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, July 3, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 -The Skinny about Skins. Critter coverings ? they come in the form of feathers, fur, scales and more. Meet Naturalist Barb Walker and Copper, our resident fox snake, and see examples of how amazing and different critter coverings can be. Ice Age Center. 2 p.m. Hike to the Summit. Join the naturalist for a hike to the summit and learn fascinating facts about the history and geology of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River. Summit Rock Trail sign. 4 p.m. Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night. Owls are among the most successful predators of the night because of their wonderful adaptations. Learn all about them with Naturalist Barb Walker and her live owl Aztec. Park Amphitheater behind the beach parking lot. 7 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Totally Cool Toads. Toads are cool from their fast-flicking tongues to their warty bumps! Don't miss this chance to meet a toad nose to nose. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 am 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 your insect repellent and sense of adventure. The theme for this hike is nocturnal mammals. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Zillmer Trails. 8:30-10 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Hard Rock History Hike. Geology hike with Jim Haasis. Hike around Big Manitou Falls. 7 p.m. Night Hike. Intermediate No-Lights Night Hike with Park Naturalist Jim Craig. Introduction to the night as wildlife experience it. 9:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Kayak Tour (tentative): 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. Red, White and Blue Morning. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Flag raising. Gettysburg Address by Charles Dickson. Crafts and much more. Plus Shine Your Lincoln Pennies!
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wisconsin Explorer Activity. Start the weekend off by being one of the first to nab a copy of the New Wisconsin Explorer booklets. We'll do one of the funtastic activities and show you how to earn a collectable state symbol patch! Ages 5 and up. Campground Shelter Building. 7 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - Wisconsin Uniqueness. 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.
Saturday, July 4, 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.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 -Wisconsin Explorer. Meet the naturalist and receive free booklets and guidance for fun activities for parents and their children ages 3 through 12. Amphitheater behind the beach parking lot. 2 p.m. The Secrets of Eagle Peak. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a hike up the trail to learn the secrets of the peak and see a beautiful view of the St. Croix River Valley. Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp. 4 p.m. A Billion Years on the Pothole Trail. Join the naturalist for a hike back in time to see the geological wonders created over the last billion years. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 7 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Ice Age at the Beach. The glaciers have returned to Mauthe Lake! Discover how the glaciers created kames, eskers, kettles, and moraines through some fun hands-on activities. Be prepared to get a little wet. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. 9:30-11 a.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Aliens of Interfalls Lake with Park Naturalist Jim Craig. Capture andexamine the darting creatures of the park lake. 1 p.m. Compass Geocache. Orienteer to the treasure! with Park Naturalist Jim Craig. Limit 10 people. Sign-up in the office. 2:30 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Tower Talk. Start the 4th of July out on top of the world (or at least on top of the peninsula)! Check out the view from the Park's observation tower and you'll get a peak at what there is to see as you travel around the Door County peninsula. Observation Tower. 10 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Butterfly Neighbors. Capture, identify and release some winged jewels. Learn which butterflies call the park home. Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m. Meet the Ranger. Learn about a park ranger's job first-hand. Discover what equipment they use and visit the squad car. Beach Playground. 1-1:30 p.m. Old-Fashioned Campfire. Come on down for songs, stories and old-fashioned fun. You bring the marshmallows, we'll have the sticks! You'll still have time to go see fireworks! Amphitheater. 6-7 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent - State Symbols. 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.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - A Different Pace: The St. Croix by Kayak. Discover a different way to experience the river?s pace, slough, and backwaters as National Park Ranger Caroline Stedman shares the basics of kayaking, a mode of transportation that has over 4,000 years of history. Those interested will have an opportunity to try their hand at paddling a kayak around the lake?s beach area. For more information contact the St. Croix River Visitor Center at (715) 483-2274. Meet at Lake O? the Dalles beach. 11 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Water Wonders. Dive into the wonders of water. Try your hand at some wild and wet experiments to discover the amazing properties of water. You will also uncover how plants and animals use these properties to survive. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Sponsored by Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Drop in any time noon - 3 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Mysterious Loons. Intriguing highlights about this unique bird by Park Naturalist Jim Craig. Nature Center. 7 p.m. Shepherd?s View. Introduction to the night sky by Park Naturalist Jim Craig. Bring blankets and binoculars. Nature Center. 9:45 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Ancient Shoreline Hike. Enjoy a peaceful walk along Potawatomi's nature trail with out Park Naturalist. You'll stand on top of two ancient shorelines, peek into woodpecker holes, and uncover some salamander hideaways. Trail conditions are gravel surfacing, slight inclines. Ancient Shorelines Nature Trailhead. 10 a.m.
Monday, July 6, 2009
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Figure Out Feathers. Youngsters ages 6-8 working toward their Explorer patch are invited to join volunteer Paula Olig on a hike to find and identify feathers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet outside Sanderling Nature Center. 9:30 a.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Wild Talking Birds by Park Naturalist Jim Craig. English phrases to identify local birds. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Bear Hunt: Nature Center. Learn about Door County bears. Then find five clues that lead you to your very own teddy bear. $12/bear. Limited bears available; please pre-register at (920) 854-5976. 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. Hello Smokey Bear: Nature Center. Shake paws with the most famous bear in the world! 11 - 11:30 a.m. Kids Unite: Weed Warriors: Meet at Tennison Playground. Pull garlic mustard, earn Nature Center coupons. 4 - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House Open. Hellestad House. 1-4 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Twilight Paddle: The Full Thunder Moon. Meet National Park Ranger Dale Cox and embark on a 6.5-mile paddle to observe the river and learn about the special nature of this protected area. 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. 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 call Dale Cox at (715) 483-2274. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Wisconsin Interstate Park to Osceola Landing.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Blood Thirsty Critters by Park Naturalist Jim Craig. Ticks, mosquitoes, flies, leeches presentation. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Happy Birthday Peninsula! Nature Center. Join us for a turtle-themed birthday bash that celebrates Peninsula's 100th year. Meet Atlantis the Red-eared Slider, craft a turtle to keep, and play party games. Fun! 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Adopt a Highway. Help pick up litter on the highway in front of the park. All materials supplied, must be at least 12 years old. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Family Fun: Dragons and Damsels. Meet Naturalist Julie Fox and learn about nature?s helicopters! Lake side of the Beach House. 10 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Meet The Ranger. Families are encouraged to meet a park ranger to learn about a ranger's job in the park and see the equipment they use. Park shelter between sites 13 and 15. Begins 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976. - Naturalists on WDOR 93.7 FM: Tune your radio dial to this local station to hear all the latest centennial news - and have your nature questions answered! Watercolor Workshop with Elaine Cregan: Weborg Shelter. Whether you want to know the basics, or are interested in refining your technique, this watercolor workshop is for you. A donation of $10 will cover the cost of watercolor paint, brushes and paper. Register at Nature Center (920) 854-5976. Best for ages seven and older. 1 - 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
? 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 - Outdoor Adventure: Birding by Ear. "Konk-la-ree!" What bird said that? We'll traverse the fields and forests to find just what birds are singing. Tricks and tips to identifying birds by their songs and calls will be shared. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool to several different sites within the forest. 6:30-8 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111 - Meet Mrs. Martin Pattison with Rachel Martin. Hear the story of the Pattisons by a charming lady in period costume. 7 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent: Aquatic 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.
