September 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.

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

Friday, September 5, 2008

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Ladybugs Everywhere!. Ladybugs are friendly beetles that are a help to gardeners and farmers. Find out what these tiny insects do that is of such importance to all of us. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Art in Nature. The fall leaves, a spider web, and even a ladybug can be an inspiration for an art projects. We will paint with watercolors and do some natural weaving. Join us for a morning of artistic creation as we use nature as inspiration. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Eight Legs and Silk. Spiders are found in almost every environment on earth. Unravel some cool facts about these eight-legged silk spinners. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920)451-4080 -
  • Hiking the Appalachian Trail. In January of 2007 Tom Brown started on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Join him for an evening of fun as he talks about the experience of long distance hiking. He will show slides and display equipment needed for his journey. Best for those age 8 and up. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. The Astronomy Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison presents a 20- to 30-minute slide talk covering a broad overview of astronomy or recent astronomical news. At the end of the talk (if the sky is clear) they will go outdoors to set up telescopes and let park visitors view whatever astronomical objects are available. Question-and- answer period takes place around the telescope. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 8:30 p.m.

• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Monarch Migration. Discover why monarch butterflies migrate and how they unlocked the secrets of that migration.  Dress to be outside because you will try to capture and tag the park’s monarchs! Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - noon

• Sandhill Wildlife Area, Babcock, (715) 884-6335 - Wild Plants for Food, Medicine, and Survival. Join survivalist expert Jason Faunce on a hunt for common plants and their not-so-common uses. After a short classroom session, you'll spend much of the day in the field learning first hand about the everyday plants beneath our feet. Bring your own lunch and refreshments. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity and be ready for walking and the weather. Registration is limited to 15 people, first-come, first-served . Mail $20 per person fee (check payable to DNR-Skills Center) to DNR Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413,. by August 28. Outdoor Skills Center. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• State Game Farm, Poynette, (608) 635-8120 - Pheasant Field Day A free “Pheasant Field Day” to celebrate pheasant hunting in Wisconsin, including topics related to ring-neck hunting and grassland habitat management. Wildlife professionals will discuss the day-old chick and stocking program, Farm Bill programs for landowners, habitat management and the fall hunting season forecast. There will also be guided tours of the State Game Farm pheasant production facility, BB gun and archery ranges, a dog training seminar and more. Cosponsored by Mazomanie Grounds Association, Pheasants Forever, and the Friends of Mackenzie Center. From Hwy 51 in Poynette, take County Hwy CS east for about .7 mile, turn right on Bohling Rd. for 1e mile, turn left onto Stebbins Rd. and end at the State Game Farm campus. Registration is at 8 a.m.

Sunday-Tuesday, September 7-9, 2008

• Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, (608) 266-7617 - Volunteer Jamboree. All Wisconsin State Park System volunteers are invited.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: In Search of Dragonflies. You won’t believe what a baby dragonfly looks like! Join us to find out how an ugly baby becomes a beautiful adult! Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Adopt a Highway. Join us to clean up the highway in front of park. All equipment provided. You must be at least 12 years old to participate. Visitor Center. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

• 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. A new topic every month! Dress to be outside. Space is limited; please call to pre-register. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association www.bongnaturalistassociation.org. Visitor Center. 10:-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Meet the Resource Managers of the Kettle Moraine. Learn what's in the works for the coming year and beyond for the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Resource managers will provide insights into the issues surrounding the multitude of recreational uses in the forest and the management of its fish and wildlife populations. They will also give updates on future development projects and proposed timber sales. Ice Age Visitor Center. Open house 6:30 p.m., program 7 p.m., questions and comments until 9 p.m.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Get Outdoors! There are lots of ways to Explore the Outdoors! Join us in activities, hikes, and demonstrations that feature a variety of outdoor interests: wildlife watching, camping, fishing, bird hikes, nature exploration hikes, outdoor cooking, monarch tagging, hunt dog demonstrations, compass course, outdoor games, learning the night sky, live animals (reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey). . 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Animals of Darkness. Whooo's awake during the hours of darkness? Join us as we delve into the world of nocturnal animals. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Squirrel Wars. Join volunteer naturalist Jim Mohr as he discusses and demonstrates the various methods he has tried in his attempt to feed the birds rather than the squirrels in both his backyard and on camping trips throughout the state. Bring the entire family to this entertaining hour-long presentation. No pets allowed Sanderling Nature Center. Noon.
  • 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. Please wear comfortable shoes for the hike on the beach. Hike is best for those age 8 and up. Sanderling Nature Center. 3 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Candlelight Hike. Bring the family for fall fun by candlelight. Hike the two-mile trail on your own or join us for a shorter guided hike or do both! There will be a bonfire for marshmallows. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 -
  Devil's Challenge Triathlon [exit DNR]. Some 700 participants, families, friends, and spectators are expected for the 1/4-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride, and 3-mile run. Start and finish, North Shore. Packet pickup 6:30-7:45 a.m.; race 8 a.m.

• La Crosse River State Trail, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 or e-mail - Always on a Sunday: Prairie Walks [exit DNR]. Here's your chance to learn about native wildflowers and grasses on this remnant of railroad prairie. These are leisurely walks 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! Asters dominate the scene. New England aster [exit DNR], bottle gentian [exit DNR] and gray goldenrod [exit DNR] usually bloom at this time as well. Meet at the trail crossing on Commercial St. (County Hwy J) in Rockland. 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Do Some Leaf Rubbings. September is a wonderful time to look at leaves! Do some leaf rubbings inside to make an identification booklet. Then, head outside and identify some trees. Environmental Awareness Center. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon. No admission sticker required.

Friday, September 19, 2008

• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Chattering Chipmunks. With cheeks filled with nuts, chipmunks are a comical sight. Uncover what these "chatter boxes" do with all those gathered nuts and seeds. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - After Summer Candlelight Hike. Take a candlelight hike along the Lake Michigan beach and Quarry Lake. Telescopes for the public to view the night sky will be provided by the Northern Cross Science Foundation [exit DNR]. Meet at the Ansay Welcome Center and Puckett's Pond. Sponsored by the Friends of Harrington Beach and the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Candlelight hike 7-10 p.m., public viewing of the night sky 6-11 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Sssnakes. September is the time snakes find a place to hibernate. Learn about the snakes that live in Wisconsin, play a snake survival game, make your own snake to take home with you, touch a live snake, and lots more. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. Environmental Awareness Center. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Sensational Seeds. From as tiny as a dust fleck to larger than a softball, seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Learn how seeds help plants to grow and thrive. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 -
  • Nature in Black and White. Join well-known wildlife photographer Myron LaPean for a narrated slide presentation on the black and white plants and animals. No pets allowed Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hike with John Johnston to search for these unique and interesting plants found at Kohler-Andrae and learn about their uses. Wear comfortable shoes. Hike will last about an hour. Closed gate west of camp host site. 3 p.m.
• Military Ridge State Trail, Riley, (608) 437-7393 or e-mail - Eco-Tour. Sponsored by the Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail [exit DNR]. Take a nature hike on the Military Ridge State Trail led by Jerry Wilson. The hike begins at the Riley trailhead and will focus on seasonal observations found along the trail. 10 - 11 a.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Fall Explorer Hike. Join the naturalist to hike the beautiful 3.8-mile Blue Trail. Discover fall’s unfolding at the park. Bring water. Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - noon.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Trail Run Along the Willow. Walk or run on one of the designated trails to support the OWLs group and the park. Many other fun activities, too. Sponsored by Willow River OWLs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Listen to Nature. Nature has much to share with us when we listen. Take a quiet walk with us to hear some of nature’s musicians and storytellers. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

• Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 or e-mail -
  • National Public Lands Day. Join us in America's largest hands-on volunteer effort to clean up public lands. Volunteers will be planting trees in areas disturbed by our new road construction, and cleaning trails. Meet at the Park Office. 9 a.m. - Noon.
  • Fall Color Hike and Geocache Hunt. Explore and enjoy the fall colors at the park on a marked trail hike or bring your GPS unit and see if you can find our special event caches hidden in the fall foliage. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park. Events will start at the park office in the Woods Lake Picnic Area. Noon - 4 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Adapted for Survival. Each animal has its own special features or adaptations to help it survive. We'll uncover the more unique adaptations of the animals living in the Kettle Moraine. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 -
  • Orienteering 101. Learn the basics of compass and map reading skills.  Put your new knowledge to the test in a fun outdoor game.  All equipment supplied.  Most suitable for ages 8 and up. Visitor Center. 9-11 a.m.
  • Crane Watch. Join Tom Lajiness to witness the wonderful spectacle of Sandhill Cranes coming into the marsh to roost.  Delight in the sights and sounds of this amazing evening ritual. Observation Platform. 6-7 p.m.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

• Council Grounds State Park, Merrill, (715) 536-8773 or e-mail - Candlelight Hike. Walk among 500 candles illuminating a 2.5 mile stretch through Council Grounds. Parking is provided at the park entrance. 7-10 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Wolf Lake Trail Run/Walk [exit DNR, PDF 868KB]. Enjoy a beautiful 3.8-mile fall hike or run around Wolf Lake and benefit the park at the same time.  All pre-registrants receive a long-sleeved t-shirt.  There will be door prizes, music and  refreshments. Fee is $18/person before September 5 or $20 the day of the event; family fee $50 with pre-registration only.   Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Beach. 8:30-9:30 a.m. packet pick up,  10 a.m. - noon run/hike

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