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.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - NatureMapping: Mammals. Help us keep track of the critters here at Havenwoods using NatureMapping. We?ll spend the first part inside finding out about what mammals live at Havenwoods. Then, we?ll spend sometime outside looking searching for signs of mammals. The final part will be inside learning how to use the NatureMapping site to record our findings. Please dress for the weather, since a portion of this program will be outside. This program is geared for adults and kids 7 and up. 10 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Lapham Peak Unit, Delafield, (262) 594-6200 - Lapham Loppet Ski Races. 4.5 K Jr High/High School Meet, 11K Lapham Loppet Freestyle Ski Race and FREE Laddie & Lassie Fun Ski Kids race for K-6th, 2 course options by ability. Sponsored by the Friends of Lapham Peak. See the friends Web site [www.laphampeakfriends.org] (exit DNR) for details (click on calendar of events). On site registration begins at 8 a.m., races begin at 10:30 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Palmyra, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike the 1.4-mile purple loop through the woods that will be illuminated by 450 candles! No hills and no spills! The Nordic Trail is on County Highway H about 3 miles south of Palmyra and 1.5 miles north of La Grange. Ski rentals are available in La Grange and the store will donate $2 per ski rental for next year's event. Hot beverages and food will be available for sale in a heated shelter. A bonfire and charcoal will also be available, so bring your marshmallows and food you would like to cook. Dogs are allowed on the ski trail for this event only. A Wisconsin State Park sticker is required on all vehicles. Nordic Shelter. 6-9 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920)868-3258 - Winter Birds at Peninsula. Discover the needs and adaptations of park birds, including chickadees and woodpeckers. Weather permitting, try feeding chickadees by hand. Nature center. 11-11:45 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please call to preregister. Event is weather dependent. Meet at Shelter 1. 9-11 a.m. Owl Prowl. Join us for this annual event to discover why owls are perfect night hunters. Dress for the weather because we will be outside in search for these predators. Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive. 8:30-10 p.m.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Preschool Storytime: We Dig Groundhogs. What animal digs big holes, eats all summer, and sleeps all winter? If you guessed a groundhog, you're right! Come find out about these furry sleepers. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. It is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents. Then a short activity will reinforce the story's nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally lasts 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.
Friday, January 29, 2010
? Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 or e-mail - Snowshoeing by Moonlight. Join naturalists Rod Gont and Frank Lowly as they lead one or two-hour snowshoe hikes by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve snowshoes. There's no charge, but donations are accepted. Warming fires will be going and hot chocolate and hot water are available. Meet at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Reserve Unit Visitor Center. 6:30 p.m.
? Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (715) 232-2652 - Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe. Enjoy a lighted trail, hot chocolate and a warming fire at the Menomonie Depot Visitor Center. Limited ski rentals will be available through Stout Adventures; contact Tim Mertz (715) 232-5190 for availability. Snowshoes will be provided by the Menomonie School District at no cost. 6-9 p.m.
