UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMSCheck with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Friday, June 3, 2011
? Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Coloma, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Trail Relocation. Help complete tread, trail plumbing and trail signage to showcase a large glacial kettle in the Greenwood State Wildlife Area. Event runs Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website or call (608) 798-4453.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Molten Lava and Melted Ice. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike around the Pothole Trail and learn about the Gee Whiz Geology of Interstate Park. 3 p.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Wiggling Worms Nature Storytime. Henry S Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Journey into Darkness Night Hike. The theme for this hike is nocturnal mammals, and is best for families/groups with children at least five years old. Long Lake Picnic Shelter (located off Division Road north of County F, near Dundee). 8:30-10 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Bird Hike. Ottawa Lake site #300. Hike begins at 8 a.m. Phenology Calendar. Make your own calendar that shows flowering, breeding, and migration times in relation to climatic conditions. Meet at Ottawa Lake Picnic Shelter A. 10 a.m. Make a Tree Friend. Take bark and leaf rubbings, draw tree portraits, and write a tree's biography. Ottawa Lake Beach. 3 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Turtle Talk: 11 - 11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Nature Center. Meet baby snapping turtles, discover turtle adaptation survival, and design a turtle craft. 600-gallon DNR Fish Tank arrives at Peninsula's Nature Center.
? Straight Lake State Park, Luck, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Build New Trail. The mobile skills crew will construct an elevated boardwalk, tread, do rock work, signage, and final touch ups. Event runs Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website or call (608) 798-4453.
Saturday, June 4, 2011 through Sunday, June 5, 2011 - Free Fishing Weekend
Saturday, June 4, 2011 - National Trails Day
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Fish Frenzy. Stop over and learn a few facts about our finned friends. Have fun trying to catch a fish and then play a fish game with our naturalist. Get some cool fishing handouts, make a fun craft and then try fish printing. Bring a clean t-shirt or other cloth item to decorate using the fish replicas and paint. Don't have a fishing pole? Stop by the park office to loan a pole with tackle for free! Kids Fishing Pond on Turtle Trail. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Free Fishing Weekend. Try your hand at fishing, knot tying and casting games. This event is open to all ages and to everyone who would love to learn how to fish. Located on the upper Waupaca Chain O?Lakes, Hartman Creek State Park is a perfect place to take advantage of the Free Fishing Weekend! 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Allen Lake Picnic Area.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Nature Detective Hike for Families. Who left that footprint? Who lives in that hole in a tree? 10:30-11:30 a.m. National Trails Day. Be one of thousands of people across the country who visits a park today to help maintain its trail system. Help Havenwoods staff keep our trails an inviting place for people to walk and explore. Please call to register. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Free Fishing Days. No fishing pole, no problem! Stop at the park office and sign out a fishing pole at no cost. No fishing license is required this weekend. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required on June 4 but not required on June 5 (Wisconsin State Parks Open House Day).
? Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Coloma, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Trail Relocation. Help complete tread, trail plumbing and trail signage to showcase a large glacial kettle in the Greenwood State Wildlife Area. Event runs Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website or call (608) 798-4453.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Hike to the Summit. 3 p.m. at the Summit Rock Trail sign. Evening program. To be announced. For more information call the park office at (715) 483-3747.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Saturday Morning Nature Sleuths. The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age-appropriate books. Mauthe Lake Picnic Shelter (County GGG south of County SS) and Long Lake Picnic Shelter (Division Rd north of County F, near Dundee). 10-11 a.m. Learn to Fish Rodeo. Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes Backyard Bass Casting, Fill the Tackle Box, Fishing Regulations Quiz, Avoiding Hazards, Knots Tie-up, What?s that Fish? and Baiting your Hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the fishing pier will help hone your newly acquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own gear or fishing gear will be provided for those who need it. Long Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier. 1-4 p.m. Flying Mammals: Bats. Bats are often shrouded in mystery and misunderstandings. Join Barb and Ken Bowman, Bat Conservation of Wisconsin as they unravel the mysteries and share fascinating facts about these night-time flying mammals. You may even get to meet a live bat up close. This program is most appropriate for people over the age of eight years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Kid's Fishing Clinic. Pre-register at the Ottawa Lake Contact Station. Learn the basics of lures, casting, and reeling in fish. Poles and equipment are provided. Ottawa lake Boat Launch. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. National Trails Day Workday. Celebrate National Trails Day by removing the invasive plant garlic mustard from the area around Brady's Rocks, (on the Ice Age Trail). Meet at the "Hunter" Parking lot on Highway 67. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wildflower Hike. Join Naturalist Ron Kurowski on a wildflower hike. You will see what is currently blooming and learn a little about the history of the area. Meet at the Forest Headquarters, but be prepared to drive yourself to another location. Be ready for possibly muddy or wet conditions. Start at Forest Headquarters on Highway 59. 10 a.m. Make a Birds Nest. Learn why different birds make different nests, then create your own birds nest out of natural and man-made materials. Meet at Ottawa Lake Picnic Shelter A. 1 p.m. Nature Scavenger Hunt. Meet at the Ottawa Lake Picnic Shelter A. 3 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Garlic Mustard Pull. Kohler-Andrae State Park is seeking volunteers interested in pulling garlic mustard in the park. Due to the extensive area involved, large work crews are needed. Groups and individuals are invited to participate. Please bring work gloves and insect repellant. Garbage bags will be provided. Admission fees waived for participating volunteers. Meet at playground. 9 a.m. - Noon. Wetland Gems. On National Trails Day, Brooke Bushman, Wisconsin Wetlands Association Outreach Coordinator, will be at Kohler-Andrae for a presentation that will include our own special "Wetland Gem" located within the State Natural Area. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free Program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Sanderling Nature Center. 7-8 p.m. National Trails Day and Free Fishing Day. Participate in hikes throughout the day and enjoy the new fishing pond. Free programs. Vehicle admission sticker required. Call park office for more details, times and locations.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, (608) 254-2333 - Get Outdoors! Family Play Day Event! Join Park Naturalist Marty and the Friends of Mirror Lake at the Beach Picnic Area from 1-2 p.m. for some fun nature activities. You can play Wildcard Habitat Toss, go on a Eco Scavenger Hunt and more. Beach Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Honeysuckle Removal Day. 9 am - Noon. The park's shoreline has been overtaken in places by non-native honeysuckle shrubs. Last year, large areas of the shoreline were cleared of the shrubs, allowing native plants to thrive and opening up views of the bay. Come help the Friends of Potawatomi State Park finish this important project. No experience required. Equipment provided. Meet at the Picnic Area Shelter.
? Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie (715) 232-1242 - Trail Day. Please join the Friends at the Depot Visitor Center in Menomonie from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lemonade and cookies, bicycle safety checks and family actives throughout the day. From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. meet the eagles from The Raptor Center of the University of Minnesota. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Animal Detectives. Hike the trails to uncover the secret lives of animals. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9-10 a.m. All events sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association . Butterfly Gardening. Discover which plants will bring butterflies to your yard. Become familiar with local butterflies. Meet at the Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.
? Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, Amery, (715) 268-2453 - Triathlon/Duathlon. Don?t miss out on this fun event planned during Amery Trails Day. Pre-register at the Amery Pedal Paddle Ski shop or request a registration form (contact info above). Registration fee for ages 18 and older is $25 and $20 for ages 12-17. If you register day of event, arrive at South Twin Lake Beach Shelter between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail. Event starts at 1:30 p.m. at the beach shelter and will end at the shelter. The emphasis is to have FUN. While participants will be timed, no placement awards will be provided but everyone will receive a t-shirt and refreshments.
? Straight Lake State Park, Luck, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Build New Trail. The mobile skills crew will construct an elevated boardwalk, tread, do rock work, signage, and final touch ups. Event runs Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website or call (608) 798-4453.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Trail Work Event. People looking for ways to celebrate National Trails Day can volunteer to help park staff and Friends of Whitefish Dunes members prepare the park?s trails for summer. Trail work will include trimming, raking, and trash pick-up along various park trails. Volunteers should wear work boots or athletic shoes, long pants and bring their own work gloves. Registration is free and recommended. Contact the park to sign up. Whitefish Dunes Nature Center. 9-11 a.m.
Sunday, June 5, 2011 - State Park Open House Day - Free Admission Today!
? Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, Monroe, (608) 966-3516 - Fling Into Summer. The Friends of Cadiz Springs are kicking off the summer season. There will be a Beach Ball Toss, Sifting For Treasure, Temporary Tattoos, Duck Pond Dip and Fish Match Game, with prizes for the children. Visitors of all ages are invited to try fly casting or take a guided nature walk. A fishing contest for kids ages 12 and under will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Kids must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate in the contest. Brats and hot dogs, as well as chips, cookies and cold soft drinks will be sold, and the proceeds will be used to help purchase new playground equipment for the property. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 - Open House Day. Join us for an open house at the state park! Informational material will be available on our new construction and campground in the Woods Lake Shelter Building. Explore our 16 miles of hiking trails, fish on our inland lakes or Caldron Falls Flowage and enjoy a cook-out lunch provided by the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park. Free Admission for Open House Day. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Breakfast in the Park. Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Friends of Harrington Beach in support for the future accessible cabin. Ansay Welcome Center. 9 a.m. ? 1 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Wisconsin State Parks Open House. Come celebrate state parks and kick off the Great Outdoors Month at the Hellestad House. Wisconsin state parks are full of history and have many recreational opportunities to kick back and enjoy nature. 10:30 a.m.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Stop at the park office and sign out a fishing pole at no cost. No fishing license is required this weekend. Get Outdoors! Family Play Day. Get Outdoors! Check out the different nature stations such as Nature Art, Animal Tracking, or Eco-scavenger Hunt and go play with your family in the park! Check at the Park Office for station locations. In the event of threatening weather, the outdoor portion will be canceled; indoor activities will still be held. For all ages! Noon ? 3 p.m.
? Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Coloma, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Trail Relocation. Help complete tread, trail plumbing and trail signage to showcase a large glacial kettle in the Greenwood State Wildlife Area. Event runs Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website or call (608) 798-4453.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Get Outdoors! Family Play Day event. 1 to 3 p.m. Join us for the first of our new Family Play Days! We have a fun filled afternoon of activities planned for you to choose from including Wildcard Games; Tracks, Tracks and More Tracks; Set It Up, Tie It On and Cast It Out; and a game called Are You Me? All activities are free and will take place in the Beach area by Lake O? the Dalles. This is part of the SOFAS (Summer Outdoor Family Adventure Series) events. Fun for the entire family!
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Lake-2-Lake 10K Trail Run/Hike. Join us for this third-annual event, held on the Lake-to-Lake bike trail between Long Lake and Mauthe Lake. Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m. Cost is $20/person until May 1, 2011, $25/person from May 1-14, and $28/person after May 14. The fee includes a t-shirt (if registered before May 14), a goodie bag, and light snacks. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Kettle Moraine, the Long Lake Preservation Association, and the Eden Lions Club. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off County GGG south of County SS, near New Prospect). For more information or to register, see the Lake-2-Lake Website . Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m. Run/Hike begins at 10 a.m. Fun Walk Around Mauthe Lake. Join us for this third-annual event, held on the Tamarack Trail around Mauthe Lake. Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m. Cost is $12/person or $40/family. The fee includes an event t-shirt (if registered before May 14), a goodie bag, and light snacks. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Kettle Moraine, the Long Lake Preservation Association, and the Eden Lions Club. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off County GGG south of County SS near New Prospect). For more information or to register, see the Mauthe Lake Fun Walk Website . Registration is from 8-9:30 a.m. Walk begins at 10 a.m. Spring Nature Fest. Journey out on Wisconsin?s State Park System Open House Day to the Spring Nature Fest. There will be something for all ages at four different activity stations. Learn about our fascinating fish, take flight with the birds of a feather, discover insects with wings of colorful scales, and create your own tree art. Bring a T-shirt or bandanna to print or purchase one that day. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect). 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Make a tree Friend. Make a new friend, a tree! You will get to take bark and leaf rubbings, draw tree portraits, and write a tree's biography. Ottawa Lake Beach. 11:30 a.m.Two Eras of the Southern Unit. Learn about two distinct periods in the history of the Southern Unit. Walk through Paradise Springs and learn about its history as an estate, hotel, and bottling plant. Then, visit the Gotten Cabin and experience life as an early settler. Paradise Springs Nature Trail. 3 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Spring Open House. Visit Kohler-Andrae for the annual spring open house. No vehicle admission charge. Sanderling Nature Center. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
? Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls(715) 382-4574 - Open House Day. Events will include some fun family activities, like trying out kayaks and canoes, bluebird house building, pond study and scavenger hunts. Exhibits on display will include clean boats clean waters, learn landscaping and restoring shorelands, citizen science, nature mapping, bat monitoring and learning how to identify aquatic invasive species.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Retriever Dog Training. Seminar begins at 9 a.m. Bring your retriever with a collar and leash to learn how to train your dog. Meet at Lot E. All events sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association . Second Annual Trail Dog Kick-off. The Trail Dog group will hike then enjoy a potluck and prizes. For current members and for the newly interested. Details at
www.racinedogtrainer.com. Meet at the Trailhead. 10 a.m. Fishing Clinic. Drop in on Walleye's Unlimited to fish. Bring your own equipment or use their poles and bait. No licenses needed! Meet at Shelter #2. 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Family Nature Faire. Join us for family fun! Food, raffles, live animals, plant sale, art and nature booths plus much more! A fundraiser sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at Shelter #3, Beach. 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Fish Frenzy. Stop over and get some cool fishing handouts and then try fish printing. Bring a clean t-shirt or cloth item to decorate with the fish replicas and paint. Don't have a fishing pole? Stop by the park office and loan a pole and tackle for free! Park Office. 10 a.m. ? 3 p.m.
? Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, Amery, (715) 268-2453 - Trail Bike Ride. A fun event sponsored by the Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail. No registration required. A group will leave the Soo Line Park in Amery at 2 p.m, but feel free to start at any location on the trail and we will all cross paths at some location. All ages are welcome to join the fun. Stop in at a local business along the trail and show your support.
? Straight Lake State Park, Luck, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Build New Trail. The mobile skills crew will construct an elevated boardwalk, tread, do rock work, signage, and final touch ups. Event runs Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website or call (608) 798-4453.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Get Outdoors Tent! Stop by BeRT to explore the different ways you can get outdoors this summer at your state parks. Learn about the new Wisconsin Explorer program for children. Pick up tips on how to prevent the spread of invasives. Get tips on ways to keep your pet safe and happy in the state parks. And much more! The tent is located at the first beach access point by the nature center. Whitefish Dunes Nature Center. 11 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Open House Day. The Friends of Wyalusing will provide refreshments, cookies and lemonade, for Open House Day. The Friends will also offer a fish and animal tracks printing program. Participants should provide their own tee shirt or items to be printed. Peterson Shelter. Time to be announced.
