WDNR Outdoor Report as of September 23, 2010
Strong storms with heavy rains early this week caused flooding in west central Wisconsin. Gov. Jim Doyle Thursday declared a state of emergency in Trempealeau County, where the flooding forced the evacuation of downtown Arcadia, washed out roads and bridges, downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. Flooding is also reported in Clark County. Additional heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the day.
Most of the heavy rain in the last week has continued to be in the northern half of the state. Major river systems, including the Upper Wisconsin, Flambeau, Menominee, Chippewa and Black continue to run very high for this time of year. The Lower Wisconsin, Kickapoo and Rock rivers also continue to run above seasonal norms for this time of year.
With many hunting seasons open, fishing pressure has started to drop off on northern lakes, but there have still been quite a few musky anglers out and they have been enjoying pretty good to excellent success. Artificial baits continue to be the lures of choice, but more and more anglers have been using suckers and their success has also been good. Walleye fishing has continued to slowly improve with greater numbers of fish showing up in the shallows. And a reminder to inland trout anglers, they have one week left to get out and enjoy fishing, with the inland season closing next Thursday, Sept. 30.
The Lake Michigan tributary fall salmon run is starting to pick up, with chinook caught this week on the West Twin, Sheboygan and Root rivers, but runs have still not moved into high gear. Fishing pressure was very high on some harbor piers this week, but action was slower. Lots of fish are staging off shore but anglers had difficult time getting fish to bite. Fishing out on the lake continued to be slow this week.
Reports were mixed from the youth waterfowl hunt last weekend, with some areas reporting good participation and fair number of ducks being seen and harvested, and other areas having limited activity. Hunters reported good numbers of mallards and fair numbers of blue winged teal and wood ducks. Migratory Canada geese that nest in Canada have started arriving at the major marshes in southern Wisconsin. The duck season opens this Saturday in the northern zone and on Oct. 2 in the southern zone.
Early archery hunters reporting seeing good numbers of deer in the south, with one Rock County hunter bagging a 200-plus scoring buck on private land. A good acorn crop this year was making squirrel hunters happy.
While the autumnal equinox Wednesday night marked the official start of fall, fall colors are already advancing rapidly. According to the Department of Tourism Fall Color Report, Iron County colors are already at 75 to 100 percent, and half a dozen other northern counties are reporting 50 to 75 percent color. Some spectacular reds and oranges are being seen from maples in the Brule River State Forest this week.
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A new report is put on the line each week.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - It looks like fall, it feels like fall, it smells like fall?and as of September 22 it is now officially fall. Douglas County and the Brule River State Forest is looking very colorful with the reds, oranges, and yellows. It is not quite at peak yet but it should come quickly. Hunters are reporting that the deer ticks are becoming active again.
Pattison State Park - With the end of summer, the park becomes a more tranquil place to visit. The summer crowds have dwindled, but many activities still remain. The waterfalls are flowing above normal for this time of year making for very good viewing. The beach has closed for the year, but picnicking remains popular. The trails are also in excellent shape. The leaves haven't begun to turn yet, but we expect that to begin happening in a few weeks.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Recent rainfall has made water levels on the Bad River rise making waterfall viewing spectacular at this time. More than 2 inches of rain has fallen over the last week. The leaves are starting to turn colors, with coloration being between 30 to 40 percent complete. On September 25 the park will host the annual Art in the Park. Local crafters and artist will be displaying and selling their handicrafts. The Friends of Copper Falls will be having their annual silent auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will being going to build a reservable shelter in the park. There will be cookies, coffee and apple cider at the main office. Camping is still busy and all campers are encouraged to make a reservation. 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.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With nearly all of the major hunting seasons open, fishing pressure has started to drop off on most waters across the Northwoods. There have still been quite a few musky anglers out and they have been enjoying some decent weather conditions and some pretty good to excellent success. Artificial baits such as bucktails and stick baits continue to be the lures of choice, and have produced quite a bit of action along the deep weed edges. More and more anglers have been using suckers and their success has also been good. Walleye fishing has continued to slowly improve with greater numbers of fish showing up in the shallows. Jig and minnow combinations worked on the deep edges and crank baits in the shallows near dark have produced the best success. Largemouth bass continue to be found in shallow water, though they've been a bit temperamental in their biting. The best action has been in the late afternoon hours after the water has warmed up over the course of the day. Smallmouth bass have still been active and some nice fish are still showing up in the local rivers flowages. They have still been found near cover along the deep water areas, but look for the fish to go deeper (and become harder to catch) with the declining water temperatures this fall. Panfish action has been good and some nice catches of crappie and perch have been made in the late afternoon hours. The fish have been found along weed edges and near mid-depth cover, with small minnows producing the best success. Anglers are reminded that the general trout season closes on September 30 with most streams, rivers, and spring ponds closed to trout fishing. Many stocked trout lakes do remain open and those can be found in the Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide pamphlet.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both the north and south forks of the Flambeau River are up due to recent rains. Levels are not at flood stage but are high for this time of year. We are also seeing some color along the river, not as much as along road sides, but definitely scenic. Leaves are turning quickly making for a beautiful drive. The leaves should be close to peak in about a week along road sides in the forest.
DNR Northeastern Region
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County ? Musky fishing on the Fox River has been slow the last week. Most anglers are having trouble finding fish. Shore anglers have been doing well catching rough fish and a few perch and smallmouth bass. Anglers fishing from the Suamico shore have been catching some good numbers of perch off the boat ramp. Walleye fishing has been slow but some anglers are finding luck trolling crank baits. Musky anglers have been finding good numbers of fish trolling for them. The hot perch bite at Bayshore Park slowed a bit recently with the rain that had moved through the area, but perch were still being caught in that 15-25 feet of water range. Perch were being found from the park all the way up to Red River. Anglers were also catching some perch off the pier.
Manitowoc County - Water temperatures near shore and throughout the area on Lake Michigan have held steady in the mid-50s, with the tributaries holding in the 58-60 degree range. Muddy water around the pier heads with the north winds over the weekend appeared to slow angler success. Temperatures remained in the upper 50s all week with northerly winds at 5-10 mph. Fishing remains hit and miss for shore anglers, but the tributaries appear to be heating up. Boats out of both ports have been averaging two to four fish per boat. Boaters out of both ports have had little success around the pier heads, with most boats landing 2- to 4-four year old chinook salmon. J-Plugs have been the common theme, but there hasn?t been any hot color. A few boats tried out deep to get away from the near shore boat traffic, having some success with a few rainbows and 6- to 8-pound chinook. Orange spoons on surface lines between the cities in 250-350 feet of water will get you the nice rainbows. Drop riggers down deep trying flasher/fly combos and spoons to land the kings. Salmon fishing throughout the past week for pier and harbor anglers has not changed. Anglers will hook into a school of salmon and land five to seven fish within two hours, and then the fishing will slow down. Early morning and mid-day appear to be the best times to be out. Many of the salmon caught off the piers are still silver off of Manitowoc and Two Rivers. Blue and silver champs or just plain silver landed a large majority of the fish over the weekend.
A few large salmon were also landed off the piers using alewives on the bottom. Trout and coho salmon were non-existent from shore this past week. The West Twin River has heated up all the way to the Shoto dam. Nearly a dozen salmon have been caught a day, but the fish have been pretty dark and skinny near the dam due to their stresses of their spawning run. Anglers have been casting small spoons or casting spawn. If you observe any violations, please call 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The last day of summer has passed and Door County is starting to show signs of its amazing fall color display. Fall temperatures were comfortable all week with a few days of scattered rain, mainly in the early morning to mid morning hours. With schools in session the hustle and bustle of the Door County tourist season has subsided, allowing for less boat traffic and some easier access at many launch areas. Marinas around the county are starting to empty their slips, which should open up some good areas and opportunities to fish from shore. Salmon have been moving into Sturgeon Bay and many boats have been seen targeting them as they enter into the canal. Most boats have been trolling near the Sturgeon Bay entrance of the canal and all the way inward towards and between the bridges. Boats haven?t reported any enormous catches, but getting one to two fish has been common. Although the numbers aren?t that many, the size of the fish have been in and around the 20-pound range. A few boats were able to pick up salmon as far in as the old bridge in Sturgeon Bay that still had some very nice silver color. The popular choice for baits have been spoons, j-plugs, and an occasional stick bait, however no particular color has been hot. Few reports were gathered from boats still running into deeper water. Pier anglers have been having some success off of the canal station pier picking up a few browns and salmon moving in. Green cleos and crocodiles have been working well, as well some blue and silver colored champs. Perch fishing has remained decent in the Bay, but has slowed somewhat from the previous weeks. Anglers can be seen working the edges of weed beds and the shipping channel mainly with minnows with boats usually clumped in groups likely targeting schools of fish. . Anglers are still finding some perch in the weed beds off Little Sturgeon with minnows producing the best action. Perch anglers are having a tough go of it at Chaudoir?s Dock with very little success. Most have been fishing in 20-30 feet of water. Fishing in the northern part of Door County has been slim to none with very little pressure on the water. Some brown trout were seen cruising in the Sister Bay Marina this week and may be an indication of activity in other marinas on the Green Bay side as well. Anglers have been targeting walleye on Larson?s Reef with some moderate luck. Most anglers have been fishing low light conditions or at night for the best success. Trolling crank baits have been the best bait going now that the water has cooled off
Strawberry Creek Egg Collection Facility - There is a lot of activity out at the Strawberry Creek [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/hatchery/strawberrycreek.html] Weir this month as fisheries staff prepare the facility for this fall's salmon harvest. The chinook salmon that will be spawning this fall have started to turn dark. The females are getting "plump" and the eggs are developing quickly. Males are starting to develop the characteristic hooked jaw or "kype." Within the next couple of weeks a few chinook salmon will start to enter Strawberry Creek. These early run fish are usually not ripe and crews typically don't capture fish ready for spawning until early October. With the ample rainfall that fell this past year, there is a pretty good flow in Strawberry Creek already. At this time the facility staff are still planning to use the pump and pipeline to supplement the flow in Strawberry Creek but probably won't be turning the pump on until approximately October 1. Predicting the timing of the first chinook harvest at Strawberry Creek this far ahead is difficult because weather, especially rainfall events, play a big role in salmon spawning runs. However, it is very likely that by Monday, October 4, crews will be actively harvesting chinook at Strawberry Creek and collecting eggs for the Wisconsin hatchery program. Once spawning begins, Mondays are generally scheduled for harvest days at Strawberry Creek so October 11 and 18 are also likely harvest days. Depending on the strength of the run, it is usually necessary to harvest at least one additional day per week, but which day is less certain.
Kewaunee County - This week the weather was mostly cloudy with a few days off partly sunny skies. The wind for the majority of the week was from the east and blew in some warmer water. The water temperature at the end of the week in both Algoma and Kewaunee were 60 degrees right off the pier. The fishing off the Kewaunee pier and the basin area remained very slow this week with only a few reports of fish being caught. The majority of the catch seems to occur in the morning between 6 and 7 a.m. Fishing pressure was high, with a few days the pier having more than 50 people trying their luck.
There does not seem to be a single color out performing others but Cleo spoons seem to be the best type of spoon to throw. There continue to be a few salmon being caught in the Footbridge area with the majority of the fish being caught on spawn sacs. The fish in this area tend to be a little darker than the fish landed off the pier. The fishing pressure has increased tremendously behind Bruemmer Park with a lot of fly fishers trying their luck. The anglers are reporting a lot of fish being spotted and being hooked but the fish seem to be eluding the nets. It hasn?t been uncommon to hear anglers having four to five fish on but only landing one fish. The fishing remains slow for the boats trying their luck out on the waters near Kewaunee. The average catch has been fewer than one fish per boat right now with many of the boats returning empty handed. The boats are marking a lot of baitfish and larger fish out in about 140-180 feet of water. The fishing from the Algoma piers slowed down this week after the wind switched from the west to the east. The pier averaged about three to four fish a day with the majority of the fish coming from the north pier. The main catch was chinook salmon but a few brown trout and northern pike are being caught. The fish don?t seem to be following any color pattern at this point with fish being caught on almost any color and any spoon type. The park off of Washington Bridge continues to see an increase in fishing pressure as word got out that there are fish up stream. The majority of the catches are chinook salmon but a few smallmouth bass have been caught in the area. The fishing on lake has not gotten any better compared to last week with the average catch being less than one fish per boat. Anglers finding success are going out to about 300 feet of water to hook the fish. There are a lot of reports of fish stacking up on the bottom between 100-140 feet of water but anglers are struggling to get hits.
DNR Southeast Region
Havenwoods State Forest - Trail conditions are good. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawk, owls, mourning doves, nuthatch, downy woodpeckers, flickers, song sparrows, meadowlark, bluebirds, bobolink, Baltimore oriole, American redstart, indigo bunting, wood ducks, kingfisher, herons, and mallards have been seen. On October 9 the forest will host a Fall NatureFest.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Pike Lake Unit - Migratory Canada geese (the "Interior" subspecies that nest in Canada) have started arriving at Theresa Marsh and other areas in the region. Larger numbers of sandhill cranes, mallards, wood ducks and other migratory species are also being seen on Theresa Marsh. Now is a great time to enjoy the hiking trails. A few scattered trees have begun to display fall colors. The campground and all campground facilities are open for the season. October 16 will be the last night of camping for the 2010 season. Swim area buoys have been removed for the season. The north beach toilet building is closed for the season. The main beach toilet building remains open.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - ? In Sheboygan trollers have been catching a few chinook, coho and rainbow and lake trout. Fish have been scattered, and boats have taken fish in and around the harbor, as well as between 65 and 90 feet of water, or out as far as 200 to 300 feet of water. Shore anglers in Sheboygan have been catching chinook and a few brown trout off both the north and south piers. Fishing the harbor side of the piers has been most productive, and both spoons and crank baits have taken fish. A few chinook have also been caught by shore anglers in the marina. On the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers, water temperatures are in the low 60s and the rivers are fairly low. Fishing has been slow on the Pigeon, but in the Sheboygan chinook have been caught on spinners and crank baits at the Kohler dam and downstream near the Wildwood Athletic Complex.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers have been catching fair numbers of fish. A mixed bag of chinook, coho, rainbow and brown trout have been taken near the power plant on spawn sacs and skein. Chinook have also been caught in the north slip on skein and off the harbor side of the pier on spoons. Fishing on Sauk Creek has been slow and water levels remain low.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee fishing has been relatively slow for boaters, with a few brown trout taken in and around the harbor. Shore fishing in Milwaukee has also been slow, although effort has been relatively low. Fishing on the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers remains slow, but anglers fishing Oak Creek have taken several chinook below the dam and a few near the mouth in Grant Park.
Racine County - Racine trollers have had some success working the area in front of the harbor. Mature chinook have been hitting white J-plugs, but fish have been spooky. Racine shore fishing has picked up, with some chinook, coho, and rainbows taken in Reefpoint Marina and in the small boat basin near the boat launch. Spawn fished near the bottom has been productive, as have small blue & silver or orange spoons. This weekend on the Root River, despite relatively low water, trout and salmon anglers produced some fair catches. Although fishing was a little slow at times, there were some nice chinook salmon landed as well as a couple brown trout and one recorded coho salmon. Angler pressure was most concentrated around Lincoln Park with a few anglers scattered downstream around Island Park and near N. Memorial bridge. Most harvested chinook weighed between 9 and 15 pounds, brown trout averaged 6 to 7 pounds, and the coho weighed in at 3.75 pounds. Many successful anglers were either fly fishing with red or orange flies or casting small bucktail spinners.
Kenosha County - Shore anglers in Kenosha continue to catch occasional chinook and brown trout in the harbor near the Best Western, and fresh skein and white tube jigs have been producing. There have been a few chinook taken on spoons near the mouth of the Pike River as well, but there has been minimal chinook movement upstream.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Fall color is showing on trees in the Madison area. Green ash, locust, aspen and cottonwood are showing lots of yellow colors. Sumac and a few maple trees are turning red and orange. White ash are starting to take on a purplish hue. Bird migration has picked up quite a bit with a few migratory flocks of puddle ducks, geese, and doves arriving in the area. Bluebirds, robins, phoebes, and fall warblers are all passing through. Fall mushroom hunters are out checking the woods for the fall varieties. Hunting success for the opener of Exterior goose, turkey, and squirrels was pretty limited but should improve as the fall progresses. Mosquitoes are still out in force in the wooded areas and river bottoms.
Rock County - Rain over the weekend and into this week should help water levels come back up for the regular duck season that will start in two weeks. Water levels on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong are at normal levels after being at or near flood levels for much of the summer. Catfish are still biting on the Rock River. Lake Koshkonong is producing some decent walleye near the mouth of the Rock River near Blackhawk Island. Waterfowl hunters are beginning to scout for ducks and geese are still being harvested on fields in Rock County. Local duck populations look good for mallards, wood ducks, and teal in Rock County. Wildlife Managers banded ducks in the Avon area and reported observing large numbers of mallards. The youth duck hunt over this last weekend had limited activity, but those that participated had good success. Doves seem to be migrating through Rock County replacing the doves that left after opening weekend. This is a good time to try some dove hunting because many of the hunters are starting to focus on other small game with the openings of the squirrel, turkey, and archery deer seasons. A deer hunter in the Afton area reported killing a 200-plus scoring buck on private lands.
Grant County - Fishing continues to be slow, a few bluegills taken through out pools 10 and 11 with the best success near lily pads and arrowhead beds. Bass anglers reported catching and releasing several small sized largemouth bass noting fishing was very spotty. Youth hunters saw fair numbers of blue winged teal and wood ducks, and noted that many backwater areas are choked full of duck weeds and other weeds with little open water areas. Maple trees are just beginning to change color, and most walnut trees have already lost their leaves and the walnuts are falling.
Lafayette County - Anglers were catching walleye and crappie on Yellowstone Lake over the weekend as water temps have dropped. Lafayette County hunters enjoyed the opening weekend of squirrel season and had some success in harvesting squirrels. A few bow hunters made it afield and enjoyed a successful hunt as well.
Columbia County - Many archery hunters in unit 67a reported seeing good numbers of bucks and does this past weekend. The youth waterfowl hunt appeared to have good participation with a fair number of ducks being seen and harvested. A good crop of acorns this year made the squirrel and archery hunters happy in Columbia and Sauk counties; wildlife could be found utilizing the acorns as a food source.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Rain has returned and the end of the trout season could be a washout with regards to the Willow River water level and clarity. More rain is predicted this week. Expect discolored water if fishing in the lake or the river (through Sept.30 on the river) is in your plans. On a recent training session, a local skier saw wild turkeys, a pileated woodpecker, a black version of a gray squirrel, white-tailed deer, and heard a great horned owl. All of this occurred in the time of about 70 minutes. Weekend camping in the 300 campground tends to fill up or very close. If sites are open, they tend to be the double sites with a shared driveway and no separation between the sites. The 100 campground has usually had sites open including some with electricity. The 9th annual Willow River Trail Run steps off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 2 at the beach parking lot. Registration is at 8 a.m. There will be a 5K and a 10K run course plus a 5K walk is offered. This tends to be a low key event without large crowds. The courses are hilly. In a slight change of plans, this will be an Open House Day with vehicle fees waived for Saturday, October 2.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
This fall's local nut crop, comprised of acorns, walnuts, and hickory nuts, appears to be about average. Fox and grey squirrels are currently busy harvesting and gathering black walnuts and hickory nuts, but they will turn their attention to acorns as black walnuts and hickory nuts become depleted. Ever wonder how a squirrel can successfully open the extremely hard shells of black walnuts and hickory nuts? Squirrels typically chew a groove around the entire nut until it splits into two perfect halves. Sharp incisors and perseverance pay great dividends for squirrels in their pursuit of nuts, which are excellent sources of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Trempealeau County - Heavy rains have caused flooding in West Central Wisconsin. The downtown area of Arcadia in Trempealeau County has been evacuated due to flooding of the Trempealeau River. Gov. Jim Doyle declared a state of emergency in Trempealeau County following strong storms that caused flooding in the area. The flooding forced the evacuation of downtown Arcadia, washed out roads and bridges, downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. The entire downtown area is under 1-3 feet of water. Wisconsin Emergency Management personnel, as well as DNR staff and the National Guard were on the scene last night and this morning, working with local officials to begin assessing the damage and determining what resources would be needed to help speed recovery efforts. Responders are rescuing flood victims with boats. Flooding is also reported in Clark County. Additional heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the day.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- All-terrain Vehicle trails are closed and will remain so through the weekend. Jackson County received several inches of rain Wednesday night with rain predicted most of the day Thursday. In the next few weeks crews will be finishing some upgrade work south of the Highway 54 parking lot. At this time the construction is not expected to lead to any short term closures. Starting in mid to late September work will begin on wetland crossings on the Oak Ridge Trail. These wetland crossings should be done by June 30, 2011. All ATV trails will close for the season on October 15 and reopen on December 15 if frozen ground conditions exist.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn and Roche-A-Cri state parks - The deadline for the annual amateur photo contest at Buckhorn and Roche-A-Cri State Parks is Sept. 30. All pictures must be taken within the boundaries of Buckhorn or Roche-A-Cri State Parks between Oct. 1, 2009 and Sept. 30, 2010. Photos may be entered in the following categories: plants, wildlife, people using the park, open (landscapes etc.), and youth (photographers under 18 yrs old). The weather is still great for visiting the parks and there are many opportunities for taking photos. Winning photos are published in the Juneau County Star Times, Juneau County Messenger and the Adams County Times newspapers. They will also be displayed at the Mauston and Adams County libraries and in park offices. The parks are grateful to the following businesses who sponsored the contest: Adams County Times-Reporter, Juneau County Star Times, Juneau County Messenger, WRJC Mauston, WDKM Friendship, Friends of Buckhorn Park and Friends of Roche-A-Cri State Park. First place winners will receive a $25 gift certificate from one of the sponsors and second place winners will receive a $10 gift certificate. For more information please contact staff at Buckhorn State Park at (608) 565-2789.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRa.m.S
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, September 24, 2010
? Capital Springs State Recreation Area, Madison, (608) 224-3606 - Harvest Moon Fall Festival. Take a stroll on our torchlit trail under the harvest moon and discover the natural world through interpretive presentations on Wisconsin's owls, amphibians, trees, bears, bats and more! Bid on silent auction items, stargaze through telescopes with the University of Wisconsin's "Universe in the Park" and "Space Place" astronomers. Listen to bluegrass music and enjoys s'mores around a bonfire. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Friends of Capital Springs State Recreation Area . Proceeds go towards the recreational facilities and educational programs in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area. Lussier Family Heritage Center - 3101 Lake Farm Road. 6-9 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Lizards and Snakes! 2 - 4 p.m. at the Ice Age Center. Drop by and visit with Naturalist Barb Walker about some of the most fascinating and most feared creatures on earth. You will have an opportunity to meet Copper the fox snake and Puff the bearded dragon.
Saturday, September 25, 2010, National Public Lands Day
? Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, (715) 274-5123 - Annual Art in the Park. Local crafters and artists will be displaying and selling their handicrafts The Friends of Copper Falls will be having their annual silent auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will being used to build a reservable shelter in the park. There will be cookies, coffee and apple cider at the main office.
? Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - 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 slide show presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required.
? Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 - Fall Color Hike and Geocache Hunt. Explore and enjoy the fall colors on a marked trail at the park or bring your GPS and see if you can find our special event geocaches hidden in the fall foliage. Prizes will be given out for the most caches found during the event. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park. Meet at the park office, Woods Lake Picnic Area. Noon - 4 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - The Secrets of Eagle Peak. 10 a.m. at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp. Hike up the trail with Naturalist Barb Walker, learn the secrets of the peak and see fantastic views of the St. Croix River Valley. All About Owls. 2 p.m. at the Ice Age Center. Owls are among the most successful predators because of their wonderful adaptations. Learn all about them with Naturalist Barb Walker and enjoy a close encounter with Aztec, her South American spectacled owl.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Head South! Winter is coming! The air is colder and the leaves are falling! For many birds it is time to head south. Discover how birds know when to leave and where to go. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Dealing With Nuisance Backyard Wildlife. Join Ricky Lien, DNR wildlife biologist, as he shares tips and techniques to help with backyard problems. He will discuss deer and raccoon issues, squirrels, groundhogs, safety of bird feeders and more. Bring your questions. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Flashing Fireflies: 11 a.m. - noon. Enjoy a silly story about Gus the Firefly, learn about these beetles, then craft a glow-stick firefly to keep. $1 donation/glowstick. Eagle Trail: 1 ? 2:30 p.m. Meet at Tower. Hike Peninsula?s most spectacular trail. Discover park geology, history along the way. Difficult. About 2 miles. Nicolet Beach Sweep: 4 - 5 p.m. Be part of the international coastal clean-up day. Meet the naturalist at the Nicolet beach playground. Pick up litter along the shore. Prizes for helpers! Hooty Who: 7 ? 7:45 p.m. Nature Center. Enjoy a 20-minute naturalist talk about OWLS then try hooting up a few on a short trail walk.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Mushroom Foray. Join a mycology expert, Charlotte Lukes, for a fungi foray. Learn to identify some of the major mushroom groups, along with the more common edible and poisonous species. Discover how they grow and affect the world around us. In case of bad weather or lack of mushrooms, a sampling of slides of the 470+ mushrooms will be shown. Meet at the nature center for this longer program. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Spirits of Wyalusing Past. Peterson Shelter. 7 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, September 26, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Mapping Peninsula: 1 ? 1:30 p.m. Nature Center. Enjoy a naturalist talk that features stories of people who lived at Peninsula, including Doolittle, Folda, Clark and others.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Wolf Lake Trail Run/Hike. Enjoy a beautiful 3.8-mile fall hike or run around Wolf Lake and benefit the park at the same time. All pre-registrants receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. There will be door prizes, music and refreshments. Fee is $18/person before September 8 or $20 the day of the event. $5 discounted sticker prices today. Meet at Shelter #3, Beach. Packet pick-up 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association . 10 a.m. - Noon.
Monday, September 27, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Weed Warrior Work Group: 9 ? 11 a.m. Meet at Horseshoe Island overlook on Shore Road, first pull-off east of lighthouse. Lend a hand cutting invasive honeysuckle. Bring work gloves if you have them. Join Peninsula ?Friends? who are helping remove invasive honeysuckle along the road.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Friends of Interstate Park Autumn Potluck and Program. 6 p.m. ? silent auction fundraiser; 6:30 p.m. ? potluck dinner; 7:30 p.m. program. Join the Friends of Interstate Park for their annual fundraiser. The event will be held in the classroom addition at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls. For more information on the silent auction call Kris at (715) 483-1854 and for more information on the evening call Julie at (715) 483-3747.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Hike to the CCC Camp: 10 ? 11:30 a.m. Meet at Park Headquarters. Walk to the abandoned site of Peninsula?s CCC camp, circa 1935. Learn how this Depression-era work group left an indelible mark on Peninsula. Moderate hiking, about 2 miles.
