Floodwaters are still slowly receding in southern Wisconsin, but many of the major river systems are still out of their banks. Lakes also remain high, but some of the slow-no-wake restrictions are beginning to be lifted. Local municipalities determine when these rules are put in place and removed. Check with county or local law enforcement agencies for the current status of slow-no-wake rules. Flood damage and trail surface repairs have been made to the Military Ridge, Badger and Sugar River state trails and the trails are open and in good condition. While areas of central and northern Wisconsin received as much as an inch of rain in the last week, most northern rivers and lakes continue to run well below normal levels. The low water levels made paddling difficult over the holiday weekend on many rivers.
Some fishing activity has improved in the Northwoods particularly with walleyes on river systems with low water. Flowages are several feet below normal and most lakes are experiencing between 1-3 foot drops in their levels. Musky reports indicate that the fish are beginning to move into their fall feeding patterns. Panfish action has generally been good on southern lakes with perch hitting and larger bluegills providing action in 5 to 17 feet of water over weed flats. Largemouth bass action has also been good in general. Northern pike action will continue to improve as water temperatures cool.
Along Green Bay, yellow perch were being caught along the shore of the Peshtigo River at its mouth and out of Oconto and along Door County. Smallmouth bass action also continues to improve, with Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats all produced some smallmouth. Some trout and salmon are starting to be taken by anglers fishing the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and out to the end of the piers on the Lake Michigan end. On Lake Michigan, fishing for salmon and trout was exceptionally good at Manitowoc, with most anglers landing several chinook salmon and a couple of anglers catching limits. Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan had a great week, with large catches of chinook salmon, rainbow trout and a few coho salmon boated.
Some nice sized white bass are biting on both the Rock and Crawfish rivers in the same locations. Fishing for walleye and sauger and white bass has been good on the Lake Pepin and Pierce County portions of the Mississippi River and bass action was good throughout Pools 7 and 8.
Dove hunters had good success for the opener, with many limits taken opening day. Early season goose hunters had limited success with some hunters getting one or possibly two geese at the most. All the water appears to have spread the geese out more. Migratory Canada geese should begin showing up in the next week or so. These Canada geese are the interior subspecies that nest in Ontario and Manitoba and winter in southern Wisconsin and adjacent states to the south. The timing of their fall migration is very predicable. They almost always migrate into and through northwestern Wisconsin within a day or two of Sept. 15 each fall.
There have been reports of good numbers of warblers, vireos, hummingbirds, and orioles as they wing their way through Wisconsin en route to Latin and South America. Other migrants include large pushes of Baltimore orioles, ruby-throated hummingbirds, flycatchers (olive-sided) and common nighthawks at dusk. The slow but steady southward raptor migration has begun. Numerous red-tailed hawks, broad-winged hawks, and kestrels are moving through.
The mosquito population has exploded in southern Wisconsin, making it almost unbearable to be in the field and marshes. These are known as floodwater mosquitoes because they lay eggs in soil near the edge of water and hatch when waters rise, such as the case the past month with massive flooding taking place all across southern Wisconsin.
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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
Passerine migration is in full swing and recent heavy rains have shifted migrant shorebird and water bird habitat to flooded farm fields and other low areas. Many birders are reporting good numbers of warblers, vireos, hummingbirds, and orioles as they wing their way through Wisconsin en route to Latin and South America. Many birders are finding 12 to 15 species of warblers in a morning in their favorite areas including the first reports of orange-crowned warbler and some black-throated blue warbler reports. Other migrants include large pushes of Baltimore orioles, ruby-throated hummingbirds, flycatchers (olive-sided) and common nighthawks at dusk. Very few rare birds have been reported in the last week outside of a few reports of buff-breasted sandpipers at sod farms near the fox cities. Birders interested in seeing shorebirds should look for flooded farm fields or sod farms. Many managed wetlands in southern Wisconsin are now at full pool. The next two weeks should be the peak of Neotropical migrant migration. Head to your local patch of shrub and or forest and bring your mosquito spray!
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 108 cubic feet per second (cfs) The 62 year average is 140 cfs. Canada geese will be migrating into and through the area this week. These Canada geese are the interior subspecies that nest in Ontario and Manitoba and winter in southern Wisconsin and adjacent states to the south. The timing of their fall migration is very predicable. They almost always migrate into and through northwestern Wisconsin within a day or two of Sept. 15 each fall. The preliminary statewide brood count for game birds (turkey, grouse, pheasant…) is about the same as last year, which was good to above average. This is based on number and size of broods. Locally the brood count is better than average this year due to the hot and dry conditions. The National Weather Service Cooperating Station at Brule DNR reported August precipitation of 2.75 inches, compared to the August historical average of 3.97 inches, down 1.22 inches. Brule temperatures in August were average with the overnight temperatures averaging two degrees higher than normal. The Brule DNR weather station recorded 78 degrees to be the average high and 53 degrees to be the average low. The Brule Archery Club along with the Brule River State Forest is putting on the first inaugural archery fun shoot on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Afterhours trail. There will be a men's, woman's, and youth division (under 17). The cost is $5 for adults and free for youth. Food and refreshments will be available and prizes will be drawn from each score entered. For more information call (715) 372-5678.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The pleasant late summer weather that has prevailed across northern Wisconsin for the past week has made for some very good fishing conditions. Sturgeon season opened on Saturday on the inland waters and it appeared that the newly enacted 60-inch minimum kept many anglers at home. Opening day pressure was much lighter than normal and the early reports from the sturgeon anglers indicated some decent action on sub-legal fish. The best baits were cut bait or a gob of night crawlers -- and fished on the bottom in the deepest water that could be found in or near the main river channel. Musky have also been providing some very consistent action. Most musky anglers were reporting a lot of sightings and follows, with quite a few hook-ups and catches as well. Early morning and late afternoon hours produced the best action, and the favorite lures have been bucktails, jerk baits and top-water lures fished over the weed beds and near the deep weed edges. Bass fishing is just starting to become erratic -- with some days producing some very good action and other days finding bites hard to come by. Largemouth have been found near mid-depth structure such logs/stumps, weed lines, and bog edges. Soft plastics and jig/craw combinations have been the most successful lures and the early morning afternoon period has produced the best catches. Smallmouth fishing has shown some consistency on the local rivers and flowages, with the best action coming on small plastics fished near cover along deeper water areas. Walleye fishing continues to be slow and many anglers are still waiting for the fall pattern to develop as the water cools in the next several weeks. A few walleye are still being caught near weed beds and weed lines, and minnows are starting to produce some catches. Northern pike, an often overlooked fish at this time of year, has produced some good fishing in the last several weeks. Cooling water temperatures seem to have spurred activity for this species and action has been good around the mid-depth weed beds. Spinner baits and small crank baits have worked the best, and a wire leader is suggested to minimize the bite-offs. Panfish action continues to be fair with crappie, perch and rock bass providing the bulk of the success.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Acorns have begun to drop and fall colors are already showing up throughout the area. It is believed that the dry conditions have triggered the early change in leaf conditions. Some fishing activity has improved on walleyes particularly on river systems with low water. Flowages are several feet below normal and most lakes are experiencing between 1 to 3 foot drops in their levels. Musky reports indicate that the fish are beginning to move into their fall feeding patterns. The bear dog training season concluded on August 31 with the opening of the dog only bear hunting season beginning on Sept. 5. Bait hunters can begin bear hunting on Sept. 12. There was limited early goose season success with a few ducks now starting to show up. Wild rice season is in full swing with a moderate crop reported. You can check with your local service center on which lakes are open and which are closed.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Menominee River's new sturgeon regulations of catch and release only downstream below the Hattie Street Dam has been successful in reducing the large number of Hook and Line Sturgeon anglers in that stretch of the river. The seasonal low water levels below the dam along with large numbers of anglers during the Sturgeon season placed a great deal of stress on this important fishery. Sturgeon anglers may still harvest sturgeon above the Hattie Street Dam with a minimum length of 60 inches. Yellow perch varying between 6 to 10 inches are being caught along the shore of the Peshtigo River at its mouth. Water levels continue to be low for this time of year. Fall coloring is popping out in various tree species particularly due to the drought conditions.
Oconto County - Yellow perch are being pursued on the bay straight out of the Oconto Breakwater. Limits were hit and miss. Anglers were reporting and equal amount of small fish, less than 6 inches, were released compared to what they kept. A few 11 inch plus fish were in their creel. Incidental fish caught included drum, burbot, catfish and northern Pike (27 inches). Walleye ranging from 21 to 25 inches were caught and released on the Oconto Shoal.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing on the bay this past week had some bright spots. Early in the week temperatures and some rain brought water temps down. Some nice fall colors are just starting to show up along Door County. The perch seemed to respond with good catches Monday Tuesday, and into Wednesday. Many anglers reported limits out of Bay Shore and Chaudoir’s parks. Some quality walleye anglers are also showing up with the pending tournament next weekend. Anglers have been reporting fairly slow catches although others have great luck including some large 30-plus-inch fish showing up. A nice 39-inch musky turned up out of Geano Beach landing along with some slow perch action with most fish on the small side. Geano reef is also producing quality walleye action with the occasional large fish over 30 inches like all summer long. Some smaller walleyes were also reported trolling off Vincent's point. Anglers also report steady catches of sheep head, catfish, and numerous gobies. Sediment removal outside the mouth of the Fox River has slowed although work remains steady upstream. Anglers continue to report some catfish, sheep head, white bass, and the occasional walleye or northern pike off the Fox.
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc, fishing for salmon and trout was very good this past week. Fishing from the north and south pier was exceptionally good with most anglers landing several Chinook salmon and a couple of anglers catching limits. Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan had a great week, with large catches of chinook salmon, rainbow trout and a few coho salmon boated. Anglers trolling in 75 to 100 feet of water had lots of action this past week. Rainbow trout anglers had a great Saturday morning trolling in 200 to 225 feet of water and fishing the upper half of the water column. In Two Rivers, anglers had a great week of fishing for trout and salmon. Anglers trolling out on Lake Michigan had a great week with most boats returning with nice catches of chinook salmon, rainbow trout and a few brown trout and coho salmon. While Sunday brought high seas and unfavorable fishing conditions keeping most boats in harbor, Labor Day had great weather allowing for many anglers to take advantage of the conditions to land nice catches of salmon and trout. Anglers didn't have to travel out too far, with a lot action in 35 to 60 feet of water. Anglers fishing from the piers also had a great week with many large chinook salmon harvested throughout the week.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - It was a very pleasant week in Door County. Bright sun filled skies and moderate temperatures made for a great week. It is still very dry in Door County so pleas remain extra careful with fire. The action out on the big lake continues to be good. Anglers trolling the early morning bite continue to bring in respectable catches fishing fly and dodger combinations in 80 to 120 feet of water. Later in the day most of the success seems to be coming from 120 to 300 feet of water, again on fly and dodger combinations along with spoons. The areas off of Baileys Harbor are also producing nice catches from 80 to 120 feet of water both north and south of town. Washington Island, Ellison Bay and Rowley’s Bay are also reporting nice catches of fish. Some fish are starting to be taken by anglers fishing the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and out to the end of the piers on the Lake Michigan end. Smallmouth bass action also continues to improve, with Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats all produced some smallmouth. Tube jigs and Goby imitating baits continue to produce some nice smallmouth in the deeper waters. Shore fishing for smallmouth is also improving with nice catches of good sized smallmouth being taken in most areas of the county. Some nice smallmouth were taken from Anderson’s dock in Ephraim and from the old ferry dock in Rowley’s Bay. Walleye anglers were doing better this week; however, the fish appear to be scattered. Larsen’s Reef, Monument Shoals and the areas around Hat and Chambers Islands were all producing some walleyes on crank baits and crawler harnesses fished in 10 to 25 feet of water. Perch fishing continued on the slow side; however, the southern shore of Green Bay, along with Little Sturgeon and Riley’s Bay were producing some perch. The weed edges between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay and along the buoy line from the Bay View Bridge to the Sturgeon Bay ship canal were also yielding perch, as was the area off Chaudoir’s Dock. Northern pike fishing continued to improve this week. Crank baits along with jerk baits fished along the weed beds in front of the marines and along the channel in Sturgeon Bay, as well as from Little Sturgeon, Riley’s and Sand Bays all produced some Northerns. A few Muskies are starting to show up on large buck tails and crank baits.
Kewaunee County - A week of nice weather has made for some beautiful fishing on most days, but there was some wind that did push the anglers off of the lake. Anglers fishing off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee have had a pretty good week fishing off the piers. Browns, cohos, kings, and rainbows are all being caught. Casting with spoons has still been the tackle of choice for these anglers, but crankbaits have also been working as well. Anglers that have been trolling out on the lake have been coming in with some better catches of fish than last week, but fishing remains slow. Most boats are coming in with Kings, but there have been some browns, cohos, and steelhead being caught as well. Anglers this week found most of the fish out in water of depths between 60 and 120 feet with most being caught in the 60 to 75 feet range. The best choice for tackle has been fly and dodger combos as well as dipsies. Spoons have also been working well this week as well.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Shore anglers in Sheboygan have been catching chinooks and a few coho off the north pier. Spoons in blue & silver, red & white, green, or glow-in-the-dark have taken the most fish. Trollers off Sheboygan have been catching chinooks and occasional coho in 75 to 100 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore fishing has been generally slow, but a few chinooks have been taken off the end of the pier on blue and silver spoons. Trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks as well as a few lake trout and coho. Most fish have been caught in 90 to 100 feet of water on spoons and J-plugs in a variety of colors.
Milwaukee County - Shore fishing in Milwaukee has been slow, with only a few chinooks taken in the pre-dawn hours off McKinley pier on glow-in-the-dark spoons. Perch fishing has been slow for both shore anglers and boaters alike. Milwaukee trollers working near the filtration plant have been catching chinooks in 70 to 80 feet of water and brown trout in 50 feet of water. J-plugs have been producing, as well as spoons in green or black & purple.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has been slow. Trollers, however, have been have been catching good numbers of chinooks anywhere from 80 to 140 feet of water. Brown trout have also been taken around 60 feet of water. Blue or green spoons and white J-plugs have been taking the most fish. On the Root River, the water remains muddy and temperatures are warm, but anglers have been catching fair numbers of brown trout and chinooks. Most fish have been taken below the Horlick dam and in Quarry Lake Park. Both yarn flies and spawn sacs have been productive.
Kenosha County - Shore fishing in Kenosha has been most productive before sunrise. Chinooks have been caught off the beach near the mouth of the Pike River, and brown trout have been taken on white tube jigs in the harbor. Kenosha trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks in 70 to 90 feet of water. Fish have been hitting spoons and J-plugs in green or silver.
Inland fisheries team report
Panfish action has generally been good on area lakes with perch hitting on Big Cedar Lake. Bluegills have averaged a larger size on Long Lake this summer and fall fishing should continue to improve. Largemouth bass action has also been good in general. Northern pike action will continue to improve as water temperatures cool.
Waukesha County - Fishing has been excellent this past week. Bluegills have been providing action in 5 to 17 feet of water over weed flats. Walleye action has been picking up with nice catches of "keepers." Best bites coming after dark over weed edges.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil's Lake State Park - The lake is up a couple of feet. The sandy beaches are much narrower, but still present. Mountain bike trails are temporarily closed because muddy conditions make the trails vulnerable to further damage. The annual Devil’s Challenge triathlon will be held in the park on Saturday, Sept. 15. This includes a swim, bicycle, and running portions. The north shore area of the park will be completely filled for parking, and portions of the Quartzite Campground, County Road DL, north shore entrance and exit roads will be closed temporarily for limited times between 8 and 11 a.m.
Dane County
Military Ridge State Trail - The trail is in good condition. Trail surface repairs have been completed and the second box culvert west of Verona is open.
Jefferson County - The Rock and Crawfish rivers are still high but are dropping slowly. All the rivers and streams as well as Rock Lake and Lake Ripley are currently under an emergency slow-no-wake restriction. Anglers were still having fair success catching channel catfish on the Upper Rock and Crawfish rivers by the Jefferson Dam and by Hubbleton. The fish are biting the best on night crawlers and shrimp but are also being caught on stink bait as well. A few have been flathead catfish but the majority were channel cats. Some nice-sized white bass were biting on both the Rock and Crawfish rivers in the same locations. Anglers were catching them on small minnows and twistertails. Dove hunters on the Zeloski/Lake Mills public hunting grounds had good success for the opener. Many limits of doves were being taken opening day but then success slowed the second day. The doves are feeding in the sunflower food plot and harvested fields in the area. Early season goose hunters had limited success with some hunters getting one or possibly two geese at the most. All the water appears to have spread the geese out more. Farmers are now beginning to get back in the fields to chop corn so hunters can begin to hunt the harvested fields. The mosquito population has exploded making it almost unbearable to be in the field and marshes. Acorns, walnuts and hickory nuts are already falling along with some trees beginning to change color. Seems earlier than normal this year.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
River Levels on the Upper Miss. River have gone up, but are still close to normal due to the previous dry conditions. Fishing for walleye/sauger and white bass has been good on the Lake Pepin and Pierce County portions of the river along with the lower St Croix. Nice bluegills have been caught in deeper water on lakes Menomin and Tainter in Dunn County. Trout streams are still in good shape, but fish easily get spooked, over cast days have been best. Early Canada goose season hunters only did fair, local bird numbers in the St Croix Co. and Southern Polk seem to be down or the geese are not grouped up in the larger flocks yet. Warm weather kept hunting pressure down.
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park – The Willow River has returned to normal flow and clarity. This reporter caught and released an 8-inch brown trout on the Race branch over the weekend. In about 20 minutes of fishing, there was opportunity to fly fish for rising fish, and catch the one elsewhere on a streamer fly. It was a short but quality experience. The deer have shown some signs of the coming rut. The bucks have been a bit more visible during daylight hours and bucks have been observed following does. A doe looking back across the road is usually a clue that another deer (or more) will be crossing. Deer also run across in front of bicycles and any other human powered activity. If you must stop your vehicle to observe deer, please pull over to the side so the other traffic can get by. Campers take notice; only four weekends remain with full services in the campground. Water gets turned off the week of Oct. 1. Flush toilets and showers will be closed from then until May, 2008. Peak color usually occurs around the first and second weekends of October. Electric sites for those weekends could already be reserved. There should be a good choice of non electric sites left. Leaves began changing color in limited numbers some time ago.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Weather over the Labor Day Weekend was excellent in the La Crosse Area. Anglers had moderate to good success on panfish on Lake Onalaska and bass fishing action was good throughout Pools 7 and 8 of the Mississippi River. Early season goose hunters had moderate to excellent action on some area agricultural fields during the weekend mornings while experiencing some quite heavy fog cover. Goose hunters on the Mississippi River had very limited action. The slow but steady southward raptor migration has begun. Numerous red-tailed hawks, broad-winged hawks, and kestrels are moving through the area. Keep your eyes open for different color phases of these birds and for less frequently observed raptors, such as rough-legged hawks and harriers (marsh hawks).
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The open water game fish action has been good after the recent rains. Bass action on spinner baits and float baits has been productive; walleye action has been good with live baits. Pan fish have been fairly active in mornings and evenings near weed beds. Species of birds we have been seeing or hearing include:, ravens, rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, a variety of wrens, phoebes, turkey vultures, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, osprey, bald eagles, Canada geese and belted kingfishers. Wintergreen, common mullein, white snakeroot, marsh skullcap, lesser daisy fleabane, Joe Pye weed, pearly everlasting, the pale and spotted jewelweed, rabbits foot clover, marsh hedge nettle, the water lilies, some of the aster varieties, and wooly yarrow are flowering. The park will be undertaking a major road renovation project from early September to mid-October. Existing pavement on nearly all park roads and parking areas will be ground up and new pavement will be placed over it. The main park road will be widened slightly to accommodate a bicycle/pedestrian lane. All work will be done during daytime Mondays through Fridays. If you are planning a trip to Brunet Island during the construction, you may want to call ahead and check the status of the work.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - New hunting maps are available at the park office and on the park website for parkland, buckhorn wildlife area (formerly area A), and yellow river wildlife area (formerly area B). The yellow river wildlife area (area B) is open to everything in the regulations. Buckhorn wildlife (area A) is open for small game, waterfowl, trapping, and deer bow hunting. The park is open for early and late bow seasons. Hot summer weather is great for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. There is some algae in the lake - it blows around with the wind. There are a couple beaches at the park, so usually one is clear. There is a cold water rinse shower in the beach picnic area. Many visitors are using the beach in the park. Reservable sites are filled on weekends. There are six non-reservable, first-come sites. Check out the new signs on the barrens nature trail. The trail is great for bird watching. Take photos of the wildflowers, wildlife, sunsets, people using the park, etc. for the annual photo contest. Deadline for the photo contest is Sept 30.
VHS fish disease update as of Sept. 6, 2007
Correction: Last week’s frequently asked question supplied a partially incorrect answer. The question, and the correct answer, follow.
Frequently asked question of the week.
I’m traveling to the Northwoods for the long Labor Day holiday and plan to fish every day. Do I really need to dump out any leftover minnows at the end of the day?
It depends on where you are fishing in the Northwoods. Requirements that you not move live fish, including minnows, away from a water and that you drain all water from your boat apply only to those waters and their drainage systems where viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, has been confirmed or is suspected of being present. VHS has been confirmed in Lake Michigan [ link to
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/vhs_lakemichigandrainage.pdf] and the Lake Winnebago system [link to
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/vhs_winnsystem.pdf] and is suspected of being present in the Mississippi River [link to
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/vhs_missriverdrainage.pdf] and Lake Superior drainages. The rules cover these waters and their tributaries up to the first barrier impassable to fish; lists of affected rules and a map of the Lake Winnebago system are found online at
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs.html under the heading “Waters Covered by Rules” in the left hand column.
Regardless of where you fish, it’s always a good idea to kill live fish, including minnows, before you leave the lake or river you were fishing, and to always drain all water from your boat, livewell and bait bucket. The main way that invasive species such as rusty zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and rusty crayfish spread is by clinging to a boat that’s coming from an infested water, or in water that hasn’t been drained from boats. Invasive fish diseases such as VHS and heterosporis, [link to
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/heterosporis_factsheet.pdf ] a parasite of fish first detected in Wisconsin fish in 2000, can spread when anglers bring infected fish, including minnows, to a new water and releasing it, where it can be eaten by healthy fish and infect those fish. Just last week, University of Wisconsin researchers reported that spiny water flea, an invasive species that can compete for food with young fish, was found in a second Wisconsin lake, Stormy Lake in Vilas County. [link to
http://www.news.wisc.edu/14055] They believe the water flea likely arrived in boat traffic from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the flea has been found in several popular fishing waters.
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, September 7, 2007
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: The Chirping Choir. "Chrrrp, chrrrp." "Katydid, katydidn't!" Who are the members of this evening choir? Listen and learn about crickets and their noisy relatives. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - A Walk in the Park - Wisconsin's Woodlands. Hike with Andrew Morris to identify our native trees. Great family fun learning why some trees stay green while others sleep the winter away. Also find out why trees grow where they do and their age. No pets allowed. Please bring insect repellent and maybe a bottle of water. Meet at Woodland Dunes trailhead near playground.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
• Black River State Forest, Black R. Falls, (715) 284-1430 or e-mail - Storytime. A fun-filled hour of stories. Naturalist Katie Perryman will share some of her favorite nature stories with children ages 6 and younger. Dress for the weather. Perry Creek Park on Highway 27 South near the airport, or in case of rain, Castle Mound Shelter building on U.S. Highway 12 just outside Black River Falls. 1-2 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Monarchs. Fall is near and the monarch butterflies are starting to head south. Stop inside to learn all about monarchs, then head outside to catch some. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Wild About Wetlands. Cattails, tamaracks, ducks, dragonflies, muskrats and many other plants and animals call wetlands their home. You will be surprised at what awaits you in the wet world of swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hike with John Johnston to search for the wild edible and medicinal plants found at Kohler-Andrae. Hen will share tips on using these unique and interesting plants. Wear comfortable shoes. The hike lasts about an hour. Meet at camp host site. 2 p.m. Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join star enthusiasts Joe and Mary Glover for an enjoyable evening learning to read the night sky without the use of a telescope. Bring the entire family. Bring chair or blanket and flashlights. Dress for the evening lakeside temperatures. No pets allowed. Parking lot next to park bathhouse, or Sanderling Nature Center in case of inclement weather. 7 p.m.
• Pattison State Park, Superior, (320) 492-1275 or e-mail - 10-Hour Triathlon [exit DNR]. Swim, bicycle, and run for 10 hours: 1/3-mile swim, 14-mile road bike, and 3.1-mile trail run. Benefit spaghetti feed Friday night before the race. Sponsored by Burrito Union 10-Hour Triathlon. Swim in Interfalls Lake, bicycle on State Highway 35, run on nature trail. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Explorer Hike. Join the naturalist to hike the beautiful 1.9-mile Green Trail. See fall unfold at the park. Please bring water. Visitor Center. 9-11 a.m.
Sunday-Tuesday, September 9-11, 2007
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 266-7617 or e-mail - Volunteer Jamboree. State park and forest volunteers and friends group members from around the state are invited to this event. South Shore Shelter.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Seeds On the Go! Seeds can float through the air, and they can stick to your clothes and animal fur. Learn how seeds move from one place to another. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 4- or 5-year-old to this fun and involving nature program. A new topic each month. Dress to go outside. Please call to pre-register, as space is limited. Visitor Center. 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - An Evening With Nature: Meet the Resource Managers of the Kettle Moraine. Learn what's in the works for the coming year and beyond for the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit. Resource managers will provide insights into the issues surrounding the multitude of recreational uses in the forest and the management of its fish and wildlife populations. They will also give updates on future development projects and proposed timber sales. The evening will begin with an open house at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. a short program will be presented, followed by a time for questions and comments from the audience. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6:30-8:30 p.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/
