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 19, 2009
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Snakes and Lizards from Around the World. Stop by and visit with Naturalist Barb Walker and learn more about some of the most fascinating and feared creatures on earth. Meet Copper, our own resident fox snake and Jade, an iguana from the tropical jungles of South America. Ice Age Center. 3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: a Tale of a Tree's Life. Join us as we spin a tale of a tree's life from seed to rotting log. We'll even head to the woods to visit some trees and find out their stories. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Night Hike: Fading into Darkness. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring insect repellent and sense of adventure. The theme for this hike is night lights. Long Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 8:30-10 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Kayak Tour. Paddle Peninsula's incredible coast, learning about geology and history. Must pre-register at Nature Center (920) 854-5976. Children under age 16 must be in a kayak with an adult. $15 plus tax rental payable at Nicolet Boat Rental, with $4 donation going to park education. 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Arrowhead Necklaces. Nature Center. Did you know a Potawatomi Chief is buried at Peninsula? Do you know about his people, the People of the Fire? Learn about First Nations of Door County then bead an arrowhead necklace to take home. Suggested donation $1/arrowhead. 10 - 11 a.m. Centennial Exhibit - Anderson Museum. Celebrations start with the opening reception of a historical exhibit featuring Peninsula State Park. This event is free and open to the public. Contact: Ephraim Foundation (920) 854-9688 for more information. 4 - 6 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Flower Fairies. 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. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access.. 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
• Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-HURT (-4878) - Horribly Hilly Hundreds Bicycle Challenge Ride. Weave in and out of valleys untouched by the glacial activity that left most of the upper Midwest flat. Two challenging options await the cycling enthusiast, 100 and 200 kilometers. Sponsored by Friends of Blue Mound State Park.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Bees. When we think of bees, we think of honey. Drop in and do some honey taste-testing, learn how bees find flowers, play in a giant beehive, and much more! You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - All Around Lake O’ the Dalles. Join Naturalist Julie Fox for a 1-mile walk around scenic Lake O’the Dalles and discover what makes the lake unique and learn about the flora and fauna that live there. Meet at the lake side of the Beach House. 1 p.m. Molten Lava and Melted Ice: The Gee Whiz Geology of Interstate Park. Join the naturalist for a relaxing hike on the Pothole Trail while learning about the unique geology of Interstate State Park. Pothole Trail sign. 3 p.m. Twilight Paddle: The Summer Solstice. Meet National Park Ranger Dale Cox to embark on a 6.5-mile paddle to observe the river at twilight in the spring. The summer solstice marks the first day of summer and was perhaps the first seasonal event to be celebrated. Participants must provide their own canoe/kayak and other gear, including a personal floatation device which must be worn at all times while on the river. Rentals and shuttle services are available through area outfitters licensed by the National Park Service. The program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information contact the St. Croix River Visitor Center at (715) 483-2274. Meet at the Wisconsin Interstate St. Croix River landing. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Sssssnakes! Slithering across the ground with their tongues flicking, snakes arouse our curiosity or sometimes our fears. Uncover some truly astonishing facts about these legless reptiles and the habitats where they live to gain an appreciation of their role in nature. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Summer Sun Celebration. Celebrate the sun reaching its annual zenith. Discover what work the sun can do for us from cooking food to powering a car or flashlight. Create a special solar piece of art. Try some sun experiments and maybe even get a peek of the sun through a solar scope. There will be something for everyone. Just keep those sunny thoughts. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Drop in any time 1-4 p.m. Twilight Paddle. Join us for an evening canoe trip around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. As we paddle, we will keep our eyes and ears open for evening birds and other wildlife. Call by June 19 to register. Limit: 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. Basic canoe skills will be covered. No experience is necessary. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This program is best for adults and children over the age of 8 years. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or (262) 594-6220 - Kenny Lonnquist's Father's Day Concert. Join us for one of Wisconsin State Parks' favorite performers for a night of song, laughter, and reflection. Kenny sings about the environment, loveable creatures such as bats and alligators, and other topics. Don't miss this evening of excellent family fun! Regular park entrance fees apply; donations for the Kettle Moraine Natural History Association will be collected during intermission. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine Natural History Association. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater, or in case of rain, DJ Mackie Picnic Shelter..7 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join Joe and Mary Glover to learn to read the night sky without a telescope. After class move outdoors to test your skills. Bring a chair or blanket and flashlights, and remember to dress for lakeside weather. No pets allowed. The program is free, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8 p.m. Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Come hike with John Johnston to search for these unique and interesting plants found at Kohler-Andrae and learn about their uses. Wear comfortable shoes. Hike will last about an hour. Free program, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the closed gate west of the camp host site. 2 p.m. 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.
• New Glarus Woods State Park, Wausau, (608) 527-2335 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW-Madison Astronomy Department for a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy and recent news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will have telescopes set up outside for park visitors to view whatever astronomical objects are available. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. 8:45 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Chasing Summer Birds. Meet at Weborg Shelter. Birds are nesting, but we may still spot killdeer, redstarts and indigo buntings. Bring binoculars if you have them. 8 - 9 a.m. Flashing Fireflies. Nature Center. Firefly story, facts and glow stick craft. $1/glow stick. 10 - 11 a.m. Kids Unite-Weed Warriors. Meet at Tennison Playground. Pull garlic mustard, earn Nature Center coupons. 4 - 5 p.m. Evening Program: Enjoy the fireworks!
• Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-0560, ext. 204 - Making Tracks for the Arts. Run or walk 2 miles through the great outdoors on a challenging single-loop course while supporting the local Schauer Arts and Activities Center. Fees are $25 for ages 18 and up, $12 for 13-17, $7 for 12 and under. Fee includes day park sticker, goody bag, and T-shirt. Hope Zvara of Copper Tree Wellness Studio will lead yoga stretching for runners from 9 to 9:15 and family yoga from 9:30 to 9:40 a.m. Sponsored by West Bend - A Mutual Insurance Company, Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home, Rueben’s County Market, and West Bend Clinic/Froedtert & Community Health, with media support from The Booster and WTKM.. Register at the beach. Register starting at 7 a.m., run/walk starts at 8. Also 1K fun run/walk for ages 12 and under at 9 a.m., Kids' fun 8:15-8:45 a.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Banana Boats and Apple Barrels. You are invited to make and taste some campfire desserts and even grab a few recipes to make your camping trip even tastier! Please bring any campfire cooking tips you would like to share, along with your appetite! Picnic Area. 7 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Concert in the Clouds. The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park sponsor the summer Concert in the Clouds series [exit DNR]. Randy Sabien and Corey Carlson will be performing in the park amphitheater. 6 p.m. Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Leather Treasure Boxes. Make a great little round leather box to store your treasures. Sewing or lacing experience helpful. Space is limited; please call ahead. For ages 10 to adult, adults must accompany children. Fee is $5, payable at the door. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Celebrate the Solstice! Learn how others have celebrated the solstice through the years then do some of your own celebrating as you hike. Amphitheater. 8-9 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Plant Invaders. 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. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access.. 1-3 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Guided Canoe Trip. Take a guided canoe trip through the backwaters of the Mississippi River, led by former Park Ranger, Bruce Klang. Sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing. Arrange for canoe rental at the concession if needed. Meet at the boat landing. 9 a.m. Bruce will also lead an Introduction to Fishing program at 1 p.m. at the boat landing.
• Yellowstone Lake State Park, Blanchardville, (608) 523-4427 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW-Madison Astronomy Department for a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy and recent news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will have telescopes set up outside for park visitors to view whatever astronomical objects are available. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. 8:45 p.m.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
• Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - Summer Solstice Party. Guest speaker Bill Iseminger of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois will talk about the importance of the sun in the religion of the Mississippian and Aztalan people. Food and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Aztalan. There is no fee for this event, but a park admission sticker is required. 6 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Summer Sun Celebration. Come celebrate the sun reaching its annual zenith. Discover what work the sun can do for us from cooking food to powering a car or flashlight. Create a special solar piece of art. Try some sun experiments and maybe even get a peek of the sun through a solar scope. There will be something for everyone. Just keep those sunny thoughts. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time noon - 3 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Dad Rocks! Nature Center. Story and craft (a paperweight present for your #1 Pop). 10 - 11:30 a.m. Snakes Alive. Nature Center. See a live snake, learn how it survives, then sew up a snake from a colorful necktie and a recycled hanger. 1 - 2 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Camping With Dogs. Camping is a family experience and your four-legged family members can have a great time camping too. You'll learn tips to make camping with your dog a treat rather than a trauma. Come and meet Strickeen, the famous camping beagle. Children, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. Amphitheater. 10 a.m.
Monday, June 22, 2009
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Eagle Trail. Meet at Eagle Tower. Hike Peninsula's most spectacular trail, learning about park geology and forests along the way. Two miles. Difficult. 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Mystery Critter. Stop by the Nature Center any time to identify a Mystery Critter. Campfire. Nature Center. The dynamic duo is back - Charlie and Don! Crazy songs and terrific stories promise fun for all ages! 8 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - 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. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Bear Hunt. Special Guest Ms. MacReady will share bear stories. Then families will be given five clues that lead them to their very own teddy bears. $12/bear. Limited to ten families. Must pre-register at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Kids Unite-Weed Warriors. Meet at Tennison Playground. Pull garlic mustard, earn Nature Center coupons. 4 - 5 p.m. World Premier: Sunsets & S'Mores. American Folklore Theatre presents a special show celebrating Peninsula's centennial year. Smokey Bear will shake paws with kids before the show. 6:30 start.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Hike to Horizon Rock. Meet the naturalist for a short hike to Horizon Rock, appropriately named because of the incredible view. Horizon Rock Trail sign across from the Pothole Trail. 2 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join Joe and Mary Glover to learn to read the night sky without a telescope. After class move outdoors to test your skills. Bring a chair or blanket and flashlights, and remember to dress for lakeside weather. No pets allowed. The program is free, but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Timberdoodle Talk. Nature Center. See this stuffed game bird up close and learn about its amazing adaptation. 10 - 10:30 a.m. Bug Mobiles. Nature Center. Take a break from the beach to learn about insects. Then craft a mobile from recycled egg cartons, pipe cleaners and googly eyes. 1 - 2 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Nature Painting. Join Artist Elaine Cregan for an afternoon of water coloring in Nature. Adults can learn basic techniques while enjoying the natural beauty of Whitefish Dunes. Call by August 24 to reserve a spot, but if there is space, walk-ins will be welcome. $10 charge for materials. We suggested that you bring a nature photo or object. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. Shelter. 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo (608) 356-8301 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW-Madison Astronomy Department for a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy and recent news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will have telescopes set up outside for park visitors to view whatever astronomical objects are available. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the park amphitheater in the Northern Lights Campground. 8:45 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - 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.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Canoe Adventure. Venture with us by canoe around Mauthe Lake and up part of the Milwaukee River. Get a close look at a flood-plain forest and tamarack swamp. Basic canoe skills will be covered. Call by June 23 to register. Limit: 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. No experience necessary. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 6:30-8:30 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.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. , Bug Woman Takes a Dip. DNR Entomologist Linda Williams will venture to a wetland to teach us about aquatic insects. Contact the Nature Center for more information. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Bat Watch! Meet at Welcker's Shelter. Discover amazing bat facts, then watch them fly from their day time roost to feast on mosquitoes. 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Nest Builders. 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. Will be canceled of rain or lightening. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. On the beach by the second access. 1-3 p.m.
