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, June 12, 2009
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Detectives: Discovering Secrets--Junior Forest Explorers. We'll hone our detective skills to help us discover some of the secrets of nature from unraveling tracking stories to uncovering hidden animal homes and mysterious patterns. This program is based on the activities found in the new Wisconsin Explorers booklets. This fun-filled program is for all 6- to 12-year-olds. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Walk The Park's Woodlands. Hike the Woodlands Dunes Trail with Drew Morris. Learn about tree identity, age of trees and other interesting facts. Family hike. No pets allowed. Free Programs. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at trailhead near the playground. 10 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-597 or e-mail - Tin Can Bird Feeder. Learn "bird brain" facts about common Peninsula birds then craft a bird feeder from recycled materials. $2 donation/feeder. Nature Center. 10-11 a.m.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Feathers, Leaves, Petals and Ice. A discovery hike along the Oak Ridge and Ice Age Trails. Meet across from the Group Camp entrance. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Discovery Saturday: Life as a Toad. Could you survive as a toad? Come play our toad survival game and make a toad house to take home with you. These activities are for everyone! Just drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. No admission sticker required. Adult Program: Wild Walk. Need a good excuse to get outside? Join the Havenwoods staff each month to see what's growing or moving around Havenwoods. As we walk the trails, we'll keep track of the flowers that are in bloom and record what animals or animal signs we see. Meet at the education Come dressed for natural adventure and meet at the Education Center. 10-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Pondering the Potholes and Other Glacial Wonders. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike on the Pothole Trail and learn about the unique geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign.. 4 p.m. Hike to the Summit. Meet the naturalist for a hike up to the summit. Learn fascinating facts about the history and geology of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign. 7 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature Program: Canoe a Kettle. No, we don't mean a cooking kettle, but a glacial kettle, Mauthe Lake. Basic canoe instructions will be provided before we paddle our way around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. Call by June 12 to register. Limit 24 to 30 people without equipment. No experience is necessary. The program is best for families/groups with children over the age of 8 years. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Tree Houses for Wildlife. Trees provide homes to many different animals. Learn what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots of forest and city trees. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in any time 1-4 p.m. Wildlife of Wisconsin - Natural History and Current Status. Wisconsin is home to many different amazing and unique wildlife species. Through the use of non-releasable educational animals, Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center staff will share how we humans can to better coexist with our wild neighbors. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - 400 Years Of Astronomy. Celebrate International Year of Astronomy with Kevin Koski of Rustic Skies Astronomy for the DVD presentation of 400 Years of Astronomy. Learn about Galileo, his first telescope and the next 400 years. See a replica of a Galileo telescope. Sponsored by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 2 - 3:30 p.m. Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January 2007, Tom Brown started on a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Join him for an evening of fun as he talks about the experience of long distance hiking which will include slides and a display of equipment needed to attempt his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Free program, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Wolves of Wisconsin. Join Michelle Hefty, Manager of Newport State Park, for this program about wolves. You will learn the differences between wolves, coyotes, and dogs. Also, learn the current status of wolves in Wisconsin, and specifically Door County. Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m. Track Casts. Hey Kids, find out how to figure out all those tracks you see along the trails .You'll make a plaster track cast to take home too! Parents, please accompany and assist small children. Campground Shelter. 4 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Fishing Clinic for Kids. Kids under 16, bring an adult and learn fishing basics from the warden then try to catch your own fish. Please pre-register, space is limited. Call (262) 878-5600. Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Whose Ribbit Is It? Discover how and why frogs sing and which ones live at the park. Take an evening hike to listen for a frog chorus. Visitor Center. 8-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Snapshot or Photograph. Things to think about before you click the shutter-- some basic tips to help beginners take better photos. Allen Lake fishing dock, or in case of inclement weather, Hellestad house. 10 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Drop In at the Beach: Tree Houses for Wildlife. Trees provide homes to many different animals. Learn what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots of forest and city trees. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time noon-3 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Chipmunk Cafeterias and Other Animal Signs. Wild animals are shy, but we can find plenty of signs that they are living in Potawatomi's forests. You'll search for salamander bunkers, woodpecker apartments, and chipmunk cafeterias during this fun hike along Potawatomi's Nature Trail. The trail is easy with some slight inclines. Meet at the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trailhead. 10 a.m.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Junior Rangers: Diggin' Dirt. Turn over a shovelful of dirt and you will find all kinds of things! We'll discover worms, sand, dead leaves, tiny insects, and other things that make up the soil. This program is for primary age children, ages 6-8, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required. Preschool Storytime: Diggin' Dirt. Turn over a shovelful of dirt and you will find all kinds of things! We'll discover worms, sand, dead leaves, tiny insects, and other things that make up the soil. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Solar System Hike. Join Solar System Ambassador Kevin Koski on a hike of our solar system. Learn fun and fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system. Hike is best for those ages 8 and up. Please wear comfortable shoes to hike on the beach. No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a short hike up the valley and take a trip back in time. Meet at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking lot. 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
• 'Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalists Julie Fox and Barb Walker will share a story and activity with preschool through kindergarten children and their parents. The short activity after the story will reinforce the story's 'nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally will last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the participants. 10 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Great Lakes Sport Fishing. Hear a member of the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen speak on salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The presentation will include the history of salmon fishing, information on the five species in Lake Michigan and a display of tackle and gear used for this sport. Free program. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent - Flower Power. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Each week focuses on a different theme. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
