WDNR Outdoor Report as of August 7, 2008
Wisconsin has enjoyed some great summer weather over the last week, with generally warm and sunny days, and just enough rain to keep plants and gardens green. Water levels are now back to normal summer levels throughout most of southern Wisconsin, although a few rivers such as the Rock and Kickapoo still flowing above seasonal norms. The lower Wisconsin has returned to normal summer levels, with many sandbars available. Water levels on many northern rivers and lakes continues to be quite low.
Hiking and biking trails are generally in very good condition statewide, with only a section of the 400 State Trail between Wonewoc and Reedsburg, a few trails still closed at Devil’s Lake, Wildcat Mountain and Wyalusing state parks, and a portion of the ATV trail at Black River Fall State Forest still closed due to June’s flood damage. With cooler temperatures and no rain in the forecast this coming weekend may provides some of the best riding and hiking opportunities of the summer. However, mosquito hatches are still being reported, so bug spray is advisable.
In the north, musky fishing has been the highlight of the past week, with nearly all anglers reporting some success and some anglers having had multiple fish days. Many anglers are targeting the walleyes, lake trout and salmon on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and around the Apostle Islands. Bass fishing was generally erratic, with some days provided some great action, while bites were hard to come by on others. Walleye angling has been variable, though some nice fish in the 18- to 24-inch range have been reported.
Anglers were seeing a lot of walleye action on Lake Poygan, and the perch bite is starting to pick up on the west shore of Lake Winnebago. Along Green Bay, the mouth of the Peshtigo River was producing a few walleye, smallmouth, and northerns. Perch were being caught out of Oconto, but the perch bite on the rest of the bay has been spotty. Fishing activity was slow on the Fox River out of Green Bay, but the walleye bite has been excellent in lower Green Bay.
Lake Michigan trollers had success throughout the week, landing mixed bags consisting of a few chinook salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Pier anglers had little success this week. Along Milwaukee, boaters looking for perch have been catching fair numbers at the boils on small minnows. Anglers were taking many smallmouth bass from the Milwaukee River.
White bass fishing on Castle Rock Lake on the Wisconsin River has been very good and some white bass were also being reported on the Mississippi. Anglers were catching nice sized catfish on the Crawfish and Rock rivers.
Many snakes can be found this time of year hiding under forest leaves, in sunny areas and warming themselves on roadways in the early evening hours. Snakes play an important role in our eco-system, helping keep rodent populations in check and providing a food source for natural predators, such as birds of prey, raccoons, coyotes, and even other snakes. Generally speaking, snakes are relatively non-aggressive and would prefer to keep their distance from people. But our paths when we traverse into snake inhabited areas, so please take care not to run over or otherwise harm these creatures should you encounter them.
Swallows and martins are beginning to stage for migration in and around wetlands that have strong insect hatches throughout the day. Cardinals and blue jays are molting so if you see them at feeders with a bald head, don’t be too concerned. They will grow new feathers by the end of September.
Chicory, jewelweed Queen Anne’s Lace, mullein, evening primrose, bergamot, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, Joe-Pye-Weed, spiderwort, cardinal flower and liatris are just some of the many wildflowers booming, and wild blueberries and raspberries are still being picked in the north.
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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
Nesting season is quickly winding down here in Wisconsin over the past two weeks. Adult shorebirds have arrived en masse and the first juvenile least sandpipers are already beginning to appear! Swallows and martins are beginning to stage for migration in and around wetlands that have strong insect hatches throughout the day. Rare summer birds have begun to show up around the state. Birders in Sauk County found a black-bellied whistling duck in a flooded farm field along with some shorebirds and local waterfowl. White-faced ibis and black-necked stilts were found at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and continue to be seen along dike road. Birders up north are reporting a good invasion of white-winged crossbills amongst the other resident birds. The next two weeks should see continued shorebird migration and the beginnings of forest bird migration throughout the state. There are still many flooded fields throughout southern Wisconsin that will hold migrant shorebirds throughout the next two months.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Summer days at the Brule River State Forest have been pleasant lately with the warm weather and the lessened amount of mosquitoes. It is a great time to hit the trails, or get out on the water. The Bois Brule River is flowing at 118 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 63 year average is 130 cfs. Songbirds will be caring for the last of their clutches in the next few weeks before grouping up in preparation for migration next month. Goldfinches should now be caring for their first clutch of the season. They will typically wait until the thistle and native sunflowers begin producing seed for food. They will also use the thistle down to line their nests. Blueberries and raspberries are still being sought after by wildlife and humans. Choke cherries and black berries are close to ripening.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Many anglers are targeting the walleyes, lake trout and salmon within Chequamegon Bay and around the Apostle Islands. The park lagoon is a great place to cast floating stick baits and spoons for northern pike and to fish for panfish. The hiking trails are open and in good condition for hiking, picture taking and nature walking. The boardwalk trail provides a wonderful way to view the state natural area without impacting the vegetation. Please take notice to stay on the boardwalk because there is very fragile vegetation along this trail. The Bayview and Point trails have some of the best views of Lake Superior, and during clear days you can see the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan from across the "Big" lake. There are also some great spots to take wonderful pictures of the rock formations of the Apostle Islands from these trails. Some people like the "Point" so much that they hold their wedding ceremonies there. Wildlife have been very active in the park. Whitetail deer very visible, with many fawns being seen at this time. The staff have also seen black bears on the Lagoon Ridge Trail and a few campers heard a bear or two walk through the park at night. Various birds such as pileated woodpeckers and common mergansers have been seen throughout the summer. Beware, there are many raccoons within the campground and food should be kept locked away for yours and the animals safety. Madeline Island Ferry Line is running a limited schedule to and from Bayfield and Madeline Island. The ferry departure and arrival time vary throughout the seasons; call (715) 747-2051 for schedules and fares.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The generally dry conditions continue across most of the Northwoods have kept water levels on area lakes and streams near their summer lows. Localized thunderstorms with some moderate rainfall did raise levels in a few streams but they have quickly returned to their lower summer flow. The little bit of extra moisture did spur on a hatch of mosquitoes, deer flies, and 'ankle-biters', so outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to bring along the insect repellent. Fishing and recreational activity on area lakes seemed to reach their summer highs during the past week, but fishing success was erratic with the variable weather conditions and scattered thunderstorms. Musky fishing was the highlight of the past week, with deep weed edges and the less-dense weed beds producing a good amount of action. Nearly all anglers have reported some success -- whether it was sightings, follows or strikes. Some anglers have had multiple fish days, with most of the musky in the 30 to 38-inch size range and a few in the low 40s also being caught. Bucktails and surface baits were the more popular lures. Bass fishing was generally erratic with the variable weather -- some days provided some great action, while bites were hard to come by on others. The largemouth continue to be found near heavy cover such as logs, stumps, and bog edges, with soft plastics and crayfish-imitation lures being the best baits of late. Lily pad beds have become hard to fish as the stems seem to have 'hardened' and made it hard to get a bait through, and even tougher to pull a fish out of. Smallmouth bass fishing continued to be pretty good on local flowages and rivers. The smallmouth are still settling into their mid-summer pattern and have been relating more to wood, especially near deep water and hard-bottom areas. Small crank baits finesse plastics have been getting most of the action. Walleye angling has been variable, though some nice fish in the 18- to 24-inch range have been reported. Some success has been reported on the deep weed edges and deep rock/gravel bars, with leeches and night crawler halves being the best baits. A few walleye have been caught on minnow stick baits fished along weeds edges after dark. Panfish action continues to be fair. Most anglers have had no trouble catching bluegill and rock bass, but fish have generally been small. Look for the bigger panfish to be suspended near cover in the mid-depth ranges (8 to 14 feet).
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Water temperatures on the bay have been a balmy 78 degrees with moderate to good clarity. Fishing pressure has been light except for the walleye tournament at the Oconto Breakwater landing.
Marinette County - Fishing pressure below the dam in Peshtigo is very light with just a few smallmouth and bluegills being caught. Live bait and slip bobbers have been working for the bluegills while plastics and spinners are catching the smallmouth bass. The mouth of the Peshtigo River was producing a few walleye, smallmouth, and northerns on stick baits and other similar crank baits. Crawlers fished tight line are accounting for the majority of catfish and sheepshead being taken.
Oconto County - Perch were being caught out of Oconto Park II. Minnows were the bait of choice and the trick was knowing how to use a fish locator. Once found, the fish were more than happy to co-operate. Oconto Break water landing saw an influx of walleye anglers in preparation for the tournament held there. Success was sporadic at best with some anglers cruising over to the Door to find fish. Crawlers/harness was the method most commonly employed. The Stiles dam remained the jewel of the Oconto area with nice catches of bluegills and crappies. There was an unconfirmed report of a couple of walleye being caught up by the powerhouse on stick baits.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing activity was slow on the Fox River out of Green Bay. Anglers fishing with worms were catching a variety of rough fish and the occasional game fish. In lower Green Bay, the walleye bite has been excellent. Many anglers were able to catch their limit when they found fish. Volk, Shark fin, Vincent’s, 2-mile Reef, and out from the university have all provided good fishing. Any color crawler harness has been working. Some anglers have had luck trolling with crank baits and flashy spoons. There were numerous keepers out there but also many undersized walleye. The yellow perch bite in the bay has been spotty. The Geano, Bayshore and Chaudoir’s areas have all provided good results; however, fishing at any of these on the wrong day will make for a frustrating outing. The early to mid-morning bite has shown the most consistent success. Minnows, worms, night crawlers, and crab tails have all been working. Finding the perch is the key to success. Small perch seem to be numerous, but anglers were able to find enough good-sized fish to keep.
Manitowoc County - Manitowoc anglers had a fair week of fishing this past week. Boat anglers had mixed success throughout the week. Most were trolling in 50 to 120 feet of water and were landing mixed bags consisting of a few chinook salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Most chinook ranged in weight from 7 to 11 pounds with larger chinooks nearing 15 pounds in weight. Most harvested lake trout were around 4 to 6 pounds in weight, brown trout 5 to 7 pounds, and rainbow trout ranged from 6 to 11 pounds. Bass anglers had a good week landing some nice smallmouth bass around the breakwater edge and on the Manitowoc River by casting tube jigs or crank baits. Pier anglers had little success this week. In Two Rivers, anglers also had a fair week of fishing. Boat anglers were trolling Lake Michigan in 55 to 75 feet of water. Most success came off of dodger and fly combinations or a dypsy with a spoon. Although catch rates were a little slow, many nice fish were still harvested. Most boat anglers were able to land a few chinook salmon with a couple rainbow trout mixed in. Pier anglers had a slow week, with only a few chinook salmon or rainbow trout caught.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - In the Little Sturgeon Bay/Sawyer Harbor area, all fishing activity has been slow.
Kewaunee County - Action on Lake Michigan has still generally been on the slower side. Fish that have been caught have typically been out in the range of 70 to 120 feet, during mornings and evenings. Mostly salmon have been caught in this range. Most rainbow trout caught have been out farther, in perhaps 140 to 200 feet of water, fishing shallow in the water column. Pier fishing has continued to remain slower than weeks past as well. Surface water temperatures remain in the high 60s in the depth ranges where most anglers fished this past week. A prolonged easterly wind may be the best thing for fishing success to pick up.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Anglers were seeing a lot of walleye action on Lake Poygan with running boards. The perch bite is starting to turn on near Asylum Bay on the west shore of Winnebago. Night crawlers on straight lines in about 14 feet of water was the method of choice. It's a great time to visit a prairie with beautiful blooms of bergamot, blazing star, coneflowers and cup plants.
DNR Southeast Region
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. The four bluebirds in the birdcam nest box fledged August 4, 2008. The Wisconsin Great Lakes Beach testing conditions can be viewed at [http://www.wibeaches.us/traverse/f?p=BEACH:HOME:17041187235832071976]. The campground construction project is currently taking place. Please be aware of heavy equipment traveling on the campground roadways between the hours of 8 am-7 pm. Please stay away from the equipment and be sure to travel the correct way on the campground roads.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore fishing off the piers has been slow. Trollers off Sheboygan have been catching mostly chinooks, along with some rainbows and coho. The best catches have been 50 feet down or near the bottom in 35 to 90 feet of water. Spoons, J-plugs, and flies have all produced fish at times.
Ozaukee County - In Sheboygan shore fishing off the piers has been slow. Trollers off Sheboygan have been catching mostly chinooks, along with some rainbows and coho. The best catches have been 50 feet down or near the bottom in 35 to 90 feet of water. Spoons, J-plugs, and flies have all produced fish at times.
Milwaukee County - Perch fishing in Milwaukee has been relatively slow from shore, but boaters looking for perch have been catching fair numbers at the boils on small minnows. Shore fishing for trout and salmon in Milwaukee has been slow, but trollers continue to catch some chinooks, browns, and rainbows. The best depths have varied daily with changing wind and weather patterns, and fish have been found anywhere from 50 feet of water out to 120 feet.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has been slow overall, but action has picked up for trollers. Good numbers of chinooks and rainbows have been taken in 70 to 90 feet of water early in the morning. Depths from 130 to 160 feet have been best in the late morning and afternoon hours. Flashers with green, white, or aqua flies have been productive, as well as a variety of glow spoons and J-plugs.
Kenosha County - Shore anglers in Kenosha have been catching a few browns in the harbor, but the bite has been rather inconsistent. When the browns are hitting, both spoons and white tube jigs have produced. Perch fishing has been slow for shore anglers and boaters alike. Kenosha trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks and rainbows, along with a few lake trout. Most fish have been caught from 50 to 90 feet of water, with the best catches taken early in the day.
Inland fisheries team report
Anglers were taking many smallmouth bass from the Milwaukee River in Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Washington Counties. Fish are running small, generally less than 15-inches. Milwaukee River flow is back to a more normal summer regime.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park – The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 7.1 feet on Aug.7, up 0.1 from the previous day. This is close to the normal, summer river level in this area. Nice catches of bass, catfish, and bluegills are being reported by local anglers. Swarms of hummingbirds at the park office feeders continue to delight park visitors. The heyday of the hummingbirds is certainly here now. Hummingbirds are most active right before dark and on cloudy or rainy days. Wasps may start showing up at hummingbird and oriole feeders within the next week or so. Put vegetable oil or Vaseline around the nectar ports to keep them away. Other recent sightings in the park include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, nuthatches, tufted titmice, prothonotary warblers, cerulean warblers, gold finches, mourning doves, tree sparrows, crows, flickers, bluebirds, robins, meadowlarks, orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings, Henslow Sparrows, eagles, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, indigo buntings, and red winged blackbirds. Indigo buntings are seen daily near the intersection of Turkey Hollow Trail and State Park Lane. Henslow sparrows can be seen (heard) near the astronomy center. Yellow throated warblers may be found near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail by Homestead Picnic Shelter and also near the stand of pines before you go up the hill to Green Cloud Picnic Area. Cardinals and goldfinches will feed on sunflower and petunia if you let them go to seed. If you notice cardinals and blue jays at your feeders with a bald head, don’t be too concerned. They are molting and their skin is black so they may look a bit weird. New feathers should be in by the end of September. The native prairie garden at the park office is in full bloom featuring a wide variety of prairie flowers including: purple coneflowers, pale purple coneflowers, cut leaf coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, Joe-Pye-Weed, purple prairie clover, spiderwort, nodding onion, prairie onion, cardinal flower, royal catch-fly, liatris, white false indigo, hoary vervain, great blue lobelia, side oats grandma, bottle brush grass, St. John’s Wort, butterfly milkweed, white aster, coreopsis, and Culver’s root. Wildflowers in bloom in the area include: cow parsnip, chicory, jewelweed Queen Anne’s Lace, mullein, lobelia, evening primrose, and bergamot, jewelweed (touch me nots). Wyalusing State Park features a wide diversity of plant and animal life. Some of the more fascinating animal species that can be found in the park are in the reptile and amphibian classes. Within the reptile class, snakes are perhaps among the most feared and misunderstood. This may be due in part to their reclusive, secretive ways. This fear could also be attributable to learned behavior and misrepresentations of snakes within our society. Generally speaking, snakes are relatively non-aggressive and would prefer to keep their distance from people. But our paths often cross, as we traverse more and more into snake inhabited areas. As a result, many snakes fall victim to human persecution, loss of habitat, or suffer a wide variety of other unfortunate fates. It is important to understand and appreciate the role snakes play within Wyalusing’s unique eco-system. Snakes help to keep rodent populations in check and are also a good food source for natural predators, such as birds of prey, raccoons, coyotes, and even other snakes. During the spring and fall, snakes are often found basking in and around their wintering dens, also known as hibernaculums. As the temperatures rise into the summer months, snakes will disperse throughout their ranges, which vary in distance from the hibernaculum according to species. Some of the more notable snake species found within the park are the garter, ring neck, red belly, blue racer, milk and the very impressive black rat snake. This snake can reach a length of over six feet! Imagine how many mice that snake consumes. Many snakes can be found hiding under forest leaves, in sunny areas and warming themselves on park roadways in the early evening hours. As you drive or bicycle through the park, please take care not to run over these creatures should you encounter them.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Dane County lifted the 500-foot Slow No Wake restrictions effective on July 31. The only restriction that will be on Lake Kegonsa, is the normal 200-foot No Wake zone from the shore line. A Water Quality Advisory is in effect on the lake. Due to the record rainfall this summer, the lake levels are still high and the lake has experienced nutrient loading from runoff. The additional nutrients have caused increased algae growth including blue green algae. Conditions at the park beach and pet beach change daily depending on the direction of the winds. Contact and or ingestion of blue green algae can cause skin irritations and illness. Contact park staff at (608) 873-9695 for the most current conditions. Pet pier and shore fishing piers are still removed due to the high water. These will be installed when the lake level drops. All other facilities at Lake Kegonsa State Park are open. Be prepared for mosquitoes due to the amount of water we have had in the area.
Jefferson County - Water levels on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers are getting back to normal summer elevations having dropped dramatically over the past couple of dry weeks. Anglers were catching nice sized catfish on the Crawfish River by Hubbleton and Aztalan and below the lower dam in Watertown on the Rock River. Many of the fish are in the 1.5- to 3-pound range. Stink bait was working well along with worms. On Rock Lake, anglers were getting some limits of bluegill that were suspended in the deeper water. Drifting using red worms or waxworms have been producing good luck in around 35 to 40 feet of water. The fish are suspended about 15 to 18 feet down.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Fishing activity has slowed in the area, but fish are still being caught. Panfish were still biting on Bass, Squaw and Cedar lakes over deeper water and cribs. Walleye and smallmouth are active on the St Croix in deeper holes above Stillwater. Some very nice sized walleye are being taken on Lake Pepin using live bait rigs and also trolling with crank baits. Boating activity on the St Croix River has been heavy on weekends so go early or on weekends. Fishing conditions on the Lower Chippewa River have been very good, water levels are somewhat low making a canoe or flat bottom boat the best craft to use right now. Some very good Mayfly hatches on the Rush and Kinnickinnic rivers have been giving fly fishers excellent opportunities, early mornings and evenings are best.
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Recent rain had no effect on the Willow River or Little Falls Lake. We are in the “Dog Days” of summer and the beach water is not as clear as it was earlier in the year. Trout anglers should have normal water level and clarity for the weekend. Trout anglers should access the river at the bridges on Trout Brook Road to find clearer water, or fish above the falls area. A recent fishing report was “I can see them but I can’t catch them.” That angler was probably on the dam and looking at the bluegills swimming above the first floodgate. The fish can also see you, making that well fed little bluegill harder to catch than a trout. There’s plenty of fish there. Try fishing deeper with a jig and a worm for the ones that can’t see you. The next Full Moon Hike will be Saturday, August 9 at the Nature center. The event begins inside at 7 p.m. with a slide presentation by local birding experts Ed and Angie Coloski. After the slides, go on a walk. The event is free with a daily or annual admission sticker for Wisconsin State Parks.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
White-tailed deer bucks have about another month for their antlers to grow. Antlers are bony outgrowths that protrude from the skull and are grown and shed each year. Antlers are the fastest growing tissue in the animal kingdom, growing an average of 1 to 2 inches per week during development. Antlers begin growing in late spring or early summer, at which time they are tender and soft, and covered with a skin known as velvet. This velvet contains a network of blood vessels that nourish the growing bone. By late summer, usually sometime in September, the antlers reach full size, the blood supply diminishes, and the velvet dries, loosens, and falls off. What remains on the bucks' heads are the widely recognized antlers, which are highly prized by some hunters.
Merrick State Park - All trails are in good condition. Panfish are biting. Smallmouth bass and white bass fishing has been excellent. The bright red cardinal flowers are blooming in the south campground.
Perrot State Park - All the trails are in good condition. Fishing is slow and the water level is normal. Summer wildflowers are dominating the park now. The prairie flowers are really blazing with liatris, or blazing star, and coneflowers the stars of the show. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Headquarters and Trempealeau Bay is a terrific place to beat the heat! The Winona Bridge connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota is now open to all vehicle traffic. Pedestrians and bicycles are restricted from using the bridge until further repairs to the walkway are completed.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Enjoy the unique character of remnant prairie habitat along the old railway beds as the prairie flowers are really in bloom.
Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year around on the Buffalo River Trail. Grading has begun on the trail. New surfacing will be laid down between Eleva and Strum - sections may be posted as closed as needed. Check with counties for their trail conditions and opening dates.
400 State Trail – The trail is open between Elroy and Wonewoc (about. 8 miles). The rest of the trail, including the horse trail segment, remains closed. Significant damage to bridges and trail surface between Wonewoc and Reedsburg from June flooding will require time and funding to address.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - The oak ridge section of the All Terrain Vehicle trail is still closed. An early July rainstorm washed out eight culverts on state and county forest land. We hope to have this reopened in a few weeks. Trails were last groomed in early July and are scheduled to be groomed again next week. With increased fuel costs forest crews have had to reduce grooming frequency. Riders should use their headlights at all times as trail visibility can be affected by dust when dry. When travelling on road routes their use is required by law. We also recommend that riders use a dust mask or some sort of breathing protection apparatus. Please help protect the sport of ATVing by riding responsibly and demanding the same of your fellow riders. Please report any inappropriate behavior and remember that it is never ok to travel off the designated trail. Ride safe, enjoy the scenery, and have a great time riding in the state forest and Jackson County.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The open water game fish and panfish action has been good with warm water temperatures. Smallmouth bass have been hitting surface baits. Largemouth bass and northern pike action has been moderate, and there has been good musky action in the area. Catfish were being taken from the upper reaches of the flowage. Species of birds seen or heard include: turkey vultures, rose-breasted grosbeaks, belted kingfishers, ruby throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, a variety of wrens, red polls, bluebirds, lake gulls, golden finches, mallard ducks, common loons, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. Plants blooming in the park include harebell, common milkweed, water smartweed, rabbits foot clover, marsh hedge nettle, wild bergamot, brown eyed Susans, lesser daisy fleabane, the water lilies, some of the aster varieties, orange hawkweed, wild columbine, ox eye daisy, wooly yarrow are flowering. Park trails are generally dry and in very good condition.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – White bass fishing on Castle Rock Lake has been great lately. People have also been catching catfish, walleye and northerns. Visitors have been enjoying the picnic areas and beaches and renting canoes/kayaks. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. Mosquito numbers are still numerous in the park right now and do not want to go away so remember to bring bug spray. Lake breezes kept them away at times at campsites. Biting flies have starting being a nuisance at the park, mainly biting ankles. The deadline for the youth deer hunt has been extended - contact the park office for more information. Remember to secure your food at campsites from all animals. A candlelight hike will be held on August 23. A family concert is at 7 p.m. and the hike starts at 8 p.m. There is still time to get photos for the annual photo contest. Categories are people using the park, open, plants, animals, and one for photographers under 18 yrs old.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Campsites and trails are dry. Trails are in great condition for hiking. Wildflowers are blooming in the prairie. There are many quiet sites available during the week and on the weekend. There are a few mosquitoes so remember your bug spray. If the office is closed, please self-register in the parking lot. Friendship Lake is about 1 mile south of the park and has a nice beach and swimming area. There is still time to get photos for the annual photo contest. Categories are people using the park, open, plants, animals, and one for photographers under 18 yrs old.
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, August 8, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Junior Forest Explorers: Nature's Recyclers. Nature has been recycling for millions of years. Learn what organisms help recycle all the dead stuff of nature. It's sure to be a creepy crawly experience. This fun-filled program is for all 6- to 12-year-old explorers. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Watercoloring Nature. Join local artist Elaine Cregan for this hands-on lesson in watercolor painting. Art supplies will be provided in exchange for a $10 participant fee. You may wish to bring a photo or other object to work from. Meet at the Picnic Shelter. 1-3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, August 8-9, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Smoky Hollow Muzzle Loader Encampment. Visitors to Kohler-Andrae are invited to join camp members as they re-enact life as it was in the early to mid 1800s. Demonstrations and activities happen as interest develops. Spend an hour or the entire day viewing activities reminiscent of the frontier days. South picnic area. Noon-evening Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
• Saturday, August 9, 2008
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Universe in the Park. Learn about the planets, stars and comets. Astronomers will show a slide show and talk about the night sky or recent astronomical news. Then you can look through a telescope to check out the summer night sky! Amphitheater. 8 p.m., sunset.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 - Smokey Bear's Birthday Party. This nature program takes place at the Connors Lake Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
• Hank Aaron State Trail, Milwaukee, (414) 263-8559 - Five-kilometer Run/Walk. Prizes for fastest finishers and prize drawing for all participants. Annual fund-raiser for the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail. Start at Miller Park Klement's Sausage Haus. Registration begins at 7 a.m and the run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Grasshoppers, Beetles, and Bugs ...Oh, My! Did you ever wonder what a grasshopper or beetle looks like under a microscope? Check out a net from the building and then head outside to catch some insects. When you have some critters, bring them inside to look at them under the microscopes. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Outdoor Survivors. Oh no! You find yourself lost in the woods! What are you to do? Learn some simple techniques to help you survive in the outdoors. We will cover emergency shelters, water collection, wild edibles, fire building, and rescue aids. This program is best for people over the age of 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: "Tree"mendous Trees. Trees are the towering giants of the plant world. Stop in to find out how these "tree"mendous plants touch almost all parts of our lives. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m. Night Adventures: Professor Owlbert Eyeshine's. Professor Owlbert Eyeshine (Mike Maher) will lead you on a wacky adventure to discover the world of nocturnal animals. It's sure to be a hoot and a howling good time! This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Wildlife Rehabilitation. Meet representatives of Wildlife of Wisconsin for an interactive and educational program on wildlife rehabilitation. The presentation will include skits, a visit from a live barn owl and time for questions. This will be a great family program. No pets. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Astronomy. Join the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society in discovering the night sky. The program begins with a slideshow featuring images of far away planets and our own solar system. Stargazing through telescopes will follow. Family fun for all ages! Program begins at Amphitheater. Stargazing at another location within the park. 8 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Concert in the Clouds . This concert series is sponsored by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park . Loose Strings will be performing at the Rib Mountain Amphitheater. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: "Tree"mendous Trees. Trees are the towering giants of the plant world. Stop in to find out how these "tree"mendous plants touch almost all parts of our lives. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Universe in the Park. This outreach program by the University of Wisconsin - Madison Astronomy Department will feature an informational presentation and slide show on astronomy, followed by a chance to view the night sky up close through a high powered telescope! Program begins at Amphitheater. Stargazing at another location within the park. 8 p.m.
Monday, August 11, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Buggin' Out. Enjoy nature crafts with volunteer naturalist Kristine Brown. All ages welcome but those 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Outdoor shelter. 10:30 a.m. Rock Collecting For Fun. Join Ed Mindock for a presentation on rock collecting as a hobby. A hands-on approach to beginning and understanding rock collecting and having fun doing it. All ages welcome. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m. Wisconsin's Frogs - Sunset Serenade. Each spring Wisconsin's frogs and toads announce their presence with a musical choir. Learn about these amphibians without tails and the songs they sing. Of the 12 species in Wisconsin, nine live in Sheboygan County. Janet Raddatz will share her knowledge of these special creatures. A great family program. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Junior Rangers: Eight-Legged Hunters. Web weavers, wolf spiders, and daddy longlegs are all eight-legged animals, but they find food in very different ways. Explore the lives of some of these hunters. Concurrent story times concurrently for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents and for primary age children, ages 6-8. These programs are not for day care centers or organizations. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Space Age - 50 Years. Celebrate 50 years of the space age. NASA Solar System Ambassador Kevin Koski will discuss America's efforts to put satellites into orbit and perfect our rockets since we entered the space race against Russia. The video presentation on Explorer 1 will be followed by a question and answer period. Best for age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Nature Poetry for Families. Local poet Gerald Bertsch will present an evening program of his nature poetry. Bring the family and learn to appreciate more deeply the private and public lives of animals. Amphitheater. 7-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 14 - Friday, August 15, 2008
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Aquatic Invaders, Friday - Games. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p.m.
