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, May 11, 2012
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 - Frog Call Hike. Come and listen to the frogs! We'll hike along sections of the Johnson Moraine Trail and Steinke Basin to hear the frogs. Bring a flash light, as we will be hiking around dusk. Meet at the Steinke Basin parking lot. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 - Spring Birding Tour. Join expert birders Jim Hoefler, John Menge and Dick Sandve as they explore the wetlands and prairies for spring migrants and returning resident birds. All tours depart from the Education Center and carpool to the various sites in the wildlife areas. $5/person. Registration required by calling the visitor center at 715-463-2739. The first 10 people may reserve space in the van. Dress for hiking and outdoor weather. 8-10 a.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 - Drop in on Birds. All birds have feathers, beaks, wings, and feet. But they come in an amazing variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Through activities and crafts, you can discover the lives of birds. Then borrow some binoculars to search for birds at Havenwoods. Families, friends, and youth groups are invited to ?drop in? anytime from 9 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
Interstate Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 - Morning Bird Walk. Migrant songbirds are returning to northern Wisconsin and Interstate Park. Many species of birds will remain here while others are passing through on their way further north. Don?t miss the opportunity to view and listen to these messengers of spring! Join Robin Maercklein of the National Park Service for a 2-hour Morning Bird Walk on the Silverbrook Trail from 7-9 a.m. Meet at the Pines Group Camp. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 - Tough-shelled Turtles Exploring Nature Program. Wisconsin is home to eleven species of turtles. You will be amazed at how these tough-shelled reptiles are adapted to survive in a wide variety of habitats. You may even get to meet some live turtles. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 10-11:30 a.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 - Weekly Wildflower Walk. Take a spring walk through the Kettle Moraine State Forest and view the blooming wildflowers. The weekly walks are held every Saturday from March 31 to mid-May (flower dependent). Walks begin at the Forest Headquarters, but be prepared to drive to wherever the flowers are blooming. Forest Headquarters: S91 W39091 Highway 59, Eagle, WI. Meet at 10 a.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 - Birds of Wisconsin. Well-known wildlife photographer Myron LaPean shares a narrated slide presentation of Birds of Wisconsin, including those that reside year-round, those that migrate through our area, and those that just spend their summers here. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 - Geology Nature Hike. Learn about the unique geology of the Wisconsin Dells and Mirror Lake area and what Mother Nature has given us to enjoy. Meet at the Boat Landing for a 1-hour hike. 10 - 11 a.m.
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 - Warblers 101. Meet at Weborg Shelter, park in adjacent day use lot. Learn to identify Peninsula's most common warblers through photos, song, and in the field. Bring binoculars if you have them. 9-9:45 a.m. Legend of the Lady's-slipper. Nature center. Enjoy an Ojibwa legend about Door County's official wildflower then craft a lady's-slipper to keep. 1-1:45 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Bird Migration Hike. Experience the miracle of migration. Bring your binoculars and we'll look and listen for newly-arrived birds, especially warblers. Trail may be wet. Meet at the vista picnic area. 7 - 9 a.m.
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Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report, May 10, 2012
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, 920-823-2400 - Beach Discovery. Explore the changing shoreline and discover treasures the waves have left behind. Meet at the amphitheater for this family program. 10 a.m. Spring Exploration. Join Dale and Mary Goodner for an exploration of nature. Through stories and science learn about the flora and fauna found along the rocky shores, forest floor and sunny openings. Gather for this meandering walk that is short in distance but full of discoveries. Walk begins at the Nature Center. 2:30 p.m.
Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 - Starsplitters? Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 - Point to Point Birding. Meet at Nelson's Point. Scan the shore for killdeer and pelicans, then walk to a birding hot spot to see if indigo buntings and rose-breasted grosbeaks have arrived. 9-10 a.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Native Plant Sale. Pick up some native plants to beautify your yard, attract native pollinators and lessen your work load in your yard. Sale is a fund-raiser for the Friends Group. Plants will be $3 each or six for $15. Meet near shelter #3 at the beach. Sorry, no early sales. 9 a.m. ? 1 p.m. Mother's Day Wildflower Hike. Show Mom (or anyone special) a bouquet they will always remember. Bring the camera to take pictures, not the flowers, home. Trail is rough and wet. Meet at the visitor center, but be prepared to drive. 2 ? 4 p.m.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 - Spring into Fitness! This is a two month series of weekly walks in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest from April 2 to May 28. Meet at 5 p.m. at a different location each Monday for a 2-3 mile hike. May 14: Meet in front the Nordic shelter this week for a 2.5-mile trek on the Orange trail. This is an intermediate trail with some hills. The Nordic trail head is about four miles south of Palmyra on County Highway H. 5 p.m.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 - Meet Frog and Toad. From eggs to tadpoles to grown-ups, frogs and toads are cool animals! Come meet a frog and a toad and find out how they are the same and different. Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. 9:30 ? 10:30 a.m.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Medford, 800-227-0046 - Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Tuesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 20. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 - Weed Warriors. Location to be announced. Call 608-963-8705. 9-11 a.m. Hemlock Trail. Meet at Weborg day use lot. Warblers have arrived and lake iris is blooming. Join the naturalist for a 2 mile walk over rolling terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them. 1-2:30 p.m.
