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, August 13, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Family Fun: Snakes! Meet Naturalist Barb Walker and our fox snake, Copper, learn some fascinating facts about snakes, and take home a crafted snake of your own. Lake side of the beach house. 3 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6220 - Animals by Sight, Sound, and Sign. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Chief Kahquados Morning: 10a.m. - 11 Noon. Nature Center. Did you know there is a Potawatomi Chief buried at Peninsula? Discover his story and learn about the Potawatomi Nation. Then you'll have the chance to bead an arrowhead (replica) necklace ($1 donation/arrowhead), try playing a Native American game of chance, and even cook Indian fry bread on a tin can. Calling all young camper volunteers to help with this program! 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 - Become a Wisconsin Explorer. Learn how to become a Wisconsin Explorer and how to earn a cool state symbol patch. We'll take a hike along the Ancient Shorelines Nature Trail too. Meet at the Nature Center. 4 p.m.
? Rock Island State Park, Washington Island, (920) 847-2235 - 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 .
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Meet the Mammals. Explore the wonders of Wisconsin porcupines. Join the naturalist for this hands-on experience. Amphitheater 10-11 a.m. Big Red Tent ? On Wisconsin: Bee. 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.
? Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - 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 .
Saturday, August 14, 2010
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - The McDougals. Contemporary and folk music at its best along with good humor and guitar playing. Amphitheater. 8 p.m.
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Batty about Bats. These flying creatures of the night are not only interesting, but heroes. We're talking about insect eating heroes, not Batman. Stop by and learn some bat facts, play a game and make a craft to take home. "Batty" for for all ages. Amphitheater. 11 a.m. ? 1:30 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.
? Hank Aaron State Trail, Milwaukee, (262) 271-6083 - Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk. Take part in the 11th Anniversary Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk. Every 44th Finisher wins a prize. For more information or to register, visit the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail website . 7 a.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - CSI: Nature. Officer, your presence is requested at Hartman Creek State Park to help solve a mystery. Figure out what happened the old fashioned way: by looking at the evidence animals leave behind in some of nature?s most common and alluring tales, crimes, and mysteries. Meet at Allen Lake. 10 a.m. Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. August?s topic: ?I spy, how to identify.?
? Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturdays: Natural Prints. Late summer is a great time to make natural prints. We won?t be using paint, but will use the "juice" in the plant to make our prints. These activities are for everyone! Just drop by the big blue tent anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Molten Lava and Melted Ice, Join the naturalist for a relaxing hike around the Pothole Trail and learn about the gee-whiz geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 2:30 p.m. The Owl and The Mouse, Meet naturalist Barb Walker and Aztec, her South American spectacled owl, and play a game that illustrates the exceptional hearing of some nocturnal animals that have the best hearing of any on earth. A fun activity for the entire family! Grassy area in the center of the North Campground. 4:30 p.m.Universe in the Park . Join the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slideshow presentation.
? 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 and Long Lake recreation areas. 10-11 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: Tree Art. Celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, leaf rubbings and more. For leaf printing bring a T-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m. Summer Saturday Evening Event: Taste of Nature: Wild Edibles. If you know where to look, nature can provide a whole smorgasbord of food. Jackie Scharfenberg, forest naturalist, will help you learn what plants are safe to eat and then let your tastebuds decide which are ""good"" to eat. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6220 - Ice Age Jewel-Lulu Lake Canoe Trip. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m. The Secretive Mink. Forest headquarters. 1 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Pie Irons. Join park volunteers for a demonstration on using pie irons for a variety of appetizers, main dishes and desserts using recipes from the park cookbook "Cooking with Friends". Everyone welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult. Free program, donations accepted to fund presentation. Vehicle admission sticker required. Park amphitheater. 1-3 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. 8:30 p.m.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Wisconsin Pine History Hike. Meet at the park headquarters. 10 a.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Star Gazing 101: 10 - 10:30 a.m. Nature Center. Ever wonder how to find the Big Dipper? Especially for families and those wanting a refresher course of the night sky, this program features images and tips on finding the constellations. Horseshoe Island History: Nicolet Beach, near playground. Drop by anytime from 1 - 2 p.m. to visit with the Park Naturalist and discover Horseshoe Island's storied past. Nature Games: 4 - 5 p.m. Nature Center. Take a break from a busy day at your favorite park by playing games like Web Wise, Nature Charades and Peninsula Bingo. Prizes for participants! 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 .
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Meet an Eagle. Meet our National Symbol up close and personal, during a visit from the National Eagle Center! The program will be in or near the Nature Center, depending on the weather and everyone is invited. Cameras are highly encouraged, as the eagle isn?t shy! 10 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Ancient Shorelines Walk. Enjoy a half-mile walk along the park's nature trail with our naturalist. We'll look for salamanders, spiders, and other creatures that call the escarpment (rock formation) home. Meet at the Nature Center. 4 p.m. Meet the Ranger. Learn what a day in the life of a Wisconsin State Park ranger is like. Kids, bring your cameras! Nature Center. 7:30 p.m.Astronomy. Join the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society in discovering the night sky. The program begins with a slideshow featuring images of far away planets and our own solar system. Stargazing through telescopes will follow, weather permitting. Family fun for all ages! Program at the amphitheater, stargazing at the maintenance shop. 8 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 339-6881 - Batty about Bats. These flying creatures of the night are not only interesting, but heroes. We're talking about insect eating heroes, not Batman. Stop by and learn some bat facts, play a game and make a craft to take home. "Batty" for for all ages. Mound Shelter. 3:30-5 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Big Red Tent ? On Wisconsin: Badger. 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 - Stones, Bones and Sticks. Merle Frommelt will present. Peterson Shelter. 6:30 p.m. 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, August 15, 2010
? Kettle Moraine State Forest ?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: Tree Art. Celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, leaf rubbings and more. For leaf printing bring a T-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with the children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area South Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Wildflowers 101. Nature Center. Leaders: Peninsula naturalists. Participants will understand the importance of preserving wildflower habitat by listening to excerpts from a 1938 essay by Aldo Leopold, "Letter to a Wildflower Digger" and by discovering basic flower nomenclature through a simple dissection activity. This program will include a walk in the nearby meadow and an optional Flower Fairies and Leaf Warriors craft. $1 donation/craft. 10-11 a.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Ice Age Walk. Meet at the Campground Shelter where we'll head out and walk about a half-mile (one way) segement of the Ice Age Trail. You'll find out why the trail is so unique and how you can access other parts of the trail throughout the state. The program will last about an hour, and the hike is considered generally easy with one slight incline. Meet at the Campground Shelter. 10 a.m.
Monday, August 16, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Butterfly Meadow: 2 - 3 p.m. Monarchs, swallowtails and sulphur butterflies are all a-wing in the meadow. Take a short walk with the naturalist to spy butterflies and their favorite flowers. Afterwards, decorate a butterfly ornament to keep. Bat Watch: Welcker's Shelter Building. Evening.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Hellestad House. The Hellestad House is open from 1-4 p.m. August?s topic: ?I spy, how to identify.?
? Kohler-Andrae State Park , Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Night Hike. Families are encouraged to meet Officer Morgen to experience walking around the park at night with only the aid of natural light. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the enclosed shelter. 8:45 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Eagle Trail Hike: 10-11:30 a.m. Meet at Eagle Tower. Hike Peninsula's most spectacular trail. Park geology, forest ecology featured. Watercolor Workshop: 1 - 3 p.m. Weborg Shelter. Peninsula welcomes Artist Elaine Cregan who will teach participants watercolor techniques. Open to youth and adults.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Havenwoods Birding Walks. Join the Havenwoods Birding Group for our weekly birding walks. 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 - Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Hike with the naturalist up the beautiful valley and learn about some of the ancient geology that makes the area look like it does today. Meet at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking area.10 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Story Time. Children ages 4-10 are invited to join a volunteer storyteller to hear a story and join in an activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - - Diving Dabbling Ducks. Explore the watery world of ducks. Investigate the differences between ducks. Join the naturalist for this hands-on experience. Amphitheater. 10 a.m. Shipwreck. Learn about the deadly storms and harrowing tales of ships on Lake Michigan. See shipwreck artifacts along with block and pulleys. Join the naturalist for this hands-on experience. Amphitheater. 2 p.m.
Thursday, August 19, 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 slideshow presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park .
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children through kindergarten and their parents. 10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6220 - Ice Age Landforms-Lake Scuppernong. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Movie Night at the Park. Join us for the first showing of our DVD entitled "March of the Penquins". 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.
? Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Junction, (715) 542-3923 - Crystal Lake and Rainbow Smelt: What do we do now? In the past 15 years Crystal Lake?s ecology has been altered by the establishment of rainbow smelt, an aquatic invasive species that threatens many Wisconsin lakes. Find out why rainbow smelt are bad news for Wisconsin?s lakes, and learn about a unique whole-lake experiment planned for next summer by the University of Wisconsin-Trout Lake Station to eliminate the invasive species from the lake. Crystal Lake Nature Center. 6 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Skyline Trail: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Meet at Skyline parking lot on Shore Road. Stroll past the site of Camp Meenahga (1916-48) and learn tree identification as on a two-mile trek includes a spectacular bluff-top view.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park , Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Night Hunters. Explore the world of owls. Learn how these unique birds have adaptations to live in the park. Whitefish Dunes Amphitheater. 10 a.m.Big Red Tent ? During the Night: Nightlife. 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.
