WDNR Outdoor Report as of July 8, 2010Warm humid weather over the Fourth of July holiday weekend had large numbers of people out enjoying lakes and rivers, and kept most state campgrounds filled. Most of the state continued to receive some rainfall in the last week, ranging from less than half an inch in the southeast, to more than 2 inches in central part of the state.
The continued rain has kept many river systems running high, though rivers in the north are again approaching seasonal norms. Some major flowages in the north have returned to near normal water levels. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage has come up about 2 feet since its low about a month ago, and is now just about 1 foot below full pool. The natural seepage lakes came up some, but many are still very low from the effects of the six-plus years of drought. Major river systems in central and southern Wisconsin, including the Black, Baraboo, Chippewa, Kickapoo and lower Wisconsin were all still running very high this week. The Mississippi also continued to run very high, with a lot of floating debris, except for Pool 6, which is currently undergoing a drawdown intended to improve river habitat.
Most trail systems have recovered from the very heavy rains of late June, but some parks are reporting that mountain bike trails are still closed, so call ahead to confirm trail status. Most of the linear trails on abandoned railroad beds are open and in very good condition, with some exceptional wildflower viewing at this time.
Panfish and musky have been providing the most action on northern waters. Musky activity has continued to improve with the warming water, with good numbers of 32- to 40-inch fish reported. Bucktails and top-water baits have been the most productive lures. Anglers have been reporting decent catches of crappie, bluegill and rock bass. Walleye action continued to be slow. The increased water levels and dark-stained stained water has really thrown bass fishing off, with typical early summer patterns not producing many fish.
On Green Bay, walleye fishing was good in the southern part of bay and northward near Fish Creek. Perch fishing was spotty, with the best reports out of Sturgeon and Little Sturgeon bays. High winds and high waters made fishing on Lake Michigan difficult at times this week. Large capping rollers at 3-5 feet scattered success of boaters fishing a derby out of Manitowoc last weekend. This wind did help drop the surface water temperatures from a warm 62 degrees down to 51 degrees. Fishing off piers was starting to pick up with both chinook and coho salmon being caught. When trollers were able to get out, they generally reported action had slowed some from previous weeks but many were still successful, with chinook being the majority the catch, but also coho as well as rainbow and lake trout. Fishing off southeastern Wisconsin piers and harbors was picking up, with rainbow trout and, chinook, and coho salmon being caught on alewives.
There continue to be reports of many turtles being seen crossing roads. While it is getting late in the turtle nesting season, these turtles may be moving in response to increased water levels on lakes and rivers. If it can be done safely, move turtles off roads in the direction that they were moving to help protect native turtle populations.
Raspberries, mulberries and blackberries continue to ripen and with the bountiful rain recently, it appears to be an excellent crop. However, all the wet conditions have also resulted in a bumper crop of mosquitoes and biting flies, so be sure to pack some repellant if heading out to pick berries.
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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.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Campground and trails are in good condition. The raspberries and blueberries are abundant and starting to ripen. Campsites have been quickly filling up, and reservations are highly recommended. The highs have been in the 80s with the lows in the 50s. The park is located on Madeline Island, approximately 6 miles from the Town of La Pointe. Access to the island is usually done with the use of Madeline Island Ferry Line service. The 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. Contact Madeline Island Ferry lines through the internet at
www.MadFerry.com. Rates and scheduled running times are posted on their website.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail- The trail is in good condition. There has been great wildlife viewing on the trail, as well as an abundance of ever-changing wildflowers. The recent rains brought out good numbers of turtles out on to the trail, enjoying the puddles!
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the warm-humid weather, both recreational boating and fishing activity were very high over the long Fourth of July holiday weekend. Water temperatures have warmed into the low to mid 70s on most lakes and this has made for comfortable swimming conditions and increased fish feeding activity. Water levels on the major flowages in the area are near normal and the water continues to be more darkly stained than normal. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage has come up about 2 feet since its low about a month ago, and is now just about 1 foot below full pool. The natural, or seepage lakes in the area have come up about 4 to 6 inches in water level, but many still remain very low from the effects of the six-plus years of drought. Weed densities have been variable, with some areas showing thicker densities than normal and other areas seeing much lower densities than past years. Stream and river levels are near normal or slightly high following the inch or so of rain in the last week. And watch out for the bugs - the recent rains have provided for a fresh hatch of mosquitoes, deer flies and 'ankle-biters' and all have become a bigger nuisance in the last week. Panfish and musky have been the main species of interest in the last week and success for both has been pretty good. Musky activity has continued to improve with the warming water and most anglers have been reporting some consistent action along weed edges, drop-offs, and in the light density weed beds. Good numbers of musky in the 32- to 40-inch size have been hooked and boated, with a few fish up to 46 inches also reported. Bucktails and top-water baits have been the most productive lures of late. Panfish action has been fairly consistent, with anglers making some decent catches of crappie, bluegill and rock bass. Decent crappie have been found suspended near mid-depth cover and larger bluegill have been caught along deep weed lines. Rock bass have been especially aggressive and been found near any mid-depth wood or rocky cover. Walleye action continued to be slow, with very little success being reported. A few smaller fish have been caught along the weed edges but the walleye anglers have mostly been occupied with rock bass and perch. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been the real bugaboo in the last few weeks and most bass anglers have been having a very tough time finding quality-sized fish. It seems that the increased water levels and dark-stained stained water has really thrown these species into a funk and typical early summer patterns are not producing fish. Some smaller largemouth have been found near wood in thick weed beds and a few have also been caught near cover along bog edges. But many bass anglers have sworn that the quality-size fish have fallen off the face of the earth!? Smallmouth bass have been even tougher to find than largemouth, and many anglers report catching just a few 8 to 12-inch smallmouth when fishing their favorite early summer spots. Finesse tactics with small plastics have produced a few fish near mid-depth woody structure, but like largemouth, quality-size fish have been tough to come by.
Flambeau River State Forest - The North Fork of the Flambeau River is at a normal level, but the South Fork is still on the high side due to the recent rains. ATV trails are open and in good condition. Roads and trail that were previously closed due to washouts are now open.
DNR Northeastern Region
Hot and rainy were the main ingredients for last week?s weather. Most of the boats observed were sun worshipers. Swimming, tubing, and jet skiing dominated the rivers and bay. Most anglers worked their trade in the early morning or evenings.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Fishing for smallmouth and catfish at the Peshtigo Harbor has slowed some but there are still fish to catch. The salmon bite out and around Green Island remains fair to good with most anglers having success around daybreak. Colors and depths vary from day to day.
Oconto County - A few panfish were being caught by the Stiles Dam using worms and bobbers. Pensaukee saw some action for walleyes, with anglers dragging crawler harnesses. Oconto Breakwater walleyes were being taken by anglers drifting over weeds in 10 to 14 feet of water using stick baits and jigging spoons. Oconto Park II shore anglers were still catching some nice bullheads fishing crawlers on bottom. Geano Beach anglers have been tolling for walleyes with some good success, most fishing in 20 feet of water. A crawler harness with some purple in it seems to be the bait of choice.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fox River anglers have been doing well from shore fishing rough fish. Anglers have also been catching some big catfish off of Voyager Park at night. Anglers fishing from boats have been catching some nice walleyes jigging or trolling. Bayshore park anglers have been doing well trolling for walleye. Most have been using a crawler harness. Most anglers have been fishing in 10-20 feet of water.
Manitowoc County - Strong southerly winds at 15-25 mph throughout the week slowed fishing for the Manitowoc Salmon Derby along the lakeshore. Water temperatures remained around 63 degrees offshore but dropped to the upper 50s on July 4, creating improved fishing conditions. Air temperatures remained steady around 80 degrees throughout the week. Large capping rollers at 3-5 feet scattered success of boaters fishing the derby, with a limited number of boats fishing the evening hours. Out of Two Rivers, most anglers concentrated in 40-70 feet of water straight out of Two Rivers ranging all the way north to the lighthouse. Other areas with some success include 120-140 feet outside the trap nets and 25-40 feet north of Two Rivers? north water tower to the lighthouse. The fishing straight out of Manitowoc from 50-80 feet remained the hotspot for boaters during the week. Out of both ports, coolers consisted of mostly chinook salmon with a few small rainbow trout. The tough seas significantly slowed down any steady action for rainbows. Most salmon have been ranging in the 14-17 pound range, with many of the rainbows 5-8 pounds. Using a variety of glow spoon colors on the riggers and dypsy have been good until sun up, then green flasher/fly combos has been hot this last week. Depths on the down riggers have varied from the mid-30s to near bottom depths. Retracting information out of anglers this week was very difficult due to their involvement in the fish derby, but very little has changed over the last few weeks. The pier action slowed down this week, with a few rainbows caught off of Two Rivers using crocodile and cleo casting spoons with no color better than another. The Manitowoc piers had more reports of success, with a small number of kings and rainbows caught. For the salmon, green/silver champs remain the top choice of anglers while using alewife on bottom.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - It was one of the wettest Junes in the last two decades as weather stations in Door County reported over 7.5 inches of rainfall for the month. Inclement weather and some days of high winds were had leading into the Fourth of July holiday, but anglers were still able to utilize the many different fishing niches throughout the county. Salmon and trout fishing slowed somewhat this week with the changing weather conditions. Some spotty thunderstorms, rains, and south winds moved water around the lake and bay causing for some varying water temperatures and fewer fish. Toward the weekend, anglers started reporting good numbers as some of the weather moved out of our area. Most anglers were having success with flasher fly combinations, as well as a handful of different spoons. Fishing out of Gills Rock and near Washington Island really picked up, along with fishing out of Baileys Harbor and Rowley?s Bay. Some fish were seen moving into deeper waters due to the conditions, but moved shallower toward the weekend. Walleye fishing reports have been good, most anglers having luck in the southern part of Green Bay and northward near Fish Creek. Working 15-20 feet of water with husky jerks, stick baits and crawler harnesses have produced some nice fish, mostly working in the upper part of the water column too. Smallmouth bass have moved into the deeper water as well. The bass season around Washington Island is now open and some very nice reports have come from that hot bed area. Working tube jigs over rocky structures has been popular along with using crawlers and leeches as live bait. Perch fishing in the bay continues to be spotty. Anglers working the weed edges and along the shipping channel have found some fish, mostly using minnows and leaf worms suspended near bottom. Sturgeon Bay anglers have been fishing perch in 5-15 feet of water. Most anglers have been struggling to find perch of any size. Minnows and crawlers under slip bobbers seem to be working the best. There have been some reports of a few incidental catches of musky mainly from the perch and bass anglers. Bass fishing has been good with some nice fish being caught up and down the ship cannel. Little Sturgeon Bay anglers have been targeting perch with some success outside of the bay in 15-25 feet of water. Anglers are also finding some perch inside the bay but most have been on the small side. Bass fishing has slowed some but anglers still are finding some nice fish. Anglers at Chaudoir?s Dock have been fishing perch with some good success. The best perch bite has been in the early mornings.
Kewaunee County - The week began with temperatures averaging around the mid to upper 60s and increased toward the end of the week. Unfortunately as the wind increased as the week grew on and caused a few small craft advisories in Kewaunee County during the weekend. This wind did help drop the surface water temperatures from a warm 62 degrees down to 51 degrees and has helped the fishing. Fishing on the Kewaunee pier was starting to pick up with king and coho salmon being caught each day off the end of the pier. The fish were caught on cleos and green spoons. A few steelhead have been caught this week as well but the numbers have been down compared to the last few weeks. The best times to fish were between 10:30 p.m. and midnight. The Kewaunee ramp has seen some on and off fishing this previous week but the fishing in the early part of the week was very successful. It was not uncommon to see boats hauling in limits. The fish seemed to be biting on both flies and spoons with almost any color ranging from purple to blue to green to orange working. The majority of the fish caught were king salmon with a few lake trout being caught as well. There was an increase in Algoma pier fishing pressure toward the beginning of the week but the high winds drove most of the anglers away during the weekend. Most anglers tried their luck with cleos, green, and fire tiger spoons for rainbow trout. Fishing out of the Algoma Ramp was much more successful earlier in the week with the average catch per boat being about 4-5 fish with a few boats limiting out in the morning. There wasn?t one specific color that worked the best but blues and greens seemed to be the most popular choices. The fish caught were found in waters around 90-110 feet and about 50 feet down.
DNR Southeast Region
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All hiking and nature trails are open and in good condition. Yarrow, milkweed, butterfly weed, and orange hawkweed are blooming.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been catching chinook, rainbow, and lake trout. Most fish have been caught in 60 to 100 feet of water, from the surface to 50 feet down. Shore fishing in Sheboygan has been good, with rainbows, chinook, coho, and a few browns caught off both piers. Spoons and alewives have taken the most fish.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found a mixed bag of fish between 50 and 200 feet of water. Good numbers of chinook, coho, rainbows, and a few brown and lake trout have been hitting spoons or flashers and flies, and fish have been throughout the water column. Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching perch on jigs and minnows fished off the harbor side of the pier. Anglers fishing the lake side of the pier have been catching rainbow, chinook, and coho on alewives. Boaters fishing for perch in Port have been catching fair numbers on fathead minnows at the south pier.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers have been catching mostly chinook, along with a few coho and rainbow. Fish have been caught in as little as 40 feet of water or out as far as 120 feet. Spoons have taken the majority of fish, although a few have been caught on flies. The best colors have been blue and white. For shore anglers in Milwaukee, the most consistent spot has been McKinley pier. Chinook have been caught off the pier after dark and before dawn. Most have been taken on alewives, but spoons have started to produce as well. Some perch have also been taken off McKinley pier on small shiners just off the bottom. Boaters launching at Bender Park and fishing for perch have been catching good numbers at the boils off South Milwaukee and near the Oak Creek Power Plant. Small shiners have produced the best.
Racine County - In Racine trollers have been catching good numbers of chinook and a few coho and rainbow. Fish have been near shore, with the best action in 30 to 50 feet of water. Shore fishing in Racine has also been good, with decent numbers of chinook taken off the north pier before sunrise. Both spoons and alewives have taken fish. Perch fishing from shore has slowed, but for those fishing in boats, the perch bite has been fair, with the breakwalls and the bubbler providing good action at times. Minnows and crab tails have both produced, as have jigs.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha the trolling bite remains consistent, with good catches coming from as shallow as 40 feet of water, to as deep as 100 feet. Nearly all methods have produced fish at times. Fishing in the Kenosha harbor has been fair, especially in the evening hours and into the night. Silver & green spoons as well as glow in the dark have been catching fish, as have tube jigs. Most fish have been brown trout, and activity has been good from the Best Western all the way out to the ends of the piers. Perch fishing has been slow from the piers, but better from Southport marina, especially in the early morning hours. Live bait has accounted for a large number of perch. Boats out for perch have been having a good bite in the mornings. Minnows have been the most consistent producer, but others are having luck with jigs and plastic.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Nelson Dewey State Park - The Mississippi River waters are still 5 feet over normal. The debris is heavy in the main channel, so watch out boaters. Several landings are under water. Fishing is slow, due to high water level, but striped bass are being caught at O?Leary Lake.
Wyalusing State Park - Most trails will be wet and muddy due to the recent heavy and constant rain. Sand Cave Trail is temporarily closed because of that rain. The forecast through the weekend is sunny with lower humidity and highs in the mid 80s. If this forecast holds true, the trails should be in good hiking condition and Sand Cave will be opened by the weekend. There is a 30 percent chance of rain on Sunday. Humidity is also expected to drop, making for what appears to be a long overdue perfect weekend for camping, hiking and canoeing at Wyalusing State Park. All reservable campsites are taken for the weekend. As of July 8, there was still a good selection of nonelectric sites, including 5 on the bluff side of the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. This will change as it gets later in the day and people start to arrive for the weekend. Campers are advised to check availability by calling the park at 608-996-2261 before heading to Wyalusing. Birds seen in the park include: great blue heron, trumpeter swan, turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot, sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee, Acadian flycatcher, phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, starling, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow?s sparrow, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, meadowlark, grackle, cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, house finch, goldfinch, house sparrow. Please note: the above list is not a complete list of birds found at Wyalusing, but is a list compiled by Chris West who led a bird walk on May 29. A new addition to this list is the worm-eating warbler spotted on June 17 on Long Valley Road. Flowers in bloom include: white beard tongue, prairie phlox, prairie onion, white indigo, black-eyed susan, pale purple coneflower and coreopsis, purple coneflowers, Joe-Pye-weed, royal catchfly, mallow, orange milkweed and liatris. It is ?alive? with humming birds and butterflies. The humming birds are attracted to the beautiful red catchfly. There will be a Friends of Wyalusing State Park meeting on Monday, July 12 at 6 p.m. in the old park office.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Badger State Trail - Everything is open except for the northern section which is under construction. It is being paved from friend valley parkway north to Fitchburg.
Devils Lake State Park - All campsites were filled for the Fourth of July weekend. Mountain bike trails remain closed due to wet conditions. No swimmers itch has been reported.
New Glarus Woods State Park - The woods are home to blooming wildflowers, with blue birds common. Deer now have fawn, and those can be seen by most visitors. All campgrounds are reserved however group sites are still open but in high demand therefore most likely will fill. Mosquitoes are common in the wooded areas, lots of deer flies.
Yellowstone State Park - There has been lots of boating activity with lots of fishing. As to the type and amount of fish caught, it has been varying sporadically. Surprisingly, mosquitoes and insects of the sort are not a problem due to the parks notable bat population. Certain trails did receive their fair share of damage from recent rains; however that damage has been kept under control. The beach and lake have been used heavily all year and there have not been any reports of swimmers itch to date.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Perrot State Park - The trails are in good condition. Water levels are very low. Fishing is a real challenge and patience is important. The drawdown on Pool 6 is expected to result in the water levels in the bay being about 10-12 inches below normal, once the extra rain waters exit the river system. Thanks to lots and lots of rain, the mosquito hatch is expected to be impressive in the next week or so. Campers are advised to remember their bug spray since there is none to be purchased in Trempealeau. Summer has arrived and the following can be seen in the park: wild quinine, coneflowers, butterfly weed, hoary alyssum, tall beards tongue, large-flowered beards tongue, hoary vervain, prairie larkspur, brown-eyed susans and yarrow. Raspberries and mulberries are ripe all over the park and blackberries aren't far behind.
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. Raspberries, mulberries and blackberries are ripe along the trail for those with sharp eyes! The water levels on the backwaters are very high due to recent rains. Biting flies are out and aggressive on the bike trails and users are encouraged to be prepared.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Recent rains have left trails water logged and muddy. The Kickapoo River is still running high. River conditions are changing daily. Kickapoo River Stage and Flow rates can be accessed at [http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis] .
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. The kid's fishing pond has had many visitors using the new parking lot. Kids have been catching and releasing small bluegills and bass from the pier at the pond. Trails are in great condition for hiking with the warmer weather and many visitors have been camping, picnicking and fishing. There are still some occasional mosquitoes so it is a good idea to bring 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. Butterfly weed, lead plant, goldenrod, and milkweed are blooming in the park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Some coneflowers are beginning to open. The butterfly weed is just showing a little orange on the buds. The stairway up the bluff is closed due to deteriorating lumber. A $354,600 project to replace it has been approved. The petroglyph viewing platform at the base of the mound is still open and several miles of hiking trails are available.
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, July 10, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Swing Band. University of Wisconsin-Platteville 15-student swing band. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - 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 - Star Spangled Butterflies. Following Independence Day weekend, explore some of the beautiful and patriotic butterfly species that live right here in Central Wisconsin (including the highly endangered Karner Blue butterfly), their unique names, and the habitat they call home. Meet at Allen Lake. 10 a.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 chinook- Discovery Saturday: Buggin? Out! What a wonderful time to go in search of insects! Look for the big blue tent where a naturalist will help you get started on catching cool, fascinating bugs! These activities are for everyone! Just drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. 9 a.m. - noon.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 chinook- 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 chinook- Kite Building Workshop. Join in the fun of making and decorating a pocket sled kite during either of the workshop sessions, then head right out to fly the kite. Best for children 12 and under; 4-year olds will need parental help. Cost is $4 per kite kit. Call the park office to register for a session. Vehicle admission sticker required. Meet at the Park Bathhouse. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. History of Kohler-Andrae. Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan is the home of majestic sand dunes, miles of golden beaches, whispering pines and an abundance of wildlife. Learn the history of this park we are so fortunate to have in our backyard in a PowerPoint presentation given by Volunteer Naturalist, Jim Mohr. No pets allowed. Free program, donations accepted. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 chinook- Outdoor Skills Day and Prairie Interpretative Tour chinook. A variety of hands-on skills including fishing, archery, outdoor cooking, shooting sports and nature hikes. Concession stand available. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; prairie tour at 10 a.m.
? Mill Bluff State Park, Camp Douglas, (608) 427-6692 - Universe in the Park Astronomy Program. An Astronomy Program presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Astronomy Department. Watch a slide show and then view astronomical objects through telescopes. Shelter building next to the park office. Sunset. Universe in the Park chinook.
? New Glarus Woods State Park, New Glarus, (608) 527-2335 - Universe in the Park Astronomy Program. An Astronomy Program presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Astronomy Department. Watch a slide show and then view astronomical objects through telescopes. Shelter building next to the park office. Sunset. Universe in the Park chinook.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Batty for Peninsula: 10-11 a.m. Peninsula welcomes Ken and Barb Bowman, founders of Bat Conservation of Wisconsin (
www.batcow.org), a non-profit group dedicated to educating people about Wisconsin's only flying mammals. Learn about bats by seeing a live one up close. Then zip around to bat-themes stations including bat art, bat salad and an active game called bat and moth. Bats! 8:30-9:30 p.m. Welcker's Shelter. The Bowmans will share facts about bats and dispel common myths. Then, we'll watch bats fly from their day-time roost to feast on mosquitoes. Kayak Tour: 10 a.m. - noon. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15/person. Please phone (920) 868-3258 for complete information.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Geocaching. Geocaching combines technology with getting outdoors. The two-hour program will begin with an introduction followed by hands-on experience locating several temporary caches. Geographic positioning system (GPS) units provided. If you choose to use your own unit, please be familiar with its operation. This is a family program ? parents, please accompany your children. Meet at the amphitheater. 10 a.m. - noon. 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 chinook.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Insect Safari. Capture, identify and release some of the park?s insects. Learn how fascinating insects can be! Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association chinook. Visitor Center. 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Milkweed Caf?. Monarch butterflies are not the only ones who need milkweed plants. Explore some milkweed patches to meet the other inhabitants! Visitor Center. 7-8 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 chinook- Big Red Tent ? On the Edge: Invasive. 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. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Astronomy Program. The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present an Astronomy Program at the Huser Astronomy Center. Programs are the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
? Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - Tour of Ancient Aztalan. Take a tour Wisconsin's most important archaeological site. Aztalan showcases an ancient Middle Mississippian village that thrived between AD 1000 and 1300. Sponsored by Friends of Aztalan State Park. 2 p.m.
? La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, (608) 337-4775 chinook- Prairie Walk with Bob Lee. Discover and learn about the native wildflowers and grasses on this abandoned railroad prairie remnant. Wear comfortable walking shoes and other clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat to block the sun. Sponsored by Friends of the La Crosse River State Trail. Meet in Rockland where the trail crosses Commercial Street (County Highway J). 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Animal Quest: Nature Center. Stop by any time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to follow a trail of discovery. Plan on 30 minutes to complete this on-your-own activity. Prizes for trying! Sensational Spiders: 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Guest teachers Lisa and Brianna Laurent will help you understand why these eight-legged critters aren't creepy - they're sensational. Story, craft and spider snack featured. Donations appreciated. 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 chinook.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wildlife Parade of Homes. Meet at the Nature Center before venturing out on the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail to tour the hidden homes of Potawatomi's wildlife. Nature Center. 10 a.m.
Monday, July 12, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Sunsets and Watercolors: Evening.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 1-4 p.m. July?s topic: ?Butterflies.?
? Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 chinook- Preschool Storytime: Green Giants. Hug a tree, rest in the shade, and enjoy the company of some big, green friends. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3 - 5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Junior Rangers: Green Giants. Hug a tree, rest in the shade, and enjoy the company of some big, green friends. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 6-8. Grown-ups are welcome to accompany their children. This program is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 chinook- Kayak Connection. Meet Tom Koeppen and friends from Lakeshore Seakayakers for an introduction to the sport of sea kayaking. This is a dry-class for those ages 10 and older, covering skills, gear, and kayaking groups. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Bear Hunt: 10-11 a.m. Nature Center. Discover the "bear facts" about a favorite Wisconsin mammal. Then, follow clues along a trail that lead you to a special Peninsula teddy bear. $12/bear. Sign-up at Nature Center or phone (920) 854-5976. Watercolor Workshop with Elaine Cregan: 1 - 3 p.m. Weborg Shelter. Watercolor artist Elaine Cregan will teach painting techniques at this inspiring workshop. $10 donation includes watercolor paint and paper for workshop. Limited to 12 participants. Must preregister at Nature Center or by calling (920) 854-5976. Barberry Blitz: 1-2 p.m. Meet at Nature Center. Walk to a black ash swamp (about five minutes) where Japanese Barberry is pushing out native plants. Help pull and cut this noxious weed. Bring work gloves if you have them. Nature Center coupons and pins for those who help.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 chinook- 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.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 chinook- Walk the Park's Woodlands. Hike the Woodlands Dunes Trail with Drew Morris. Learn about tree identity, age of trees and other interesting facts. Family hike. No pets allowed. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Meet at the trailhead near the playground. 10 a.m.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. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Wacky Wednesday - Wisconsin Style: 10 a.m. - noon. Nature Center. Something wacky is going on at the Nature Center. Wear your shirt backwards for a silly prize. Have your fortune told by Madame Bomba. Walk the wacky UnNature Trail to see what doesn't belong. Listen to polka music. Make butter from good old Wisconsin milk. Donations appreciated.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 chinook- Flower Fairies. Drop by the amphitheater to learn about flowers and create a flower fairy to take home. 10 a.m.Big Red Tent ? Up in the Sky: Warblers. 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. 1 - 3 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Snakes Alive. Meet at the Peterson Shelter. 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 chinook- Beach and Dune Walk. Bring the family to hike the Creeping Juniper Trail and explore the flora of the Lake Michigan beach with volunteer naturalist Andrew Morris. No pets allowed. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 9 a.m. Meet the Ranger. Families are encouraged to meet a park ranger to learn about rangers' job in the park and see the equipment they use. Park shelter between sites 13 and 15. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Fabulous Ferns: 9-9:45 a.m. Nature Center. Learn to identify marginal wood, sensitive, bulblet and ostrich ferns. Discover strange facts about these non-flowering plants. Easy walking, about 1/4 mile. Fire Building 101: 11 a.m. - noon. Nature Center. Especially for families, can you build a "one match" fire? Create campfire starters, too, from recycled materials.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 chinook- Trail Workday: Black Trail. Join the Staff and Friends of Whitefish Dunes helping spruce up the trails and control invasives. The work will vary depending upon the trail and trail needs, from mulching to pulling invasives to trimming branches. Children under the ages of 18 are welcome but must work with a parent/adult. Pre-registration not required. Lunch will be provided to pre-registered volunteers, please register at least one day prior. Please dress for the weather (long pants are preferable). We?ll provide the water, gloves and snack. Volunteers for this event will receive a complimentary daily vehicle sticker. Meet at the Nature Center for this volunteer opportunity. 9 - 11:30 a.m. Survivor: Whitefish Dunes. You and your family are lost in the forest! Can you make the best decisions to make it home safe? Join the naturalist for this engaging game to prepare for the unexpected. Meet at the amphitheater. 10 a.m. Big Red Tent ? Up in the Sky: Shorebirds. 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.
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/
