Wisconsin DNR Outdoor ReportEdited 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/DNR Outdoor Report as of June 16, 2011
June is an important month for wildlife in Wisconsin, and reports from across the state this week indicate some wildlife activities that have been delayed by the cool spring are reaching their peak. Numerous reports of abandoned fawns have come into DNR offices this week. Fawns are rarely abandoned. White-tail does will leave fawns alone for protection from predators, but they are nearby and will return to care for fawns. If you see a fawn in the wild, leave it alone and quietly leave the area. Also, many yearling deer have been pushed to fend for themselves as the does are taking care of their new fawns. These yearlings are moving about and are often sighted along roadsides, and because of this June is one of the highest months for vehicle-deer collision.
There were also reports from across the state that turtles have been actively nesting in the last week, and many times this activity takes place along roadways, or turtles cross roadways to reach nesting sites. Please watch for and avoid turtles on or near roads. Some turtles such as the wood and Blanding?s turtles take 15 years to reach maturity. If a turtle is crossing a road, and you can do it safely, move the turtle across the road in the direction it was headed. Be very cautious of snapping turtles and only drag them by their tails. See a news release and video on the DNR website for more information.
Black bears also move into their breeding season in June, and male bears are now on the move in search of receptive sows. Those sows have emancipated their yearling cubs, which are also on the move, and often will stay near homes to avoid the older males. If a young bear is remaining near your home, remove all sources of food such as bird and pet food and garbage, and chase the bear away making loud noises.
Following last week?s warm temperatures, Wisconsin returned to more seasonable weather pattern in the last week. Most of the state also received much needed rainfall in the last week. Water temperatures remain in the lower 70s in the north and to the mid 70s in the south, which has triggered bluegill spawning on southern lakes. The harvest season for bass opens this Saturday in the northern zone, and fisheries biologists are encouraging anglers on some lakes, especially in the northwest, to consider harvesting some bass. The strong catch-and-release ethic among bass anglers has lead to an overabundance of bass in some waters, which fish manager believe may be having a negative impact on walleye populations.
Some very good catfishing was reported at the Peshtigo harbor and along the lowr Fox River at Green Bay. Walleye fishing remained good at Oconto and smallmouth bass fishing was good along Door County. Perch fishing was mixed, but there were some reports of nice size perch along the Door peninsula. Trollers had a good week with some limits being brought in, mostly of coho, but also some chinook as well as rainbow and lake trout.
Spring wildflowers are now giving way to more summer bloomers, with reports of sunflowers, white wild indigo, hoary puccoon, beards tongue, yarrow, goat's beard, and prairie larkspur blooming. Monarchs, mourning cloaks, swallowtails, and luna moths are being seen. Dragonflies have finally appeared and are putting a dent in the mosquito population, and there continue to be reports of high numbers of ticks, so be sure to check yourself and pets especially after walking through tall grass.
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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
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the bees are buzzing (along with the mosquitoes), and the warm weather has the vegetation looking green and lush?it must be close to summer! Numerous wildflowers have started blooming in the last couple of weeks, such as wood betony, large-flowered trillium, false lily-of-the-valley, star flower, twinflower, clintonia, bunchberry, columbine, wild sarsaparilla, buttercup, ox-eye daisy, and lupine (garden variety). Along with the flowers come the butterflies and moths. Monarchs, mourning cloaks, swallowtails, and luna moths are just a small number of butterflies and moths that can be seen. Numerous dragonflies can also be seen zooming around looking for a meal. Toads and tree frogs are filling the night with their calls, trying to attract a mates. To listen to American toad calls, along with the other frogs of Wisconsin see [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/amphibian/toad.htm]. Turtles are crossing roads to find a suitable place to lay their eggs on warm, sunny evenings. The month of June is their peak nesting month. Several turtles have been hit recently...drivers should be on the lookout when coming up on wetlands and rivers. Some turtles such as the wood and Blandings turtles take 15 years to reach maturity. These rare turtles are often found locally in the Brule River valley, the Nemadji River and near Lake Nebagamon. If seen crossing the road, motorists are encouraged to move the turtle across the road in the direction that they were traveling (as long as the traffic conditions are safe). Black bears are more visible as their breeding season has begun. The black bear breeding season is early June to early July. Adult male bears are moving extensively as they search for females to breed with. Female bear have emancipated their young leaving curious and sometimes troublesome yearlings out on their own. These youngsters will be trying to avoid other adult bears which often brings them in close proximity to peoples houses. Any food sources that may attract the young bears, such as bird feeders, dog food, and garbage should be taken in. If the young bear won't leave make loud noises to scare them off. The best way to discourage these bear are to take the bird feeders down for a couple of weeks. Keep garbage in a secure location such as a garage or shed until garbage pick up day or dump day. If these tactics don't work call the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services at 1-800-228-1368 or 715-369-5221 (out of state area codes use this number) for the northern half of Wisconsin. Many yearling deer have been pushed to fend for themselves also as the does are taking care of their new fawns. These yearlings are now often sighted along the roadsides. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has some good guidelines to follow to avoid deer crashes.
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news_2721.html_786229440.htmlSpooner DNR Service Center area
Washburn and Burnett counties - Turtles are out on the roads - watch out for them and help them get to the right side by putting them on the side of the road they are facing. If they are put on the opposite side, they will cross until they get there.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Snapping turtles are laying eggs on roadside in Boulder Junction area. Wild strawberries are still green and in the forming stage
DNR Northeastern Region
Water temperatures at the landings are in the low 70's, with fishing pressure light to moderate. Windy weather has kept most people from fishing the bay.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The catfish bite is going strong at the Peshtigo Harbor, with anglers fishing crawlers on the bottom by the river's mouth. Some nice panfish were being caught in the vicinity of the Peshtigo Dam on slip bobbers and leaf worms. Some walleye were being caught on the Menominee River with many of the fish being too small to keep. Efforts to catch salmon on the Bay have been unsuccessful up to this point.
Oconto County - Stiles dam anglers were reporting a few panfish and smallmouth bass being caught from the dam down to the Highway 141 bridge on slip bobbers for panfish and spinners or crank baits for smallmouth. There were still reports of some walleye being caught in the 7 to 12 foot range from the Pensaukee River mouth to Oconto Park II, trolling crawler/harness.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Shore anglers on the Fox River have had luck fishing for catfish the last week with some nice channel cats over 10 pounds being caught, as well a few flatheads. Shore anglers were also reporting drum, some perch, and bass being caught. Musky were still being caught by anglers casting or trolling for them. Walleye anglers have been trolling University Bay with good success. Walleye fishing has been good at Bayshore Park the last week. Most anglers have been targeting 10-15 feet of water. The anglers who are fishing this depth have been catching respectable numbers of small walleye and drum. Trolling harnesses seem to be producing the best results, but some fish were being caught on crank baits as well. Anglers that have trolled some of the deeper water have found large numbers of bigger fish well away from the larger groups of anglers. Perch fishing has had its ups and downs over the last week with some nice samples being caught in 20 feet of water. Also, a few bonus musky have been caught by anglers trolling for walleye. Suamico anglers have had good success finding numbers of walleye the last few weeks using harnesses.
Manitowoc County ? Early last week southeast winds at 10-15 mph switched northerly at 5-10 mph for the rest of the week. Temperatures near 70 degrees at the start of the week dropped to the mid-40s mid-week, rising to 60 degrees by the weekend. Harbor temperatures remained around 65 degrees, with surface temperatures ranging from 47 degrees in 100 feet of water to 52 degrees near the pier heads. Fishing has picked up out of both ports this week, with many boats picking up large numbers of coho. Out of both Two Rivers and Manitowoc, the best depths have ranged from 90-120 feet with a few other fish caught out to 170 feet. Boaters reported every spoon they threw out there for coho worked, with most of the coho caught in the top 40 feet of the water column on high lines and dypsies. By the weekend, a mix of rainbow trout and coho was reported. Only a small number of kings have been landed, with success in the same depths using green/green flasher/fly combos 70 feet and deeper in the water column on the downriggers. Nearly every coho has been around 4 pounds, with a few nice kings being landed in the 15- to 18-pound range. Boats at the ramps have been averaging three to five fish, but several boats have come in with their limits. Pier fishing slowed by the weekend in Manitowoc, with only one or two coho or chinook salmon caught a day. The Two Rivers piers remain to see very little angler activity. In Manitowoc, the pier anglers have reported luck on blue/silver and green/silver champs.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers have been perch fishing with little success. Most have been targeting perch in the shallow weeds with slip bobbers and minnows. Smallmouth bass have been active with good numbers of fish being caught in 10 feet of water or less. Most anglers have been using soft plastics fished slowly over spawning bass. Also walleye have been hit or miss inside the ship channel itself, but anglers are finding some luck on Larson?s Reef. Bass have been the only constant action over the last week at Little Sturgeon Bay; with most fish coming off or around bedding areas. In any regard, fishing slowed some later in the week with the colder weather. Also there have been some anglers fishing musky with some success but over all it has been slow. Walleye fishing has been good at Chaudoir?s Dock with anglers trolling harnesses. Most have been targeting water shallower than 20 feet. Low light periods have been the most productive. Anglers are reporting lots of small walleye being caught as well with most fish being in the 13-14 inch range. But numbers of legal sized fish were being caught as well. Perch fishing has been good with some limits being reported. Most anglers were finding fish in 20-30 feet of water. Some perch have been a rather large size.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - Most trollers out of Sheboygan have had good success for coho, along with a few lake trout, rainbows, and chinook. The most productive depths have been from 200 to 350 feet of water. Flashers or orange dodgers and green or blue flies have taken the most fish, and some have also been caught on spoons. Fishing off the piers and shore in Sheboygan has been fairly slow, and the water temperature near shore has been around 58 degrees.
Ozaukee County - Port Washington trollers have been catching good numbers of fish in 200 to 350 feet of water, and orange dodgers and green or silver flies have been the most productive. Coho continue to dominate the catch although some lake trout, steelhead, and chinook have also been caught. Most boats were still coming back in with limit catches in a very short period of time. Shore fishing in the harbor and near the power plant has been slow, but off the Port Washington pier shore anglers have taken occasional coho on spoons or alewives fished off the bottom.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers continue to catch good numbers of coho. Flashers coupled with peanut flies in purple or green have taken fish in and around 60 to 80 feet of water. When the winds are consistently out of the west, Milwaukee shore anglers have been able to catch some salmon off McKinley pier as well. Blue & silver or green & silver spoons have produced, along with alewives fished off the bottom. Shore anglers have also been catching occasional brown trout behind the Summerfest grounds.
Racine County - Coho still comprise the majority of the catch out of Racine, with the majority of the effort focused on the morning bite. Some anglers were still having success in 70 to 90 feet of water, while others are reporting their best success in 110 to 140 feet of water. Water temperatures remain quite cold for this time of year and may be one of the reasons that fish can be found in such a variety of water depths. Dodgers in red, orange or white with combinations of blue or green flies have been productive for coho. Some chinook and lake trout have been taken on spoons and J-plugs in the deeper depths in the very early morning hours. Shore activity in Racine has been slow, with an occasional trout or salmon reportedly caught off of north and south piers on alewives. Renovation has started on the south pier and is expected to last two to three months. The area from the fishing access near the cleaning station east to the newer flat section is now closed.
Kenosha County - Fishing remains good for trollers off Kenosha, with the best activity focused in 110 to 160 feet of water, although some anglers are also reporting decent numbers of fish around 60 feet. Coho are still the main target with flasher and fly combinations providing the best success. Some chinook and lake trout were also being harvested on spoons and J-plugs fished 60 to 90 feet down. A few steelhead were taken near the surface in water over 200 feet deep. Water temperatures remain cold with surface readings below 50 degrees in almost all depths. Shore and pier activity in Kenosha has been slow overall, with a few brown trout and coho taken on the south pier on alewives fished on the bottom.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - The bluegills are starting to make spawning beds on area lakes. The next week should be a good time to catch bluegills. Angers were catching nice walleyes on Lake Wisconsin. The smallmouth bass were biting on the Wisconsin River. Anglers are reminded that it is good to catch fish for eating, however, catch and release for some of the species is a great practice to allow for the future of fishing.
Dane County - Anglers are finding panfish in deeper water adjacent to weed beds on Madison lakes. The fishing was very slow all weekend but a few bass were caught during a local tournament. Downy woodpecker chicks have been seen.
Jefferson County - Water levels have dropped significantly on the Rock and Crawfish rivers over the past couple weeks to the more normal summer levels. Anglers are having fair success catching catfish on the upper Rock and Crawfish rivers. Some fish in the 2-3 pound range are being caught although many are 1/2 -3/4 pounds. Anglers were having the best success on stink bait and chicken livers. On Rock Lake, anglers are catching some bluegill on the main lake off the shallow bars using red worms and waxworks.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - The Rock River has dropped significantly from early spring levels and is nearing summertime normal levels. Emergency slow-no-wake ordinances have been lifted on all sections of the Rock River, but boaters should be aware there are still slow-no-wake zones, which are marked with buoys. Fishing on the Rock River has slowed with the drastic temperature changes over the last week, but walleye, white bass, perch, and bluegill continue to be plentiful. Most walleye were being caught by trolling crank baits on Lake Koshkonong, but some were also being caught in the Rock River between Lake Koshkonong and I-90 by drifting or casting with jigs. Storr's Lake continues to produce bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Bluegill were biting on worms, but most fish are on the small size. Kiwanis Pond has been producing many undersized and some keeper largemouth bass. Trout are also biting on power baits at the Janesville Ponds. Canoeists have been taking advantage of the cooler weather the last week and have been paddling the Yahara River and Turtle Creek. Many baby animal calls are coming into the DNR from concerned citizens that think the animals have been abandoned. In most cases, the adult animal is close by and will not make themselves visible while there is human presence. The best thing to do when baby animals are found is leave them where they are and do not handle them.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - A huge 21inch smallmouth bass was caught recently in the park. The prevailing cool winds from the north have kept fishing generally on the slow side. Ticks are out. Off trail users such as trout anglers should be especially careful. If you are using any of the ski trails that are not mowed, this is another area where it?s easy to pick up ticks. Mowed trails and insect repellent are the best choices for trail users. Campers also need to be aware of the ticks. White-Tailed deer fawns are out. Wild turkeys have their young with them now. Turtles were laying eggs last week along various trails or other sandy places. Frog calls have been rare with the cool weather. Day visitors that are not visiting registered campers should be parking in lots other than the campgrounds. There is a new parking lot at the office which is next to a trail to Willow Falls. Please use that lot since we need the office lot open for arriving campers. The lot across from the Group Camp has a little shade also. The by-pass lane is open at the office for vehicles with annual or daily stickers. Please make use of that and avoid the wait in line. Do not park your vehicle at the stop sign and walk into the office. For sticker purchases, please stay in your vehicle. Using the by-pass lane to pass up a line and parking in the lot to walk in will usually not save you any time. We?ll direct you to park if we have staff available at the counter to assist with sticker sales. We do the best we can to limit wait time. Weekday camping (Sunday-Thursday) choices remain good for those without reservations. Weekend camping tends to be limited for those without reservations. Typically, the 300 campground will be full and less than a dozen non electric sites tend to be available in the 100-200 loops. Firewood is available at the park office during open hours. Nature Center hours are generally 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. except it is closed on Mondays.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
The public is reporting many deer fawn observations throughout the area. Fawns do not typically travel with does for the first several weeks of their lives. Does are very protective of their fawns and tend to be intolerant of other adult does during the majority of the summer. By autumn, does become less protective of their fawns and will associate with offspring of the previous year and other family groups. The public is also reporting an abundance of cotton-tailed rabbits and woodchucks and their associated nuisance problems. Keep your eyes open for wild turkey and pheasant broods, which will be showing up soon if they have not already. Hayfields are especially good areas to spot these animals.
Perrot State Park - The Trempealeau River is finally coming down again. All the up and down water levels are wrecking havoc with the fishing, which is reported to be very slow. Hiking trails are open and in good condition. Flowers blooming in the park include: Jack-in-the-pulpit, wild ginger, rock cress, violets, false Solomon's seal, Solomon's seal, wild geranium, wood anemone, Virginia waterleaf, dame's rocket, columbine, sweet cicely, Canada anemone, false-lily-of-the-valley, lupine, penstemon, phlox, spiderwort, puccoon, large-flowered beards tongue, yarrow, hoary alyssum, goat's beard, sunflowers, white wild indigo and prairie larkspur. Critter sightings around the park include: baby turtles are finally wandering about and adults are finally coming up to lay eggs in the sands. Bluebirds are incubating their second broods. Swallowtail butterflies are gracing the flowers and puddles throughout the park.
Great River State Trail - The trail is in good condition and wildflowers are lining the trails. Turtles and snakes are awakening and enjoying the warmth of the trail surface, so keep your eyes open as you ride. Cow parsnip, raspberries, wild strawberries, Canada anemone, poison ivy, spiderwort, white wild indigo and sunflowers are all in bloom. Baby turtles are making their way to water and adults are finally laying eggs. Baby birds are also bouncing around along trail edges, so keep your eyes open!
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? The turtles are laying eggs along the roadsides and on some south facing slopes. The dragonflies have finally appeared and are putting a dent in the mosquito population. Birds we have been seeing or hearing include: scarlet tanagers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, red polls, robins, mallard and bufflehead ducks, mourning doves, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, barred and great horned owls. The bald eagles are on their nests. Miterwort, spring beauty, common and wood strawberry, dog violet, marsh marigolds, wild columbine, hepaticas, bellwort, and the false rue anemones are in bloom.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Fawns and other wildlife babies are being seen in the park. Please leave these young animals alone, as the mothers are often close by. Mosquitoes have hatched so remember to bring your bug spray. Also - check for ticks as they are out as well. The park office loans out small tackle boxes and fishing poles. Saturday, June 18 join the Weed Warriors! Bring work gloves and meet at the park office to help pull garlic mustard from 9 a.m. to noon. Refreshments to follow.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The stairway up the bluff remains closed. Construction of a new stairway will be going on this summer/fall. Check out the petroglyph viewing area and all the great trails in the park. Fawns and other wildlife babies are being seen in the park. Please leave these young animals alone, as the mothers are often close by. Come and have "Tree-mendous Fun" at the picnic shelter on Saturday, June 18 at 3 p.m.. Meet Forester, Austin Felts and learn all about Wisconsin trees, take a short hike, and make tree crafts.
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, June 17, 2011
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Watchable Wildlife Around Lake O? the Dalles. 3:30 p.m. at the lake side of the Beach House.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Home Sweet Home Nature Storytime. Discover where the animals of the Kettle Moraine call home. Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee). 9:30-10:30 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Bird Hike. Meet at Ottawa Lake site #300. Hike begins at 8 a.m. Nature Origami and More. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 3 p.m. Meet a Ranger. 6-7 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- A Howling Success. Plunge into the world of wolves through a movie on the re-introduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. Dive into the impact of wolves in Wisconsin. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Nature Story and Craft. 10 - 10:30 a.m. Nature Center.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
? Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, (608) 565-2789 - Weed Warriors. Learn about invasive plants that are invading Wisconsin and how we can help the spread. Bring work gloves and help us pull garlic mustard in areas of the park. Refreshments to follow provided by the Friends of Buckhorn. Amphitheater. 9 a.m.
? Governor Nelson State Park, Madison, (608) 831-3005 - Boat Safety Check. This complimentary service provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to check all boats and vessels less than 65 feet, including paddle craft and PWCs. Meet at the boat launch area. 8 a.m. - Noon.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Morning Bird Walk. Meet at Puckett's Pond. 7:30 a.m. Treasures of Oz. Harrington Beach State Park is one of the featured ?treasure sites? in Ozaukee County?s 2011, ?Treasures of Oz? celebration, held on June 18.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Wetlands Soils in Living Color. Look underground and see what the soils can tell us about the wetlands here in Hartman Creek State Park. 7:30 p.m. Meet at the overflow parking lot.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop In on Ponds. Explore an inside ?pond?, learn to do some cattail weaving, and play in our giant indoor wetland. Then hike down to explore the real ponds. 9 a.m. - Noon.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 - Lime Kiln Trail Hike. Fairly strenuous hike to uncover the history of the lime kiln ruins and learn how the limestone was quarried. We will also be hiking into the State Natural Area and learn more about that as well. Involves steep climbs, descents and stairs. Meet in the Lime Kiln Trail parking lot. In the event of threatening weather, the hike will be canceled. Kids welcome, but best for adults. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Family Fun: Soda Can Casting. We?ll supply everything just come and have fun. 10 a.m. at the Beach of Lake O? the Dalles. Storytelling at the Summit.. 2 p.m. at the Summit Rock Trail sign. The Secrets of Eagle Peak. 7 p.m. at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp. Summer Outdoor Family Adventure Series (SOFAS). hikes, paddles, and fun activities. Join the club and enjoy time with your family, meet new friends, and discover the St. Croix Valley. From 10-11 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Saturday Morning Nature Sleuths. (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; ages 9+). 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. Summer Sun Celebration Drop In at the Beach. Long Lake Recreation Area Beach. 1-4 p.m. Twilight Paddle. canoe trip around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by June 16. Class limit is 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 -
? Geology of the Kettle Moraine. Forest Headquarters for a portion of the program and then hike the Stoney Ridge Nature Trail to see glacial features firsthand. Forest Headquarters, Hwy 59 between Eagle and Palmyra. 10 a.m. Recycled Craft. Ottawa Lake Beach. 1:30 p.m. Historic Cabin Visit. Visit the Emerson Cabin and learn the different styles of home building during frontier times. 3 p.m. Kenny Lonnquist Concert. Ottawa Lake Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
? Kinnickinnic State Park, River Falls, (715) 425-1129 - GO! Get Outdoors?and Play! Activities include outdoor games, arts and crafts, nature hike activities, hands-on casting demonstrations, build a bluebird house, and Wisconsin Explorer. Forester Gary Zielske will conduct a forestry awareness hike at 11 a.m. State Park admission required for all vehicles. Activities take place from 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Meet at the amphitheater. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wings and Things. Meet representatives of Wildlife of Wisconsin (WOW) for a program utilizing animals such as a hawk, a snake, turtle and so forth Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, (715) 542-3923 - Porcupine Ecology: Crystal Lake Nature Center. 6 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- Martin Pattison and Camp Pattison. Travel back in time to meet the man behind the park, the man who saved the Big Manitou Falls from being destroyed. Nature Center. 7 p.m. An Intermediate No-Lights Night Hike will follow the presentation.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Bird Table at Ephraim's Fyr Ball. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Ancient Shorelines Walk.Nature center. 4 - 4:45 p.m. Sturgeon Tales. Check out what makes this big fish so special during the family. Nature center. 7-7:45 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Fishing Clinic for Kids. Kids under 16, bring an adult and learn fishing basics from the warden. Then go out to try to catch your own fish. Please pre-register, space is limited. Call (262) 878-5600 or stop at the Entrance Station. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9-11 a.m. All events sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Dragons and Damsels. Explore their habitat to discover what makes dragon and damselflies so unique and important. Meet at the Visitor Center. 6-7:30 p.m.
? Roche-A-Cri State Park, Adams-Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Tree-mendous Fun. Why are we cutting all those big trees? Facts and about some diseases that are affecting our Wisconsin trees. Mound Shelter. 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Morning Bird Walk. Sponsored by the Riveredge Bird Club and Milwaukee Audubon Society. Meet at Puckett's Pond. 7:30 a.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Life in the Fast Lane. Continuing with our wetland theme, join us for a scavenger hunt relay. 10:30 a.m. Meet at Allen Lake. Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Hiking the Ice Age Trail. 10 a.m. at the Pothole Trail sign. The Owl and the Mouse. Meet Aztec, a live Spectacled Owl, and play a game that illustrates the exceptional hearing of some nocturnal animals that have the best hearing of any creatures on earth. 1 p.m. at the grassy area in the center of the North Campground.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Summer Sun Celebration Drop In at the Beach. Come celebrate the sun reaching its annual zenith. Discover what work the sun can do for us from cooking food to powering a car or flashlight. Create a special solar piece of art. Try a few sun experiments and maybe even get a peek of the sun through a solar scope. There will be something for everyone. Drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some sunny nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee). Noon-3 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- Barking up the Right Tree. Be a detective and track down the right identification of some of the trees of Pattison State Park. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Dad's Favorite Fishing Spot. Celebrate dad's big day with a morning of fishing. Stop at Potawatomi's boat landing for some fun fish activities before you head out on the water or go down to the fishing pier. 9 - 11 a.m.
Monday, June 20, 2011
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Clean Boats, Clean Waters. Children ages 3 - 7 are invited to join Jennifer Steltenpohl, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, to learn about freshwater aquatic life enjoy a craft with foam stickers and go home with a goodie bag. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- Wild Talking Birds. They talk our language, and that helps us to identify them. Bring binoculars. Nature Center. 7 p.m. (Option for 6 a.m. the next morning by request).
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
? Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - Summer Solstice Celebration. The sun was an important deity in beliefs of the Missisippian people who lived at Aztalan. The summer solsitice would have been observed with great celebration. This year's celebration will include a tour of archaeological excavations being conducted at the park. The summer solstice sunset will be viewed from the platform mounds. Food and beverages will be provided by the Friends of Aztalan. Picnic Shelter. 6 p.m. ? sunset.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Bird Hike. Learn about the birds in the neighborhood. Ottawa Lake Campground, beginning of the loop. 8 a.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Rock Collecting For Fun. Join Ed Mindock for a presentation on rock collecting as a hobbySanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- Hard Rock History Hike. Travel back in time when only nature recorded history. Step into an exploratory copper mine. Nature Center. 7 p.m. An Advanced No-Lights Night Hike will follow the presentation.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Invasives Team. 9 - 11 a.m. Help keep Peninsula beautiful! Phone 854-5976 for location. Bring work gloves if you have them.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
? Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Wausau, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Build New Trail. Pick up where we left off in 2010 and extend the Ice Age Trail about 0.75 miles north to Highway 52 in the Plover River State Fishery Area. Event runs Wednesday, June 22 through Sunday, June 26. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR] or call (608) 798-4453.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - How Birds Make a Living. Join Naturalist Julie Fox and find out some of the interesting tools birds use to make their living in the wild by playing a fun game that illustrates the importance of some of these features. 10 a.m. at the Ice Age Center.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Nature Activities. Each week, stop by the naturalist and learn about the environment. The activities and crafts will change each week. Whitewater Lake Beach. 11 a.m. ? 1 p.m.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Afternoon At The Movies. Children ages 4-10 must be accompanied by an adult. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m. Beach and Dune Walk. Sanderling Nature Center. 9 a.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- Warm-up: Eagle Eyes. Soar with eagles in a presentation. Mysterious Loons. Spine-tingling calls in the middle of the night and the wee hours of the morning. Loons, the black and white ghost of the waters of northern Wisconsin. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
? Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Wausau, (608) 798-4453 - Mobile Skills Crew - Build New Trail. Pick up where we left off in 2010 and extend the Ice Age Trail about 0.75 miles north to Highway 52 in the Plover River State Fishery Area. Event runs Wednesday, June 22 through Sunday, June 26. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR] or call (608) 798-4453.
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Check at the park office upon arrival for program location within the park. 10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Canoe Adventure. Venture with us by canoe around Mauthe Lake and up part of the Milwaukee River. Get a close look at a flood-plain forest and tamarack swamp. Basic canoe skills will be covered. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by June 21. Limit: 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. No experience necessary. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of twelve years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect). 6:30-8:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Bird Hike. Ottawa Lake site #300. Hike begins at 8 a.m. Nature Activities. Ottawa Lake Beach. 11 a.m. ? 1 p.m.
? Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Woodruff, (715) 542-3923 - Crystal Lake and rainbow smelt: 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 hear updates about a unique whole-lake experiment being conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Trout Lake Station to eliminate this invasive species from your lake. Crystal Lake Nature Center. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
? Pattison State Park, Superior, (715) 399-3111- Blood-Thirsty Critters. Gross-out facts and pictures of the annoying but important mosquitoes, flies, chiggers, ticks and leeches of Wisconsin ? one of which is not truly blood-thirsty. Let it be known that some of these bites can be crippling or deadly. Find out how to be safe in the presence of these critters. Nature Center. 7 p.m.
