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/WDNR Outdoor Report as of July 21, 2011Very hot weather has been the dominant feature for the outdoor recreation in Wisconsin in the last week, which has resulted in very heavy use of lakes, rivers and beaches. Boating traffic has been very heavy on some lakes and recreational safety specialists are urging everyone to be alert for and considerate of other users on the water.
Canoeing, kayaking and tubing have been very popular on rivers this week. The Lower Wisconsin River was still running at normal summer levels late this week, with abundant sandbars, but riverway officials are cautioning people that recent heavy rains in the northern river valley could result in water levels rising quickly over the weekend and are urging campers to select the highest spots on sandbars they can find to set camp.
Temperatures in the high 90s have raised inland water temperatures, slowing fishing action in many areas. Fisheries managers are urging musky anglers to use extreme care with catching and releasing fish, as surface temperatures are in the 80s on many waters, putting fish under a lot of stress. With the warm temperatures, some of the best action has been for smallmouth and largemouth bass, which are now both solidly in summer patterns, relating to overhead cover, weed edges and woody structure. Bass and catfish continue to be caught on the lower Wisconsin and the Rock rivers. Some walleye were also reported on the Wisconsin, but mostly below the size limit.
People should be aware that waters of Green Bay and off the Lake Michigan shores of Door and Kewaunee counties will be teaming with activity this coming weekend as two major fishing tournaments will be underway. The Wisconsin stop of the national FLW Walleye Tour begins Thursday and runs through the weekend out of Oconto, and the 29th Kewaunee-Door county salmon tournament also opens Thursday and runs through next week.
Walleye anglers prepping for the tour were finding some walleye along the west shore of the bay, but warmer water temperatures seemed to slow action. Walleye action remained good at some spots along the east shore of the bay. On Lake Michigan water temperatures around the piers ranged from 63-65 over the weekend, with temperatures offshore rising to 66-68 degrees. Angler success out of Manitowoc and Two rivers slowed this week, most likely due to the warm water temperatures. Participants in last weekend?s Two Rivers salmon derby had low numbers overall with most boats averaging just a couple fish, and a few coming in with as many as six. Fishing also slowed out of most of the southeastern Lake Michigan ports, with just a few coho and chinook salmon reported along with some rainbow trout.
Many birds are now feeding late broods or second broods while many species of long-distance migrants are molting and laying low to avoid predation during this vulnerable time in their life cycle. This molt and the hot weather makes for tough bird watching conditions.
Arrowhead, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly weed, coneflowers, blazing star, wild bergamot, tick-trefoil and more are blooming. Blueberries are ripening in the north and there are reports of some abundant crops. Red and black cap raspberries are ripening in the south, but blackberries are still green. But once again berry pickers should be equipped with hats and maybe even head nets as there continue to reports of large swarms of deer and horse flies.
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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
The hot weather has probably had an impact on birds, and has definitely had an impact on birders! Very few new reports have come in over the last week. Birders on Lake Michigan located an immature little gull and Franklin's gull in Sheboygan and the Neotropic cormorant continues to bee seen at Horicon. Many birds are now feeding late broods or second broods while many species of long-distance migrants are molting and laying low to avoid predation during this vulnerable time in their life cycle. This molt and the hot weather makes for tough bird watching conditions. Birders may want to focus on wetland and grassland habitats where birds are still working on broods and are more visible even during warmer portions of the day. Shorebird migration is now underway with adult birds returning from the arctic and boreal forests. Check the Wisconsin eBird website for locations of DNR wildlife areas that are currently being managed for shorebirds (
www.ebird.org/WI) and report sightings!
DNR Northern Region
Spooner DNR Service Center area
A storm, with wind speeds ranging from 50 to more than 100 mph, tore through five counties in northwest Wisconsin July 1, damaging more than 106,000 acres of forest. DNR foresters estimate a half million to three quarters of a million cords of wood are down on state, county and private forest lands. DNR foresters are working with private land owners and businesses to salvage timber, but wildlife officials are reminding landowners that storms like this can also create habitat that is beneficial to wildlife, and to consider leaving some areas to regenerate in their natural state. Wildlife is extremely resilient and wildlife mortality from the storm was likely minimal. Wildlife know instinctively what do in time of bad weather. This storm will likely improve deer habitat in the area. The pockets of down trees and the resulting salvage timber sales cuts will make wildlife openings that will draw in the deer, bear, grouse, turkeys and other game species. By allowing these areas to regenerate on their own, the diversity of all the other plants in the stages of succession will provide the most habitat for game species like deer, bear and grouse. The natural regeneration of aspen, for example creates some of the best habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock and deer. Also, trees that have missing limbs or broken off tops provide live standing snags that are fantastic habitat for all kinds of species such as red-headed woodpeckers and other small mammals that are prey species to many furbearers and birds of prey. In addition, these storms naturally thin the woods and provide space for the young pines and oaks to grow to be large, old trees.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the hot and humid weather of the past week, recreational boating activity showed a big increase on most northern waters and fishing pressure showed a bit of a decline. A lot of musky anglers are taking a break from fishing with the warm conditions, as they worry that the warm temperatures will put undue stress on any fish they may catch. The musky anglers that are still fishing are doing so in the early morning and late afternoon hours and have been using bucktails and swim baits to work the deep break lines for suspended fish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been the species of interest for a lot of summer anglers lately and action could be termed very good. The largemouth seem to have taken up shop near firm overhead cover such as logs, stumps or bog edges and fewer fish have been found cruising the weed beds. As such, topwater baits have become less successful, with jigs and soft plastics getting most of the action. All the major bass waters in the area have been producing some great action and they include Miller Dam (Chequamegon Waters Flowage), Nelson Lake and even the Chippewa Flowage. Smallmouth have also gotten into their typical summer pattern and have been relating real close to woody structure. The best action has been on the larger flowages, with small plastics and spinner baits catching most of the fish. Walleye action continues to be somewhat erratic, with variable success being reported at all different times of the day. A few small and medium size walleye have been caught along the weed edges and the mid-depth break lines in 8 to 10 feet of water. A small weedless jig tipped with a leech or nightcrawler half has been the most product bait for the walleye. Panfish action has been a bit inconsistent - some anglers have been able to find some crappie suspended near mid-depth cover but bluegill have been getting a bit tougher to find. Weed densities on the northern lakes have been variable, with some area waters showing thicker densities than normal and other lakes areas seeing much lower densities than past years. Many stained-waters lakes are also darker than normal this year (due to the heavy runoff from the wet summer of 2010) and this seems to have kept weed growth down on these waters. And all outdoor enthusiasts are warmed to watch out for the bugs - seems like the recent rains have brought out a fresh hatch of mosquitoes, deer flies and 'ankle-biters' and all have been a nuisance to both stream and lake anglers.
DNR Northeastern Region
With the extremely hot weather the number of pleasure boaters and rafters at the different landings were high. Lots of folks "tubing" the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers putting in and taking out at various access points and bridge crossings. People planning on swimming should be aware of any health advisories pertaining to algal blooms and E. coli. Water temperatures at the boat landings are in the mid 80s.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County ? Inland fishing lately has slowed. Anglers were still catching a few walleye and smallmouth in the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers. The Peshtigo Harbor area continues to treat the angler to some nice catches of catfish, sheepshead, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Shore anglers were fishing crawlers on bottom at the mouth of the river, boaters were using crawlers and jigs while floating the river. Smallmouth and panfish were also being caught by the dam in Peshtigo by casting spoons and using slip bobbers. The Menominee River has been producing some walleye and smallmouth action for anglers trolling the river and dead drifting crawlers. The salmon bite has slowed, but coho fishing on the Bay this spring has generally been phenomenal with many boats limiting out. Chinook salmon have been larger this year, with many chinook in the mid 20-pound range. Brown trout fishing in Marinette has been better this year than it has been in several past years. Many large steelhead have been caught near the surface. The larger chinook were being caught in 90-125 depths with flasher fly combos. Coho and steelhead were being caught from the surface to 50 feet down on spoons.
Oconto County - The fishing at Stiles Dam has slowed some with a few bluegills and smallmouth bass being caught on slip bobbers and live bait. Many walleye anglers have been plying their trade from Pensaukee to Oconto Park in preparation of the FLW (Forest L. Woods) Walleye Tournament that starts Thursday and runs through Saturday out of Oconto. Weigh-in will take place at the Breakwater Park & Marina on Harbor Road at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. Some walleye were being caught along with lots of sheepshead and catfish. Perch remain elusive. The Oconto River from Stiles down to Holtwood Park was the scene of lots of tubers, rafters, kayakers, and canoeists all trying to beat the heat.
Governor Thompson State Park - The 16 miles of mowed hiking trails are open and in good condition. Visitors are enjoying the blooming wildflowers, abundant blueberries and there have been reports of fawns and fox kits spotted on the trails. Turkey broods are starting to venture out and have been seen along the roadways in the park. The boat landing and fishing piers on Caldron Falls have been busy and many visitors are taking to the water of the flowage to beat the summer heat.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Walleye fishing has been constant out of Bayshore Park with numbers of fish being caught on crawler harnesses. The best returns of larger walleye have come through trolling in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anglers fishing shallower water trolling cranks are catching numbers of small walleye as well. Perch fishing has been slow but improving as the week went on. Most perch that are being caught have been 6 to 8 inches in size.
Manitowoc County - Southwest winds and hot, muggy temperatures in the lower 80s created good fishing conditions this week with little angler success. Calm conditions made up most of the mornings this week, with 2-foot rollers into the evening hours. Water clarity remains good due to only a few sprinkles this week. Water temperatures around the pier heads ranged from 63-65 over the weekend, with temperatures offshore rising to 66-68 degrees. Angler success out on Lake Michigan out of both ports continued to be slow this week, most likely due to the warm water temperatures. From past experience, angler success also decreases when there is a full moon which occurred throughout the later part of the week. The Two Rivers Kiwanis Derby this weekend had very low numbers overall with boats averaging 0-2 fish, with a few boats coming in with as many as six fish. Rainbow trout appeared to be targeted most often by boaters, with most the success coming in 250-330 feet of water on orange spoons up high. As the weekend went on, the results were mixed. A few boats would have success on chinook salmon and rainbow trout in 50 feet of water and the next boat in 200-215 feet of water or out to 330 feet of water. The fish appear to be very scattered right now. For chinook, drop riggers down 80-100 feet using green/green dodger/fly combos. Jacks, 17-21 pound chinooks, and rainbows dominated the coolers for the fish derby. The coho fishing in the area has really slowed down recently and landing a brown trout this summer has been nearly non-existent. Pier fishing remains slow for trout and salmon off both Two Rivers and Manitowoc. As long as the water remains in the mid-60s, count on fishing to be slow. Anglers have had success recently landing a few nice perch in the Manitowoc harbor using plastics or floating a night crawler. Make sure to raise the night crawler up off the bottom to avoid gobies and bullheads.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers have been catching a few perch in Sawyer Harbor with the best luck in shallow water along the weed lines. Most of the perch however have been small in size with the average being about 4 to 5 inches. Anglers were also catching some bluegills with the perch, bobber rigs have been working the best. Walleye anglers were having a hard time finding fish. Most were catching numbers of drum and catfish but very few walleye. Walleye fishing has also been slow at Little Sturgeon Bay with an occasional fish being caught. Most have been trolling the reefs along the shore line. Bass fishing has been slow but some smallmouth were still being caught. The best action is on live bait in 10 feet of water. A few anglers ventured out and went bowfishing this week and found good numbers of carp in the shallows. Chaudoir?s Dock remains closed for repairs, so anglers have been using Sugar Creek landing as an alternative. Most were finding the landing to be poor for launching boats. Perch fishing has been spotty with some fish being caught. This weekend is the start of the Door/Kewaunee county salmon derby so the off shore water of Door and Kewaunee counties, and some of the Bay of Green Bay will be teaming with trollers looking for big salmon. Others will be out on the water as well trying to escape the heat. Fishing off Kewaunee, Algoma, and Sturgeon Bay has been slower in the middle of July but some very nice size fish were still being caught. An assortment of spoons and fly dodger combination have been working to pick up the salmon and an occasion trout in 70- 200 feet of water with many fish going deep, being caught 100 ft down or deeper in the middle of the day. Many boats may also be trolling on the Bay of Green Bay this weekend in preparation to find a salmon or brown trout for the Marinette/Menominee Brown Trout Derby put on by the local sport fishing club the last weekend in July.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Outagamie County - The Wolf River has been providing a host of recreational opportunities all summer long for the Fox River valley. After the spring fish run many people abandon the Wolf for other water bodies, but others have been rafting, canoeing and kayaking as a way to while away the recent hot summer weather on one of the most picturesque rivers in the state. People have been packing lunches and picnicking on sandbar as they float leisurely down the Wolf. Tube and canoe rentals area available from local businesses in Leeman and Shiocton.
Waupaca County - River and lakes water levels are tight up to the banks with the recent scattered thunder storms and rains. Caution is recommended on some rivers since they can be dangerous when the rivers water levels are high like they are now. The fishing is slow due to the hot weather, but should pick up when it cools. The black cap raspberries and red raspberries are just starting to ripen. The black berries are still green and will be till mid- August. Insects are very active now in the heat especially the deer flies. Wear a hat for sure.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been concentrating in 70 to 110 feet of water, but fishing has been slow. A few coho and chinook salmon and rainbow trout have been taken 30 feet down and have been hitting flashers and flies or glow spoons. The best colors are still blue, green, sliver, and orange. Trout and salmon fishing on the Sheboygan piers has been slow, but a few perch have been taken on minnows and plastics.
Ozaukee County - The boat launch in Port Washington was closed for part of the weekend due to the Fish Day festivities. Boats that have been out reported very little action. They have been fishing 70 to 100 feet of water with only a few coho, lake trout, and chinook taken. Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few decent size perch off the pier. Minnows and plastics have both taken fish. Trout and salmon fishing from shore has been slow.
Milwaukee County - The fishing off Milwaukee has slowed down over the past week. Fish are still being marked, but getting them to bite has been difficult. Trollers have been working a variety of depths, from 60 feet of water out to 200 feet. Shore fishing is relatively slow in the Milwaukee area, but a few perch have been taken off the end of McKinley pier.
Racine County - In Racine trollers have been catching fewer coho but more chinook salmon and rainbow and lake trout. Spoons and dodgers and flies have taken the majority of fish, and blues and greens have been the best colors. Racine shore anglers have been taking a few perch on jigs fishing off the south pier and from other shoreline areas.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha fishing has slowed considerably. Trollers have been fishing 70 to 100 feet of water, but have had little success the past week. The most productive bait continues to be orange or red flashers coupled with flies in blues, greens and reds, although spoons have also produced. Perch fishing on the Kenosha shore and piers has been slow, but few boat anglers have been catching some just off of the rock breakwall. Plastics and minnows have been the best baits.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County ? Catfish anglers have reported that they are biting in cool deep holes downstream from the Hwy. 23 bridge on the Wisconsin River. Smallmouth bass have been biting near the railroad bridge up from Hwy. 14 on spinners and some walleyes have been biting. Anglers have reported that they have also been catching bluegills in the slow water areas of the Wisconsin River. Flyfishers have been having luck with smallmouth bass using streamers. Walleye have been biting, but most being caught lately were small and under the required 18-inch size limit.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The summer heat has slowed fishing activity. The muskies are biting on all area waters. Anglers are reminded to practice catch and release. When the water temperatures go over 80 degrees fish can easily die after release. All boaters are reminded to have a designated driver if drinking alcoholic beverages in the boat. Please remember to drive defensively as the recreational boating pressure increases in the hot weather.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Boating on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong has been a popular activity over the last week with the extremely hot weather. Boaters need to ensure that they stay hydrated when recreating in the extreme temperatures, but realize that alcohol can cause additional impairment when temperatures are high. Fishing pressure has slowed on area waters, but catfish continue to bite well on the Rock River. Popular baits for catfish have been stink bait, chicken livers, and shrimp. The water is down drastically and rain is needed. The low water level has concentrated sheepshead below the dams where wardens report they have been illegally taken with nets and by hand as they stack up at the dam faces. Walleye were still biting with jig and crawler or jig and minnow being common baits on the Rock River in locations that have deeper water. Hunting seasons are just around the corner, so hunters should think about getting in their applications for numerous permits that have deadlines of August 1, including Horicon Goose Hunting, Fall Turkey, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bobcat, Otter, and Fisher. Application fees are $6 for Bobcat, and $3 for everything else. 2011 Small Game regulations have been printed and are available at local license outlets and the Janesville DNR Service Center. 2011 Gun Deer Regulations are available to view on the DNR website and will be available in print soon.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Perrot State Park - The Trempealeau River has risen dramatically from recent rains but should fall to more normal levels by the weekend. Fishing continues to be slow. Paddling around the bay is an absolute treat as boats are escorted by kingfishers and watched over by bald eagles. Pelicans soar overhead in lazy circles as turtles and baby Leopard frogs bask on shorelines and overhanging trees. Along the canoe trail, buttonbush is in full bloom, along with arrowhead, Joe-Pye weed and common milkweed. Hiking trails are open and in good condition. prairies are simply too spectacular to list, thanks to butterflyweed, coneflowers, blazing star, milkweeds, wild bergamot and more. Forest are filled with a colorful variety of fungus, tick-trefoil and Indian pipe. All campsites are in good condition. Gnat numbers are finally starting to decrease, but campers are still encouraged to bring along their vanilla. Mosquitoes are rapidly taking their place, and biting flies can be a problem.
Great River State Trail - The trail is in good condition and the bridges have been repaired. Monarda and milkweeds fill the air with heavenly scents as monarch butterflies finally lay eggs. Hot days are forgotten as the canopy of the trail shades riders.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Water levels in the Kickapoo River are still excellent for canoeing.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- ATV trails are in good condition for riding. The northern section of trails were groomed last week and the southern trails by Wildcat are being groomed this week. The trails received a fair amount of rain this past Saturday which has likely resulted in a few sections of wet trails. Record heat is forecast for this week and we do not recommend ATVing in the heat of the day. If you do be sure to bring plenty of water.
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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Dragonflies. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. North Shore beach by the boat rentals. Firefly Watch. Nature Center. 8-9 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Nature Exploration. Beach Area. 2-3:30 p.m.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. 10 a.m. (check office for location)
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Nature Activities. Ottawa Lake Beach area. 11 a.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 - Legends of Pattison Park. Hang on! Songs, activities and stories. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Mapping Peninsula. 11 ? 11:45 a.m. Nature Center.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Plant-able Paper. Make your own paper that can turn into a plant. 10 a.m. ? Noon.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Sssnakes! 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in activities. North Shore Beach by the boat rentals.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Molten Lava and Melted Ice. hike around the Pothole Trail 7 p.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Bird Hike Entrance station. 9 a.m. Join the Six-Legged Club. Explore the insects. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 3 p.m.
Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, (414) 274-4282 - Tales for Tots. Informational kiosk. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - A Howling Success. Plunge into the world of wolves. Nature Center. 7 p.m. Followed by an Advanced No-Lights Night Hike after dark.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Firefly Fun. 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Eagle Bluff Kayak Tour. Must pre-register at Nature Center. 10 a.m. - Noon.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Bike Safety for Families. A limited number of free bicycle helmets will be given out on a first-come basis. Nature center. 6 - 6:30 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Curious about the Brachiopod Trail? nature center. 9 a.m. Textures of Nature. Explore nature through your fingertips. amphitheater. 10 a.m.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Old Fashioned Day. An old fashioned day in the park and in Baraboo. Big Band Concert. $5 per person. 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with music by the Hal Edwards Orchestra.
Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332.5271 - Wolf Howling. 10 p.m. ? 12:30 a.m. Meet at the Flambeau River State Forest Headquarters.
Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Healing and Edible Plants. Puckett's Pond. 7 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - South American Travels. Come hear about Naturalist Nikita?s world travels and her experience as an Agro-forestry Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Havenwoods Butterfly Count for Adults. 10 a.m. - Noon.
High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Campfire Cooking. Ccampground amphitheater. 2-3 p.m. Night Hike. Campground Amphitheater. 9-10 p.m.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. 1:30 p.m. at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking area. Family Fun: All About Owls. 4 p.m. at the Ice Age Center. If the River Could Talk. scenic hike to the summit. 7 p.m. at the Summit Rock Trail sign.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Saturday Morning Nature Sleuths. Long Lake Picnic Shelter. 10-11 a.m. Outdoor Cooking. Long Lake Recreation Area North Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee). 1-4 p.m. Archaeology and Native American Heritage of Southeast Wisconsin. Ice age Visitor Center 7-8:30 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 -Two Eras of the Southern Unit. Gotten Cabin. 3 p.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Amphitheater. Noon-1:30 p.m. Hunters Of The Night. Learn about the owl. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, (715) 542-3923 - Logging History. Crystal Lake Nature Center. 6 p.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Warm-up: A Prickly Subject. Stick your mind into porcupines. Feel a bear bone. Run your fingers through bear fur. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Snakes Alive. 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Butterflies at the Beach. Nicolet Beach playground 1 ? 2 p.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. Folk Music Concert. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Insect Safari. Visitor Center. 9-10 a.m. Bullfrog Basics. Visitor Center. 8-9 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Meet the Mammals: Porcupine. amphitheater 10-11 a.m.
Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Astronomy Program. 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Butterfly Walkway. Nature Center. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Turkey Vultures. Nature Center. 1-2 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Habitat Madness Hour. Join in on some fun with games and a habitat hike. Overflow Parking Lot. 10:30 a.m.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Family Fun: Snakes! 10 a.m. at the Ice Age Center. Guided hike around the Pothole Trail 1:30 p.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, (414) 274-4282 - Wisconsin Explorer Nature Program. informational kiosk. 1-3 p.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wild Talking Birds. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Baby Animals. 10 ? 11 a.m. Nature Center. Peninsula Rocks Talk. 1 ? 1:30 p.m. Nature Center.
Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wisconsin Wild Canine Crafts. Nature center. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Bats! 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at the north shore of the lake, close to the boat rentals.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Watchable Wildlife Around Lake O? the Dalles. 10 a.m. Beach House.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Night Hike. Enclosed shelter. 9 p.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Warm-up: Fishing for Porkies. Green Stuff Detective.. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Eagle Bluff Kayak Tour. 10 a.m. - Noon. Pre-register at Nature Center. Fur Patrol. The naturalist will be on the move in the campgrounds around dinner time, with pelts and bones hand for kids to see.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 Ext. 140 - Let's Go Fishing. North Shore beach by the boat rentals.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad Open House. 1-4 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Junior Rangers: Mister Golden Sun. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime: Mister Golden Sun. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Volunteer Workday. Paradise Springs Nature Trail. 9 a.m. ? Noon.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Beach and Dune Walk. Sanderling Nature Center. 10 a.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Warm-up: Eagle Eyes. Soar with eagles in a presentation. Mysterious Loons. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Morning Shore Walk. 9 ? 10 a.m. Meet at Weborg Shelter. Hummingbird Magic. 11 ? 11:45 a.m. Nature Center. Naturalist at Eagle Panorama. Stop by any time from 1 ? 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Art in the Park. North Shore Beach. 10 a.m. ? Noon. Nature Detective Hike. Nature Center. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meet the Ranger. Nature 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 - Children's Story Time. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Meet Mrs. Martin Pattison. In authentic period costume, Rachael E. Martin portrays Grace Pattison, wife of lumber baron. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Flowers in the Meadow. 10 ? 10:30 a.m. Nature Center. Timberdoodle Talk. 1 ? 1:30 p.m. Nature Center.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Making Tracks. 10 a.m. to Noon Printing cost of $5 or purchase a shirt/bag for $5.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Nature Ramble. 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.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. 10 a.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Trees of Many Uses Outdoor Adventure.. Ice Age Visitor Center. 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 - Marsh Walk. Black River Marsh Trail. 10 a.m.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, (715) 542-3923 - Crystal Lake and rainbow smelt: What do we do now? Nature Center. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Shipwrecks and Lighthouses of Isle Royale. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Thunderbird Amulets. 11 a.m. ? Noon. Learn to Geocache. 2-3 p.m.. GPS units available for loan.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Nature Art. Stop by the amphitheater to design unique works of art from nature. 10-11 a.m.
