Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of June 17, 2010The entire state continued to receive rainfall in the last week, ranging from half an inch to 2 inches in some areas. Many river systems across the state continue to run at or above their seasonal normal flows, making for some excellent paddling conditions for canoeists and kayakers.
Despite the recent rain, state parks have been reporting many campgrounds filling up on weekends. The heavy rains in southern Wisconsin earlier this week led to flash flooding at Devil's Lake State Park, causing water to build up throughout the north and south shore day use areas and some campgrounds. People visiting Wisconsin state park and forest campgrounds this summer should be aware of a new rule that requires any firewood brought onto properties come from no father than 25 miles away. This rule is in place to limit the movement of firewood to reduce the chance of spreading emerald ash borer and other forest pests. Visitors to state parks also have more opportunities to learn about the night sky as there will be 46 Universe in the Park programs held at 24 different parks through the summer and early fall.
The wet weather of the last week reduced fishing pressure somewhat, but many anglers continue to head out when conditions allowed. Both bass and musky anglers were out in good numbers on northern lakes. Walleye fishing continued to be erratic as the mayfly hatch continued. The bass harvest season opens this Saturday in the northern zone, and fisheries managers say bass fishing opportunities have never been better, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass populations booming in northern and particularly northwestern Wisconsin.
Fox River anglers have been catching a few musky in the river. Anglers have been doing well trolling lower Green Bay for walleyes. Perch anglers have been having limited success from Bayshore Park up to Chaudoir?s Dock. Bass anglers were having good success especially around Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon Bay. Success has continued to improve week by week for trollers on Lake Michigan, with boaters averaging five to seven fish and some boats coming in with four or five person limits. Chinook salmon continue to dominate the catch, but coho, steelhead and some lake trout are also being reported. Action was also good for trollers out of southeastern ports, with a mixed bag of chinook, coho, rainbows, and a lake trout reported. Shore fishing at harbors and piers was picking up at Port Washington, Racine and Kenosha for brown trout, and some coho and steelhead reported.
White-tailed deer fawn numbers are now probably near their peak, and wildlife managers continue to receive reports of abandoned fawns. In most cases fawns are not abandoned. Fawns do not typically travel with does for the first several weeks of their lives. The does leave them in protected sites and return when safe to care for them. If you see a fawn, leave it alone, leave the area, and its mother will return to care for it. There have also been reports of abundant cotton-tailed rabbits and their associated nuisance problems. Wild turkey and pheasant broods are beginning to show up. Many songbirds are now fledging their first broods and some are working on their second.
Roadsides are quite colorful with the variety of flowers blooming, including buttercup, birds-foot trefoil, daisy, orange hawkweed, solomon's seal, harebells, hoary puccoons, spiderwort, and columbines. Blue and yellow flag iris are also visible in the wet areas.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
Statewide Birding Report
Nesting season is in full swing. Many broods are out and about in the wetlands. Many songbirds are now fledging their first broods and some are working on their second.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The roadsides are quite colorful with the variety of flowers blooming. Buttercup, birds-foot trefoil, daisy, orange hawkweed, and the garden variety lupine are the most obvious at this time. Blue and yellow flag iris are also visible in the wet areas. Also along the roadways, turtles are laying eggs on warm, sunny evenings. The month of June is their peak nesting month. Several turtles have been hit recently...drivers should be on the lookout when coming up on wetlands and rivers. If seen crossing the road, motorists are encouraged to move the turtle across the road in the direction that they were traveling (as long as the traffic conditions are safe). With the Fourth of July coming up the Brule River State Forest wishes to remind people that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests. Sparklers are ok to use but anything that goes "boom", is self propelled, or has flames coming out is considered illegal. This law is in effect to protect the fireworks users, other recreationists, and the natural resources. The Brule Archery Club is once again hosting a summer league at the Afterhours Archery Trail located on the Brule River State Forest. This informal archery league is for beginners and experts alike, and can be shot at whatever time and day is convenient to you. 3D targets will be placed on the course on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. till dark for those who wish to shoot these 3D targets. June 17 will be the start of the 2010 league. For information on the Brule Archery Club call the Brule River State Forest office at 372-5678.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Trails are in great shape. The highs have been in the lower 60s with the lows dropping down to the upper 40s. There have been numerous sightings of black bears on the island, which is typical for this time of the year. There are plenty of fawns out. The blueberries are coming in early this year. Campsites have been filling up quickly, and reservations are highly recommended. Big Bay State Park is located on Madeline Island, approximately 6 miles from the Town of La Pointe. Access to the island and the park are usually done with the use of Madeline Island Ferry Line service. Ferries depart from Bayfield and carry passengers and vehicles of all sizes. They run 7 days per week. The frequency varies depending on the time of year. Rates and scheduled running times are posted on their website [http://www.MadFerry.com].
Copper Falls State Park - Recent rainfall has made water levels on the Bad River rise making waterfall viewing prime at this time. Over 2 inches of rain has fallen over the last few days. Newborn whitetail deer fawns are being spotted throughout the park. Park visitors are remained that although many times it appears that newborn fawns have been abandoned, their mother is usually not too far away and fawns should be left alone. The busy camping season has arrived and campers are encouraged to make a reservation by calling 1-888-947-2757. Copper Falls State Park's campgrounds are very popular throughout the summer months. Campers are also reminded that firewood restrictions have changed from 50 miles to 25 miles from the park. Firewood is available at the Park for those needing wood for a campfire.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - The trail has been graded; with recent rain dust, conditions have been minimized. Fawns and turkey chicks have been observed.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Flambeau River State Forest - Paddlers are reporting good paddling on both the north and the south forks of the Flambeau River. Recent rains have brought the water level up considerably. Milkweed is starting to form flowers If you look close you may even discover a monarch caterpillar on one. Monarch butterflies are making their appearance along with baby robins, fawns and turtles are on the move.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Fawns have been seen throughout the park, and a black bear has visited the park on several occasions. The park has kayak?s and canoe?s for rent. They are $15 for a half of a day and $25 for a whole day.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
With cooler temperatures and rain, fishing pressure the last week has been light. Water temperatures at the landings have risen to a balmy 70 degrees.
Marinette County - The Peshtigo Harbor area is giving up some nice catfish along with the occasional sheepshead and smallmouth bass. The big news is the bay continues to produce some nice King salmon in the 10- to 12-pound range in 50 to 70 feet of water 40 feet down. Colors to try, purples and pinks.
Oconto County - With the Oconto River on the rise, fishing seems to have suffered a bit. A few small perch and some 2- to 3-pound catfish are being caught from the Municipal Landing. Oconto Park II is reporting a few walleye being taken in 8 to 12 feet of water with crawler/harness, purple and pearl have been hot colors
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Lower Green Bay anglers have been trolling for walleyes with a crawler harness and have been doing well; most have been fishing in 10 to 20 feet of water. With the rough weather over the last week the bite has slowed a bit. Anglers have also been fishing perch from Bayshore Park up to Chaudoir?s Dock with limited success. Fox River anglers have been catching a few musky in the river. Most anglers have been targeting walleye and bass are having some good success. Anglers fishing from shore have been catching a lot of rough fish.
Manitowoc County - Heavy rains during the week turned into great fishing weather by the weekend with light winds and temperatures around 70 degrees. Water temperatures rose slightly in the area ranging from 57-59 degrees. Angler success has continued to improve week by week, with boaters averaging five to seven fish and some boats coming in with four or five person limits. Chinook salmon continue to dominate most coolers, but several nice rainbows in the 10- to 12-pound range have been consistently caught. Out of Two Rivers, Angling success has been concentrated in the 60 to 100 foot range north of the trap nets to the lighthouse. Those fishing straight out of Manitowoc and south of Manitowoc in 100-125 feet had the most luck during the week. Coolers consisted mostly of chinook salmon, with a few nice rainbow trout mixed in. Blue flasher/aqua fly, green dodger/green fly combinations, and green glow spoons have been successful with more fish coming on pump handles and dypsies. Green pro kings and various color spoons with a purple ladder also had success. The large rainbows have been caught deep north of Two Rivers, coming 40-60 feet down on down riggers and lead core. Out of Manitowoc, the rainbows have been taken on surface lines using orange and green spoon combinations. Anglers looking to go out north of Two Rivers should watch out for the crane wreck in the 60-65 foot range just south of the lighthouse. This wreck is marked with a white buoy.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The second week of June brought happiness to farmers in the area and tough conditions for anglers as some wet weather was had in Door County, along with some decent thunderstorms. The rain was spotty all week and into the weekend, but anglers were still seen targeting good catches of salmon and trout. The somewhat needed rain compensated for relatively dry conditions up until this point. Salmon fishing has continued to be steady and productive with many nice coolers coming in off the lake. Fishing out of Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, and Rowley?s Bay has been successful for sometime now, with more anglers starting to get out on the big pond. Flasher and fly combinations have been consistent, however anglers have also reported success with spoons. Working anywhere between 60-150 feet of water has produced the best catches, with some rainbows still being taken in the upper part of the water column. Fishing on the Green Bay side has also picked up with some decent catches being reported out of Ellison Bay and Gills Rock. One fisherman stated, ?Paying attention to natural signs around you is helpful,? in regards to seeing diving terns picking alewife out of the top water area, and switching the lures and depths he was working. Smallmouth bass fishing pressure has reduced somewhat, with perch anglers quickly taking their place. Some decent catches of perch have been reported in the bay, with some wall hangers in the mix. Working the edges of the shipping channel and Dunlap?s Reef have been common spots for anglers using minnows suspended near the bottom. On an exciting note, musky fishing in the area has been producing some nice fish. Five reported legal fish have been caught and released in the last week, and a few others just below legal have been seen throughout the bay. Bucktails have been the hot ticket, and most anglers admit that it didn?t take 10,000 casts. Little Sturgeon Bay anglers have been finding great success on smallmouth bass in and around the bay. Most are using tubes in a brown or white color. Also a few largemouth have been caught as well. Walleye anglers continue to have some decent action around Henderson point during low light conditions. A few perch have been caught as well with most being small in size. Sturgeon Bay anglers fishing for bass have been finding some good success with some big bass being caught in Sawyer Harbor. Those that have been targeting walleye have been trolling the ship channel and finding some fish with crank baits and crawler harnesses. Also 0a few perch are being caught on night crawlers.
Kewaunee County - The week began with great fishing weather with relative low winds and partly sunny skies. This unfortunately didn?t last as the clouds began to roll in on Wednesday and the rain followed starting on Friday. The weather during the weekend was sporadic rains with increasing winds that limited some of the boats that able to launch. The Kewaunee ramp was again a very successful location for trout and salmon anglers this week. The action was hot all week but slowed down on Saturday and Sunday. Many boats hit their limits of fish on Friday and Saturday with some large fish being brought in. The majority of the fish being caught have been chinook salmon but just below half the fish being caught have been lake trout. A few coho salmon and steelhead have been hooked as well. The most successful depths seem to range from 60-100 feet with the fish striking around 40 feet down. There hasn?t been one specific color that has been more successful than others this week. A lot of people have been trying their luck at the Kewaunee pier this week and have seen some increased success. Some nice sized brown trout and rainbow trout have been caught on spoons near the lighthouse. In Algoma, steelhead action on the pier continued this week with steelhead being taken on fire tiger colored spoons. A few brown trout were also caught this week with fire tiger spoons as well. The Algoma ramp saw a lot of fish being caught between Monday and Friday with many boats filling their limits. Unfortunately Saturday and Sunday were not as productive as boats had trouble landing more than 2-3 fish a boat. The fish being caught were mostly chinook salmon and were caught in waters with depths ranging from 60-110 feet.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been catching chinook, coho, and rainbow trout. Fish have been caught from 40 to 65 feet of water or from 80 to 130 feet of water. Spoons or flashers and flies fished 20 to 50 feet down have been productive. Fishing from the piers in Sheboygan has picked up. Rainbow and chinook have been caught off the north pier at dusk, and off the south pier in the mornings. Spoons and alewives have both taken fish.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found a mixed bag of fish between 65 and 120 feet of water. Decent numbers of chinook, coho, rainbows, and a few lake trout have been hitting flashers and flies or spoons fished anywhere between the surface and 70 feet down. Shore anglers in Port Washington have taken a few chinook off the pier on alewives and a couple of rainbow near the power plant.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers have been catching decent numbers of coho and chinook, along with a few rainbow and lake trout. Orange dodgers coupled with blue or green flies have taken the majority of fish. The most consistent depths have been 110 to 150 feet of water. Overall, Milwaukee shore fishing remains slow but some coho and rainbow have been taken off McKinley pier. Live alewives fished on the bottom have produced the most.
Racine County - In Racine trollers have been catching decent numbers of coho as well increasing numbers of chinook. Most fish are still being caught in 50 feet of water or less. Dodgers and flies continue to produce fish, but spoons are starting to take a larger percentage as well. Fishing has picked up for pier anglers in Racine. A few coho have been taken in the early mornings, and brown and rainbow trout have been caught throughout the day. All fish have been hitting silver spoons fished in the top half of the water column.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers have been finding fish in a variety of depth ranges, from 50 feet of water as well as 100 to 120 feet. Trollers continue to catch mostly coho, but larger numbers of chinook and rainbow have been caught as well. Dodger and fly combinations have been productive, but spoons have been catching a fair number of fish also. Fishing from shore in Kenosha has been improving, with brown trout biting in the harbor in the early morning hours. Silver and chartreuse spoons and white tube jigs have both produced.
DNR South Central Region
No reports.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Recent heavy rains have risen river levels and the Mississippi and St Croix are on the rise and fairly muddy in color. The Rush River is high and muddy, but should be dropping quickly. The Kinnickinnic is higher, but fishable. Panfish action on area Lakes has slowed somewhat, but nice catches have been seen on Lakes Menomin, Baldwin Pine, Cedar and Squaw Lakes. Sauger and walleye are still providing good action trolling on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River below Redwing Minn. Bass action is good everywhere.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
The public is reporting many deer fawn observations throughout the area. Fawns do not typically travel with does for the first several weeks of their lives. Does are very protective of their fawns and tend to be intolerant of other adult does during the majority of the summer. By autumn, does become less protective of their fawns and will associate with offspring of the previous year and other family groups. The public is also reporting an abundance of cotton-tailed rabbits and their associated nuisance problems. Keep your eyes open for wild turkey and pheasant broods, which will be showing up soon if they have not already. Hayfields are especially good areas to spot these animals.
Perrot State Park - Summer has arrived and the following can be seen in the park: Water levels are low for this time of year and fishing is slow. The trails are in good condition. Wild strawberries have fruit. Puccoons, spiderwort, bluets, white wild indigo, wild quinine, coneflowers, butterfly weed, hoary alyssum, tall beardtongue, large-flowered beardtongue, hoary vervain, prairie larkspur, and yarrow are blooming. On Saturday, June 19 at 7 p.m. there will be a program on the Mississippi River Valley, a Personal Story: join Chloris Lowe, a member of the Sky Clan of the sovereign Ho-Chunk Nation, as he shares a brief history of this small part of the Mississippi River Valley. Following the indoor presentation, everyone is invited to join him for a walk to nearby Mounds. People of all ages and abilities are invited to attend.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. Turtles are frequently seen sunning themselves below the bridges and warblers are hiding along the edges of the trail. Bikers are treated to the smells of bouncing bet and honeysuckles while enjoying the colors of solomon's seal, violets, harebells, puccoons, spiderwort, indigos, and columbines.
Crawford County ?
The Mississippi River has been on the rise slightly this week. Rain in the upper basin has been working its way down. The river stage was at 8.19 feet at Mc Gregor on Monday. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for a slow rise to around 8.6 feet, baring any more heavy rain. The Kickapoo River is up a little from last week. The river stage in Gays Mills and Steuben is at 6.9 and 7.28 respectively. The Wisconsin River has been up and down quite a bit this week. The river stage in Muscoda was 2.37 feet. Historically the Wisconsin River fluctuates a few inches per day under normal flow. Canoers and kayakers who spend the night camping on the Wisconsin River must make sure they secure their watercraft so it doesn?t drift away over night. Local trout streams are at normal flow. Water clarity is very good, with a few exceptions, on all waterways. Some of the back waters on the Mississippi River are a bit murky primarily due to algae and carp action. Fishing activity remains pretty good.
Prairie du Chien Area?s Lower bottoms and Ambro Slough Complex:
Anglers have been finding pretty decent bluegill action in the backwaters or in sloughs with light current. Some anglers are starting to find bluegills in back water snags and on wing dams or shallower (approx 6 to 12 foot) flats on the main river. Horseshoe Lake was producing some bluegill and crappie along with a few perch. Garnet Lake?s action was similar to Horseshoe Lake. Much of the backwaters in the ?lower bottoms? are filling up with weeds. The Upper and Lower Doubles, Big and Little Missouri, and Fish Lake have all been producing bluegills but action has been very spotty and the fish running on the small size. Most anglers are using a chunk of night crawler for bait. Perch action has been spotty throughout the area. Some are finding decent sized perch in the 10 to 12 inch range, but you?ll have to look hard for them. Check for perch along or in deeper weed lines. Walleye anglers are starting to target the wing dams on the main channel in the Prairie du Chien area. Also look for walleyes on the Roseau Slough. Walleyes have been hitting crank baits and night crawlers. Large and small mouth bass have been active throughout the area. Some anglers have been looking for crappies in the snags in backwater sloughs. Crappie action has been spotty so far.
Cold Spring:
The Cold Spring area continues to be slow. Better fishing exists on the other side (west side) of the railroad tracks on the Mississippi River. Walleye and small mouth and large mouth bass are being taken on live bait and crank baits. Anglers venturing out to the Deer Island complex have found bass and walleyes at the upper and lower ends of Deer Island. Boat operators are reminded that the Cold Spring area is a slow-no-wake area. Also, Cold Spring (east of the railroad tracks) is considered inland waters.
Mississippi River:
Walleye and sauger action was pretty good this week. The Lynxville dam area and the McDonald cut were producing some walleye and sauger. Wing dams along the main channel have been pretty good. Walleye tactics include dead lining, drifting with jig and night crawlers, trolling crank baits, or anchoring above a wing dam and working live or artificial baits. Another place to check for walleyes is the ?S? curve by Harpers Ferry. Walleye activity has been decent there. Anglers fishing at the mouth of the Wisconsin River have had limited success. Fishing for catfish, both channel and flathead, has been pretty good. Catfish prefer night crawlers or stink bait while flatheads prefer live bait. Sheepshead are very active and can be caught on a variety of baits. Sheepshead are found throughout the river system. There has been some bluegill action starting on the wing dams and along the shorelines. If the water level rises much more, action might change. But for now, deadline or drift the flats with a piece of night crawlers. Trout anglers are finding that local streams are in good shape. Trout anglers will find insect pests and shoreline vegetation might cause some problems. Even so, trout fishing conditions are very good and action has been good. Gnats, deer flies, horse flies and mosquitoes are out. Poison ivy, parsnip and stinging nettle are also out. Black bear sightings have been on the increase in Crawford County. A dozen or more sighting have been reported in the past couple weeks. Area residents should not be overly concerned, however pet food, garbage cans and bird feeders should be secured or removed so the bears don?t make a habit of returning to those areas.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Many visitors have been enjoying the warm weather swimming at the beach. People have been catching fish from the pier and at their campsites. Trails are in great condition for hiking with the warmer weather and many visitors have been camping, picnicking and fishing. GPS units are available to checkout at the park office. Mosquitoes have hatched so remember to bring your bug spray. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent - check at park office for fees and to rent them. An accessible kayak and beach wheelchair is available for persons with disabilities to use for free - ask at the park office.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Some coneflowers are just beginning to open. The butterfly weed is just showing a little orange on the buds. The stairway up the bluff is closed permanently due to deteriorating lumber. A $354,600 project to replace it has been approved. We expect to seek bids for the project sometime this year. The petroglyph viewing platform at the base of the mound is still open and several miles of hiking trails are available. Universe in the Park is this Saturday, June 19. Meet at the Kiosk Shelter at 8:30 pm.
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 18, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Sing-along with the Madison Folk Music Society. Sing fun songs with the Folk Music Society who provide song books, song leaders and instrumental accompaniment. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Molten Lava and Melted Ice. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike around the Pothole Trail and learn about the gee-whiz geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 3 p.m. Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Bat Story and Craft. Nature Center. Listen to the story Bats at the Beach then create a bat to keep. Learn where you can see bats at Peninsula, too. 10 - 10:45 a.m. Kayak Tour. A naturalist-led paddle along Peninsula?s incredible coast with basic paddle instruction, geology, and park history. Preregister at Nature Center. Ages 16 and younger must be in a kayak with an adult. Rental fee $15 (+ tax), which includes $5 donation to Nature Center. Meet at Nicolet Beach. Weather permitting. 10 a.m. ? noon.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 Painting Nature. Join Artist Elaine Cregan for an afternoon of water coloring in Nature. Learn basic techniques while enjoying the natural beauty of Whitefish Dunes. Pre-registration by June 16 to reserve your spot is strongly suggested but walk-ins are welcome. $10 charge for materials. Suggested to bring a nature photo or object. This adult class begins in the shelter building. Big Red Tent ?Up in the Sky: Butterfly. Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - ?Camp We-Kan-Tak-It? A musical comedy about life in Wisconsin?s Civilian Conservation Corps, an original multi-media production based on 1930?s CCC camp newspapers. Limited seating, $5 tickets available at the Devil?s Lake Visitor Center. Program in the outdoor amphitheater in the Northern Lights Campground (weather permitting, cancelled in case of rain). 7:30 p.m. Big Band Concert. Enjoy the music! Listen and dance to the sound of live bands; the Hal Edwards Orchestra or the Summer Wind Band, in the historic north shore Chateau overlooking beautiful Devil?s Lake. Admission is $5 per person. 7:30 ? 10:30 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - What's On My Line?Ever pull up your fishing line and find something bizarre on your hook, or catch an animal that looks more alien than fish or reptile? Find out what that animal might be, why it's there, and what it can tell you about the water you're fishing in! Meet at the amphitheater by Hartman Lake Shelter Building. 10 a.m. Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. June';s topic: ?Who, besides fish, live in Allen Lake??
? Interstate State Park , St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Paul Bunyan, Log Jams, and River Rats. Join Naturalist Julie Fox for a hike up to the summit and hear colorful stories of lumberjacks and white pine. Meet at the Summit Ridge Rock Trail sign. 4 p.m. Wisconsin?s Logging Days. Join Naturalist Julie Fox for a lively and informative program about some of the colorful people of our past who shaped this area?s future. Ice Age Center. 7:30 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Beetles. Did you know there are 30,000 species of beetles in North America? Make your own beetle to take home, learn about Wisconsin beetles, discover what makes beetles different from other insects, 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.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 Passport to Nature. Join the park naturalist for some fun exploration in the Quarry Pond. This little oasis in the middle of the old Limestone quarry is a great place to see wildlife as well as catch frogs, salamanders, pollywogs, and lots of neat insects. Some equipment will be provided by the park, so bring a net if you have one. Make sure to bring clothes and shoes that can get wet. Fun for kids of all ages, see you there! Program will begin at the Effigy Mound Parking Lot. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park [exit DNR]. 4-5 p.m. 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.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get some expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area and Long Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Join park volunteers for an outdoor cooking demonstration using recipes from the park cookbook "Cooking with Friends". This will be a great opportunity to pick up some tips and gather ides for your next camping trip or cookout. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Amphitheater. Noon-1:30 p.m. Universe in the Park. The Astronomy Dept of UW-Madison begins their session with a 20-30 minute talk and slide presentation covering a broad overview of astronomy or recent astronomical news. At the conclusion of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will go outdoors to set up telescopes and provide park visitors the opportunity to view whatever astronomical objects are available. Question and answer period takes place around the telescope. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 8:45 p.m.
? Military Ridge State Trail, Riley, (608) 437-7393 - Trail Hike with Meg Skinner. Join Meg as she explores the geological, cultural, and natural history of the Riley area and Aldo Leopold?s Game Cooperative. The hike will include the natural springs, the turtle pond, and other special stops. Meg offers a wonderful interpretive discussion on the snapping turtles, eastern painted turtles, and Blanding?s turtles that frequent the turtle pond. Meet at the DNR parking lot in Riley, just west of Verona on County Highway J. If you bring your bicycle, Meg may treat you to a trip to the Observation Deck for a close up view of the Sugar River and the surrounding wetlands. Free Program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail [exit DNR]. 10-11 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Eagle Trail Hike. 10-11:30 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. Celebrate the Year of the Niagara Escarpment by hiking Peninsula's most spectacular trail. Discover Peninsula's amazing geology and history. About two miles. Difficult. Pack a snack for a rest stop along the way. Tower Talk. Stop by Eagle Tower from 1-2 p.m. to have your questions answered by the park naturalist.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - The Mississippi River Valley: A Personal Story. Join Chloris Lowe, a member of the Sky Clan of the sovereign Ho-Chunk Nation, as he shares with us a brief history of this small part of the Mississippi River Valley. After his indoor presentation, everyone is invited to join him for a walk to nearby mounds. People of all ages and abilities are invited to attend. 7 p.m.
? Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Dog Hike. Our volunteer naturalist will lead a hike about dogs, coyotes, and wolves Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on this hike. Rain date is Saturday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. Meet at the nature trail parking area off of Powder Hill Road. 11:30 a.m.
? Potowatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Become a Wisconsin Explorer. Start the weekend off by being one of the first to grab a copy of the NEW Wisconsin Explorer booklets. We'll do one of the fun activities and show you how to earn a collectable state symbol patch! Nature Center. 4 p.m.Potawatomi's Scaley and Slimey Critters. Find out what makes snakes slither and toads croak at this program for the entire family. You'll even get to meet a few of the park's scaley and slimey critters! Campground Shelter. 7 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 339-6881 - Universe in the Park. Meet astronomy students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. View a slide show and learn about current space events. Then check out the night sky with a telescope. Kiosk Shelter. 8 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ?Up in the Sky: Flies. Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 1-3 p.m.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Snakes Alive. Tom Kessenich presents a fascinating display of live snakes common to southern Wisconsin. Every one present has the opportunity to touch a few of these snakes. 8 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Nature's Pincushion. 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Discover the prickly world of porcupines. Craft one to keep! Wildflower Basics. 1-2 p.m. Nature Center. Designed especially for older kids and adults, this program features flower nomenclature, identification, and folklore. A short walk in the nearby woods will be included.
? Potowatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Scaley and Slimey Drop-In Activities. Create creature crafts and discover some wild facts about Potawatomi's reptile and amphibian residents. Come and go as you like. Nature Center. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
? Straight Lake State Park, Luck, (715) 483-3747 - Summer Outdoor Family Adventure: Just Take a Hike! Discover the wildflowers, wildlife and unique features of Straight Lake State Park on a leisurely walk this Father?s Day. 4-5:30 p.m.
Monday, June 21, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Campground Program. 4 p.m. Campfire! 8 - 9 p.m. Nature Center. Native American legends and favorite songs featured at this family campfire. Peninsula is thrilled to welcome back Charlie Dickson and Don Makuen. Don't miss it!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 1-4 p.m. June?s topic: ?Who, besides fish, live in Allen Lake??
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - FrogWatch Survey. Naturalist led survey of frog species. Learn how to identify frogs by their call and help collect data that will be added to a national database. Get directly involved in the effort to conserve and protect our amphibian friends. Meet at the High Cliff office. After sunset, call the office for details.
? 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 - Weed Warriors. 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Havenwoods Birding Walk. Join the Havenwoods Birding Group for our weekly birding walk. We'll hike through fields, forests, and wetlands in search of birds. No experience is necessary. Please ask at the front desk if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars. 8-9:30 a.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) -483-3747 - Watchable Wildlife Around Lake O? the Dalles. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a 1-mile hike around Lake O? the Dalles. Discover what makes the lake unique and watch for signs of wildlife that live there. Meet on the lake side of the Beach House. 2 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Afternoon at the Movies. Children ages 4-10 are invited to join us for a children's nature movie. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Hemlock Trail. Meet at Weborg day use parking lot. We'll watch for Canada Mayflowers and Sarsaparilla on this 1 1/2 mile walk. Park ecology featured, too. 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - 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 slide show presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) -483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox and Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Movie Night at the Park. Join us for the first showing of our new DVD entitled "A Loon Story". Bring the family; children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free program, donations accepted. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Rock and Roll. Nature Center. Join the park naturalist for a talk about Peninsula's Niagara Escarpment, a globally significant feature that is the "backbone" of the park. An optional fossil hunt for kids will follow with fossil replicas kids can clean and keep. $1 fossil suggested donation. 11-11:30 a.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ? Under the Water: Fish. Join the naturalist for fun in the sun under the tent. Discover nature, check out a beach toy, and learn something new. Programs begin on the hour and involve a craft and educational activity. Event will be canceled of rain or lightening. Theme and date are subject to change without notice. Beach. 1-3 p.m.
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/
