April Events at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails
Watchable Wildlife Opportunities and Interpretive Programs

Note: Events and times may change due to weather and other factors beyond our control; please call ahead. Most events are free of charge; State Parks Vehicle Admission Sticker required unless stated otherwise. Check at the park office for additional events not listed.

Take a moonlight hike in a state park or forest when there's a full moon.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - In Search of Sky Dancers and Spring Noise-Makers. An early spring evening is the perfect time to search for those incredible sky dancers, woodcocks and snipes. As the sky darkens, we will tune in on those nighttime noise-makers, the frogs. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7:30-9 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Brule River State Forest, Brule (715) 372-5678 - Bois Brule River Spring Clean-Up. The Brule River Sportsmen's' Club will be in need of volunteers to help clean up litter along the river corridor. Meet in Brule at the pavilion at the Lions park at 9 a.m. for coffee and donuts prior to assignment of a clean up area. Following clean-up, lunch will be provided at noon by the Club at the Round Up North in Brule. Bring boots and warm clothing. For more details, contact Dennis Smet, (715) 372-8377 or John Holter (715) 372-8947.
Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 ext. 105 or e-mail - Timber Wolf Adventure Race. An 8 to 10 hour race in one of Wisconsins most primitive and pristine areas of vast forestland. The racers will experience physical and mental challenges throughout the course with biking, orienteering, canoeing, and more. Racers will need to register. Race starts at 7:15 a.m. Food, prizes and a raffle will follow the race. Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. For more information, see UWSP Adventure Racing Club [exit DNR].
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail -
- Earth Day Celebration. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join us for recycled crafts and eco-friendly activities. Find out simple ways to become more green at home. No admission sticker required.
- Great American Clean-up [exit DNR]. Be a part of the largest annual community involvement program! Garbage bags will be provided to organizations and businesses that can help clean up Havenwoods or an area in their neighborhood. Registered volunteers will receive gift certificates from local sponsors. (414) 272-5462 ext. 104 . 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (262) 626-2116 or e-mail - Earth Week Litter Pickup. Help give the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and the Northern Unit a spring cleaning. Youth and other groups are encouraged to participate. Bring your own gloves; garbage bags provided. Snacks will be served after the litter pick up. Please call o register groups, Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Forest Headquarters, off of Hwy G south of Hwy SS near New Prospect. 8:30 a.m. - noon.
Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 or e-mail - Volunteer Work Day. Help build some technical, challenging and environmentally sustainable mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine. Work gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirts and bottled water are recommended. We will supply tools, expertise and guaranteed fun! If the weather looks questionable, check the Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202 on Friday to make sure the work day is not canceled. Meet at the John Muir parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and work from 9 a.m. - noon.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 -
- Fly Tying 101. Join Dave Kraft to learn the basics of fly tying then make your own fly. All equipment provided. For ages 12 to adult; children must be accompanied by an adult. Please preregister; class size is limited. Meet at the Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - noon.
- Bike the Park. At this Spring into Fitness activity, choose your own route! For any age or activity level, bike 4 miles on a level and paved park road with a naturalist. Seasoned riders can get a cue sheet for a 20-mile ride on area roads. You do not have to be part of the Spring into Fitness event to bike. Bring your own bike. Meet at the Visitor Center. 1-2:30 p.m.
Sandhill Wildlife Area, Babcock, (715) 652-2950 - Open House. Explore the trails by foot or bike, learn about the educational programs offered through the skills center and talk to volunteers and staff. Refreshments will be served and locally made crafts will be for sale. Sponsored by Friends of Sandhill. Outdoor Skills Center, 1 mile north of State Highway 80 near Babcock. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Tackle Invasive Species! Join the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park to tackle Common and Glossy Buckthorn and preserve our rare plants! Learn control techniques and how to identify both species. Please dress for the weather (long pants are preferable). Water, gloves and snacks provided. Volunteers for this event will receive a courtesy vehicle sticker. Everyone is welcome to help control the invasives! Meet at the Whitefish Dunes Nature Center. There are two times for this event. Come when you are able to, for one or two hours, or for one or both of the sessions: 9.00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and also 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

La Crosse River State Trail, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 or e-mail - Always on a Sunday: Prairie Walk [exit DNR]. Here's your chance to learn about native wildflowers and grasses on this remnant of railroad prairie. A leisurely walk on level terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat to block the sun. Enjoy the afternoon along the trail with local columnist and naturalist, Bob Lee! Search for early bloomers such as pasque flower, dwarf buttercup and lyre-leaved rock cress. Meet at the trail crossing on Commercial St. (County Highway J) in Rockland. 1:30 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Earth Day Native Plant Sale. Buy beautiful and healthy native plants at a very reasonable rate. Plants are grown in Wisconsin by Agrecol. Benefit the park and the environment at the same time! Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions. No early sales. End time may vary based on plant availability. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at Shelter #2. 1-3 p.m.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Tackle Invasive Species! Join the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park to tackle Common and Glossy Buckthorn and preserve our rare plants! Learn control techniques and how to identify both species. Come for one or two hours. Please dress for the weather (long pants are preferable). Water, gloves and snacks provided. Volunteers for this event will receive a courtesy vehicle sticker. Everyone is welcome to help control the invasives! Meet at the Whitefish Dunes Nature Center. 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Spring Gathering. After free refreshments, hear Randy Korb speak about declining amphibians and their challenge to hang on in a rapidly-changing world. He'll bring along some frogs and salamanders for children to hold and feed. Korb is president of the Wisconsin Audubon Council and author of two books about Wisconsin frogs. Sponsored by Friends of Interstate Park. Ice Age Center. Refreshments 7 p.m., program 7:30 p.m.
Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Tackle Invasive Species! Join the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park to tackle Common and Glossy Buckthorn and preserve our rare plants! Learn control techniques and how to identify both species. Come for one or two hours. Please dress for the weather (long pants are preferable). Water, gloves and snacks provided. Volunteers for this event will receive a courtesy vehicle sticker. Everyone is welcome to help control the invasives! Meet at the Whitefish Dunes Nature Center. 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Last Revised: Thursday April 24 2008