 100 feet of another watercraft, including other PWCs, and within 200 feet of the shoreline.
The increased boating activity and warm temperatures resulted in inconsistent fishing action. Anglers that had the most success fished during the early morning or late evening quiet hours. Musky action continues to pick up on northern lakes. Panfish continue to be found in relatively shallow water, with bluegill still being found on their beds in the last week. Largemouth bass action has really picked up with fish just starting to get into their typical summer pattern of associating with thick cover. Smallmouth bass have been erratic, as the post-spawn fish seemed to have moved to the deeper structure. Walleye success clicked up a notch in the last week as mayfly hatches wind down for the year.
Water levels on the lower Wisconsin River dropped dramatically in the last week and sandbars have returned for canoe campers. Bass, northern pike and catfish have been biting on the Wisconsin, along with some walleyes and nice sized sauger. The recent warming trend has resulted in algae blooms on some southern lakes, including Lake Wisconsin and Beaver Dam Lake. Water levels have also dropped significantly on the Rock River and are now at normal summer levels. The Crawfish River is still slightly high but is also dropping.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been good on Lake Superior?s Chequamegon Bay with most fish moving into the post-spawn phase. In the deeper water, lake trout action has been heating up, with fish being found at various depths through the water column. Along Green Bay and Lake Michigan, catfish, bass, walleye, and sheepshead were being caught at the mouth of the Peshtigo River and catfish were being caught at the Oconto Breakwater. Walleyes action has been good over rock piles on lower Green Bay. Along Door County, bass fishing was good over the last week at Little Sturgeon Bay with anglers catching both smallmouth and largemouth.
Along the lake, harbor water temperatures remain around 66 degrees, with surface temperatures between 54-55 degrees offshore to 57 degrees near the lakeshore and pier heads, though some colder temperatures into the 40s were reported in some areas. Strong winds late last week let up for the weekend, which was good for participants at salmon derbies at both Manitowoc and Port Washington. Action was inconsistent out of Manitowoc with most boats averaging one to three fish but an occasional boat bringing in 10 to 20 fish, with a mixed bag of coho, chinook, and rainbows with a few lake trout. The biggest fish registered in Ozaukee derby was a 23 pound chinook. Fishing out of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha remained good with coho still the dominant catch.
Bird breeding activity is starting to wind down, with many birds feeding young or fledging young and working to keep them safe from predators. Orioles, grosbeaks and other species of long-distance migrants will begin summer molt in the next week or so and then begin their annual migration to wintering areas in Central and South America, and the fall shorebird migration is already underway with the first waves of sandpipers and yellowlegs being seen statewide.
Wild raspberries, strawberries and mulberries are ripening and wild blackberry plants are setting fruits, and it looks like the upcoming blackberry crop will be very strong. Prairies are in full summer bloom with butterfly weed, spiderwort, white indigo, milkweed, coneflower, prairie phlox, beard tongue, and black-eyed Susan all in bloom,
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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.
Statewide Birding Report
Breeding Bird Activity is starting to wind down as we enter July. Many birds are feeding young or are fledging young and working to keep them safe from predators for the next two weeks. Orioles, grosbeaks and many other species of long-distance migrants are going to begin summer molt in the next week and will then begin their annual migration to wintering areas in Central and South America. Many species of grassland birds are now working on second broods or second nest attempts, and wetlands are now full of duck, goose, coot, and grebe broods. Rare birds reported this week in Wisconsin include the state's first record of Neotropic cormorant from the Horicon Marsh International Education Center. The bird is being seen in the marsh right below the center. Fall shorebird migration is also underway with the first waves of adult least sandpipers and greater/lesser yellowlegs now being seen statewide. Please report your bird sightings to Wisconsin eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help better track migratory bird populations.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Smallmouth fishing has been good on Chequamegon Bay with most fish moving into the post-spawn phase although there are some stragglers still in shallow. Kakagon Sloughs and Sand Cut are still producing but the fish have moved into deeper water. The rock pile area has been seeing fishing pressure with successful anglers covering as much water as possible and covering as many presentations as possible. Walleye bite has been fair with people taking fish both trolling and casting from shore. However, the bite has been on-again, off-again, so patience and persistence has been key and will remain so as temperatures warm. Catches have been coming on everything from trolled stick baits and crawlers to jigging leeches. Shore anglers seem to be taking northern pike on spoons or crank baits. In the deeper water, lake trout action has been heating up, with the flats, south channel and island structure all producing. The fish seem to be all over the water column so it is a good idea to run lines at a variety of depths and pay attention to electronics for clues to the location of suspended fish. Bigger fish seem to be coming from deeper water.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The beautiful weather over the July 4th Holiday weekend made for some great recreational boating opportunities - but also resulted in some inconsistent fishing action across the Northwoods. Anglers that had the most success fished during the quiet hours - either early in the morning or in the late evening just before dark. Musky and panfish seemed to be the favorite targets of the last week, with panfish providing some decent catches and musky action just starting to pick up. For musky, weed lines and sparse weed beds have been productive areas and slow-moving surface baits have given the best action. Quite a few small and medium-size fish in the 30 to 40-inch size have been seen, and a few fish in the mid to upper 40's have also been reported. Panfish continue to be found in relatively shallow water, with quite a few bluegill still being found on their beds in the last week. Crappie have been found near shallow and mid-depth cover, and often just beneath the surface along emergent weed lines. Perch have retreated to a little deeper water, but some decent fish have been caught on crawlers and leeches at the 12 to 16 depths. Largemouth bass action has really picked up in the last week and the fish are just starting to get into their typical summer pattern of associating with thick cover. A lot of largemouth are still being found along weed edges and in the lily pad beds, though some lakes are starting to see the fish moving to woody structure and under docks. Smallmouth bass have been especially erratic in last week, as the post-spawn fish seemed to have moved to the deeper structure while they recover from the spawning activity. But look for the smallmouth to move back to shallow and mid-depth cover -- especially as the crayfish begin to molt with the 70-degree water temperatures. Walleye success did click up a notch in the last week as it appears that the mayfly hatches are done for the year. The best action has been occurring on leeches and crawlers, with quite a few 14 to 18-inch fish being found on the mud flats and along weed beds in relatively shallow water (4 to 8 feet).
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Area lakes are a little cool still, and fishing for panfish has been good. Some lake levels are low, but many are in good shape for fishing and boating. Blackberries are in full bloom and wild strawberries are starting to get ripe. Bunchberry, starflowers, daisies, hawkweed and Solomon's Seal are dotting the landscape. Hermit thrushes, veerys, robins and many wood warblers will wake you up in the morning with their good morning songs. At times the mosquitoes sound like they are as big as robins! Wood and deer ticks are also out in full force.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Fishing on the Bay has been slow last week for walleye and perch. Water temperatures at the landings are in the low 70s with temps on the bay 5 to 7 degrees cooler.
Marinette County - The Peshtigo River mouth has been producing some very nice catfish, bass, walleye, and sheep head. Shore anglers are mainly using crawlers fished on bottom while the boaters are drifting the river from Klingsborn's landing down to the mouth using jig heads tipped with crawlers. The Menominee River has been producing its share of sheepshead along with some nice catfish with anglers still fishing from boats and from shore. Some walleye were being caught in the vicinity of the Hattie Street Bridge drifting crawlers. Salmon fishing remains slow.
Oconto County - Fishing remains slow in the Oconto River with a few bass and panfish being caught around the Stiles Dam area using live bait and spinners. Slip bobbers worked the best. Bass were also being caught from the Highway S bridge down to the mouth of the Pensaukee River floating live bait or casting Raps and spinners. Catfish were being caught at the Oconto Breakwater fishing crawlers on bottom.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Walleyes have been biting good over the last week on lower Green Bay with anglers fishing rock piles in 8 to 14 feet of water. Most have been trolling #7 flicker shads in bright colors. Most have been finding a good mix of perch, drum, and catfish as well. Anglers have also been drifting and producing numbers of fish. Many anglers have been targeting Volk?s reef for this procedure. Bayshore Park anglers have been finding perch to be slow over the last week with early morning being the best time. Minnows have been the ticket when used on a slip bobber or bottom rig. Most activity for perch has been in 25 feet of water just to the north of the launch. Walleye have been active this week with anglers pulling harnesses being the most successful. Most have been targeting 15-20 feet of water.
Manitowoc County - Strong southeast winds at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph creating 3 to 4 foot waves slowed anglers pre-fishing for the Manitowoc salmon derby during the week. By the weekend, winds quieted down to 5-10 mph with waves less than 1 foot. During the week temperatures hung around 60 degrees, rising to the mid-70s by Friday and holding over the weekend. Water clarity cleared up after nearly 3 inches of rain last week. Harbor temperatures remain around 66 degrees, with surface temperatures between 54-55 degrees offshore to 57 degrees near the lakeshore and pier heads. Inconsistent angling success appeared to be the story of the salmon derby for boaters along the lakeshore. An occasional boat would bring in 10, up to 20 fish with most boats at the launch averaging 1-3 fish. 140-180 feet out of both Two Rivers and Manitowoc appeared to be common fishing grounds for boaters. Coolers were a mix of coho, chinook, and rainbows out of both ports, with more lake trout landed north of Two Rivers and brown trout nearly non-existent. Anglers were very secretive this week about their fishing locations and what baits and colors worked for them due to the salmon derby. But for salmon, green dodger/fly combos located throughout the water column will work with any spoons containing orange or green up high in the water column for rainbows. Several chinook between 13-20 pounds were common at the ramps over the weekend. Coho salmon and rainbow trout averaged between 5-8 pounds out of both ports. Pier fishing remains slow for trout and salmon off both Two Rivers and Manitowoc. An occasional chinook has been landed off the Two Rivers and Manitowoc piers, but there has been no consistent action.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Little Sturgeon Bay: Bass fishing has been good over the last week with anglers catching numbers of smallmouth and largemouth bass. Most have been targeting areas around rock or weed beds for best action. Perch fishing has been slow with most fish being caught small in size.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Trollers in Sheboygan have been having the most success fishing in 100 to 135 feet of water. The water temperature has decreased and was reported as 46 to 50F, depending where you are fishing. The bait of choice has been dodgers and peanut flies or spoons, and the most productive colors have been blue, green, sliver, and orange. Catches have consisted of mainly coho salmon, along with some chinook, rainbow, and lake trout. Shore fishing in Sheboygan has been slow lately, with only a few small northern pike taken off the piers. The nears hore water temperature is 56 degrees.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington trollers continue to catch good numbers of fish, although action has slowed a bit. Coho still dominate the catch, but overall numbers of rainbows, chinook, and lake trout have been increasing. Most fish have been caught in 125 to 180 feet of water. Orange dodgers and flies continue to produce, but some fish have also been taken on spoons. The biggest fish registered last weekend in the Ozaukee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen's Derby was a 23 pound chinook. Fishing from shore in the harbor has been very slow for both trout/salmon anglers and perch anglers. Off the pier, the water temperature has been 56 degrees. Some perch have been caught on minnows and worms, but the perch have been on the small side with most under 9 inches.
Milwaukee County - The fishing off Milwaukee remains good for boat anglers. Coho are still active, but they are scattered and can be found in a variety of depths from 50 feet of water out to 180 feet of water. Flashers and flies in blue or green continue to produce good numbers of coho. A few chinook were also showing up in the creel but with no frequency or pattern. Boaters fishing for perch off the South Metro boils have been catching a few, and South Shore ramp has had some perch action on the rocks and the center break wall north of the landing, and minnows have been the best perch bait. A few perch have also been taken off the end of McKinley pier, but shore fishing remains slow elsewhere in the Milwaukee area.
Racine County - Coho action remains very good off of Racine, and most trollers have been doing well around 100 feet of water. A few chinook have been taken as well, but coho still outnumber the chinook. Dodger and fly combinations as well as white spoons have taken fish. Racine shore anglers have been taking a few perch off the south pier and from other shoreline areas.
Kenosha County - Good coho action continues off Kenosha, and some chinook have been taken also. The most popular bait continues to be orange or red flashers coupled with flies in blues, greens and reds, although spoons have also produced. Most fish have been taken around 100 feet of water. Perch fishing on the Kenosha shore and piers has been slow, but few boat anglers have been getting their limit of five fish just off of the rock breakwall. Plastics and minnows have been the best baits.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River is on the rise once again. River level at Prairie du Chien today is 11.2 feet, in increase of 0.1 feet since yesterday. The concession stand is renting out canoes and kayaks. The forecast this weekend includes a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with highs in the mid to upper 80s and lows in the mid 60s to 70 degrees. Saturday?s forecast calls for sunny skies. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is predicted for Sunday with partly sunny skies. Trails are in good hiking condition as there has been no rain in the past few days. Humming birds continue to delight park visitors and campers. It is rare for anyone entering the park to not stop and watch their antics for a few minutes before heading into the park. The number of ?hummers? is definitely down compared to a week or two ago. This may be due to the fact that they are busy raising their young and feeding them insects for protein. Other bird sightings include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson?s thrush, northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, warbling vireo, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Henslow?s sparrow, throated bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars. Wildflowers in bloom include: Ohio spiderwort, white indigo, butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed, pale purple coneflower, prairie phlox, beard tongue, columbine, black-eyed Susan purple prairie flower are all in bloom at this time in the prairie garden located at the park office. As of Thursday morning, the park had eight sites available for the weekend, most in the Homestead Campground. There are no electric sites open for today through the weekend, but there is a possibility of three nonreservable electric sites opening on Friday. These sites are on a first-come, first-served basis and may be given out on the transfer list on Friday morning. People interested in camping without reservations may want to call ahead to check availability before they head out. Nelson Dewey State Park, just 23 miles south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville, Wisconsin, has 16 nonelectric sites and 3 electric sites open for this weekend as well as the 3 outdoor group sites. For campers arriving on Friday, these sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Showers and flush bathrooms are available in the family campground and firewood is available from the campground host. On Saturday, July 9 there will be an astronomy program presented by Starsplitters of Wyalusing at 8:30 p.m. at the Huser Astronomy Center. The Friends of Wyalusing will meet Monday, July 11 and will tour the Gifford Property, located southeast of the park. Anyone interested in hiking this beautiful property should meet at the Wyalusing State Park Office at 5 p.m. People will caravan to the Gifford Property. Things to bring along: a sack lunch, beverage, bug spray, good walking shoes. We will drive to the top in one vehicle and then walk down to the rest of the vehicles. The entire walk should take no more than an hour. The group will return to the park office for a short meeting, mostly to discuss Smokey?s birthday party, scheduled for Tuesday, August 9. Final details are yet to be worked out, but activities will include ?Pin the Hat on Smokey?, and a bicycle parade through the campground, led by Smokey Bear himself. Forest Ranger Cindy Kohles will bring a DNR fire truck and talk about fire safety. Refreshments will be served including a ?Smokey Bear Birthday Cake?. A few lucky children will take home a ?Smokey Bear? doll, complete with ranger hat.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The bass and northern pike have been biting on the Wisconsin River between Spring Green and the Arena boat landing and catfish have been biting on the river in the Lone Rock area. Anglers area also reporting that the walleyes are biting in the 18 plus size class as well as nice sized sauger. The striped and smallmouth bass were also biting in the evenings on the river. The water has been dropping lately and there were good sandbars for camping between Sauk City and Lone Rock.
Columbia County ? The recent warming trend as increased the amount of algae in area lakes. Both Lake Wisconsin and Beaver Dam Lake has had a significant change in water clarity due to increased algal blooms. Walleye anglers on Lake Wisconsin were still catching fish. Fish can be found in the evenings in 10 to 12 feet of water. Successful anglers were trolling lures near the drop off's. Wardens remind anglers that fishing licenses must be carried with you and not left at home or in the vehicle.
Jefferson County - Anglers have been catching channel catfish on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers using an assortment of baits including stink bait, chicken livers, shrimp and worms. Many of the fish were in the 12-14 inch range. Water levels have dropped significantly on the Rock River due to the dry conditions lately. Levels are now at normal summer conditions. The Crawfish River is still slightly higher than normal but is also dropping. Boaters are taking advantage of the nice weather recently and the boat landings have been full on the weekends.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County -The catfish on the Rock River are biting very well with large numbers seen while contacting anglers during the 4th of July weekend. The water temperature on the Rock River near Beloit is around 79 degrees at the surface. Many boats were out enjoying the Rock River as water levels are slightly lower than normal in the Southern stretches of the river. Baby raccoons and deer are out and about as many were observed during the last week while out at night driving.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Blackberry plants are setting their fruits, and it looks like the upcoming blackberry crop will be very strong. Look for blackberries to begin ripening in about a month. Blackberries are common along roadsides, field borders, fencerows, and forest openings. Blackberries are of great importance to a wide range of wildlife for food and cover. Two reasons for the importance of blackberries are their widespread occurrence and palatability. In excess of 100 bird species eat blackberries, including such species as the ruffed grouse, robin, catbird, cardinal, and brown thrasher. Raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels, and black bears are fond of blackberry fruits, while deer and rabbits consume the leaves and stems. Thorny blackberry brambles provide ideal cover and security for many types of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These reasons make blackberry plants a great component of wildlife habitat.
Perrot State Park - Hiking trails are open and in good condition. The Trempealeau River is rising once again. All the up and down water levels are wrecking havoc with the fishing, which is reported to be very slow. Prairies are in full gorgeous summer bloom and the butterfly weed is stunning! Raspberries, strawberries and mulberries are all ripe and delectible! Turtles are still nesting, although not in typical nesting numbers. Gnats and mosquitoes continue to be persistent, although fly numbers have fallen off. Bird sightings around the park include: phoebes and bluebirds are done with their first fledgings and are working on second broods. Baby deer are growing quickly and gaining agility every day. Toadlets are hopping about in huge numbers! On July 9, at 10 a.m., the National Eagle Center will be visiting at the Nature Center.
Great River State Trail - The trails are in good condition and the bridges have been repaired. Bouncing Bet, Cow Parsnip and Mulberries are the stand-outs along the trail! If you can stand the gnats and mosquitoes, be sure to stop and harvest ripe raspberries and mulberries!
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The beach has been great for swimming and staying away from the bugs. A monarch caterpillar display in the park office should have butterflies hatching in a couple weeks! Mosquitoes have hatched so remember to bring your bug spray. Also - check for ticks as they are out as well. Canoes, single and double kayaks are available for renting. An adapted kayak for individuals with mobility impairments and beach wheelchair are also available for use in the park. Check out the ecobox on the barrens trail. The park office loans out small tackle boxes and fishing poles.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The stairway up the bluff remains closed due to deteriorating lumber. GPS units are available to check out to do geocaching in the park. Check out the ecobox by the kiosk picnic shelter. Friendship Lake is a mile south of the park and has a free swimming beach.
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 8, 2011
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Sssnakes! Check out what snakes are found at Devil?s Lake 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. North Shore Beach by the boat rentals.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Astronomy Observation. Puckett's Pond Viewing Center. 8-11 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Universe in the Park. View the night sky through telescopes! weather permitting. Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Recipe for a Pothole. 5 p.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Bird Hike. Ottawa Lake Campground loop. Park at the overflow lot just past the entrance station. 9 a.m. Phenology Calendar. Develop charts or calendars to keep track of events. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 3 p.m.
? Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, (414) 274-4282 - Tales for Tots. North end of the park by the informational kiosk. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Warm-up: Don?t Raise a Stink. Look down your nose at skunks. Here Kitty! Snarl with the wild cats of Douglas County cougars and bobcats and the Canadian lynx! Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Animal Track Flags. Nature Center. Decorate a campsite flag or picnic tablecloth with tracks. Donations appreciated. 10 ? 11 a.m. Kayak Tour. Must pre-register at Nature Center. Ages 16 and younger must be in a kayak with an adult. Nature Center. 10 a.m. - Noon.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Mysteries of Potawatomi. Nature center. 4-6 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Curious about the Brachiopod Trail? nature center, 9 a.m. Scavenger Bingo Trail. Amphitheater, 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Tree-mendous Fun. Amphitheater. 3-5 p.m.
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Turkey Vultures. Nature Center. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Dragonflies. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. North Shore beach by the boat rentals.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - History of Quarry Lake. 7 p.m. Astronomy Observation. Puckett's Pond Viewing Center. 3-11 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Fireflies: Nature?s Night Light. Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop In on Bugs. Did you ever wonder what a grasshopper or beetle looks like under a microscope? You and your family 9 a.m. - Noon.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Name That Tree. Check at the Park Office for meeting location. For all ages! 2-3 p.m. Forest Management Trail Hike. Parking lot east of the pavilion in the Upper Park. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. Best for older kids and adults. 7-8 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Get Outdoors! Family Play Day event. 1-3 p.m. at the Ice Age Center. What?s Fluttering: Butterfly or Moth? 4:30 p.m. at the Ice Age Center. Sun-sational Eagle Peak. 7 p.m. at the Eagle Peak Trail sign.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Saturday Morning Nature Sleuths. Mauthe Lake Picnic Shelter (County GGG south of County SS) and Long Lake Picnic Shelter (Division Rd north of County F, near Dundee). 10-11 a.m. Kettle Moraine State Forest's 75th Birthday Bash. Make plans to stay for the family concert with Tom Pease at 7:00 p.m. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off County GGG south of County SS, near New Prospect). 3-6:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Life on the Edge. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 10 a.m. Tree Friend. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 1 p.m. Ice Age Trail Hike. About 1-2 miles. Ice Age Trail parking lot on Hwy 67. 3 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Owl Pellets. 2 p.m. History of Fishing Vessels on the Great Lakes. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 - Outdoor Skills Day at the MacKenzie Center Enjoy a variety of outdoor skills; archery, fishing, outdoor cooking, hikes, shooting sports and more. Rotate among the skills at your own pace. Event is free, concession stand and available at added cost. The MacKenzie Center is located just 2 miles east of Poynette, WI and 25 miles north of Madison. 9 a.m-2 p.m.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, (608) 254-2333 - Get Outdoors! Family Play Day. beach picnic area at 1 p.m. with some fun filled family games and activities. Mirror Lake Beach Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
? Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, (715) 542-3923 - Ghost Towns of Wisconsin and Michigan?s Northwoods. Presented by local historian Dale Caskey. Meet at the Crystal Lake Nature Center. 6 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Electronic Pirates Treasure Hunt. Cruise the dry land Ocean Pattison to find the ten pots of gold with only an eTrex GPS unit (provided) to guide you along this GPS 101 voyage. Please register your pirate band since there are a limited number of GPS units available. Call the Park Office for more information or to register, (715) 399-3111. Afternoon. Warm-up: Eagle Eyes. Loons, the black and white ghost of the waters of northern Wisconsin. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - The Moon and the Great Snake. 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Trader at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. ? 1 p.m. See tools from the past.. Nature Center staff will be on hand to assist. The True Story of Chief Kahquados. 2 -2:30 p.m. Nature Center. Dreamcatchers. 4-5 p.m. Nature Center. Owl Campfire. 8-9 p.m. Nature Center. Learn owl facts and folklore. Try hooting up owls, too.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Eagle Center Visit. The National Eagle Center will be visiting the Nature Center. 10 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Watercolor Nature Workshop. Register at the park office. A $10 materials fee will be collected at the workshop. Picnic shelter. 1-3 p.m. Stories through Music Concert. Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Pond Peeking. Visitor Center. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Lions, Wolves and Bears, Oh My! Visitor Center. 7-8 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Prairie Walk. Parking Lot. 11 a.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Bees and Honey. amphitheater. 10-11 a.m. Forgotten Fossils. Amphitheater 2 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Astronomy Program. 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Butterfly Walkway. Nature Center. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mammals of Devil's Lake. Nature Center. 1-2 p.m.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - History of Quarry Lake. 1 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Exploration Hike. Overflow Parking Lot. 10 a.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - If the River Could Talk. 10 a.m. at the Summit Rock Trail sign. Family Fun: Lizards ? Modern Day Dinosaurs. 1 p.m. at the Ice Age Center.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Get Outdoors! Family Play Day. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road south of Hwy F near Dundee). 12-3 p.m.
? La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, (608) 786-1855 - Prairie Hike. Meet at the trail in Rockland (Commercial Street). 1:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Aliens of Interfalls Afternoon. Green Stuff Detective. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Morning at Nicolet Beach. 9 ? 9:30 a.m. Meet the naturalist near the playground. Thunderbird Amulets. 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Use real porcupine quills and recycled oatmeal lids to create decorative amulets. Trader at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. ? 1 p.m. Compass 101. 1 ? 1:30 p.m. Nature Center.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Look for Traces. Animals and plants tell secrets through what they leave behind. Nature center. 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 11, 2011
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Turkey Vultures. Nature Center. 1-2 p.m.
? Heritage Hill State Park , Green Bay, (920) 448-5150 - John Kelly and the Fusion Express. High energy level of music fusing jazz, rock and classical. Concert begins at 6 p.m. Heritage Hill is managed by the Heritage Hill Foundation and different admission fees apply.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wildlife Bingo. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Trader at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. ? 1 p.m. Bat Watch. 8:15 ? 9:15 p.m. Welcker?s Shelter.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 -Historic Auto Tour. Three-hour auto tour to key and seldom-seen historical sites in Devil's Lake State Park. Locations and information of former grand hotels, camps, early settler?s homes, quarries and more will be pointed out as we travel throughout the park. Moderate walking is required to reach some of the stops. Please stop by or call the nature center to sign up. Nature Center. 9 a.m. ? Noon. Spider Search. Nature Center. 10:30-11:30 a.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad Open House. 1-4 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Junior Rangers: Flutter By Butterflies. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime: Flutter By Butterflies. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Hiking the Ice Age Trail. 10 a.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Beach and Dune Walk. Sanderling Nature Center. 9 a.m. Rock Collecting For Fun. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Warm-up: Fishing for Porkies. Green Bully Invasion. Invasive species have leaped out of flower beds, family gardens and decorative landscapes to take up residence in the wild. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Morning at the Trading Post. 10 a.m. ? 1 p.m. Nature Center.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Art in the Park. North Shore Beach. 10 a.m. ? Noon. Butterflies. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. North Shore Beach, by the boat rentals. Meet the RangerNature Center. 6-7 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Nature Activities. Whitewater Lake Beach area. 11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Marsh Walk. 45-minute walk. Meet at the boardwalk entrance. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Black River Marsh Trail. 10 a.m. Children's Story Time. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Legends of Pattison Park. Hang on! Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Pelican Girl. 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Listen to a Native American legend. Learn about Peninsula?s pelicans by seeing bones and wings. Trader at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. ? 1 p.m. Mapping Peninsula. 1 ? 1:45 p.m. Nature Center. Peninsula history featured including the ski jump, the CCC, the game farm and much more. Suitable for older kids and adults.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Fish Printing. 10 a.m. and Noon to participate in this great hands-on nature event. Printing cost of $5 or purchase a shirt/bag for $5.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Snakes of Devil's Lake. Nature Center. 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Bat Watch. Nature Center. 8-9 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Nature Exploration. Hartman Lake Beach Area. 2-3:30 p.m.
? Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Merrill, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Trail Improvement. Event takes place at Grandfather Falls near Merrill. Event runs Thursday, July 14 through Sunday, July 17. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew web site or call (608) 798-4453.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Check at the park office upon arrival for program location within the park. 10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Journey through Spruce Lake Bog Outdoor Adventure. Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool the three miles over to Spruce Lake Bog. This adventure is for people over the age of twelve years. Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee) and Spruce Lake Bog. 6:30-8 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Nature Activities. Ottawa Lake Beach area. 11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Night Hike. Enclosed shelter. 9 p.m.
? Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, (715) 542-3923 - Crystal Lake and rainbow smelt: What do we do now?. Crystal Lake Nature Center. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Four Mile Portage. Music of the Past - A fiddle, a banjo and a stringed bass enchant with music of the loggers and miners! Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Peninsula Rocks! 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Park geology takes center stage through a story and pet rock art.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun program. This month prepare for a BERRY GOOD TIME! Please pre-register by calling (262) 878-5600 or stopping at the Entrance Station. Meet at the Visitor Center but be prepared to drive. 10-11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association .
