July 2008 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.

July  2008
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1	2	3	4 Independence Day	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31

Monday, July 21, 2008

• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail - Buddy Can You Spare a Dime Campfire. Can you imagine earning a buck a day, sending 80 cents home, and just keeping 20 cents for yourself? Learn about guys who did just that: the CCC. Sings songs of the era. Then, make yummy banana boats over the fire. $1 donation/boat. 8-9 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-2420 - Sunsets, Yoga, and Paddling. Wendy Yanke of Indigo Yoga to teach you two of our favorite things at our favorite time of the day! We'll have plenty of insect repellent and incense burning to help you achieve a bug-free Zen. And when we're done you'll see why the sunsets at Big Foot Beach State Park have been rated the best in the state! Fee $30 per class or $100 for four-week session. Please call to preregister. Yoga 6-7 p.m., instructional sunset paddle 6-7:30 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - The Beaver, Nature's Engineer. Learn about the home, the habits, and the adaptations of the beaver. Meet at the Camp Interstate Shelter across from the South Campground entrance. 10 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Kayak Connection. Join the Lakeshore Sea Kayakers to learn about the basics of kayaking, including equipment, gear, safety, and destinations. Time for questions as well. Bathhouse. 7 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail -
  • Chief Kahquados Morning. Discover Peninsula's Potawatomi history. Bead an arrowhead necklace ($1 donation/arrowhead). See Flintknapper Dave Jacobs demonstrate how to chip stone to make an arrowhead. Nature Center. 10 a.m.
  • Damsels and Dragonflies. Peninsula welcomes Biologist Julie Pleski who will share the natural history of these "mosquito hawks" through pictures. After 20 minutes, younger kids will be invited inside to make a dragonfly craft. The program will continue at a more technical, adult level. Julie is hearing impaired. A sign language interpreter will be present: an excellent opportunity for kids to see a professional with a hearing impairment in action. Nature Center. 8 - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail -
  Family Fun: So You Want to be a Lumberjack? Visit with Naturalist Julie Fox, learn about the tools used by the lumberjacks of long ago and give them a try yourself! Ice Age Center. 2 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail -
  • Damsels and Dragons in the Field. Meet at Lot 1 near the Park Headquarters. We'll catch and release insects, learning to identify them with the help of Biologist Pleski. All ages welcome. 10 a.m. - 12 noon.
  • Going Batty. Bats are beautiful. Learn about these night time predators from the naturalist through games and stories. Thirty minutes after sunset, watch bats emerge from their day time roost to feast on mosquitoes. Fair weather only. Welcker’s Shelter. 8:15 p.m.

Thursday, July 24 - Friday, July 25, 2008

• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Forest Fire, Friday - Invasive Insects. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Outdoor Adventure: An Ice Age Sunset. We will hike to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to catch a beautiful Ice Age Sunset. Along the way we will explore the surrounding woods and learn of the area's glacial legacy. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Parnell Tower Parking Lot. 6:30-8 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Solar System Walk. Join Solar System Ambassador Kevin Koski on a hike of our solar system. Learn fun and fascinating facts about the planets in our solar system and find out why Pluto is no longer considered a planet. Please wear comfortable shoes for the hike on the beach. Hike is best for those age 8 and up. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail -
  • Plein Air. Artists will be at Weborg Point as part of the Peninsula Art School's Plein Air event.
  • Pedal Peninsula: Only Ages 12-18. Provide your own bike. Extreme fun —less talk, more pedal power. This ride is designed for older kids. Pack a water bottle. We'll provide ants on a log for snack. Meet at Nature Center. 9-10:30 a.m.
  • Flashing Fireflies. Discover firefly facts through a classic Dr. Suess story and a cool glow stick craft. $1 donation/firefly. 11 a.m. - 12 Noon.

Friday, July 25, 2008

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Ancient Abandoned Riverbeds. Take a trip back in time on the Meadow Valley Trail on a short hike with naturalist Barb Walker. Meet at the Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking lot. 3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Junior Forest Explorers: it's a Bird! It's a... What's that red bird? Join us we discover a birder's tricks to identifying birds by their habitats, behaviors, calls and color patterns. Bring binoculars if you have a pair. This fun-filled program is for all 6- to 12-year-old explorers. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail -
  • Kayak Tour. Meet at Nicolet Beach Rentals at 9:45 a.m. to pay $14 rental fee, which includes $4 donation to Peninsula nature education. Ages 16 and younger must be in kayak with adult. Weather permitting. Experience a naturalist-led paddle along Peninsula’s incredible coast. Basic paddle instruction, geology and park history featured. Must pre-register at Nature Center. 9:45 a.m. – 12 Noon.
  • Bird in a Birch Sconce. Nature Center. $2 supplies. Decorate a birch sconce with a red bird, silk leaves and ribbon. 10 – 11 a.m. 
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Geologic History of Door County. The geologic history of the Door Peninsula is a dynamic story of moving continents, far away volcanoes, tropical seas and continental ice sheets. Learn how geologic forces formed the towering bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 8 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27, 2008

• Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills, (920) 648-8774 - Native American Weekend [exit DNR]. Crafts, arts, dancing,singing and drumming. Special performances are Saturday, 1 p.m. dances by Art Shegonee (Menominee-Potawatomi), 3 p.m. Wisconsin Dells Drummers and Singers (Ho-Chunk); Sunday, 3 p.m. Stra8 Across Drummers and Singers (multi-tribal). Traditional and contemporary crafts and art by Native artists will be displayed throughout the weekend and available for purchase. At 1 p.m. Sunday Karen Hartman will offer a program for children on making Dream Catchers ($2 per child). Sponsored by Friends of Aztalan State Park [exit DNR]. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 or e-mail - Nature Art. This nature program takes place at the Connor Lake Picnic Area. 1-2 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail -
• The Owl and the Mouse. Meet Aztec, a live South American Spectacled Owl, and play a game that illustrates the exceptional hearing of some nocturnal creatures that have the best hearing of any animals on earth. A fun activity for the entire family! Meet at the grassy area in the center of the North Campground. 2 p.m.
• Molten Lava and Melted Ice. Take a scenic hike and learn about the gee-whiz geology of Interstate Park. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign. 4 p.m.
• Snakes! Snakes are among the most misunderstood and feared creatures on earth. Learn more about these amazing reptiles from naturalist Barb Walker. You also can meet two live snakes! Ice Age Center. 7 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail -
  • Exploring Nature: Ice Age at the Beach. The glaciers have returned to Mauthe Lake! Discover how the glaciers created kames, eskers, kettles, and moraines through fun hands-on activities. Be prepared to get a little wet. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. 9:30-11 a.m.
  • Drop In at the Beach: Nature Printing. Let your artistic energies flow! Using objects from nature, we will print lovely designs on cloth or note cards. Bring a T-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m.
  • Birds of the Kettle Moraine. More than 230 species of birds have been identified in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Bill Volkert, Horicon DNR Wildlife Area naturalist, will share insights on how to identify them, and where and when to find them in the Northern Unit. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Owl Pellets. Join volunteer naturalist Jim Mohr to learn facts about owls and their interesting digestive system. There will be a short video and then time for actual pellet dissection and investigation. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. 2 p.m.
  • Wolves of Wisconsin. Learn about wolf ecology, population, management issues, field study techniques and more from Richard Stoelb, a volunteer carnivore tracker and member of Timber wolf Information Network. Bring the family. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail - Universe in the Park. This outreach program by the University of Wisconsin - Madison Astronomy Department will feature an informational presentation and slide show on astronomy, followed by a chance to view the night sky up close through a high powered telescope! Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 -
• Nature Ramble. Put on your boots and bring your curiosity to ramble, explore and discover nature with the naturalist. Visitor Center. 9-10 a.m.
• Baths for Birds. Make a beautiful concrete leaf birdbath using a sand casting technique. Please call to pre-register and pre-pay the $15 fee. You will need to pick up your project at a later date. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 7-8 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, (608) 565-2789 - Universe in the Park. Learn about the planets, stars and comets. Astronomers will show a slide show and talk about the night sky or recent astronomical news. Then you can look through a telescope to check out the summer night sky! Kiosk shelter. 8 p.m., sunset.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Sand Sculpture Contest. Bring friends and family to help make sand creations on the beach. Prizes for everyone with grand prizes in three categories. You must be present to win. Ask the park for a rule sheet. Beach. Sculptures can not begin before 8 a.m. Registration 12:30-2 p.m., judging 2 p.m., awards 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Old-time Nature Skills, Games and Crafts. Take a step back in time to enjoy some old-time fun. Play outdoor/nature games like graces, sack races and pin-the-tail on the turkey. Try your hand at some nature crafts that would make your great-grandparents proud such as kites and leather treasure pouches. You will also be able to test your skills at archery, tracking and cross- cut sawing. Join us for an old-fashioned day of outdoor nature fun. In the event of threatening weather, this event will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon - 4 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail - Stars with Universe in the Park. Come enjoy a night of stargazing at the Peninsula Nature Center. Evening.

Monday, July 28, 2008

• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 or e-mail - Campfire Talk. Come enjoy a roaring campfire and hear stories from Peninsula State Park Historian Bill Tishler. Nature Center. 8 - 9 p.m.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, (262) 348-2420 - Sunsets, Yoga, and Paddling. Wendy Yanke of Indigo Yoga to teach you two of our favorite things at our favorite time of the day! We'll have plenty of insect repellent and incense burning to help you achieve a bug-free Zen. And when we're done you'll see why the sunsets at Big Foot Beach State Park have been rated the best in the state! Fee $30 per class or $100 for four-week session. Please call to preregister. Yoga 6-7 p.m., instructional sunset paddle 6-7:30 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Junior Rangers: Mister Golden Sun. Rain or shine, the sun is up there in the sky each day. We’ll celebrate the gifts the sun gives to plants, animals, and the whole earth. Concurrent story times concurrently for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents and for primary age children, ages 6-8. These programs are not for day care centers or organizations. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Hike to the Summit. Join the naturalist for a short hike up the Summit Rock Trail. Learn fascinating facts about the history and geology of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign. 2 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 31 - Sunday, August 10, 2008

• State Fair Park [exit DNR], West Allis, - Wisconsin State Fair [exit DNR]. Visit the DNR exhibits at this year's Wisconsin State Fair--a green oasis in the midst of the souvenir stands, amusement rides, food stands and loud music of the fairgrounds. Displays and demonstrations, license sales, and people to answer your questions. Nature discovery area for kids of all ages to enjoy. Near the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Thursday, July 31 - Saturday, August 2, 2008

• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 or e-mail - Big Red Tent on the Beach. Discover the natural world on the beach under the tent. A different theme is featured each day with programs beginning on the hour. Programs feature a craft or game along with beach toys to check out. Themes for each day are; Thursday - Insects (with guest speaker Linda Williams, "Bug Lady"), Friday - Aquaculture (with guest speaker Sarah Kaarz, Wisconsin Aquaculture), Saturday - Frogs and Toads. The tent will be canceled for rain or lightening. Sponsored by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and the Whitefish Bay Association. Whitefish Dunes Beach. 1 - 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Prairie Hike. August is one of the hottest months of the year - perfect for exploring out prairies! We’ll check out the prairie plantings by Lincoln Creek and see what’s in bloom. We will be walking through some tall vegetation, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable walking shoes. 10 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents. Please dress the children for outdoor play. 10 a.m.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.