Wisconsin State Park System
Nature Programs and Events Calendar
Below is a list of interpretive programs and other events at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Trails. As you make plans for these events, remember:
Most events are free of charge, but a State Parks Vehicle Admission Sticker is required unless stated otherwise.
Events and times may change due to weather and other factors beyond our control; please call ahead. Check at the park office for additional events not listed.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Tumbled Rocks Hike. Take a nature hike during your lunch break! We’ll hike or snowshoe the Tumbled Rocks Trail. Earn miles towards the “Hike 101” happening at the park. Meet at Tumble Rocks Trailhead on the North Shore. Noon - 1 p.m.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun and involving nature program. This month discover how fun the mitten can be. Dress to go outside. Please pre-register by calling (262) 878-5600. Meet at the Visitor Center. Program will go on regardless of weather, but topic may change. 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Brule River State Forest, Brule 715-372-5678 - Afterhours Ski Trail Candlelight Ski. Two miles of cross-country ski trails lit by candles and moonlight. After skiing come sit around the warm bonfire and have some hot cocoa or cider and that will be provided in the warming house. A grill will be provided for cooking whatever you would like to bring to cook. Free- no trail passes required. 6-9 p.m.
Copper Falls State Park, Mellen (715) 274-5123 - Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe. Join the Friends of Copper Falls State Park for the first annual Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Both snowshoe and ski trails will be illuminated totaling over 2 miles of trail. A large bonfire will be provided and refreshments will be available. Event is weather permitting. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 - Snowshoe Interpretive Walk: "Please Turn up the Heat!" Friends of Crex member Dale Bohlke, will lead a snowshoe walk. We can dress in layers, but how do animals stay warm during winter? Participate in this snowshoe hike to discover the winter animal warming tricks. Dress to be outdoors for 2-2 1/2 hours. Mittens and warm boots are recommended. The tour will be held regardless of the weather. Cost is $5 and snowshoes are available for a $5 rental fee. Group size is limited to 10; please call (715) 463-2739 to make your reservation. Visitor center at 1 p.m.
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Learn to Snowshoe. Come and try out this fun winter activity. We’ll start out at the Nature Center with a brief introduction to snowshoeing then head out to try the equipment. Natue Center. 11 a.m. - Noon.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Candlelight Night. Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails. Snowshoes available for ages six and up. There are warming fires at the trailheads, and food and refreshments available at the Ice Age Center. The event is supported by the Friends of Interstate State Park. Ice Age Interpretive Center and the Camp Interstate Shelter. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Who's Been Here? Tracking on Snowshoes: Exploring Nature Program. By just looking at a track, we can figure out what animal passed through the area. Master some of the tricks of snowshoeing and tracking animals in winter. If there is not enough snow for snowshoeing, we will hike the trail. To register call (920) 533-8322 by February 9, 2012. This program is best for families/groups with children over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 10-11:45 a.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Valentine Candlelight Ski and Hike. Celebrate Valentine’s Day early while enjoying the winter wonderland at night with family and friends. Ski or hike a two-mile trail lit by almost 200 tiki torches. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets, snowshoes or sleds. Vehicle sticker required. Supported by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae. Meet at the cross-country ski trail. Stop at office for directions. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski. Event has been cancelled due to icy conditions.
Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Just over 1 mile of candlelight skiing and hiking on the trails of Lapham Peak. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Friends of Lapham Peak, as well as live music entertainment, and the warmth of a fire while sitting inside the Trekker Lodge. Outside seating and bonfire will also available. Homestead Hollow parking lot and Trekker Lodge. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
How Fishers Fall in Love and Other Tales of Romance: 11 – 11:30 a.m. and repeated 1 – 1:30 p.m. Nature Center. Longer days trigger thoughts of finding partners among Peninsula animals like fishers, chickadees, owls and squirrels. This naturalist talk is suitable for all ages and will include fur and skull identification, and how to spot a squirrel nest.
Make a Valentine’s Card from Recycled Holiday Cards: Any time, on-your-own craft activity at the Nature Center.
Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Event has been cancelled due to lack of snow.
Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Over 300 luminaries will light two 0.75-mile trail loops for the evening. Skiers, hikers, and snowshoers share the trails. A roaring bonfire will warm the night, and refreshments will be served in the shelter. Members of the Northern Cross Science Foundation will be on hand with their telescopes to guide visitors through the night sky. This event is supported by the Friends of Pike Lake. Meet at the South Shelter at the beach/picnic area. 6-9 p.m.
Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Candlelight Snowshoe. Snowshoe the trails at Rib Mountain by candlelight. Supported by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park [exit DNR]. Meet at the concession stand. 6-8 p.m. Event is weather permitting. For more information, call (715) 581-7983 or (715) 842-2522, or e-mail.
Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please pre-register by calling (262) 878-5600. Meet at Shelter #1. Ski clinic is weather dependent. 9-11 a.m.
Return to Romance. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. Enjoy a candlelit walk, a bonfire, music fine desserts and warm drinks with your special someone(s). Pre-register and pre-pay fee is $5/adult and $1/child plus state park admission sticker. Visitor Center. Event is weather permitting. 7-9 p.m. Supported by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR].
Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 or e-mail - Candlelight Hike. Hike on trails lit by candles. Enjoy refreshments at the Nature center and bonfires at the boat launch and behind the nature center. Willow River State Park nature center. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Learn about Wolves in Wisconsin. Larry and Emily Scheunemann will present a 1-hour program that focuses on the current status of the wolf recovery program in Wisconsin. They will describe some of the research techniques used to monitor the wolf population, including the use of tracking surveys and howling surveys. Forest Headquarters - 3 miles west of Eagle on Highway 59. Event is 7-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Moon Faces Nature Storytime. Has the moon ever smiled at you? Come uncover the many faces of the moon. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's Center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, Monroe, (608) 214-1716 or e-mail - Snowshoe Walk & Wine and Cheese Tasting. This event will be a unique opportunity to sample wine and Green County cheese, enjoy the beautiful wooded hills of the state recreation area, and get some winter exercise all at the same time. There will also be hot chocolate, hot cider and a campfire at the end. The registration fee is $20 per person, or $30 for two. Proceeds from the day will be used to help purchase new playground equipment for the recreation area. If there is no snow we will have a lovely winter hike instead. For more information, see the Friends Of Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area website [exit DNR].
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 - Shakers & Movers 2012 Series: Wolves and their Signs. Each month we will take a closer look at a person, animal, or management practice that has an impact on something else. Crex Meadows Biologist, Steve Hoffman, and Wildlife Tech Bob Hanson will present about wolves and the signs they leave behind. The morning will begin in the classroom then we will head out into Crex Meadows for some hands on investigation. Be sure to dress for winter weather. Outdoor activity requires walking through snow. Crex Meadows Visitor Center and throughout the wildlife area. 9 a.m. to noon
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Great Backyard Bird Count. Come and watch the birds! Spend some time counting the birds at the feeders around the Nature Center. These results will be recorded online so you can check out the results. We’ll have some simple bird crafts to do as well. Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 or e-mail - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Enjoy luminaries set out to light a 1-mile loop trail groomed for both diagonal striding and skate skiing as it weaves through the woods. Non-skiers are welcome to hike on another 1-mile candlelit trail with scenic views of Woods Lake. Hikers and pets are not allowed on the the ski trail, but are welcome on the hiking trail. Warming fires and hot chocolate are available at the shelter building. Vehicle park admission sticker is required and can be purchased at the park office. Meet at the Woods Lake Picnic Area Shelter. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Winter NatureFest - Winter Past Times. If you were around 100 years ago, what would you have done during the winter to pass the time? Join us for some down-to-earth fun from the past, both indoors and out. Take a nature hike, make crafts and toys, play games, and more! This event is for people of all ages. Snow or no snow! 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Winter Explorer Hike. Join us to explore the trails and discover what is happening this winter in the park. Dress to be outside. Meet at the Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Jacksonport, (920) 823-2400
- Quiet Side Bird Exploration. Join amateur birders Bill and Sarah Krouse for a morning of winter lakeshore birding. Begin at Whitefish Dunes to learn the basics of winter bird watching (with refreshments) then carpool to various hot birding spots (Cave Point, Jacksonport, Baileys Harbor). The group will travel northward before returning to the park. Depending on current birding information, travels may take the group to different sites than listed. Dress warmly, bring water and a snack; as trip may include a stop for lunch if birding provides to be extremely successful. Trip participants receive 15 percent off all bird books at the park store.
9 a.m. - noon.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail - Bat Monitoring Workshop. Peninsula is hosting a Bat Monitoring Workshop on Wednesday, February 22, from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Gibraltar Town Fire Department at 3496 County Road F. This program is free and open to the public. Bill Mueller of the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory is the lead presenter. Bill will share information on bat ecology and biology, threats to bats, the reasons why bat monitoring is becoming important, and will show how to use ANABAT units. Participants will have the option of "adopt" a bat monitoring site for 2012, and be part of a state-wide effort to save Wisconsin bats. Monitoring bats is a great family activity, too. You can count bats once a summer, or once a week - all monitoring efforts are worthwhile. Bat monitoring can also fulfill high school graduation service hour requirements. 2-3:30 p.m. at the Gibralter Town Fire Department.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Roznos Meadow Hike. Take a nature break on your lunch break! We’ll hike or snowshoe the meadow part of the Roznos Trail. Earn miles towards the “Hike 101” happening at the park. Meet at the trail head on South Shore road. Noon to 1 p.m.
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Copper Culture State Park, (715) 757-3979 or e-mail - Candlelight Hike. Hike through the woods and along the Oconto River on a one mile trail lit with luminaries. Hot chocolate and warming fire available at the shelter. Copper Culture Picnic Area. Sponsored by the Oconto County Historical Society. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Let's Go Tracking. Winter is the best time to track the animals. We’ll start of inside the nature center, but dress for the weather as a majority of the program will be spent outside. Nature Center. 1-2 p.m.
Like to Hike? Tracking the Black Ash Swamp: 2 – 3 p.m. Meet at Nature Center. Hike or snowshoe (provide your own snowshoes) Hidden Bluff Trail, then circle a forest wetland looking for turkey, deer and raccoon prints. Counts towards earning your 2012 Like to Hike pin.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Blowing Winds Nature Storytime. Spring winds blow away the last of winter's cold and snow. have some fun as we learn why the wind blows and what's blown by the wind. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's Center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Play - Naturally. Come and play at the nature center - naturally! We’ll have nature art you can create, build structures using tree cookies, make bubble art, and more! Nature Center.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - An Evening with Nature: Black Bears in Wisconsin. Black bears are thriving in Wisconsin. Join Linda as she shares facts about black bear natural history and ecology, and ways that humans can better co-exist with them. This program is most appropriate for ages 10 years and older. Presenter is Linda Olver, DNR Assistant Bear and Deer Ecologist. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun and involving nature program. This month listen to an old-fashioned story time! Dress to go outside. Please pre-register by calling (262) 878-5600. Meet at the Visitor Center. Program will go on regardless of weather, but topic may change. 10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 - Snowshoe Interpretive Walk "Leaves, Leaves, Where Are You?" Friends of Crex member Dale Bohlke, will lead the snowshoe walk. How do plants survive the winter and what awakens them each spring? What defenses have plants developed to protect themselves from hungry deer? These and other topics will be explored during a snowshoe hike. Dress to be outdoors for 2-2 1/2 hours, mittens and warm boots are recommended. The tour will be held regardless of the weather. Cost is $5, snowshoes are available for a $5 rental fee. Group size is limited to 10; please call (715) 463-2739 to make your reservation. Meet at the visitor center. 1 p.m.
Feed the Animals Day. Ever seen a salamander eat? Want to see a tree frog gulp down a cricket? How about watching a snakes devour a mouse? Stop in the nature center, starting at 11 a.m. to watch our animals have some lunch. 11 a.m. – Noon.
Full Moon Hike. No flashlights needed for this hike! We’ll look and listen for nocturnal animals and enjoy the park by the full moon light. Meet at the Steinke Basin parking lot. 7-8 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Gifts of Wisconsin Trees: Exploring Nature Program. Maple syrup, apples, cherries, paper, nuts, furniture and so much more are gifts from trees. Many of these gifts are harvested while there are no leaves on the trees. Join us as we reveal the tricks to identifying trees in leafless condition and find out what products come from them. This program is best for ages 10 years and older. Ice Age Visitor Center. 10-11:30 a.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Coiled Rim Gourd Bowls. Make a decorative gourd bowl with a beautiful coiled and sewn fiber rim. Learn the techniques of growing, drying and preparing gourds for use. Please pre-register and pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600. Fee is $30. You may want to bring drinks and a snack. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Sweet Taste of Spring Nature Storytime. Freezing nights and warm days make the sap of the maple trees flow. Join us as we learn how maple sap is turned into sweet tasting syrup. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's Center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Shhh! Listen. It’s amazing what we can discover if we are quiet and we listen. Join us for a listening hike and enjoy nature’s music. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. – Noon.
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Bluebird House Building Workshop. Join volunteers from the Friends of Kohler for this annual workshop. Participants are asked to meet at the park office for a short program on bluebirds followed by the workshop. Bird houses are assembled from a kit. Please bring a hammer if you have one. Participants may purchase house for $7 Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is encouraged. 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Earliest Migrants. Bundle up and bring your binoculars to join us for an early morning hike. Discover which hardy migrants have returned and what the resident birds are doing. Trails will be wet. Meet at the Visitor Center. 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Learn To Pan Fish Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to pan fish. Designed for kids age 7 and up with a parent/guardian. Learn how to select rods, reels and line, to tie knots, rig up equipment, and how to cast using several reels. 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. You must sign up in advance by February 29, 2012. Send an e-mail to Reid Urban, call (262) 902-4371, or download a registration form at the Scheduled Fishing Clinics website.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 - Shakers & Movers 2012 Series: Father of Crex Meadows: Norman Stone. Each month we take a closer look at a person, animal, or management practice that has an impact on something else. March we will learn about Norman Stone, the "Father of Crex Meadows". The presentation by Heidi Rusch will be based on interviews with people who experienced life with Norman Stone, as the first manager of Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. Crex Meadows Visitor Center, 4 p.m.
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Nature Hike. Put on your boots and bring your curiosity to explore and discover nature with the naturalist. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. – Noon.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Learn To Bass Fish 2-Day Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to bass fish.
This is a two-day course for March 26 and 28. Designed for ages 16 and up (10-15 year old's with an adult). Learn about selecting rods and reels, knots, rigging, and casting, plus you'll learn what a bass feels like when it bites, how to find, play and land the fish, and basic boat needs for keeping costs down. 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. You must sign up in advance by February 29, 2012. Send an e-mail to Reid Urban, call (262) 902-4371, or download a registration form at the Scheduled Fishing Clinics website.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Learn To Bass Fish 2-Day Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to bass fish.
This is a two-day course for March 26 and 28. Designed for ages 16 and up (10-15 year old's with an adult). Learn about selecting rods and reels, knots, rigging, and casting, plus you'll learn what a bass feels like when it bites, how to find, play and land the fish, and basic boat needs for keeping costs down. 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. You must sign up in advance by February 29, 2012. Send an e-mail to Reid Urban, call (262) 902-4371, or download a registration form at the Scheduled Fishing Clinics website.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 ext 140 or e-mail - Drop in on Frogs. Spring is around the corner and soon the sound of frogs will fill the night air. Drop in the nature center and participate in some activities all about frogs and toads. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New Glarus Wood State Park, New Glarus, (608) 527-2335 - Night Hike and Owl Talk. Supported by The Friends of New Glarus Woods State Park. Evening.
Willow Trellis Workshop. Cut native willow then construct a beautiful garden trellis. Please pre-pay by calling (262) 878-5600, fee is $20. Meet at Shelter #1 but be prepared to drive. Dress for the weather, program will probably be outside. Waterproof boots are helpful but not necessary. 9-11 a.m.
Learn To Fish Workshop. Join angler education instructor Reid Urban to learn to fish. Training will consist of an hour lecture and an hour workshop each day and includes actual fishing. 1:30-3:30 p.m. You must sign up in advance by February 29, 2012. Send an e-mail to Reid Urban, call (262) 902-4371, or download a registration form at the Scheduled Fishing Clinics website.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Black-masked Bandits Nature Storytime. Here comes the black-masked bandits of the forest! Discover how raccoons survive in the woods, along the water's edge, and even in our big cities. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 or e-mail – Maple Syrup Festival. Enjoy learning about the MacKenzie Center’s sugar bush and how Native Americans, Pioneers and today’s volunteers make maple syrup. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, horse drawn wagon rides and more! Event is free; concession stand, breakfast and raffles available for sale. The MacKenzie Environmental Education Center is located just two miles east of Poynette on County Road CS and Q. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - An Evening with Nature: Eliminating Threats to Birds. Spring bird migration is well underway at this time of year. Learn how we can reduce or even eliminate many of the threats birds face as they fly from their wintering habitats in the south to their northern breeding territories. This program is most appropriate for ages 10 and older. Presenter is Scott Diehl, Manager of the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Get Connected! Exploring Nature Program. Through games and activities, we will untangle how we are connected into the web of nature. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 10-11:30 a.m.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Happy Earth Day! Nature Storytime. Come celebrate Earth Day with stores, games, songs, and lots of fun! This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's Center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Sounds of Spring Night Hike. Nature awakens from a long winter slumber with a symphony of sound. Journey through the darkening woods to reveal the members of the spring choir. This hike is most appropriate for ages 6 and older. Meet at the Zillmer Trail Area (off Highway SS between County Highway G and Highway 67 near New Prospect). 7:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 - Earth Week Clean Up. Help give the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive a spring cleaning. Join others for a morning of camaraderie and litter pick up. Youth and other groups are encouraged to participate. Bring your own gloves. Garbage bags will be provided. Go to the Forest Headquarters to get your road assignment. After the clean up, meet back at the Headquarters for snacks and refreshments. To register groups, call (262) 626-2116. Supported by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Meet at the Forest Headquarters (off Highway G, south of County Highway SS near New Prospect). 8:30 a.m. - Noon.