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, May 28, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Incredible Eagles: 10 - 10:45 a.m. Nature Center. At this program, families will learn three amazing facts about Bald Eagles. Then, they will create eagle art to keep. Smokey Bear will be greeting campers at various Peninsula "hot spots" to share is fire safety message. Late afternoon, evening.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
? Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slideshow presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 Edible and Medicinal Plant Hike. Hike around the park with the naturalist and identify and sample different edible plants and medicinal plants found in Wisconsin. Meet at the campground amphitheater. 2 p.m. Evening Bird Hike. Join the naturalist for a sunset stroll and some bird watching. Hike will lead through the forest as well as the field, so there will be lots to see! Meet at the campground amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Wildflower Walk. Wildflower Walks with Naturalist Ron Kurowski will be every Saturday from April 17 to June 5. Meet at the forest headquarters on Highway 59 at 10 a.m. Be prepared to carpool to the hike location. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Some sites may be muddy. The hike will last about 1.5 to 2 hours.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Wolves of Wisconsin. Learn about wolf ecology, population, management issues, field study techniques and more from Richard Stoelb, a Volunteer Carnivore Tracker and member of Timberwolf Information Network. Bring the family. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Sense of Wonder Walk: On-your-own. Walk the 1/2 mile White Cedar Nature Trail, which starts right at the Nature Center, to learn about the life of an environmental hero, Rachel Carson. Brief quotes and facts about Carson's life will be posted along the trail. Flower Fairies and Leaf Warriors: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Take a short walk with the naturalist to discover Peninsula's blooming wonders. Then craft a flower or leaf buddy to keep out of recycled beads, pipe cleaners and silk petals. Wildflower Walk: 1 - 2 p.m. Meet at Tennison Campground playground. Flower facts and folklore featured on this easy walk. Lady's-slippers, Canada Mayflowers and other blossoms featured. Weed Warriors Unite: 4 - 5 p.m. Meet at Nicolet Beach playground. Garlic mustard, an invasive plant, is pushing beautiful flowers and trees out of the way. We need kids to help pull it. We'll show you how and reward you with nature center coupons and cool pins as a thank you. Smokey Bear on Patrol: This evening, the world's most famous bear will be cruising the campgrounds sharing his fire safety message.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wildflower Walk. Enjoy a peaceful walk and find out the interesting stories that Potawatomi's spring wildflowers have to tell. Easy walking, with slight inclines. Meet at the Campground Shelter. 4 p.m. Who Gives a Hoot . . . Owls of Potawatomi State Park. Discover the fun and fascinating adaptations of owls and learn to hoot like one too! Campground shelteer. 7 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Tree-rific Art. Drop in anytime between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to create several fun art projects that celebrate trees! Appropriate for all age groups. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the Visitor Center. Intro to the NEW Wisconsin Explorer Program. Kids, bring an adult to participate in this fun, redesigned nature program. Learn how you can earn a colorful patch! Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Amphitheater. 1-2 p.m. Coyote Neighbors. Coyotes are amazing! Learn how they survive and how you can live alongside them. We?ll also go outside to try and call them. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Visitor Center. 8-9 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Edible Plant Hike. See the plants we?ll eat tonight and many more ?incredible edibles?. Meet at Point Lookout. 10 a.m. Indian Mound Walk. Find out about the residents on this land before settlement. Meet at the Passenger Pigeon Monument. 1 p.m. Geology Hike. Try out the new Sand Cave Trail and learn about the Earth History of the Park. Meet at the old park office. 3 p.m. Evening Program: Julian Wild, the Fern Chef. Find out how to cook edible wild plants that are delicious, nutritious, and best of all free! Meet at Peterson Shelter. 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Lime Kiln and Niagara Escarpment Hike. Join the Naturalist and celebrate the Year of the Niagara Escarpment on a hike along the escarpment to learn about the varied history of this magnificent geologic feature. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park [exit DNR]. Meet at the Lime Kiln Ruins. 1-3 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slideshow presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Sorry, no pets are allowed at the Upper Picnic Area. 9 p.m. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Morning at Weborg Point: 8 - 9 a.m. Meet at Weborg Shelter. Park at Weborg day use lot. Which warblers are sticking around to nest? Can we spot orioles and grosbeaks? How about lake iris, a federally threatened plant? Bring binoculars if you have them. Arrowhead Necklaces: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. While supplies last. Learn about Simon Kahquados, a Potawatomi chief buried at Peninsula. Then bead an arrowhead necklace to keep. Suggested donation per arrowhead is $1. Naturalist at Eagle Tower: Stop by the tower any time from 1 - 2:30 p.m. to have your questions answered by the park naturalist. Naturalist Bike Ride: 4 - 5:15 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center. We'll pedal Peninsula's back roads, watching for deer and learning to identify trees. Fair weather only. Campfire Talk: 8 - 9 p.m. Nature Center. Discover amazing facts about Peninsula wildlife, learn why DNR foresters are concerned about Peninsula's woodlands. Bonus: Any family who shares a joke or a story will receive a special prize.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wildflower Walk. Enjoy a peaceful walk and find out the interesting stories that Potawatomi's spring wildflowers have to tell. Easy walking, with slight inclines. Meet at the Campground Shelter. 10 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Nature Ramble. Put on your boots and bring your curiosity to ramble, explore and discover nature with the naturalist. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Whose Ribbit is it? Discover how and why frogs sing. Learn to identify frogs that live in the park then hike in the twilight to enjoy a frog chorus. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Visitor Center. 7:30 ? 9 p.m. Pancake Breakfast. Don?t feel like cooking today? Drop in at this tasty breakfast brought to you by the Friend?s group. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and beverages for only $6/adult and $3/child. All funds raised will be used to refill the wildlife refuge. Tickets available beginning May 1. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at Parking Lot E. 7:30 a.m. to Noon.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Bird Walk. The trees are alive with the sound of bird songs. See what makes Wyalusing such a birding ?hot spot?. Meet at the Tennis Court. 7 a.m. Spring Wildflower Hike. See the beauty and smell the fragrance of spring ephemerals while they?re here. Meet at the old park office. 10 a.m. Forest Ecology Walk. Get answers to many of your questions about trees and forests plus a whole lot more. Meet at Point Lookout. 1 p.m. Wyalusing History Drive. Visit the car accessible sites important to Wyalusing?s history in a new program led by an old character. Meet at Point Lookout. 3 p.m.
Monday, May 31, 2010
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Beautiful Bluebirds. Stop by the Nature Center between 10 a.m. and noon to chat with local Bluebird expert, Fred Craig, about housing and providing for Bluebirds. Mr. Craig has been involved in award-winning Bluebird conservation efforts and is incredibly knowledgeable about how to attract and help Bluebirds. He will have a variety of bird houses on display, as well as a wealth of information to share. Bring your questions and get them answered!
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Toadally Cool. Discover what makes toads so cool then search for toads outside. You can also make a toad house to take home for only $3. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Meet the Ranger. Visit with a ranger to see what their job is like. Check out the equipment they use and the squad. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Beach Playground. 1-1:30 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Bird Walk. Anything this good is worth doing again. Maybe we?ll even beat Sunday?s outing. Meet at the Tennis Court. 7 a.m. Cliff Ecology Hike. We?ll take a last look from the bluff before we look at the bluff during a hike that?s short on distance, but long on interest. Meet at Point Lookout. 10 a.m.
