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, January 7, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 - Nature Storytime - The True Stories of Wolves. Are wolves really the big bad animals of fairy tales? Join us as we share the true stories of timber wolves. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 years olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Join the Friends of Harrington Beach and park staff to enjoy the park at night. Put on your skis to experience quarry lake by tiki torch or grab your hiking boots for a stroll. Refreshments available along with a roaring bonfire. Meet at the Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop in on Snow. Take a close-up look at snow. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to learn about the types of snowflakes, solve some snowflake mysteries, and print some ?snowflakes? on a bandanna. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 - Wonders of Winter on Snowshoes: Exploring Nature Program. Snow permitting, we will begin with an introduction to snowshoeing and then head outside. As we tramp along the trails, we will keep our eyes and ears open for the animals active during winter. To register call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by January 6. This program is best for people older than 7 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Nordic Heaven Winter Fest. Pack up and head out to the Greenbush Recreation Area for a day of winter family fun. The cross-country ski trails will be groomed and the shelter heated. The Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club will be offering free snowshoeing tours, cross-country ski and waxing lessons and kids winter games. If skiing or snowshoeing is not your thing, bring your sleds and give the sledding hill a try or create a snow sculpture. Food, refreshments and live music will be on hand. There will also be a cross-country ski and snowshoe swap. The festival is weather dependent. Sponsored by the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski is cancelled due to trail conditions.
? Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike on a 1-mile candlelit course with a bonfire, heated shelter, ice skating, and refreshments. Vehicle admission is required. Ski rental is available at the Evergreen Grove picnic area. Sponsored by the Friends of Lapham Peak [exit DNR]. Homestead Hollow. 6-9 p.m.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 - Learn to Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe. The Friends of Mirror Lake along with the help of the MadNorSki Club are hosting a Learn to Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Event. The experienced volunteer instructors will give lessons and take you on a trail outing. Contact the park to sign up for this free event. For more information, see the Friends of Mirror Lake website [exit DNR]. Check-in at the Mirror Lake Visitor Center. 2-4 p.m. Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe. Please Note that the date for this event is one week later than the usual date due to the New Years Holiday. Event sponsored by the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park. Two trails will be lit by torches. One trail is an easy 0.8-mile trail that will be available for everyone to use. The other trail is an easy 1-mile trail for classical skiing. The Friends will have a couple of roaring bonfires to warm up by, and will also have food, drinks and goodies for sale. Meet at the Beach Picnic area for a wonderful evening! 6-8 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Animal Tracks and Signs. Join us as we hike the trails in search of animal tracks, homes and other signs. Discover what the park?s animals have been up to this winter. Dress to be outside. Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m.
? Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Torchlight Ski. Enjoy cross-country skiing and night sky viewing. You can ski or hike a gentle 1.5-mile trail through the woods as 100 torches light the way. There will be a bonfire at the beginning and one at the half-way point. A grill will be provided for cooking. There will be a indoor warming area along with hot chocolate and snacks. Meet at the trailhead and indoor warming area located near the park office. Event begins at dusk and goes until 9 p.m.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 - Retro Ski Day/Backwards Ski Day. Dust off the old wooden skis, squeeze into those wool knickers, bring out your old Birkie Suit and come out to the Greenbush Ski Trails for "Retro and Ski Backward Day". All day the trails will be posted for skiing backwards or the opposite direction we normally ski. Join others in "Retro-Gear" at 1 p.m. at the warming shelter for skiing, music, fun and awards for best Retro Gear. The grill will be fired up all day so bring some food and beverages to enjoy. Meet at the Greenbush Group Camp warming shelter. Sponsored by the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club. 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Animals in Winter. Some animals stay active during our long cold winters. How do you think they find food and keep warm? This program is for preschoolers, ages 3 ? 5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. It is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Tips and Tricks for Ice Fishing. Join Tom Gruenwald, author and ice fishing expert,as he shares tips and tricks for luring fish from our frozen lakes. He will demonstrate some of the latest gear and tackle and answer your ice fishing questions. This program is most appropriate for people over the age of 10 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7 - 8:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-high Naturalist. Bring your 3- to 5-year-old to this fun and involving program. A new, fun topic each month! Dress to be outside. Please call to preregister. Meet at Group Site A if there is snow. Program will go on regardless of weather but topic may change. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. 10-11:30 a.m.
