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, February 13, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturdays: Indoor Campout. Winter is a great time to go camping - indoors! Come inside to play and explore our indoor campsite. These activities are for everyone! Just drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. No admission sticker required.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Candlelight Night. Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails. Come when you can, ski at your own pace on the Skyline Cross-Country Ski Trail (intermediate level). Snowshoers will discover the winter solitude of forest and field (snowshoes are available for use free of charge for ages 6 and up). Both trails begin at the Ice Age Center. Beginning at the Camp Interstate Shelter, walk by candlelight beside the St. Croix River. There will be warming fires at the trailheads and refreshments available at the new addition to the Ice Age Center. 6-9 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Learn to Ice Fish. Learn the tricks of winter fishing with some experienced ice anglers. We will start inside the warmed Mauthe Lake picnic shelter for a presentation on safety tips and appropriate gear and tackle. Then it's off to Mauthe Lake to try our best at luring those fish out of the water. Equipment, tackle and bait will be provided. This program is best for people over 6 years old. Call by February 10 to register. Special surprises await all who preregister. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 - Valentine Candlelight Ski and Hike. Celebrate Valentines Day a bit early while enjoying the winter wonderland at night with family and friends. Ski or hike the 2-mile cross-country trail lit by almost 200 tiki torches. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets, snowshoes or sleds allowed. Cross-country ski trail. 6-9 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Ski along 2 miles of trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. Warm up by the bonfire when you are finished and enjoy refreshments sold by the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on the cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski/hike. Enjoy a hike, a heated shelter, bonfire, refreshments, and live music. 6-9 p.m.
? Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 - Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Ski, hike or snowshoe an easy, 1-mile trail lit by homemade candles. Bonfire, lit grills, fireplace and refreshments will greet attendees at the end of the trail. Meet at the Fern/Europe Bay trailhead at the picnic area in parking lot #3. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
? Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike along the Peshtigo River by candlelight. A two-mile trail will be lit for both classical and skating styles. Non-skiers can try an easy one-mile hiking trail. Warming fires and hot chocolate will be available. Spring Rapids Trailhead. Follow County Road W 5 miles west of Crivitz to Kirby Lake Lane. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
? Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - 21st Annual Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe. The lighted trail starts near the beach at the main parking lot. Popcorn and warm beverages will be available in the warming shelter with a big bonfire outside and a fireplace inside. The Northern Cross Science Foundation will set up telescopes to provide star viewing and instructions. The event is free, but a state park vehicle sticker is required for parking. Trail passes for skiing are not required for this event. Sponsored by the Friends of Pike Lake [exit DNR]. 6-9 p.m.
? Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Candlelight Snowshoe. Snowshoe the trails at Rib Mountain State Park by candlelight. Snowshoe rentals, hot chocolate and other goodies will be available. For more information, call Nancy at (715) 359-9166. Sponsored by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park [exit DNR]. 6-8 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville - Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Help at our workday! You may come for the whole time, for several hours, for one workday or for all of them. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Please stop at the office when you arrive and you will get a free daily pass for your vehicle. Make sure you dress to be outside working. 9-11 a.m. (262) 878-5607 Return to Romance. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, a bonfire, live music, fine desserts and warm drinks with your special someone(s). Please call to preregister and prepay the $5/adult and $1/child fees. Don't wait; this program fills fast! Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the visitor center. 7-9 p.m. (262) 878-5600.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - 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.
