Peninsula State Park
Nature Programs

A Message from the Park Naturalist

One hundred years of memories ... just the beginning. Peninsula celebrates its centennial in 2009. The excitement is building. To view a growing list of special events visit Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR]. Peninsula's year-long party must be completely self supporting. Consider buying a colorful centennial button ($1), pin ($6), or cloth patch ($6) at park headquarters or the nature center. New park merchandise also includes "jingle birds," Native American music compact disks, and Wisconsin field guides. All proceeds benefit nature education at Peninsula State Park.

Peninsula is offering a free centennial souvenir, too, for those willing to log 100 trail miles. Ask for a Peninsula 100 Club form to earn a centennial hiking shield (while supplies last) or download the form [PDF 105KB].

What's New at the Nature Center?

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the New Deal, look inside the Nature Center for photos of Peninsula's Civilian Conservation Corps camp (1935-36). Biologists have declared 2008 the Year of the Frog, and judging from all the singing, the tree frogs in Peninsula's forest are thrilled A grant from the DNR's Office of the Great Lakes means the nature center diorama, first created in 1964, is getting a makeover. Bill Appel, a retired commercial fisherman, veteran of the Korean War, and model railroad enthusiast, "clear cut" the entire landscape and is "planting" a new forest.

Bill Appel is "planting" a new forest in the diorama, transforming this popular exhibit.
DNR Photo

Another new exhibit at Peninsula is at Eagle Panorama. It tells the story of the park's early days.

Peninsula welcomes Jason Wilke, hired with a Fish and Wildlife Service grant. Eradicating phragmites along Peninsula's eight mile shore is one of his top priorities. Meanwhile, Nick Meiers, Peninsula's Assistant Naturalist, is leading trail hikes and kids' nature adventures.

The 2008 Like to Hike program features a white pelican. Ask for a hiking log when you arrive so you can earn a custom pin ($3 with log/$6 without log). See you on the trail!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Harris, Park Naturalist

Can You Help?

Summer and Fall Programs

Ask for a complete program schedule when you arrive. Nature programs are most days throughout the summer. Most nature programs are free and open to the public, but a state park vehicle sticker is required. You may also download the current week's sechedule:

August 23 - September 1 Schedule [PDF 47KB]

August 25—Campfire with Charlie and Don. Nature Center. 8-9 p.m.Old-time fun with two grandpas, one who directed scout camps in the Forties and the other who taught theatre at a Des Moines university. Family fun around a blazing fire, rain or shine.

Labor Day Weekend

Friday August 29—Peninsula Packing Peanut Contest. Nature Center. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Create a picture using recyclable, biodegradable packing peanuts. Plan on spending 15-30 minutes. Award given for all entries. Will your creation win best of show?

Saturday August 30—

• Chief Kahquados Morning Nature Center. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Learn about the Potawatomi Chief buried at Peninsula. Arrowhead necklaces, games to follow. $1 donation/arrowhead.
• Campfire with Smokey Bear! 8 - 9 p.m.

Sunday August 31—Family Bear Hunt. Nature Center. 10 - 11 a.m. Must pre-register at Nature Center. $15 donation/bear. Supports centennial.

Looking Ahead to September and October

Fall is a time when the park naturalist works on grants, attends training workshops and prepares for the centennial. Programs will be limited during this time. Please pick up a current program schedule at Park Headquarters.

Wednesday September 10—Watercolor Workshop with Elaine Cregan. Weborg Shelter. 1-3 p.m. Pre-register by calling the Nature Center, (920) 854-5976. Join Door County Artist Elaine Cregan for an afternoon filled with watercolor wonder. Learn basic and intermediate techniques. Beginners welcome. $10 donation for supplies.

Wednesday September 17—Watercolor Workshop with Elaine Cregan See above description. This is a repeat of the September 10 program.

October 11—Spooktacular Hike. Walk a 1-mile candlelit trail meeting friendly animals and silly spooks. More than 1,500 people attended the 2007 Spooktacular Hike. The event, supported by Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR], raised about $2,000 for nature programs at Peninsula.

For more information, ask Kathleen Harris, (920) 854-5976.