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.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
? Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - 13th Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Walk, ski, or snowshoe a trail lit with glowing candlelight. Warm up by the bonfire after enjoying the trail. Limited snacks and hot beverages will be available for sale. Weather and snow conditions determine trail location. Supported by the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park. Start at Cox Hollow Beach Picnic Area. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop-In on Tracks. With snow on the ground, winter is a great time to look for animal tracks. Stop inside the building to learn how to identify tracks and play some tracking games. Then grab a tracking guide and head outside to look for real animal tracks. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Learn to Ice Fish: Exploring Nature Program. Learn the tricks of winter fishing with some experienced ice anglers. We will start inside the Mauthe Lake picnic shelter for a presentation on safety tips and appropriate gear and tackle. Then it's off to Mauthe Lake to try our best at luring those fish out of the water. Equipment, tackle and bait will be provided. This program is best for ages over 6 years old. To register call (920) 533-8322 by January 12, 2012. Special surprises await all who pre-register. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 10 a.m. ? Noon.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or Hike a 2-mile trail lit by tiki torches on this fun-filled annual event. Warm-up shelter open. Light refreshments served. No pets, snowshoes or sleds allowed on the ski trail. Vehicle admission sticker required. Supported by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae. Cross-country ski trail, stop at park office for directions. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening skiing along two miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. This event is for skiing only. No pets, hiking or snowshoeing are allowed on cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Just over 1 mile of candlelight skiing and hiking on the trails of Lapham Peak. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Friends of Lapham Peak, as well as live music entertainment, and the warmth of a fire while sitting inside the Trekker Lodge. Outside seating and bonfire will also available. Homestead Hollow parking lot and Trekker Lodge. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - The Story of Snowflake Bentley 11-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Children?s story and snowflake art. Animal Tracks and Signs 1-1:45 p.m. Visit meadow and forest to look for signs of squirrels, raccoons, turkeys and more. About a 0.5-mile trek.
? Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Snowshoe Day Hike. Enjoy a day snowshoeing at Rib Mountain. Supported by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park [exit DNR]. Meet at the concession stand. 1-3 p.m. Event is weather permitting. For more information, call (715) 581-7983 or (715) 842-2522, .
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - The Art of Falconry. Join falconer Ed Foster and some friends to discover the details about one of the world?s oldest sports. Meet some birds and discover how their adaptations help them hunt. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9 - 10 a.m.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Greenbush Nordic Challenge Ski Races. Youth of all ages, break out your cross-country skis! There will be a race at 11 a.m. for ages 12 to 18 and another race at 1 p.m. for children under 12 years old. Food and refreshments will be available. Supported by the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club. Register for races starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Greenbush Recreation Area Shelter. Races begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, see the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club website [exit DNR].
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Wild About Woodpeckers 12:30 -1 p.m. Nature Center. Discover amazing adaptations of the pileated woodpecker. Watch for downy, hairy and red-bellied woodpeckers at the feeders.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
