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, February 15, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Scampering Squirrels. Squirrels of all kinds scamper their ways through our forests and backyards. Learn how these energetic creatures are adapted to life in the trees. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
• Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. Join naturalist Rod Gont on a one-hour or two-hour snowshoe hike by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes for all ages are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve--no charge, but donations accepted. The Visitor Center will be open and we’ll have a fire going in the fireplace. Cocoa and hot water will be available (but bring your own tea, soup, cups, etc.). Two outside fires for sitting by, roasting hot dogs (bring your own), making s'mores, etc. A program about snowshoes will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Hike will be held regardless of weather. Start at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor Center. 7 p.m.
• Douglas County Wildlife Area, Solon Springs, (715) 378-2923 - Outdoor February Fun. Everyone welcome, especially if you have cabin fever. Dogsled (9:30 - noon), winter wildlife program (tracking and scavenger hunt, 10 a.m.), sleigh rides (noon - 1 p.m.), outdoor survival class (theories and shelter building, 11 a.m.), sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing (bring your own, some snowshoes will be available). Roast hot dogs and marshmallows at an outdoor fire. Hot drinks and cookies in the clubhouse. Sponsored by Friends of the Bird Sanctuary. Bird Sanctuary Clubhouse. 9:30 a.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Winter NatureFest: Winter Pastimes. If you were alive 100 years ago, what would you have done to pass the time during winter? Join us for some down-to-earth fun from the past, both indoors and out. Do nature activities, make crafts and toys, play games, and more! This event is for people of all ages. Environmental Awareness Center. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Scampering Squirrels. Squirrels of all kinds scamper their ways through our forests and backyards. Learn how these energetic creatures are adapted to life in the trees. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Night Ski & Snowshoe. Ski a 1 or 2 mile trail through a winter wonderland illuminated by glowing candles. If you don't ski, a .75-mile lighted trail is available for hiking and snowshoeing. Snowshoes will be available for rent at the Park. Call the park if you need to reserve a pair. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Weather permitting. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Ski trailhead (boat landing parking lot). 5-8 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Return to Romance. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, a bonfire, music, fine desserts and warm drinks with your special someone(s). Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600. Fee is $5/adult and $1/child (10 and under) Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
• Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. Join naturalist Rod Gont on a one-hour (two-hour option available) night time snowshoe hike by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes for all ages are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve--no charge, but donations accepted. The Visitor Center will be open and we’ll have a fire going in the fireplace .Cocoa and hot water will be available (but bring your own tea, soup, cups, etc.). Two outside fires for roasting hot dogs (bring your own), making s'mores, etc. A program about snowshoes will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Hike will be held regardless of weather. Start at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Visitor Center. 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Night Hike. Step into the night and experience what nocturnal wildlife is around us. Discover what adaptations animals use to explore the world while we sleep. Dress to be outside and bring a flashlight. Meet at the park office. 6-8 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
• Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Paper luminaries will light the night trails. One-mile trail groomed for both skiers and hikers. Hot chocolate and warming fire provided. Woods Lake Picnic Area, Paust Lane. 6-9 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Adult Program: Willow Planter Workshop. Make a willow planter for some of your potted plants. This is a fun and easy project involving dried willow for the structure and flexible fresh-cut willow for design features. Havenwoods will supply hammers, nails, and cut willow. You’ll need to bring a drill and a 1/16-inch bit. Class size is limited. Please register and pay the $10 fee by February 15. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Winter Birding Hike. Put on your boots and bring your binoculars to hike in search of overwintering birds and maybe a few migrants. Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive. Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
