Wisconsin State Park System Get Outdoors! Nature Programs and Events Calendar

Below is a list of nature 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 park 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, May 22, 2013

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 or email -
  • Bat Walk. Join Havenwoods staff for a twilight bat hike. We’ll spend a short time inside learning about Wisconsin’s bats. Then we’ll head outside with a bat detector to listen for bats and collect data for the Wisconsin DNR. This hike is for adults and youth ages 12 and older. 8-9:30 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-854-5976 or email -
  • Nature Center Training for Volunteers. Have you ever wondering how you can make a difference in protecting Door County’s natural wonders? Consider volunteering at the Peninsula State Park nature center. Stop by the nature center from 9-11 a.m. to learn more and ask questions. The nature center is on Bluff Road, about two miles from park's main entrance in Fish Creek.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Morning at Weborg Marsh. Meet at the Weborg shelter building. Park in the adjacent day use lot. See Yellow-rumped warblers, mergansers and other songbirds and find out what's blooming along this easy stroll at Weborg Marsh. Bring binoculars if you have them. 8-9 a.m.
  • Weed Warriors. Meet at Nelson's Point parking lot. Pull garlic mustard and help keep Peninsula beautiful. Bring gloves if you have them. 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Friday, May 24, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats are back and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from their houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while we wait for the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. 8 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Step into the Night Hike. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we explore the darkness for nature’s night lights. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old. Zillmer Trails Area. 8:30-10 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Goose Kazoos. Stop by the nature center for a children's story and craft about "honkers". 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Sentinel Trail Hike. Meet at Eagle Tower. Enjoy a half-mile hike on level terrain to discover facts and folklore about Peninsula's trees. 2-3 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 920-746-2890 or email -
  • Night Watch. Unlock the secrets of watching wildlife after dark. Catching a glimpse of what critters come out at night takes a special set of skills. You will discover what tools to take on a night hike and how to find the best nocturnal wildlife spots at Potawatomi State Park. This is a Wisconsin Explorers activity, so kids can find out how to earn a patch and receive a free activity book. Campground shelter. 7:30-8 p.m.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the nature center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Nature center. 11 a.m.
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt. We’re going to go on a scavenger hunt and you’ll need to take pictures of what you need to find! Bring a camera or borrow one from the nature center. We have a very limited supply of cameras to loan. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-2:30 p.m.
• Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, 608-935-2315 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • From Campfire to Wildlife. Come learn all about fire from Naturalist Emily. Learn about the different ways to build and start a campfire, the dos and don’ts of fire safety, the history of fire use, wild land fire fighting and how fire is used to manage natural areas. Special guest appearance by Smokey Bear! Meet at the park amphitheater. 7 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Calling All Kids! Kids, come to the Family Campground play area to get your Wisconsin Explorer books and learn about park wildlife through stories and crafts. 9:30-11:00 a.m.
  • Back in Time: History of High Cliff. Learn about the history of High Cliff village and how "The Ledge" played an important role in the lime kiln operation. Also learn about "Decoration Day" and it's origin. Meet on the front steps of the General Store Museum. 1-2:30 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Morning Bird Walk. Join local birder Robin Maercklein for a 2-hour walk on the Silverbrook Trail to view migrant songbirds on their return trip to northern Wisconsin. Many species of birds will remain here while others pass through on their way further north. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them. Don’t miss this opportunity to view and listen to these messengers of spring! Meet at the Pines Group Camp. 7-9 a.m.
  • Molten Lava and Melted Ice. Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike around the Pothole Trail and learn about the Gee Whiz Geology of Interstate Park. 1:30 p.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
  • Watchable Wildlife Around Lake O’ the Dalles. Meet the naturalist for a 1-mile hike around Lake O’ the Dalles. Discover what makes the lake unique and watch for signs of wildlife that live there. 4 p.m. at the lake side of the Beach House. 
  • Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night. Owls are among the most successful predators of the night because of their wonderful adaptations. Learn all about them with Naturalist Barb Walker and enjoy a close encounter with Aztec, her live South American Spectacled Owl. 7 p.m. at the Ice Age Center. 
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Mauthe Lake or Long Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Tree-mendous Trees: Drop In at the Beach. Stop in to find out how the "tree"mendous trees touch almost all parts of our lives. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Meet the Ranger. Have you ever wondered what a forest ranger’s job actually involves? Then come learn more about what they do and the tools they use as part of their duties. Everyone is invited to stop in to meet one the Northern Unit’s law enforcement rangers. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 3-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Taste of Nature: Wild Edibles. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. If you know where to look, nature can provide a whole smorgasbord of food. Join Jackie Scharfenberg, Forest Naturalist to learn what plants are safe to eat and let your taste buds decide which are "good" to eat. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Wildflower Walk. Meet at the Forest Headquarters and then caravan to the currently blooming flowers. Each hike will last about one hour, not including drive time. 10 a.m.
  • Volunteer Trail Crew. There are 22,000 acres of state forest traversed by hundreds of miles of trail. We need your help fixing eroded and washed out trails, brushing and cutting trail corridor, rerouting damaged trails and installing signs! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Tools will be provided. Crew meets Saturdays in May and June. Location in the forest varies each week. Please call the office for details. 8 a.m.-Noon.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Rock Collecting for Fun. Join Ed Mindock for a presentation on rock collecting as a hobby. A hands-on approach to beginning and understanding rock collecting and having fun doing it. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 920-854-2500 or email -
  • Birds and Wildflowers Hike. Get acquainted with the early spring woodland wildflowers and the nesting birds on the Upland Trail. Field guides and binoculars will be available. This one mile hike with naturalist Joan Wilkie will start at the visitor center. 10 a.m.
  • Finding Fossils. Discovery will begin at the visitor center to learn how to identify Door County fossils. Then explore Newport beach with naturalist Joan Wilkie and search for fossils that are easily found along the shore to get a closer look at these ancient relics. Meet at the visitor center. 1 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • McGruff Talks Bike Safety. Nature Center. Meet the (puppet) McGruff, who will share tips with kids about bike safety. 10-10:30 a.m. An optional Naturalist-led Family Bike Ride will follow the program. Families should supply their own bikes and helmets.
  • How Kids See Traffic. Parents are invited to view How Kids See Traffic, a 20-minute video, which will be showing all day at the Nature Center.
  • Smokey Bear on Patrol. Smokey Bear will be visiting various locations in the park to greet visitors throughout the day, weather dependent.
  • Fabulous Fireflies. Discover firefly facts then create a glow-stick firefly to keep. 7-8 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 920-746-2890 or email -
  • Music Under the Stars. Enjoy the music of guest artist Charlene Orffeo under the hemlock canopy of Potawatomi’s outdoor amphitheater. Bring a blanket for a concert sure to please the entire family! 7:30 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 920-823-2400 or email -
  • Spring along the Shore. Take a stroll to discover ancient life and geologic history among blooming flowers. Search the rocky shore for hidden treasures. We will be walking on uneven ground. Dress for the weather. Meet at the nature center for this rough terrain walk. 10 a.m.
  • Spring in the Dunes. Feel the soft sand between your toes on this hike of discovery. Walk the beach side of the dune to explore the spring flora then continue the search in the forested dunes. Dress for the weather. Meet at the nature center for this longer walk. 1:30 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Go Back in Time – West Bluff. What happened to Palisades Park, known as the Catskills of the Midwest? Learn about the north shore hotels. Discover who put in the stone staircases and much more. This is can be a challenging hike as we head up the bluff from the north shore. Meet at the nature center. 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Drop-in on Mammals. Who are the mammals in your neighborhood? Find out what mammals are found at Devil’s Lake, test your mammal ID skills, check out some mammal pelts and more. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 8-11 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Early Bird Hike. Leisurely walk from the campground to the Silo and back on the Red Bird Trail. We will stop along the way to listen to spring bird calls, watch the sky for fly-overs, and hike to the Redbird Trail to search for animal tracks and signs of wildlife that call High Cliff home. Meet at the Family Campground amphitheater by the shower building, limited parking, please walk in if you can. 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • Make-Your-Own Bird Feeder. Learn how to attract birds to your yard and take home your own bird feeder made of recycled materials from the Habitat Restore. Behind General Store Museum. 1-2 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Hike to Horizon Rock. Enjoy a short hike to Horizon Rock – appropriately named because of the incredible view. 1:30 p.m. at the Horizon Rock Trail sign across from the Pothole Trail.
  • A Billion Years on the Pothole Trail. Hike back in time to see the geological wonders created over the last billion years. 4 p.m. at the Pothole Trail sign.
  • Reptiles from Here and Afar. Reptiles are some of the most misunderstood and feared creatures on earth. Visit with Naturalist Barb Walker to learn more about these amazing animals and get a chance to meet Bintu, Puff, and Gizmo - live reptiles up close and personal. 7 p.m. at the Ice Age Center classroom.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Tree-mendous Trees: Drop In at the Beach. Stop in to find out how the "tree"mendous trees touch almost all parts of our lives. 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. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, 608-873-9695 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 920-854-2500 or email -
  • Search for the Elusive Badger: Citizen Science Program. Participate in the Wisconsin Badger Project with park naturalist Julie Hein-Frank. Learn about current research and badger biology. Search for and flag burrows in the meadows of Newport State Park. If we find an active burrow we’ll set up a trail camera. Data we collect is sent to researchers at UW-Milwaukee. Wear sturdy shoes for off-trail hiking and plan for about two hours. Meet at the visitor center. 9:30 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Let's Paint a Butterfly. Drop by the nature center any time from 10 a.m. to noon to paint a butterfly to keep. Read a story about butterflies too! Craft takes about twenty minutes.
  • Naturalist at Eagle Panorama. Drop by Eagle Panorama any time from 2-3 p.m. to have your questions answered by the park naturalist. Identify off-shore islands and discover what's blooming.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 920-746-2890 or email -
  • Wildflower and Water Walk. The entire family will enjoy a colorful walk along Potawatomi’s rocky shoreline and a portion of the Tower Trail while learning a bit about the park’s history and spring wildflowers. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take a few pictures of the beautiful blossoms. Meet at the campground shelter. 10 a.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 920-823-2400 or email -
  • Wandering of Wildflowers. Discover the beauty within wildflowers. Learn their how they got their names, how to identify them and where to find these delicate beauties. Share the morning with the naturalist. Dress for the weather and meet at the nature center. 10 a.m.
  • Wetland Discovery. Explore the cool critters found in the wetland on this wet hike. Use the dip nets to see these amazing critters. Learn how wetlands are important to everyone. Dress for the weather. Meet at the nature center for this longer program. 1:30 p.m.

Monday, May 27, 2013 - Memorial Day

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Animal Evidence. Devil’s Lake is home to a great number of wildlife, but we rarely see them. We’ll stroll along looking for the evidence these animals leave behind to help us learn about them. Meet at the nature center. 11 a.m. to noon.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • The Secrets of Eagle Peak. Learn the secrets of the Peak and see a beautiful view of the St. Croix River Valley. 10 a.m. at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp.
  • Spirits of Echo Canyon. Hear some fascinating history of the native peoples of the St. Croix River Valley and view a nature-made rock face along the trail. 2 p.m. at the Summit Rock Trail sign. 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 or email -
  • Preschool Storytime: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Bug. Look out your window some summer night, and you may see tiny twinkles in your yard. Come find out about the magical lights called fireflies. Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3-5 and their parents, grandparents or other adult. These programs are not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 920-854-2500 or email -
  • Bluebird Monitoring Hike: Citizen Science Program. Join volunteer naturalists Marilyn Hansotia and Bob Judd along the Monarch Trail during a weekly bluebird monitoring hike. Take a close look at this once endangered species, and look for other nesting birds that make their homes here. Wear sturdy footwear for this 1.5-mile hike. Meet at the visitor center. 10 a.m.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Birding at Weborg Point. Every Thursday in May. 8-9 a.m.

Friday, May 31, 2013

• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 920-854-2500 or email -
  • Become a Better Birder. For bird watchers of all abilities! Learn and share the tips and tricks of bird identification during a hike with naturalist Julie Hein-Frank. Meet at the visitor center. 8:30 a.m.
  • Wildflower Wander. Hike with naturalist Julie Hein-Frank in search of spring flowers. Meet at the visitor center. 11 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Friday Trail Hike. Every Friday in May. Hikes begin at 10 a.m. at various park locations.

Saturday, June 1, 2013 - National Trails Day

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Trail Day Nature Hike. Join us for a guided hike through the prairie and woods to explore and watch for wildlife. You can also check out GPS units at the park office. Oak barrens nature trail. 10 a.m.
    
• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Wildflower Walk. Venture into Crex Meadows in search of seasonal blooming wildflowers. Meet at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m.
  • Learn to Fish. Want to try fishing but just don't know how or what to do? Come to our “Learn to Fish” program and we’ll show you how! We’ll have fun games and activities that will teach you the basics of fishing. The last hour or so, we’ll have time to practice our new skills and catch some fish.  If you are 16 and older, you’ll need a fishing license. We’ll supply all of the equipment needed. Meet at the north shore boat launch. 3-5 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore. We’ll spend the first half hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Free Fishing Clinic. Hartman Creek State Park is hosting a Free Fishing Clinic on June 1. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the fishing pier on Allen Lake in the park. This event is open to all ages and skill levels. Fishing licenses are not required as the event is being held on Wisconsin’s free fishing weekend. Registration is not necessary and fishing equipment will be provided. Feel free to bring your own fishing gear and favorite lures. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Fishin' on Butterfly Pond. Look for the High Cliff naturalist at the Butterfly Pond fishing decks for some learn to fish instructions, then try to catch a fish. Limited number of poles/tackle available. 1-3 p.m.
  • National Trails Day: Hike the Night. The Indian Mound Trail is very different after dark. Walk with the naturalist to listen for owls, look for the twinkling lights across the lake, and learn to howl like a coyote! All ages welcome. Sorry no dogs or strollers on this night walk. Bring a flashlight for the last part of the walk. Lights out til then! Meet at the Family Campground amphitheater. Please walk in, limited parking. 8:30-10 p.m.
  • Free Fishing Weekend. No License Needed No fishing pole, no problem! Stop at the park office and sign out a fishing pole at no charge. No fishing license needed to fish on Wisconsin's inland waters Saturday and Sunday.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Hartland, 800-227-0046 or email -
  • National Trails Day Hike. join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a 3.5-mile National Trails Day Hike beginning at Centennial Park in Hartland. There will be raffle prizes, snacks, beverages and more available. Most of the hike is accessible to strollers and leashed dogs are allowed. Following the hike, there will be an opportunity to participate in a land stewardship project which will include removing garlic mustard. For more information, see the Ice Age Trail Alliance website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 p.m.
  • Learn to Fish Rodeo. Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes Backyard Bass Casting, Fill the Tackle Box, Fishing Regulations Quiz, Avoiding Hazards, Knots Tie-up, What’s that Fish? and Baiting your Hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the fishing pier will help hone your newly acquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own gear or fishing gear will be provided for those who need it. No fishing license needed since it is Free Fishing Weekend. Long Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event: Birds of Prey. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Raptor Rehabilitator Barb Harvey and her special guests, several live birds of prey, will share insights into the world of these incredible sky hunters. She will cover some of their unique adaptations, habitat needs and threats to their survival. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Wildflower Walk. Meet at the Forest Headquarters and then caravan to the currently blooming flowers. Each hike will last about one hour, not including drive time. 10 a.m.
  • National Trails Day: Volunteer Trail Crew. There are 22,000 acres of state forest traversed by hundreds of miles of trail. We need your help fixing eroded and washed out trails, brushing and cutting trail corridor, rerouting damaged trails and installing signs! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Tools will be provided. Crew meets Saturdays in May and June. Location in the forest varies each week. Please call the office for details. 8 a.m. to Noon.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • National Trails Day and Free Fishing Day. Participate in hikes throughout the day and enjoy the fishing pond at the park. Free programs. Vehicle admission sticker required. Call park office for more details, time and locations.
  • Garlic Mustard Pull. Kohler-Andrae State Park is seeking volunteers interested in pulling garlic mustard in the park. Due to the extensive area involved, large work crews are needed. Groups and individuals are invited to participate. Please bring work gloves and insect repellent. Garbage bags will be provided. Admission fees waived for participating volunteers. Meet at the playground. 9 a.m. - Noon.
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Come hike with John Johnston to search for the wild edible and medicinal plants found at Kohler-Andrae. John will share tips on using these unique and interesting plants. Wear comfortable shoes. The hike lasts about one hour. Meet at the closed gate west of the camp host site. 2 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. The UW-Madison Astronomy Department will give a 20-30 minute talk followed by a slide presentation on astronomy and recent astronomical news. If the sky is clear we'll go outdoors to look through telescopes to view the night sky. No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8:45 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • 600-Gallon Fish Tank. June 1-2 is Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin. DNR Fisheries Biologists partnered with Peninsula to stock a trailer-sized tank with perch, smallmouth bass, white suckers and other finned friends. View at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional hours as staffing permits.
  • Fish Dissection. What do gills look like? What’s an air bladder? Learn about fish from the inside out. Nature Center. 10-10:30 a.m.
  • Learn to Cast with a Rod and Reel. Practice casting with help from Nature Center volunteers. Prizes if you hook a “bluegill.” Drop by any time from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Gyotaku. Use life-like plastic fish to create a colorful banner or wearable T-shirt. Provide your own white shirt or purchase a one-size-fits-all shirt for $2. Cloth banners from recycled fabric are free. Drop by the nature center any time from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plan on about 20 minutes.
  • Wildflower Walk. Flower facts and folklore featured on this easy walk. See wood anemones, lady’s-slippers, columbine and more! Meet at Tennison Campground playground. 2-3 p.m.
  • Campfire. Songster Ray Brown will strum guitar tunes, leading families in an hour of fun around a classic campfire at the nature center. Nature riddles, too! Rain? We’ll go inside. 8-9 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Trails Day Nature Hike. Join us to explore the Chickadee Rock Nature Trail. Learn about glacial history of the rock and see what wildlife are found along the trail. Meet at the trail parking area. 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 2, 2013 - State Parks Open House Day

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, 262-248-2528 or email -
  • Kids Day Fishing Clinic. This year will be the 23rd annual Kids Day event at Big Foot Beach State Park. All kids 15 and under are welcome. Registration is not required, but will help us to better plan and make sure there is enough equipment for all the kids. We will supply equipment to use, bait and lunch (hot-dogs, chips and drinks) for the kids. Prizes for all kids entered. Sponsored by the Lake Geneva Fishing Club. Club members and volunteers will be on hand for assistance. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Kid's Fishing Day. Fishing Fun day at the Kid's fishing pond. Fish printing, backyard bass, knot tying skills and fishing contest (ages 5-14). Bring your own equipment if you have it. There will be some available to check out if needed. Park at the Turtle Trail parking lot across from the park office. Sponsored by Friends of Buckhorn State Park. 9 a.m. – noon.
• Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, Monroe, 608-214-1716 or email -
  • Fling Into Summer. The Friends of Cadiz Springs are hosting a Fling Into Summer celebration on Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. No admission sticker will be needed today, and there will be no charge for the family-friendly games, prizes and activities. Those who own a GPS are encouraged to bring it and give geocaching a try. Cadiz Springs has beautiful hiking trails, two lakes, a sandy beach, a volleyball court and picnic areas for family recreation. Food and refreshments will be sold with proceeds used to help purchase new playground equipment for the park! 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Who Went There? Who was under the bird feeder? Who went walking in the mud? Who was sitting in that big tree? Find out who was visiting the outside of the nature center once everyone went home for the night. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
• Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, 715-757-3979 or email -
  • Open House Day. Explore our 16 miles of hiking trails, fish our inland lakes or Caldron Falls Flowage, see the new campground and join the Friends of Governor Thompson State Park for a cook-out lunch at the Woods Lake Shelter. 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Breakfast in the Park. The Friends of Harrington Beach State Park are serving pancakes, sausage, applesauce, coffee and milk at this year's breakfast. There is no charge but donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go to build an accessible cabin in the campground. Ansay Welcome Center. 9 a.m. to Noon.
  • Solar Viewing. Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. Noon to 5 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Free Fishing Weekend. No License Needed No fishing pole, no problem! Stop at the park office and sign out a fishing pole at no charge. No fishing license needed to fish on Wisconsin's inland waters Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is also State Parks Open House Day.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Spring into Summer Nature Fest. Journey out on Wisconsin State Park System’s Open House Day to the Spring into Summer Nature Fest! There will be something for all ages at four different activity stations. Learn about our fascinating fish, flutter away with the insects of colorful scales, discover how to attack those nasty aliens, and create your own fish prints. Bring a T-shirt or bandanna to print or purchase one that day. No vehicle admission sticker required since it is Open House Day. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Spring Open House. Visit Kohler-Andrae for the annual spring open house. Free fishing day as well. No vehicle admission charge today. Sanderling Nature Center open 12:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. The UW-Madison Astronomy Department will give a 20-30 minute talk followed by a slide presentation on astronomy and recent astronomical news. If the sky is clear we'll go outdoors to look through telescopes to view the night sky. No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 8:45 p.m.
• Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, 715-382-4574 or email -
  • Open House Day. The Friends of Lake Wissota State Park are sponsoring various activities for State Parks Open House Day. Activities and events will be from 1-4 p.m. and may include canoe/kayak rides, bluebird house building, nature crafts, cookie frosting, scavenger hunt, geocaching and watercraft inspections. Planning is currently underway! Please call the park office, 715-382-4574, for more information. 1-4 p.m.
• Mill Bluff State Park, Camp Douglas, 608-372-6206 or email -
  • Art In the Park: Arts of Our Ancestors. Demonstrations of art forms that have sustained and entertained us through the centuries will be on display: basketry, wood carving, fur trapping, origami, leather work and more! The popular plant and book sales will be back as well! Music will be provided by songwriter/guitarist Scott Wilcox and others. A Youth Art Contest will be held with ribbons to the first three winners in each grade and certificates to all participants. If you would like to demonstrate an art/skill/craft, or if a youth wishes to enter the contest, please contact at least two weeks before the event. A playground for children is very close to the event. If it is warm outside the swimming pond may invite folks to take a dip. Food will be sold by the Oakdale Lions Club. A fun family Sunday! Supported by the Friends of Mill Bluff. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • 600-Gallon Fish Tank. June 1-2 is Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin. DNR Fisheries Biologists partnered with Peninsula to stock a trailer-sized tank with perch, smallmouth bass, white suckers and other finned friends. View at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional hours as staffing permits.
  • Bottle Fish Art. Change a water bottle into a fish with paint and imagination! Nature Center. Any time from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plan on about 20 minutes.
  • Naturalist at Eagle Panorama. Discover Peninsula history, identify offshore islands and have your questions answered. Eagle Panorama on Shore Road. Drop by any time from 2:30-4 p.m., weather permitting.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Becoming an Outdoors Family. Learn outdoor skills with your spouse, children and anyone else! Becoming an Outdoor Family provides an unrivaled experience every other Wednesday throughout the summer. We invite you to “unplug” from your day-to-day routine and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Meet at the Wildlife Education and Visitor Center 5-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Sense of Place Coffee Walk. On the first Thursday morning of each month we will explore a new topic and location in the park. The coffee pot and hot water will be brewing and we always take a piece of fruit for our pockets. Come on along and explore the park with the naturalist and discover a "real sense of place" at High Cliff. This program is intended for adults. Pre-registration always appreciated. 9-10:30 a.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Fish Tales Nature Storytime. Swim on over for some fun-filled fish activities. We'll even share a fish tale or two. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, June 7, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt. We’re going to go on a scavenger hunt and you’ll need to take pictures of what you need to find! Bring a camera or borrow one from the nature center. We have a very limited supply of cameras to loan. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. - Noon.
  • Find out about Bats! Bats are everywhere in Wisconsin! Find out how many species we have in Wisconsin, learn about some of the myths behind bats, and what some of the issues facing bats these days are. Presented by the Wisconsin Bat Program. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Fish Tales Nature Storytime. Swim on over for some fun-filled fish activities. We'll even share a fish tale or two. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Step into the Night Hike. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we explore the night sky for bats. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 8:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

• 400 State Trail, Reedsburg, 608-464-3220 or email -
  • 20th Anniversary Celebration. Twenty years ago the 400 State Trail was officially opened, but a dedicated group of individuals from each trail community had already been working together in support of the trail. The Friends of the 400 were valuable in its development and remain a vital part of its existence today. The June 8 celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting at the Reedsburg Depot, followed by events in each community throughout the day. For more information, see the Friends of the 400 Trail webpage [exit DNR].
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Become a Junior Ranger. Visit with a ranger to see what their job is like. Check out the equipment they use and the squad car and see what you can do to become a Jr. Ranger. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Fabulous Frogs and Toads. Search for frogs and toads in the marsh! Learn about their life cycles, cool adaptations, and which species can be found on Horicon Marsh! Great hands on activity for families. Dress to be out in the marsh. Nets will be provided. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Search for Hidden Treasures: Geocaching. Learn how to use a hand-held GPS device and compass, and how to read a topographic map. Then try your new skills as you search for hidden treasures at selected geocache locations. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:45 a.m.
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Birds of Prey: Drop In at the Beach. We marvel at hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons soaring overhead. Find out what adaptations make these birds such efficient sky hunters. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Flying Mammals: Bats. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Bats are often shrouded in mystery and misunderstandings. Join Barbara and Ken Bowman from Bat Conservation of Wisconsin as they unravel the mysteries and share fascinating facts about these night-time flying mammals. You may even get to meet a live bat up close. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8: 30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Volunteer Trail Crew. There are 22,000 acres of state forest traversed by hundreds of miles of trail. We need your help fixing eroded and washed out trails, brushing and cutting trail corridor, rerouting damaged trails and installing signs! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Tools will be provided. Crew meets Saturdays in May and June. Location in the forest varies each week. Please call the office for details. 8 a.m.-Noon.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Ink Fish Printing. Everyone is welcome to try the ancient art of "Gyotaku" (guy-yo-tah-koo) or ink fish printing. Paper and all supplies will be available. Participants are asked to bring along a T-shirt or bandana if they wish to print on those items rather than paper. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the bath house building. 1-2 p.m.
  • Wisconsin's Frogs: Sunset Serenade. Each spring Wisconsin's frogs and toads announce their presence with a musical choir. Come to learn about these amphibians without tails and the songs they sing. Of the 12 species in Wisconsin, nine reside in Sheboygan County. Janet Raddatz will share her knowledge of these special creatures. A great family program. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Flutter-by-Butterfly. What are orange, yellow, blue, black and purple? Butterflies! We’ll take an up-close look at butterflies and find out what makes them different from moths. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. - Noon.
  • Drop in on Wild Canines. Foxes, wolves and coyotes are all native to Devil’s Lake. Drop in to discover what makes wild canines different than the dogs in our homes, find out which ones live in the park, and more! Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Birds of Prey: Drop In at the Beach. We marvel at hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons soaring overhead. Find out what adaptations make these birds such efficient sky hunters. 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. Noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, June 10, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Explore Nature. Come and explore the trails with a naturalist and find out what cool and interesting things are out there. You provide the curiosity and we’ll provide the investigating tools to help you discover the wonders of nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Campfire Fun – Songs, Marshmallows and More! Join Campfire Kevin around the fire to roast some marshmallows and listen to his wide variety of songs. He’ll play from Bob Dylan to She’ll be Coming Around the Mountain! He’ll even have kid-friendly instruments for families to participate in the songs. Meet at the Nature Center. 8–10 p.m.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Box Turtle. Get up close and personal with our ornate box turtles! Check out what makes them different from other turtles, find out what they like to eat, and make a box turtle to take home with you. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as they tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Raccoons. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we check out who goes in search of breakfast after we go to bed? Why, raccoons of course! Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station and feed the birds! You can make a simple bird feeder, test your feeder identification skill and play “fill the bill”. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Wacky Wednesday. It is Wacky Wednesday at Peninsula's Nature Center. Stop by anytime to see what's going on.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Spies. Armed with magnifiers we’ll head out to spy on the animals that live here. We’ll find out what happens when we spy on gray squirrel. We’ll discover what bugs do when they think no one is looking. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Scat, Skulls and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
  • High-Tech Bat Hike. Our bat hikes have gone high-tech! Join us for a stroll around the lake to record and listen to the bats. We’ll uses a special hand-held device that will record the bat calls and uses a GPS that will record exactly where the bat was heard! These observations will go back to the Wisconsin Bat Program to help them in their research on bats. Meet at the Nature Center. 8-9:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Scoop the Goop: What Lives at the Bottom of the Pond? Bring a net or borrow a net to find living creatures in the goopy bottom of the Butterfly Pond. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Park Office 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Citizen Science Bat Monitoring. Using echolocation equipment we will search for bats by species and record population numbers along a designated trail. Participation is by pre-registration only; you must sign up in advance. There is a limited number of participants per monitoring session. Children ages 10 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Email or call the park to reserve your space. 9-10:30 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Ladysmith, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Journey through Spruce Lake Bog Outdoor Adventure. Bogs are very special communities with a lot of uncommon plants and animals. Explore Spruce Lake Bog, a National Natural Landmark, for carnivorous plants, "bouncing soils," and rare flowers. Wear old shoes in case you get your feet wet. We will meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool the three miles over to Spruce Lake Bog. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center and Spruce Lake Bog. 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday, June 14, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Under Your Feet. Watch where you step; there are lots of plants and animals underfoot! Come and explore the world we never see, the one that is under our feet. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Create with Nature. Drop by the Exploration Station to make temporary creations from stones, leaves, branches and other natural objects. We’ll take pictures of your natural creations and display these pictures inside nature center. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore we’ll spend the first half an hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes. There is a limited amount of space, so please preregister prior to the event. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Ladysmith, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Saturday, June 15, 2013

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, 262-248-2528 or email -
  • Park Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Come help at a Big Foot Beach workday! Workdays take place one Saturday a month May through October, and are flexible. Come for one or for all, stay for a while or for the whole time. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Prepare to work outdoors. Meet at the picnic shelter. 9-11 a.m.
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Mosquito Munchers. What’s all that buzzing about? Why do they like me more than my friends? Learn answers to these questions and more. Become a mosquito and race your friends! Amphitheater. 10 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Tracks! Drop by the Exploration Station and make some tracks! See if you can read the stories animals tracks leave behind. You can even make a track to take home. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Deer. White-tailed deer are everywhere, even here at Devil’s Lake! Drop in to discover how deer use their senses, how they communicate and the signs they leave behind. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
  • Explore the Night Sky. Join the Madison Astronomy Society (MAS) to learn about the night sky. MAS will have several telescopes set up and show you cool features about the moon, point you towards some winter constellations. This is more of an informal program where you can come anytime and the MAS volunteers will help you get to know the night sky. Meet at the north shore boat launch parking lot. 8:15 – 10:30 p.m.
• Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, 608-935-2315 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Saturday Speaker Series: Charismatic Plants. Hartman Creek State Park and the Friends of Hartman Creek are sponsoring a speaker series featuring professors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Please join us to learn more about the plant and animal life of Hartman Creek! On June 15, Emmet Judziewicz will give a presentation on the charismatic plants of Hartman Creek. 7 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • High Cliff Triathlon. Participants will be at the park from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fun to Watch! Come early to cheer on your favorite runner. Vehicle admission sticker required. For more information or to register to race, see High Cliff Half Iron/Sprint Triathlon [exit DNR].
  • Smart Phone Night Walk. Charge up your smart phone and meet at the Family Campground amphitheater. Yes, that's right, we will experiment using QR codes and your Scanner App in the dark to learn about what is making the night sounds you may be hearing and view the night sky-stars and constellations from our location. A power strip will be available at the Camp Host site in the afternoon and early evening to power up your phone. 9-10 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Ladysmith, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Alien Attack: Drop In at the Beach. We're being invaded not by outer space aliens, but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will have a chance to make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. 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. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Living Alongside Our Wild Neighbors. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Wisconsin is home to many different amazing and unique wildlife species. Using live non-releasable educational animals, the staff from the Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will share ways on how we humans can to better coexist with our wild neighbors. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Volunteer Trail Crew. There are 22,000 acres of state forest traversed by hundreds of miles of trail. We need your help fixing eroded and washed out trails, brushing and cutting trail corridor, rerouting damaged trails and installing signs! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Tools will be provided. Crew meets Saturdays in May and June. Location in the forest varies each week. Please call the office for details. 8 a.m.-Noon.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Snakes of Wisconsin. Have you ever been on a hike and someone yelled "Snake"? Have you ever wondered if a snake is poisonous? Learn to identify snakes during Troy Abuya's 1-hour presentation. Attendees will be welcome to touch, hold or photograph animals after questions are answered. Prepare to have fun! No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville, 608-725-5374 or email -
  • Great River Road Festival. Stonefield Historic Site across from Nelson Dewey will host the Great River Road River festival. A number of booths and speakers, as well as music will be part of this festival including Local Fare Booths and original river music from Roger and Mandy LaBarge and Jon Stravers. For more information, see the Stonefield website [exit DNR].
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Mosquito Munchers. What’s all that buzzing about? Why do they like me more than my friends? Learn answers to these questions and more. Become a mosquito and race your friends! Kiosk shelter. 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Go Back in Time: South Shore Hotels. Go back in time and imagine what it would be like to stay in one of the hotels on the south shore of Devil’s Lake. We’ll visit the places where these hotels once stood, so be prepared to do some walking. Meet at the Red Cedar Shelter on the south shore. 10 a.m. to Noon.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Ladysmith, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Alien Attack: Drop In at the Beach. We're being invaded not by outer space aliens, but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will have a chance to make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, June 17, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Animal Evidence. There’s lots of wildlife at Devil’s Lake, but we rarely see them. On this walk, we’ll look for animal tracks, nests and holes, browsed plants and other animal evidence. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Fox Snake. Get up close and personal with our fox snake! You can even make a snake to take home with you. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Family Nature Hike. Part of the Fox Cities Passport to Nature Community Partnership Program. All ages welcome. Location in park is to be determined, ask at park office. Two hike times; 10-11 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Dig Into Nature Camp: June 18-20. For students entering first and second grades. This camp runs Tuesday, June 18 through Thursday, June 20. Nature has more to offer than what can be seen with the eye. Come explore what lies beneath the surface of Horicon Marsh. Dig through mud, algae, rocks, pellets and more to uncover the truth about Horicon Marsh’s secrets below the ground! Pre-registration is required. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m. to noon.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Becoming an Outdoors Family. Learn outdoor skills with your spouse, children and anyone else! Becoming an Outdoor Family provides an unrivaled experience every other Wednesday throughout the summer. We invite you to “unplug” from your day-to-day routine and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Meet at the Wildlife Education and Visitor Center 5-6:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Frogs and Toads. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we check out what makes frogs and toads different from each other. We’ll even get a chance to meet some live frogs and toads too! Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Tracks! Drop by the Exploration Station and make some tracks! See if you can read the stories animals tracks leave behind. You can even make a track to take home. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Dig Into Nature Camp: June 18-20. For students entering first and second grades. This camp runs Tuesday, June 18 through Thursday, June 20. Nature has more to offer than what can be seen with the eye. Come explore what lies beneath the surface of Horicon Marsh. Dig through mud, algae, rocks, pellets and more to uncover the truth about Horicon Marsh’s secrets below the ground! Pre-registration is required. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m. to noon.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills at the Group Camp. Get outdoors and learn some camping outdoor skills during your visit to Peninsula. Meet at the Lakeshore Group Camp.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Basket Making. Peterson shelter. 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Who Went There? Who was under the bird feeder? Who went walking in the mud? Who was sitting in that big tree? Find out who was visiting the outside of the nature center once everyone went home for the night. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Paper Making. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some paper! We’ll use a variety of materials to make beautiful pieces of homemade paper. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. Starting at 8:45 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from the UW-Madison Astronomy Program for an evening of exploring the Universe! Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. If there is rain, the presentation will be moved to the Nature Center. 9-10 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Dig Into Nature Camp: June 18-20. For students entering first and second grades. This camp runs Tuesday, June 18 through Thursday, June 20. Nature has more to offer than what can be seen with the eye. Come explore what lies beneath the surface of Horicon Marsh. Dig through mud, algae, rocks, pellets and more to uncover the truth about Horicon Marsh’s secrets below the ground! Pre-registration is required. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m. to noon.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • When I Grow Up Nature Storytime. We know what babies look like when they grow up. But what do goslings, fawns, and polliwogs become when they grow up? Join us as we uncover the answer to that question and more. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills at the Group Camp. Get outdoors and learn some camping outdoor skills during your visit to Peninsula. Meet at the Lakeshore Group Camp.

Friday, June 21, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Creatures: Birds. Birds are everywhere – in the trees, in the ground even swimming in the water! We’ll head out with binoculars to see how many different places we can see birds. Meet at the Nature Center. 11a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. Starting at 8:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Summer Solstice Night Hike. On the longest day of the year, we can walk until almost 10 p.m. without a flashlight. Enjoy the first evening of summer; the days get shorter from here. Meet at the Bridle Trail parking lot 9-10 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • When I Grow Up Nature Storytime. We know what babies look like when they grow up. But what do goslings, fawns, and polliwogs become when they grow up? Join us as we uncover the answer to that question and more. 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, June 22, 2013

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Outdoor Cooking. Stop by the amphitheater to try out some new campfire recipes that just might become your new favorite. Use different techniques for making delicious campfire treats! Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
    
• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Wildflower Walk. Venture into Crex Meadows in search of seasonal blooming wildflowers. Meet at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Nature Art. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some nature art! We’ll use nature as our inspiration to make some awesome artistic creations. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Archery Days. Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat launch. 12:30-3 p.m.
  • Stuck on the Rocks. Find out what happens when there’s a climbing emergency on the bluffs of Devil Lake. Members of the Baraboo District Ambulance Service will show you the techniques  and equipment used in rope rescues. Meet at the Northern Lights amphitheater. 7-8 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Purple Martin Banding. The public is welcome to Join Wildlife Biologist Dick Nikolai for a presentation on Purple Martins followed by banding of the chicks. Meet the naturalist at the park office at 10 a.m. Banding will be ongoing until 2 p.m.
  • Back in Time: History of High Cliff. Learn about the history of High Cliff village and how "The Ledge" played an important role in the lime kiln operation. Meet on the steps of the General Store Museum for a tour, then walk or drive to the kiln ruins. 2-3:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Sssssnakes: Drop In at the Beach. Slithering across the ground with their tongues flicking, snakes arouse our curiosity or sometimes our fears. Uncover some truly astonishing facts about these legless reptiles and the habitats where they live to gain an appreciation of their role in nature. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Twilight Paddle. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Join us for an evening canoe trip around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. As we paddle, we will keep our eyes and ears open for evening birds and other wildlife. Please pre-register by June 20, by calling the Ice Age Visitor Center at 920-533-8322. Class limit is 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. Basic canoe skills will be covered. No experience is necessary.  In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Volunteer Trail Crew. There are 22,000 acres of state forest traversed by hundreds of miles of trail. We need your help fixing eroded and washed out trails, brushing and cutting trail corridor, rerouting damaged trails and installing signs! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Tools will be provided. Crew meets Saturdays in May and June. Location in the forest varies each week. Please call the office for details. 8 a.m.-Noon.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Lions in the Park. Find out about the lions in the park, ant lions that is, during this presentation by volunteer naturalist Jim Mohr. After a short indoor presentation, join Jim on a hike outdoors to look for these elusive insects. It will be an interesting experience for all ages. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
  • Geocaching 101. Have you wanted to learn how to use a GPS unit? This is your chance to give it a try. Shari Miley and Barb McKichen will lead you into the wonderful world of geocaching. Bring your own GPS or borrow one from the presenters. This program is best for ages 10 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the park amphitheater for a short introduction and then we'll search of caches. 6-8 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Wild about Weather. How do animals know what the weather will be? What are those clouds in the sky? Learn about how to be a camping weather forecaster, take a rest to check out the clouds and make weather-related art to take home. Kisok shelter. 2 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Outdoor Cooking Demo. Drop in from mid-morning through mid-afternoon for a delicious sample of outdoor cooking provided by the Boy Scouts. Location will be across from the tennis courts.
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Creatures Hike: Bugs! There are lots of amazing insects everywhere! We’ll head out with nets, bug motels, and magnifiers see how many different bugs we can find. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Archery Days. Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat launch. 12:30-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Sssssnakes: Drop In at the Beach. Slithering across the ground with their tongues flicking, snakes arouse our curiosity or sometimes our fears. Uncover some truly astonishing facts about these legless reptiles and the habitats where they live to gain an appreciation of their role in nature. 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. Noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, June 24, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills Camp (June 24-28). Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is featuring an Outdoor Skills Camp for boys and girls ages 11 – 15. Outdoor Skills Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn science and conservation through hands-on activities. Our attendees spend a week participating in a series of programs: Tracks and Traces, Outdoor survival, Orienteering, Archery, Forestry and more. Pre-registration is required. Meet every day at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 4-5:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Hoo-rah Habitat. You need habitat. Plants and animals need a habitat. We all need a place to live! Go on a habitat search and discover the plants and animals that live inside it. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills Camp (June 24-28). Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is featuring an Outdoor Skills Camp for boys and girls ages 11 – 15. Outdoor Skills Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn science and conservation through hands-on activities. Our attendees spend a week participating in a series of programs: Tracks and Traces, Outdoor survival, Orienteering, Archery, Forestry and more. Pre-registration is required. Meet every day at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 4-5:30 p.m.
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet and Animal: Coyote. Who’s making that howling sound by your campsite or house? Check out some coyote pelts and find out how they are different than wolves. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Citizen Science Bat Monitoring. Using echolocation equipment we will search for bats by species and record population numbers along a designated trail. Participation is by pre-registration only; you must sign up in advance. There is a limited number of participants per monitoring session. Children ages 10 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Email or call the park to reserve your space. 9-10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills Camp (June 24-28). Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is featuring an Outdoor Skills Camp for boys and girls ages 11 – 15. Outdoor Skills Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn science and conservation through hands-on activities. Our attendees spend a week participating in a series of programs: Tracks and Traces, Outdoor survival, Orienteering, Archery, Forestry and more. Pre-registration is required. Meet every day at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 4-5:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Scampering Squirrels. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we find out what squirrels live in the park. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills Camp (June 24-28). Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is featuring an Outdoor Skills Camp for boys and girls ages 11 – 15. Outdoor Skills Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn science and conservation through hands-on activities. Our attendees spend a week participating in a series of programs: Tracks and Traces, Outdoor survival, Orienteering, Archery, Forestry and more. Pre-registration is required. Meet every day at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 4-5:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Flutter-by-Butterfly. What are orange, yellow, blue, black, and purple? Butterflies! We’ll take an up-close look at butterflies and find out what makes them different from moths. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station and feed the birds! You can make a simple bird feeder, test your feeder identification skill, and play “fill the bill”. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore. We’ll spend the first half hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Kids Free Play Day. Part of the Fox Cities Passport To Nature Community Partnership Program. Best for all kids ages 3-95! Dig in the dirt, build a fort, read a book under a tree, watch birds or play in the stream for trolls. Kids play freely in nature within in a designated area. Expect to get wildly dirty and have lots of fun. Change of clothes recommended! Check at the park office for location. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Canoe Adventure. Venture with us by canoe around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. Get a close look at the natural communities within and surrounding the lake and river. Basic canoe skills will be covered. Please pre-register by June 25, by calling the Ice Age Visitor Center at 920-533-8322. Class limit is 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. No experience is necessary. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, June 28, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Outdoor Skills Camp (June 24-28). Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is featuring an Outdoor Skills Camp for boys and girls ages 11 – 15. Outdoor Skills Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn science and conservation through hands-on activities. Our attendees spend a week participating in a series of programs: Tracks and Traces, Outdoor survival, Orienteering, Archery, Forestry and more. Pre-registration is required. Meet every day at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 4-5:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Under Your Feet. Watch where you step; there are lots of plants and animals underfoot! Come and explore the world we never see, the one that is under our feet. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Create with Nature. Drop by the Exploration Station to make temporary creations from stones, leaves, branches, and other natural objects. We’ll take pictures of your natural creations and display these pictures inside nature center. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Drop in on Wisconsin Cranes. North American’s tallest flying bird lives in Wisconsin. Learn more about the endangered Whooping Crane and the work being done to protect them. Test out your flight feathers with a scientist from the International Crane Foundation; touch crane feathers, bones, legs, and eggs; try to outsmart a Sandhill Crane; take a "tiptoe" walk, and practice building a nest of your own. Meet at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Cranes of the World. Take "flight" during this evening program at Devils Lake State Park. Discover the science behind saving endangered species; touch crane feathers, bones, and eggs; take the "Craniac" challenge; learn about the 15 crane species of the world; and be inspired to change the world. Scientists from the International Crane Foundation will be "roosting" in the North Lights Campground amphitheater. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Skulls, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat, and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Mammals. Who are the mammals in your neighborhood? Drop in and discover what mammals live at Devil’s Lake and test your mammal ID. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Bizarre Baraboo. There’s lots of folklore surrounding Devil’s Lake and Chad Lewis has been uncovering these bizarre stories. His presentation showcases the bizarre sightings and happening around the Baraboo area. Chad Lewis is a paranormal researcher and author for Unexplained Research LLC. Meet at the Northern Lights amphitheater. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Saturday Speaker Series: Animal Tracks. Hartman Creek State Park and the Friends of Hartman Creek are sponsoring a speaker series featuring professors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Please join us to learn more about the plant and animal life of Hartman Creek! On June 29, Wes Halverson will talk about the many animal tracks seen throughout the park. 7 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • What's That Silo? South Loop Trail Hike. Meet at the Bridle Trail parking lot for this interpretive hike. 9-10 a.m.
  • Plants and Animals out of Place. Do you know where garlic mustard or emerald ash borers came from? Learn to identify invasives and how to get rid of them. Location to be determined. 1-2 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Horicon Marsh Paddle. Canoe or Kayak the canoe trail at Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Talk with interpreters stationed throughout the marsh to learn more about the uniqueness of the marsh. Contact 920-485-4663 for rentals. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 8 a.m. to noon.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Get Outdoors! Play Day. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of nature and outdoor fun! Try your hand at tracking animals, honing your fishing skills, taking the eco-explorer challenge, matching young critters with their parents, creating original nature art, and more. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Family Concert with Randy Peterson. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Randy's catchy original songs have universal appeal that invite audience participation and spotlight a variety of musical styles – from folk to rock, to reggae, to polka. This is an outdoor concert, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Ice Age Visitor Center. This program is great for all ages from preschoolers through grandparents. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 7-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Volunteer Trail Crew. There are 22,000 acres of state forest traversed by hundreds of miles of trail. We need your help fixing eroded and washed out trails, brushing and cutting trail corridor, rerouting damaged trails and installing signs! Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Tools will be provided. Crew meets Saturdays in May and June. Location in the forest varies each week. Please call the office for details. 8 a.m.-Noon.
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Join park volunteers for an outdoor cooking demonstration using recipes from the park cookbook "Cooking with Friends". This will be a great opportunity to pick up some tips and gather ides for your next camping trip or cookout. Amphitheater. Noon-1:30 p.m.
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants. Come hike with John Johnston to search for the wild edible and medicinal plants found at Kohler-Andrae. John will share tips on using these unique and interesting plants. Wear comfortable shoes. The hike lasts about one hour. Meet at the closed gate west of the camp host site. 2 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Candlelight Night Hike. Join us for an evening naturalist program and then hike a 1-mile tiki torch-lit trail. Supported by the Friends of Roche-A-Cri. Meet at the kiosk picnic shelter. 7:30 – 10 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Junior Ranger Program. Location will be the Sentinel Ridge trailhead. 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Patterns in Nature. From tree rings to turtle shells, nature’s patterns are both beautiful and perplexing. We’ll see how many hidden patterns we can find hiding in nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Bones. Birds, mammals, turtles, snakes . . . they all have bones! Drop in to check out some skeletons, check out a skull or two, and play a skeleton matching game and much more! Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Get Outdoors! Play Day. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of nature and outdoor fun! Try your hand at tracking animals, honing your fishing skills, taking the eco-explorer challenge, matching young critters with their parents, creating original nature art, and more. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.
• La Crosse River State Trail, Rockland, 608-786-1855 or email -
  • Prairie Walk. Come and explore this railroad prairie remnant along the bike trail with Jim Rogala of The Prairie Enthusiasts [exit DNR]. You'll find cool-season grasses (June grass and porcupine grass), penstemon, spiderwort, goat's rue, coreopsis and other early summer bloomers. This is a leisurely walk on level terrain. Meet in Rockland (near I-90 in eastern La Crosse County) at the railroad crossing on Commercial St. 1:30 p.m.

Monday, July 1, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Animal Evidence. There’s lots of wildlife at Devil’s Lake, but we rarely see them. On this walk, we’ll look for animal tracks, nests and holes, browsed plants and other animal evidence. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Wolf. Is that a wolf or a coyote howling in your backyard? Check out what makes wolves different than the coyotes living in the park. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Bike Rodeo. Meet at the nature center.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Butterflies. Join us for an hour of stories – naturally! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we go from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly! Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Paper Making. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some paper! We’ll use a variety of materials to make beautiful pieces of homemade paper. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Independence Day

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Creatures Hike: Bugs! There are lots of amazing insects everywhere! We’ll head out with nets, bug motels, and magnifiers see how many different bugs we can find. Meet at the Nature Center. 11a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Skulls, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat, and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Learn to Fish. Want to try fishing but just didn’t know how or what to do? Come to our “Learn to Fish” program and we’ll show you how! We’ll have fun games and activities that will teach you the basics of fishing. The last hour or so, we’ll have time to practice our new skills and catch some fish.  If you are 16 and older, you’ll need a fishing license. We’ll supply all of the equipment needed to catch some fish. Meet at the north shore boat launch. 6-8 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Sense of Place Coffee Walk. On the first Thursday morning of each month we will explore a new topic and location in the park. The coffee pot and hot water will be brewing and we always take a piece of fruit for our pockets. Come on along and explore the park with the naturalist and discover a "real sense of place" at High Cliff. This program is intended for adults. Pre-registration always appreciated. 9-10:30 a.m.
  • Meet the Naturalist and Nature Center Drop-In. Explore the park on your own with one of our amazing educational backpacks. Borrow a fishing pole and go fishing, or challenge yourself to a scavenger hunt all around the park. Stop by the nature center to talk with the park naturalist. Bring your questions! 1-3 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.

Friday, July 5, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Spies. Armed with magnifiers we’ll head out to spy on the animals that live here. We’ll find out what happens when we spy on gray squirrel. We’ll discover what bugs do when they think no one is looking. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station and feed the birds! You can make a simple bird feeder, test your feeder identification skill, and play “fill the bill”. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. Starting at 8:45 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Learn about Big Wild Birds. Talk with the naturalist to learn about wild turkeys, turkey vultures and pelicans. Watch the turkey vultures fly overhead. Meet at the lawn of Nature Center/General Store Museum. 1-1:45 p.m.
  • Snake Talk and Round Up. Learn about snakes in Wisconsin. Meet a live snake and then go snake hunting with the naturalist. Nature Center/General Store Museum 2:15-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Twinkle, Twinkle Little Bug Nature Storytime. Look out your window on a summer evening and you may see twinkling lights floating around your yard. It may seem like magic, but they’re fireflies! Find out how fireflies glow and why they do it. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Step into the Night Hike. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we explore the darkness for nocturnal insects. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old. Long Lake Recreation Area. 8:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Thumbprint Animals. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some animals using your thumbprint! These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Wild Canines. Foxes, wolves and coyotes can all be found at Devil’s Lake. Drop in to discover what makes wild canines different than the dogs in our homes, find out which ones live in the park and more! Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Become a Jr. Ranger. Visit with a ranger to see what their job is like. Check out the equipment they use and the squad and see what you can do to become a Jr. Ranger. Meet at the Northern Lights amphitheater. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, 608-935-2315 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Frogging After Dark. Bring your nets and flashlights to a secret location in the park to find frogs, tadpoles and toads. A limited number of nets will be available. The naturalist will meet you promptly at 8:30 p.m. at the Indian Mound parking lot. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Tree Art: Drop In at the Beach. Come celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, leaf rubbings, and more. For leaf printing 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. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Meet the Ranger. Have you ever wondered what a forest ranger’s job actually involves? Then come learn more about what they do and the tools they use as part of their duties. Everyone is invited to stop in to meet one the Northern Unit’s law enforcement rangers. Long Lake Recreation Area. 3-4 p.m.
  • Survive Outdoors. Become skilled at easy techniques to help you survive in the outdoors. Program topics include hike preparations, orienteering compass, simple shelters, water collection, fire building, and rescue aids. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Walk, Talk and Dance Like A Sandhill Crane. Join volunteer naturalist Chris Lilek as she shows us how to walk, talk, dance and eat like a sandhill crane. All ages welcome to attend this informative and entertaining presentation on one of Kohler-Andrae's popular residents. Amphitheater. 6 p.m.
  • Kite Building Workshop. Join in the fun of making and decorating a pocket sled kite during either of the workshop sessions, then head out to fly the kite! Best for children ages 12 and under (4-year olds will need parental help). $5 charge per kite kit. Please call the park office to register for a session. Meet at the park bathhouse. Two sessions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Go Back in Time: West Bluff. Travel back in time as we visit the site of what was to be Palisades Park, “the Catskills of the Midwest”.  Find out why this area never became a resort and visit the remaining signs of the cottages and 85-foot viewing tower. This is can be a challenging hike as we head up the bluff from the north end. Meet at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Turtles. Summer is the time for turtles! Drop in to discover what turtles live at Devil’s Lake, check out some turtle shells, make a turtle and much more! Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Tree Art: Drop In at the Beach. Come celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, leaf rubbings, and more. For leaf printing 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. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 12-3 p.m.

Monday, July 8, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Explore Nature. Come and explore the trails with a naturalist and find out what cool and interesting things are out there. You provide the curiosity and we’ll provide the investigating tools to help you discover the wonders of nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Beaver. Who is the largest rodent in North America? It’s the beaver! Discover how these large rodents are designed to live both in the water and on land. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Becoming an Outdoors Family. Learn outdoor skills with your spouse, children and anyone else! Becoming an Outdoor Family provides an unrivaled experience every other Wednesday throughout the summer. We invite you to “unplug” from your day-to-day routine and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Meet at the Wildlife Education and Visitor Center 5-6:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Turtles. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we find out what makes turtles, turtles. We’ll get a chance to meet a live turtle too. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Skulls, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • High-Tech Bat Hike. Our bat hikes have gone high-tech! Join us for a stroll around the lake to record and listen to the bats. We’ll uses a special hand-held device that will record the bat calls and uses a GPS that will record exactly where the bat was heard! These observations will go back to the Wisconsin Bat Program to help them in their research on bats. Meet at the Nature Center. 8:30-10 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Butterflies of Wisconsin. Join photographer Ann Thering as she shares her knowledge of butterflies through stunning, vibrant photos of these amazing insects! This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 7 p.m. 
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Wacky Wednesday. It is Wacky Wednesday at Peninsula's Nature Center. Stop by anytime to see what's going on.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Flutter-by-Butterfly. What are orange, yellow, blue, black and purple? Butterflies! We’ll take an up-close look at butterflies and find out what makes them different from moths. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Thumbprint Animals. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some animals using your thumbprint! These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. Starting at 8:45 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Birds, Bugs and Other Flying Things! Learn about insects and birds of High Cliff. Use a net to catch and identify things that fly, crawl and hop. All ages welcome. Meet at the back of the General Store Museum 10-11:30 a.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Ice Age Trail University. Leadership skills, first aid and CPR, chain saw safety, camp chef, working with rock and trail plumbing will be taught. Event runs Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Birding by Ear Outdoor Adventure. "Konk-la-ree!" What bird said that? We'll traverse the fields and forests to find just what birds are singing. Tricks and tips to identifying birds by their songs and calls will be shared. We will start at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool to several different sites within the forest. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday, July 12, 2013

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope in the parking lot of the south shelter to see space up close. Amphitheater. 9 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt. We’re going to go on a scavenger hunt and you’ll need to take pictures of what you need to find! Bring a camera or borrow one from the nature center. We have a very limited supply of cameras to loan. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Create with Nature. Drop by the Exploration Station to make temporary creations from stones, leaves, branches, and other natural objects. We’ll take pictures of your natural creations and display these pictures inside nature center. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore we’ll spend the first half an hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 8-11 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Ice Age Trail University. Leadership skills, first aid and CPR, chain saw safety, camp chef, working with rock and trail plumbing will be taught. Event runs Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Saturday, July 13, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Owls. Whooo goes there? Owls of course! Find out what owls live at Devil’s Lake, dissect an owl pellet, and learn how owls find their way in the dark. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Stuck on the Rocks. Find out what happens when there’s a climbing emergency on the bluffs of Devil Lake. Members of the Baraboo District Ambulance Service will show you the techniques and equipment used in rope rescues. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 7-8 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 8-11 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Saturday Speaker Series: Local Plant Uses. Hartman Creek State Park and the Friends of Hartman Creek are sponsoring a speaker series featuring professors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Please join us to learn more about the plant and animal life of Hartman Creek! On July 13, Virginia Freiere will talk about the usefulness of many of the local plants in the park. 7 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Extreme Explorers. Kids, come to the Family Campground play area to get your Wisconsin Explorer books and learn about park wildlife through stories and crafts. 9:30-11 a.m.
  • Wild About Wildlife. Meet live animals. Presented by Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet at the lawn of the General Store Museum. 1-2 p.m.
  • Wisconsin Wolves: The Next Chapter. Learn about wolf ecology and what's next for Wisconsin wolf management. Meet at the Family Campground. In case of inclement weather event will be moved to the General Store Museum. Best for children ages eight and over. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Flutter by Butterfly. Join staff to learn more about butterflies, their life cycles and which species can be found on Horicon Marsh.  Then go on a short hike to with sweep nets to see what kinds of insects and butterflies can be caught. Try to identify the species of butterflies. Fun for the whole family. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 10:30 a.m. to noon.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Ice Age Trail University. Leadership skills, first aid and CPR, chain saw safety, camp chef, working with rock and trail plumbing will be taught. Event runs Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Search for Hidden Treasures: Geocaching. Learn how to use a hand-held GPS device and compass, and how to read a topographic map. Then try your new skills as you search for hidden treasures at selected geocache locations. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:45 a.m.
  • Learn to Kayak. This is the perfect program for people who have never kayaked and would like to learn. Join American Canoe Association instructors, to learn the tricks and fun of flat water kayaking. We will kayak around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. Please pre-register by July 11, by calling the Ice Age Visitor Center at 920-533-8322. Each session is limited to eight people without equipment. No experience is necessary. The program is for people at least 10 years old. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m. to Noon or 1-3:30 p.m.
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Outdoor Cooking: Drop In at the Beach. Brush up on your outdoor cooking skills or learn a new technique. The naturalists will be baking cakes, toasting pudgy pies, and whipping up some other tasty treats. You’ll be surprised at how easy cooking in the outdoors can be. We'll also cover fire building/safety. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some cooking fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Butterflies of Eastern Wisconsin. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Join Dr. Douglas Buege, Vice-president of the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association, as he enlightens us to the diversity of butterflies found in Eastern Wisconsin - from very common to endangered species. He will introduce the basics of butter-flying and explain how people can become citizen scientists so that they can contribute to butterfly ecology via the Internet. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Summer Candlelight Hike. Enjoy a self-guided hike along the beach and wander the sand dunes along the cordwalk. The trail is lit with tiki torches for this annual summer event. Refreshments served at Sanderling Nature Center. Sorry, no pets or strollers allowed on the hike. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker is required. Park at the Sanderling Nature Center or the North Beach parking lots. 8:30-10:30 p.m.
• Mill Bluff State Park, Camp Douglas, 608-372-6206 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Kayak/Canoe Tour of Mirror Lake. Take a 90-minute guided tour of beautiful Mirror Lake! This tour will start from the boat launch and guides will take you on a geological and historical paddle through time. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, 262-670-3400 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Stop by Pike Lake and look through telescopes to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 8-11 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Touring Sentinel Ridge. Meet at the Sentinel Ridge trailhead. 4 p.m.
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Under Your Feet. Watch where you step; there are lots of plants and animals underfoot! Come and explore the world we never see, the one that is under our feet. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Deer. Watch where you step; there are lots of plants and animals underfoot! Come and explore the world we never see, the one that is under our feet. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Outdoor Cooking: Drop In at the Beach. Brush up on your outdoor cooking skills or learn a new technique. The naturalists will be baking cakes, toasting pudgy pies, and whipping up some other tasty treats. You’ll be surprised at how easy cooking in the outdoors can be. We'll also cover fire building/safety. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some cooking fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Ice Age Trail University. Leadership skills, first aid and CPR, chain saw safety, camp chef, working with rock and trail plumbing will be taught. Event runs Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Monday, July 15, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Hoo-rah Habitat. You need habitat. Plants and animals need a habitat. We all need a place to live! Go on a habitat search and discover the plants and animals that live inside it. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Box Turtle. Get up close and personal with our ornate box turtles! Check out what makes them different than other turtles, find out what they like to eat, and make a box turtle to take home with you. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Keepers of the Earth Camp: July 16-18. For students entering third and fourth grade. This camp runs Tuesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 18. Do you wonder how Native Americans survived off the land without stoves, ovens and grocery stores? Come explore how Native Americans used nature to help them survive. Play games that taught vital hunting skills, make projects from natural materials and learn how you can be a keeper of the earth! Pre-registration is required.  For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Flutter-by-Butterfly. What are orange, yellow, blue, black and purple? Butterflies! We’ll take an up-close look at butterflies and find out what makes them different from moths. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from the UW-Madison Astronomy Program for an evening of exploring the Universe! Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. If there is rain, the presentation will be moved to the Nature Center. 9-10 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Citizen Science Bat Monitoring. Using echolocation equipment we will search for bats by species and record population numbers along a designated trail. Participation is by pre-registration only; you must sign up in advance. There is a limited number of participants per monitoring session. Children ages 10 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Email or call the park to reserve your space. 9-10:30 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Keepers of the Earth Camp: July 16-18. For students entering third and fourth grade. This camp runs Tuesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 18. Do you wonder how Native Americans survived off the land without stoves, ovens and grocery stores? Come explore how Native Americans used nature to help them survive. Play games that taught vital hunting skills, make projects from natural materials and learn how you can be a keeper of the earth! Pre-registration is required.  For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Who Went There? Who was under the bird feeder? Who went walking in the mud? Who was sitting in that big tree? Find out who was visiting the outside of the nature center once everyone went home for the night. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Nature Art. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some nature art! We’ll use nature as our inspiration to make some awesome artistic creations. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Medicinal and Edible Plants. Learn about local, medicinal and edible plants, and how to identify invasive plants in the mix. Back lawn of the General Store Museum 6-7 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Keepers of the Earth Camp: July 16-18. For students entering third and fourth grade. This camp runs Tuesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 18. Do you wonder how Native Americans survived off the land without stoves, ovens and grocery stores? Come explore how Native Americans used nature to help them survive. Play games that taught vital hunting skills, make projects from natural materials and learn how you can be a keeper of the earth! Pre-registration is required.  For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Rainy Day Rainbows Nature Storytime. Have you ever seen a rainbow and wondered how it got there? We'll learn the colors of the rainbow and reveal how nature creates this beautiful arch of color. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, July 19, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Spies. Armed with magnifiers we’ll head out to spy on the animals that live here. We’ll find out what happens when we spy on gray squirrel. We’ll discover what bugs do when they think no one is looking. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station and feed the birds! You can make a simple bird feeder, test your feeder identification skill and play “fill the bill”. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Goyataku Fish Printing. Create a print of a fish using life-size rubber fish, or maybe the real thing! Bring a T-shirt. There will also be paper available to print on. Family campground play area. Please walk in; limited parking. 7-8 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Rainy Day Rainbows Nature Storytime. Have you ever seen a rainbow and wondered how it got there? We'll learn the colors of the rainbow and reveal how nature creates this beautiful arch of color. 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, July 20, 2013

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, 262-248-2528 or email -
  • Park Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Come help at a Big Foot Beach workday! Workdays take place one Saturday a month May through October, and are flexible. Come for one or for all, stay for a while or for the whole time. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Prepare to work outdoors. Meet at the picnic shelter. 9-11 a.m.
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Batty about Bats. Bats are great friends of the park as they fly around eating insects. Stop in to learn about bats, do some myth-busting, play bat games and make a craft to take home. Amphitheater. 2 p.m.
• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Wildflower Walk. Explore the prairie gardens at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center with our resident gardener, Alan Roelfs. Learn about propagating and caring for prairie plants. Meet at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Meet and Animal: Wolf. Is that a wolf or a coyote howling in your backyard? Check out what makes wolves different than the coyotes living in the park. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Kids Learn to Fish Clinic. This clinic for kids will be led by Greg Karch, a nationally recognized professional fishing educator. Free program, pre-registration and vehicle admission sticker required. Families are encouraged to attend. Best for children over age six. Pines Shelter and Butterfly Pond 1-3:30 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Stop by Horicon Marsh and look through telescopes to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 8-11 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Hurray for Herps! Drop In at the Beach. Many snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders make Wisconsin their homes. Meet several of these marvelous creatures up close and learn about their unique adaptations. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Wisconsin Turtles. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of turtles. Randy Hetzel, naturalist, will enlighten us about the special adaptations of these remarkable reptiles and what habitat requirements they need to survive. You may even have the opportunity to meet some live turtles. This program is most appropriate for people over the age of eight years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Dutch Oven and Other Outdoor Cooking. Join park volunteers for an outdoor cooking demonstration using recipes from the park cookbook "Cooking with Friends". This will be a great opportunity to pick up some tips and gather ides for your next camping trip or cookout. Amphitheater. Noon-1:30 p.m.
  • The How, What and Why of Raptor Banding. Raptor banding volunteer Carol Kroscher will do a presentation on raptor banding. She will discuss some methods of hawk banding, explain how they are processed after trapping, and talk about the various hawks trapped as well as song birds that sometimes fly into the nets. This 1-hour program is best for age 8 and over. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Native American Dance and Stories. Peninsula State Park welcomes Ron Preston who will introduce visitors to some Native American dance and stories.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Batty about Bats. Bats are great friends of the park as they fly around eating insects. Stop in to learn about bats, do some myth-busting, play bat games and make a craft to take home. Kiosk shelter. 9 a.m.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Spies. Armed with magnifiers we’ll head out to spy on the animals that live here. We’ll find out what happens when we spy on gray squirrel. We’ll discover what bugs do when they think no one is looking. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Wild Canines. Foxes, wolves and coyotes can all be found at Devil’s Lake. Drop in to discover what makes wild canines different than the dogs in our homes, find out which ones live in the park and more! Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Tree-mendous Trees: Drop In at the Beach. Stop in to find out how the "tree"mendous trees touch almost all parts of our lives. 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. Noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, July 22, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Animal Evidence. There’s lots of wildlife at Devil’s Lake, but we rarely see them. On this walk, we’ll look for animal tracks, nests and holes, browsed plants and other animal evidence. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet and Animal: Garter Snake. Get up close and personal with our garter snake! You can even make a snake to take home with you. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Music in the Park. For an evening of enjoyment and relaxation, head to the amphitheater to hear Peter Scheuerman as he croons Country, Americana and Blues on his acoustic guitar and claw hammer banjo. All ages are invited. Park amphitheater. 7-8 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Talking Tombstones. Stop by for Peninsula State Park’s annual “living history” event at Blossomburg Cemetery. If you are interested in volunteering or in sharing the story of a family member or friend buried in the park, please contact the the park naturalist. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm! 10 a.m. to noon.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Becoming an Outdoors Family. Learn outdoor skills with your spouse, children and anyone else! Becoming an Outdoor Family provides an unrivaled experience every other Wednesday throughout the summer. We invite you to “unplug” from your day-to-day routine and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Meet at the Wildlife Education and Visitor Center 5-6:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Bird Songs. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we listen to the birds and find out what they might be talking about. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station and feed the birds! You can make a simple bird feeder, test your feeder identification skill and play “fill the bill”. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Nature Patterns Hike. Meet at the park office picnic area to hike the Spring Peeper Trail and look for patterns in nature. Use a magnifying lens to check out patterns close up. Bring a camera along to take photos for the photo contest too! Office picnic area. 2 p.m.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Creature Hike: Birds. Birds are everywhere – in the trees, in the ground even swimming in the water! We’ll head out with binoculars to see how many different places we can see birds. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Tracks! Drop by the Exploration Station and make some tracks! See if you can read the stories animals tracks leave behind. You can even make a track to take home. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. Starting at 8:45 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Visit an Old-growth Forest Outdoor Adventure. Travel to the interior of an old-growth forest, Haskell Noyes State Natural Area. Learn why large intact old-growth forests need protection, what animals thrive in forest interiors, and what the State Natural Areas Program involves. We will meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool the four miles to the Haskell Noyes Woods. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center and Haskell Noyes Woods. 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday, July 26, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Patterns in Nature. From tree rings to turtle shells, nature’s patterns are both beautiful and perplexing. We’ll see how many hidden patterns we can find hiding in nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Paper Making. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some paper! We’ll use a variety of materials to make beautiful pieces of homemade paper. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1- 3 p.m.
  • Find out about Bats! Bats are everywhere in Wisconsin! Find out how many species we have in Wisconsin, learn about some of the myths behind bats, and what some of the issues facing bats these days are. Presented by the Wisconsin Bat Program. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 8:30 -9:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • General Store Museum Tour and Open House. Did you know that High Cliff was a village? Find out why the Niagara Escarpment was important to past cultures. 1-3 p.m.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

• Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, 608-437-5711 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Hop Along to the Pond. Drop in at the south picnic shelter to learn about frogs and hike out towards campsites 10-12 and see if some frogs or other water creatures can be found. South shelter. 10 a.m. – noon.
• Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, 715-274-5123 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Skulls, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat, and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Archery Days. Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat launch. 12:30-3 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore. We’ll spend the first half hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from the UW-Madison Astronomy Department to explore the night sky! The program begins just after sunset with a 20-30 minute talk and slide show about astronomy, then go outside to look through telescope to view the sky up close. Evening.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Lizards, Turtles and Snakes, Oh My! Meet live snakes and other critters. Presented by the Fox Valley Herp Club. Meet at the lawn of the General Store Museum. 1-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Learn to Fish Rodeo. Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes Backyard Bass Casting, Fill the Tackle Box, Fishing Regulations Quiz, Avoiding Hazards, Knots Tie-up, What’s that Fish? and Baiting your Hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the fishing pier will help hone your newly acquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own gear or fishing gear will be provided for those who need it. People age 16 and older need a fishing license to fish. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Fisheries’ Tools of the Trade. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Fyke nets, boom shockers, backpack shockers, and fish tags are a few of the tools fishery biologists use in their jobs. Join Travis Motl, DNR Fisheries Biologist, to see first-hand how these tools are used to determine the health of a lake’s fish population. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 6:30-8 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • 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 Timberwolf Information Network. Bring the family. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Hop Along to the Pond. Drop in at the office parking lot to learn about frogs and then hike out to Carter Creek and see if some frogs or other water creatures can be found. Office picnic area. 2-4 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

• Big Bay State Park, La Pointe, 715-747-6425 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Flutter-by-Butterfly. What are orange, yellow, blue, black and purple? Butterflies! We’ll take an up-close look at butterflies and find out what makes them different from moths. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Archery Days. Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat landing. 12:30-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Creatures of the Night: Drop In at the Beach. Uncover what animals are awake while we sleep at night and how they are adapted to survive under the cloak of darkness. 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. Noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, July 29, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Explore Nature. Come and explore the trails with a naturalist and find out what cool and interesting things are out there. You provide the curiosity and we’ll provide the investigating tools to help you discover the wonders of nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Citizen Science Bat Monitoring. Using echolocation equipment we will search for bats by species and record population numbers along a designated trail. Participation is by pre-registration only; you must sign up in advance. There is a limited number of participants per monitoring session. Children ages 10 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Email or call the park to reserve your space. 9-10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Raccoon. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we check out who goes in search of breakfast after we go to bed? Why, raccoons of course! Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Frogs and Toads. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we check out what makes frogs and toads different from each other. We’ll even get a chance to meet some live frogs and toads too! Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Thumbprint Animals. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some animals using your thumbprint! These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt. We’re going to go on a scavenger hunt and you’ll need to take pictures of what you need to find! Bring a camera or borrow one from the nature center. We have a very limited supply of cameras to loan. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station – Tracks! Drop by the Exploration Station and make some tracks! See if you can read the stories animals tracks leave behind. You can even make a track to take home. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Learn to Fish. Want to try fishing but just didn’t know how or what to do? Come to our “Learn to Fish” program and we’ll show you how! We’ll have fun games and activities that will teach you the basics of fishing. The last hour or so, we’ll have time to practice our new skills and catch some fish.  If you are 16 and older, you’ll need a fishing license. We’ll supply all of the equipment needed. Meet at the north shore boat launch. 6-8 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Sense of Place Coffee Walk. On the first Thursday morning of each month we will explore a new topic and location in the park. The coffee pot and hot water will be brewing and we always take a piece of fruit for our pockets. Come along and explore the park with the naturalist and discover a "real sense of place" at High Cliff. This program is intended for adults. Pre-registration always appreciated. 9-10:30 a.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Medford, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Beautiful Butterflies Nature Storytime. You are invited to join our play as we act out the amazing life cycle of butterflies. Afterwards, we'll head outside in search of these beautiful insects. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, August 2, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Under Your Feet. Watch where you step! There are lots of plants and animals underfoot! Come and explore the world we never see, the one that is under our feet. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Create with Nature. Drop by the Exploration Station to make temporary creations from stones, leaves, branches, and other natural objects. We’ll take pictures of your natural creations and display these pictures inside nature center. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Aldo Leopold: A Local Conservation Hero. Considered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States’ Wilderness System, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer and outdoor enthusiast. Join us as we find out more about this great Wisconsin environmental hero. Presented by the Leopold Foundation. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Medford, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Beautiful Butterflies Nature Storytime. You are invited to join our play as we act out the amazing life cycle of butterflies. Afterwards, we'll head outside in search of these beautiful insects. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Step into the Night Hike. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we explore the darkness for nature’s night lights. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 8-9:45 p.m.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Moon Madness. Join us for moon stories and activities and learn about nighttime in the forest around the campfire. Amphitheater. 7 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Thumbprint Animals. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some animals using your thumbprint! These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Turtles. Summer is the time for turtles! Drop in to discover what turtles live at Devil’s Lake, check out some turtle shells, make a turtle and much more! Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Live Bats! Come and check out some live bats! Join Ken and Barb Bowman of Bats Conservation of Wisconsin, as they share their knowledge of Wisconsin’s flying mammals. Presented by Bat Conservation of Wisconsin Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 8-9 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Saturday Speaker Series: Fisheries and Fish. Hartman Creek State Park and the Friends of Hartman Creek are sponsoring a speaker series featuring professors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Please join us to learn more about the plant and animal life of Hartman Creek! On August 3, Justin Sipiorksi will share his knowledge of the local fisheries and will discuss the many common fish you've never heard of. 7 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Snake Talk and Round Up. How many different kinds of snakes can be found at High Cliff? Learn about snakes, hold and touch a live one, then we'll go look for some! Meet at the steps of the General Store Museum 1:30-2:30 p.m.
  • Star Party. Learn about stars and constellations. Kids make a glow in the dark star necklace. 7:15-8:15 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. 8:30 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Medford, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Birds of Prey: Drop In at the Beach. We marvel at hawks, owls, eagles and falcons soaring overhead. Find out what adaptations make these birds such efficient sky hunters. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event: Nature Up Close. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. With the forest naturalist gain a new perspective by taking a closer look at nature. You will get to use a variety of magnifying tools and techniques. You’ll be astonished by what we encounter. Bring your camera to capture your unique finds. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Kite Building Workshop. Join in the fun of making and decorating a pocket sled kite during either of the workshop sessions, then head out to fly the kite! Best for children ages 12 and under (4-year olds will need parental help). $5 charge per kite kit. Please call the park office to register for a session. Meet at the park bathhouse. Two sessions at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Ink Fish Printing. Everyone is welcome to try the ancient art of "Gyotaku" (guy-yo-tah-koo) or ink fish printing. Paper and all supplies will be available. Participants are asked to bring along a T-shirt or bandana if they wish to print on those items rather than paper. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the bath house building. 1-2 p.m.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Under the Water. Fish aren’t the only creatures swimming under the water. We’ll grab some nets and head down to the lake to discover just what’s swimming under the water. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Mammals. Who are the mammals in your neighborhood? Drop in and discover what mammals live at Devil’s Lake and test your mammal ID skills. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Medford, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Birds of Prey: Drop In at the Beach. We marvel at hawks, owls, eagles and falcons soaring overhead. Find out what adaptations make these birds such efficient sky hunters. Everyone is invited to drop in for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.

Monday, August 5, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Animal Evidence. There’s lots of wildlife at Devil’s Lake, but we rarely see them. On this walk, we’ll look for animal tracks, nests and holes, browsed plants and other animal evidence. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Fox Snake. Get up close and personal with our fox snake! You can even make a snake to take home with you. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Raccoons. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we find out what these nighttime neighbors (raccoons) do after you go to bed. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Nature Art. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some nature art! We’ll use nature as our inspiration to make some awesome artistic creations. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from the UW-Madison Astronomy Program for an evening of exploring the Universe! Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. If there is rain, the presentation will be moved to the Nature Center. 9-10 p.m.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Spies. Armed with magnifiers we’ll head out to spy on the animals that live here. We’ll find out what happens when we spy on gray squirrel. We’ll discover what bugs do when they think no one is looking. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Paper Making. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some paper! We’ll use a variety of materials to make beautiful pieces of homemade paper. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Meet at the Chateau. Starting at 8 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Citizen Science Bat Monitoring. Using echolocation equipment we will search for bats by species and record population numbers along a designated trail. Participation is by pre-registration only; you must sign up in advance. There is a limited number of participants per monitoring session. Children ages 10 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Email or call the park to reserve your space. 8:30-10:30 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Climb a Kame Outdoor Adventure. After the glaciers melted away, they left behind a very distinctive landscape. Join us as we climb Dundee Mountain to gain a better understanding of how the glaciers created kames, eskers, moraines, kettles, and outwash plains. The trail is one and one half miles long and it does require hiking up and down a steep hill. We will meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool the three miles to the Dundee Mountain Summit Trail. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center and Dundee Mountain. 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday, August 9, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Who Went There? Who was under the bird feeder? Who went walking in the mud? Who was sitting in that big tree? Find out who was visiting the outside of the nature center once everyone went home for the night. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some paper! We’ll use a variety of materials to make beautiful pieces of homemade paper. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore. We’ll spend the first half hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 6-8 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, 715-386-5931 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

• Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, 608-437-5711 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Smokey Bear Day. Meet Smokey Bear and help celebrate his birthday with games and fire safety information. Amphitheater. 2-4 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Skulls, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat, and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Deer. White-tailed are everywhere, even here at Devil’s Lake! Drop in to discover how deer use their senses, how they communicate, and the signs they leave behind. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Wisconsin Reptiles and Amphibians. Join the Madison Area Herpetological Society for a presentation about all of the wonderful native species of Wisconsin! See some of the animals in person and learn about their habitats and the roles they play in our ecology. Meet at the Northern Lights amphitheater. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Hank Aaron State Trail, Milwaukee, 262-781-8877 or email -
  • Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run/Walk. Run or walk on the Hank Aaron State Trail with timed results, prizes for 14 age categories, prize drawing, live music, free food and refreshments. Meet at the Klement's Sausage Haus near Miller Park Stadium in Milwaukee. Supported by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail. Registration opens at 7 a.m., race starts at 8:30 a.m. For more information or to preregister, please see Hank Aaron 5K Run/Walk [exit DNR].
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Saturday Speaker Series: The Mosquito. Hartman Creek State Park and the Friends of Hartman Creek are sponsoring a speaker series featuring professors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Please join us to learn more about the plant and animal life of Hartman Creek! On August 10, Jamee Hubbard will talk about everyone’s favorite insect, the mosquito. 7 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Intro to Geocaching. Have you ever heard of geocaching? Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt where a smart phone or GPS unit is used to find hidden containers. Learn how to use a GPS unit to find treasures around the marsh! GPS units will be provided and come dressed for an outdoor adventure. For more information please call or see the Friends of Horicon Marsh website [exit DNR]. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Search for Hidden Treasures: Geocaching. Learn how to use a hand-held GPS device and compass, and how to read a topographic map. Then try your new skills as you search for hidden treasures at selected geocache locations. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:45 a.m.
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Sssssnakes Drop In at the Beach. Slithering across the ground with their tongues flicking, snakes arouse our curiosity or sometimes our fears. Uncover some truly astonishing facts about these legless reptiles and the habitats where they live to gain an appreciation of their role in nature. 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. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event: Hunting Elephants in Kenosha. Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine. The first residents of southeast Wisconsin were big game hunters. Learn about research conducted by the Kenosha Public Museum to help us understand Paleo-Indians and the mammoths they hunted. The presentation will include artifacts from the museum such as a mammoth tooth and hair. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Night Noises: Midnight Music For Campers. Have you been waking up in the middle of the night and wondering what that noise is outside your tent? It's not something scary. It's midnight music for the "brave at heart"! Join volunteer naturalist Chris Lilek as she teaches participants how to crackle, squeak, buzz and bump like the creatures of the night. Amphitheater. 7-8 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Kayak/Canoe Tour of Mirror Lake. Take a 90-minute guided tour of beautiful Mirror Lake! This tour will start from the boat launch and guides will take you on a geological and historical paddle through time. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Smokey Bear Day. Meet Smokey Bear and help celebrate his birthday with games and fire safety information. Kiosk shelter. 10 a.m. – noon.
• Rock Island State Park, Washington Island, 920-847-2235 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Smokey Bear's Birthday Bash. Meet at the Peterson Shelter. 6 p.m.
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Go Back in Time: West Bluff. Travel back in time as we visit some of the historic sites on the parks west side. Find out what happened to Palisades Park, “the Catskills of the Midwest”. Learn about the north shore hotels. Discover who put in the stone staircases and much more. This is can be a challenging hike as we head up the bluff from the north end. Meet at the Nature Center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Sssssnakes: Drop In at the Beach: Slithering across the ground with their tongues flicking, snakes arouse our curiosity or sometimes our fears. Uncover some truly astonishing facts about these legless reptiles and the habitats where they live to gain an appreciation of their role in nature. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Monday, August 12, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Stroll: Explore Nature. Come and explore the trails with a naturalist and find out what cool and interesting things are out there. You provide the curiosity and we’ll provide the investigating tools to help you discover the wonders of nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 920-854-2500 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet an Animal: Coyote. Who’s making that howling sound by your campsite or house? Check out some coyote pelts and find out how they are different than wolves. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Meet at the Nature Center. Starting at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Becoming an Outdoors Family. Learn outdoor skills with your spouse, children and anyone else! Becoming an Outdoor Family provides an unrivaled experience every other Wednesday throughout the summer. We invite you to “unplug” from your day-to-day routine and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Meet at the Wildlife Education and Visitor Center 5-6:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Scampering Squirrels. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we find out what squirrels live in the park. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Skulls, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Under the Water. Fish aren’t the only creatures swimming under the water. We’ll grab some nets and head down to the lake to discover just what’s swimming under the water. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • High-Tech Bat Hike. Our bat hikes have gone high-tech! Join us for a stroll around the lake to record and listen to the bats. We’ll uses a special hand-held device that will record the bat calls and uses a GPS that will record exactly where the bat was heard! These observations will go back to the Wisconsin Bat Program to help them in their research on bats. Meet at the Nature Center. 8–9:30 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Turtle Magic Nature Storytime. Now you see them, now you don't! Turtles have a lot of tricks up their shells. Come uncover some of their adaptations for yourself. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, August 16, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt. We’re going on a scavenger hunt, but you’ll need to take a picture of the things you’ll need to find! Bring your camera or borrow one from the nature center. We have a limited supply of cameras to loan. After the scavenger hunt, you can upload your pictures to show off at the nature center. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Create with Nature. Drop by the Exploration Station to make temporary creations from stones, leaves, branches, and other natural objects. We’ll take pictures of your natural creations and display these pictures inside nature center. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Explore the Night Sky. Join the Madison Astronomy Society (MAS) to learn about the night sky. MAS will have several telescopes set up and show you cool features about the moon, point you towards some winter constellations. This is more of an informal program where you can come anytime and the MAS volunteers will help you get to know the night sky. Meet at the north shore boat launch parking lot. 8:15-10:30 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Turtle Magic Nature Storytime. Now you see them, now you don't! Turtles have a lot of tricks up their shells. Come uncover some of their adaptations for yourself. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. The UW-Madison Astronomy Department will give a 20-30 minute talk followed by a slide presentation on astronomy and recent astronomical news. If the sky is clear we'll go outdoors to look through telescopes to view the night sky. No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7:30 p.m.
• Amnicon Falls State Park, Superior, 715-398-3000 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

• Pattison State Park, Superior, 715-399-3111 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, 262-248-2528 or email -
  • Park Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Come help at a Big Foot Beach workday! Workdays take place one Saturday a month May through October, and are flexible. Come for one or for all, stay for a while or for the whole time. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Prepare to work outdoors. Meet at the picnic shelter. 9-11 a.m.
• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Candlelight Night Hike. Meet the park naturalist at the amphitheater for an evening program, and hike the 1.4-mile tiki torch-lit trail. Supported by the Friends of Buckhorn State Park. 7:30-10 p.m.
• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Wildflower Walk. Venture into Crex Meadows in search of seasonal blooming wildflowers. Meet at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Duck Banding: Help DNR Biologists and Wildlife Technicians capture, band and release local ducks! Participants will receive information and instruction prior to heading to the banding site. At the site, participants will be able to remove ducks from the net and release them after they are banded. Fun for all ages. Children (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Crex Meadows Visitor Center then caravan to location. Free, but space is limited so please pre-register. Evening.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Thumbprint Animals. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some animals using your thumbprint! These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Drop in on Owls. Whooo goes there? Owls of course! Find out what owls live at Devil’s Lake, dissect an owl pellet, and learn how owls find their way in the dark. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Stuck on the Rocks. Find out what happens when there’s a climbing emergency on the bluffs of Devil Lake. Members of the Baraboo District Ambulance Service will show you the techniques and equipment used in rope rescues. Meet at the Northern Lights Amphitheater. 7-8 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Horicon Marsh International Education Center, Horicon, 920-387-7893 or email -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Stop by Horicon Marsh and look through telescopes to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 8-11 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Tree Art: Drop In at the Beach. Come celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, leaf rubbings, and more. For leaf printing 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. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event: Be a Scientist! Learn how to be a scientist through Citizen Based Monitoring. What is citizen based monitor? It is citizens and scientists working together to monitor and evaluate Wisconsin's natural resources, from plants and animals to water, weather and soils. Owen Boyle, DNR Citizen Based Monitoring Coordinator, will reveal out how easy it is to become a citizen scientist by joining one or more of the wide range of projects found throughout our state. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join Joe and Mary Glover and learn to read the night sky without the use of telescopes. This is always a popular program. Dress for the cool lake-side temperatures and bring a chair or blanket. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the beach adjacent to the bathhouse. 7 p.m.
• Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, 262-670-3400 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Stop by Pike Lake and look through telescopes to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, 920-823-2400 or email -
  • Candlelight Walk. As the sun sets, enjoy a walk along the sandy beach and through the forested dunes. Stroll along the dunes, forest and beach as they awaken for the night. Join the Door Peninsular Astronomical Society for a special on-the-beach viewing and explanation of the sky through telescopes. The shelter building will be welcoming visitors with refreshments. Supported by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes. 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Patterns in Nature. From tree rings to turtle shells, nature’s patterns are both beautiful and perplexing. We’ll see how many hidden patterns we can find hiding in nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Wild Canines. Foxes, wolves and coyotes can all be found at Devil’s Lake. Drop in to discover what makes wild canines different than the dogs in our homes, find out which ones live in the park, and more! Activities will happen at the north shore beach by the chateau. 1-3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Tree Art: Drop In at the Beach. Come celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, leaf rubbings, and more. For leaf printing 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. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Rock Art Wonders. Join artist Geri Schrab at the petroglyphs to learn about the paintings and carvings at Roche-A-Cri. Meet at the petroglyph viewing platform. 11 a.m.

Monday, August 19, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Stroll: Hoo-rah Habitat. You need habitat. Plants and animals need a habitat. We all need a place to live! Go on a habitat search and discover the plants and animals that live inside it. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Natures Little Explorers. Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts! Natures Little Explorers is a free program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 6. Meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. 10-11:15 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Meet and Animal: Wolf. Is that a wolf or a coyote howling in your backyard? Check out what makes wolves different than the coyotes living in the park. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 12:30 p.m.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Citizen Science Bat Monitoring. Using echolocation equipment we will search for bats by species and record population numbers along a designated trail. Participation is by pre-registration only; you must sign up in advance. There is a limited number of participants per monitoring session. Children ages 10 and older must be accompanied by an adult. Email or call the park to reserve your space. 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Tales: Turtles. Join us for an hour of stories! Fun awaits your 3 to 8 year old as we find out what makes turtles, turtles. We’ll get a chance to meet a live turtle too. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Paper Making. Drop by the Exploration Station to make some paper! We’ll use a variety of materials to make beautiful pieces of homemade paper. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near West Bend, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Thursday, August 22, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Creatures Hike: Bugs. There are lots of amazing insects everywhere! We’ll head out with nets, bug motels, and magnifiers see how many different bugs we can find. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Feed the Birds. Drop by the Exploration Station and feed the birds! You can make a simple bird feeder, test your feeder identification skill, and play “fill the bill”. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Lawn Chair Bat Watch. The bats will be waking and heading out for the night and it’s a great time to bring a comfy lawn chair and watch them. We’ll park our chairs outside the Chateau (North Shore) and watch the bats emerge from the houses. We’ll have fun bat information and a bat scavenger hunt for the kids to do while the wait to the bats to emerge. Starting at 7:45 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near West Bend, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time 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 email -
  • Explore the Red Oaks of Greenbush Outdoor Adventure. Take an adventure through the Red Oak Habitat Protection Area and Red Oak State Natural Area. Learn how this special forest is being managed and explore the area for its unique resident plants and animals. We will meet at the Greenbush Kettle parking lot and then car pool to the State Natural Area. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years. 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday, August 23, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Who Went There? Who was under the bird feeder? Who went walking in the mud? Who was sitting in that big tree? Find out who was visiting the outside of the nature center once everyone went home for the night. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Exploration Station: Tracks! Drop by the Exploration Station and make some tracks! See if you can read the stories animals tracks leave behind. You can even make a track to take home. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore. We’ll spend the first half hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near West Bend, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Saturday, August 24, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station – Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 10 a.m. to Noon.
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Archery Day. Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat landing. 12:30-3 p.m.
  • Become a Junior Ranger. Visit with a ranger to see what their job is like. Check out the equipment they use and the squad and see what you can do to become a Jr. Ranger. Meet at the Northern Lights amphitheater. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Back by popular demand, the Big Band dances will be held again Saturday evenings at the Chateau this summer. This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, 715-258-2372 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from the UW-Madison Astronomy Department to explore the night sky! The program begins just after sunset with a 20-30 minute talk and slide show about astronomy, then go outside to look through telescope to view the sky up close. Evening.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near West Bend, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Get Outdoors! Play Day. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of nature and outdoor fun! Try your hand at tracking animals, honing your fishing skills, taking the eco-explorer challenge, matching young critters with their parents, creating original nature art, and more. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 1-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event - Whoopers and Sandhills: Wisconsin’s Cranes. Whooping and sandhill cranes both call Wisconsin home. The whooping crane is one the most endangered cranes of the world while sandhills the most abundant. Staff from the International Crane Foundation will share facts about their fascinating life histories and specific habitat requirements, and how people can help them to survive. This program is most appropriate for people over the age of 8 years old. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Bats 'N Humans Need Each Other. Bats are some of the best friends humans ever had. Janet Raddatz will share her knowledge of these special creatures. Following the presentation, join Janet and Andy Raddatz for a walk around the park with a bat detector that will translate inaudible, high-frequency bat sounds into humanly audible clicks and chirps. This presentation is for the entire family, especially the children. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. Check out a slide show with photos from space, then use a big telescope to check out the night sky. Meet at the kiosk picnic shelter. 8:30 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Nature Spies. Armed with magnifiers we’ll head out to spy on the animals that live here. We’ll find out what happens when we spy on gray squirrel. We’ll discover what bugs do when they think no one is looking. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Archery Day. Join us for a fun afternoon of archery! Drop in any time to try your hand with a bow and arrow. Whether you are experienced with a bow or never tried, we’ll have certified instructors to help kids of all ages with some target practice. Meet near the north shore boat landing. 12:30-3 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near West Bend, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Get Outdoors! Play Day. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of nature and outdoor fun! Try your hand at tracking animals, honing your fishing skills, taking the eco-explorer challenge, matching young critters with their parents, creating original nature art and more. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

• Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg, 715-463-2739 or email -
  • Becoming an Outdoors Family. Learn outdoor skills with your spouse, children and anyone else! Becoming an Outdoor Family provides an unrivaled experience every other Wednesday throughout the summer. We invite you to “unplug” from your day-to-day routine and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Meet at the Wildlife Education and Visitor Center 5-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email -
  • Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center during this popular program. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.

Friday, August 30, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Step into the Night Hike. As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we explore the darkness for nocturnal insects. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old. Zillmer Trails Area. 8-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Exploration Station: Skull, Scat and Tracks. Drop by the Exploration Station to check out some mammal skulls, scat, and tracks! Come and try our identification game and see how well you know your animal signs. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 1-3 p.m.
• Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, 608-935-2315 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Extreme Saturday Morning. Calling all youth to come explore the extremes of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books. Long Lake or Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11 a.m.
  • Alien Attack: Drop In at the Beach. We're being invaded not by outer space aliens, but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will have a chance to make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. 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. 1-4 p.m.
  • Meet the Ranger. Have you ever wondered what a forest ranger’s job actually involves? Then come learn more about what they do and the tools they use as part of their duties. Everyone is invited to stop in to meet one the Northern Unit’s law enforcement rangers. Long Lake Recreation Area. 3-4 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event: Family Concert with the Milwaukee Ukulele Club. Join Lil’ Rev and the other members of the Milwaukee Ukulele Club for a great evening of music and merriment for the entire family. This is an outdoor concert, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Ice Age Visitor Center. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Summer Saturday Evening Event: Summer Star Gazing. Look through a telescope or binoculars to bring into focus the wonders of the night sky. With the help of experienced night sky observers from the Northern Cross Science Foundation, spy distant planets, dumb-bell nebulas, globular clusters, and so much more. The program will be held only if the skies are clear. This program is best for anyone more than 8 years old. Drop in any time and stay as long as you like. Ice Age Visitor Center. 8:45-11 p.m.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Flutter-by-Butterflies. What are orange, yellow, blue, black and purple? Butterflies! We’ll take an up-close look at butterflies and find out what makes them different from moths. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.
  • Drop in on Mammals. Who are the mammals in your neighborhood? Drop in and discover what mammals live at Devil’s Lake and test your mammal ID skills. Activities will happen at the North Shore Beach by the Chateau. 1-3 p.m.
  • Big Band Dance. Don't miss the last Big Band dance of the summer! This decade-long tradition is a fun time for all! North Shore Chateau. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Alien Attack: Drop In at the Beach. We're being invaded not by outer space aliens, but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will have a chance to make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. 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. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, 608-873-9695 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Monday, September 2, 2013 - Labor Day

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Monday Strolls: Explore Nature. Come and explore the trails with a naturalist and find out what cool and interesting things are out there. You provide the curiosity and we’ll provide the investigating tools to help you discover the wonders of nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Sense of Place Coffee Walk. On the first Thursday morning of each month we will explore a new topic and location in the park. The coffee pot and hot water will be brewing and we always take a piece of fruit for our pockets. Come on along and explore the park with the naturalist and discover a "real sense of place" at High Cliff. This program is intended for adults. Pre-registration always appreciated. 9-10:30 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • The Chirping Choir Nature Storytime. Who are the members of this evening choir? Listen and learn about crickets and their noisy relatives. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, September 6, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • The Chirping Choir Nature Storytime. Who are the members of this evening choir? Listen and learn about crickets and their noisy relatives. 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 7, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Kayak Tour. Take a guided kayak tour and find a new way to explore Devil’s Lake! We’ll paddle the lake looking for all sorts of wildlife (birds, fish and mammals) and check out some of the geology and history too. The kayak tours will start at the park’s north shore. We’ll spend the first half hour gathering and learning how to use our kayaks. The tour will take about 90 minutes.  There is a limited amount of space, and registration prior to the event is encouraged. If you need to rent a kayak, please let us know when you register. The rental fee is $25. To register, please contact the Chateau (North Shore Concessions) at 608-356-3381. Tour is 5-7 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Ice Age at the Beach Exploring Nature Program. 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 6 and 12 years. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Go Back in Time: South Shore Hotels. Go back in time and image what it would be like to stay in one of the hotels on the south shore of Devil’s Lake. We’ll visit the places where these hotels once were so be prepared to do some walking. Meet at the Red Cedar Shelter on the south shore. 10 a.m. to Noon.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Cornell, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 15. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Thursday, September 12, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Cornell, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 15. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • An Evening with Nature: Learn the Night Sky with the Naked Eye. You don't need an expensive telescope to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the clear night sky. Find out with Mary and Joe Glover, night sky observers, ways to identify objects found in the dark sky using just some simple tools and your naked eye. This program is for anyone over 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 13, 2013

• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Cornell, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 15. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Saturday, September 14, 2013

• Buckhorn State Park, Necedah, 608-565-2789 -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope in the parking lot of the south shelter to see space up close. Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Wild Lunch: Animal Feeding. Watch the animals in the Nature Center have lunch! Watch the box turtles munch on some salad. See the water snake slurp down a fish. Look at the tree frogs as the tackle a cricket or two. Starting at 11 a.m.
  • Monarch Tagging. The monarch butterflies are starting to migrate south for the winter and it’s a perfect time for us to capture and tag them. The results will be recorded with Monarch Watch.org. We will provide the nets and monarch tags. Meet at the Roznos Meadow parking lot on Highway 113. 1-3 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Cornell, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 15. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Get Outdoors! Build Fires and Cook Outdoors. Tinder, kindling, fuel wood, Dutch Oven, pudgy pies... Learn the skills to build great camp and cooking fires as well as being safe. Once the fire is roaring, try your hand a variety of outdoor cooking techniques to prepare tasty treats. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at 920-533-8322 by September 12. This program is best for people over 8 years old. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Search the Sky with the Naked Eye. Join Joe and Mary Glover and learn to read the night sky without the use of telescopes. This is always a popular program. Dress for the cool lake-side temperatures and bring a chair or blanket. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the beach adjacent to the bathhouse. 7 p.m.
  • Geocaching 101. Have you wanted to learn how to use a GPS unit? This is your chance to give it a try. Shari Miley and Barb McKichen will lead you into the wonderful world of geocaching. Bring your own GPS or borrow one from the presenters. This program is best for ages 10 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Meet at the park amphitheater for a short introduction and then we'll search of caches. 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Kayak/Canoe Tour of Mirror Lake. Take a 90-minute guided tour of beautiful Mirror Lake! This tour will start from the boat launch and guides will take you on a geological and historical paddle through time. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, 262-670-3400 -
  • Telescope Viewing. Stop by Pike Lake and look through telescopes of the night sky. Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 6-8 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Cornell, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 15. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Thursday, September 19, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Legs! Nature Storytime. What has eight legs? Spiders of course. Discover some fascinating facts about these silk-spinning insect-eaters. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, September 20, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Alien Attack: Drop In at the Beach. We're being invaded
  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Legs! Nature Storytime. What has eight legs? Spiders of course. Discover some fascinating facts about these silk-spinning insect-eaters. 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 21, 2013

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, 262-248-2528 or email -
  • Park Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Come help at a Big Foot Beach workday! Workdays take place one Saturday a month May through October, and are flexible. Come for one or for all, stay for a while or for the whole time. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Prepare to work outdoors. Meet at the picnic shelter. 9-11 a.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Create with Nature. Drop by the Exploration Station to make temporary creations from stones, leaves, branches and other natural objects. We’ll take pictures of your natural creations and display these pictures inside nature center. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Eight Legs and Silk Exploring Nature Program. Spiders are found in almost every environment on earth. Untangle some cool facts about these silk spinners. 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.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Patterns in Nature. From tree rings to turtle shells, nature’s patterns are both beautiful and perplexing. We’ll see how many hidden patterns we can find hiding in nature. Meet at the Nature Center. 11 a.m. to Noon.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Fish! Drop by the Exploration Station to take a closer look at fish! We’ll have lots of hands-on activities so you can discover more about the underwater lives of fish. You can even practice your fishing in our pretend fish pond. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Life Down Under Exploring Nature Program. Watch your step! A whole world exists just under our feet. Help us unearth the creatures that live down under the leaves, the grass and the soil. 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.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. The UW-Madison Astronomy Department will give a 20-30 minute talk followed by a slide presentation on astronomy and recent astronomical news. If the sky is clear we'll go outdoors to look through telescopes to view the night sky. No pets allowed. Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center. 7 p.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email -
  • Exploration Station: Tracks! Drop by the Exploration Station and make some tracks! See if you can read the stories animals tracks leave behind. You can even make a track to take home. These activities will happen under the big blue tent in front of the nature center. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near St. Croix Falls and Interstate State Park, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Thursday, October 3, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near St. Croix Falls and Interstate State Park, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Leaves of Many Colors Nature Storytime. Join us as we wander the autumn woods to find as many different colored leaves as we can. We will also solve the mystery of why trees drop their leaves in fall. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, October 4, 2013

• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near St. Croix Falls and Interstate State Park, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Leaves of Many Colors Nature Storytime. Join us as we wander the autumn woods to find as many different colored leaves as we can. We will also solve the mystery of why trees drop their leaves in fall. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, 920-868-3258 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, 262-285-3015 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Check out the observatory at Harrington beach to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near St. Croix Falls and Interstate State Park, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Autumn Magic Exploring Nature Program. We will traverse the woodlands, unveiling the magic of nature in autumn and gathering leaves and nuts for a variety of special projects. 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.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, 920-854-2500 or email -
  • Universe in the Park. Join astronomers from UW-Madison to explore the night sky. They will have a short slide show with pictures from space, then set up a big telescope to view the night sky up close. Evening.
• Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, 262-670-3400 -
  • Night Sky Viewing. Stop by Pike Lake and look through telescopes to see craters and mountains on the moon, the giant planet Jupiter with its cloud bands and moons, star clusters, stellar nurseries, and even other galaxies! Presented by the Northern Cross Science Foundation. 7-11 p.m.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near St. Croix Falls and Interstate State Park, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Thursday, October 10, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • An Evening with Nature. Program to be determined. Ice Age Visitor Center 7-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Links in the Food Chain Exploring Nature Program. Grass grew in the sun, the rabbit ate the grass, and the fox ate the rabbit. All of nature's creatures and plants are links in a food chain or two. Learn how these links fit together to form a web of life. 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.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, 608-254-2333 or email -
  • Kayak/Canoe Tour of Mirror Lake. Take a 90-minute guided tour of beautiful Mirror Lake! This tour will start from the boat launch and guides will take you on a geological and historical paddle through time. 10-11:30 a.m.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • What's For Lunch? Nature Storytime. You may have a hamburger for lunch, but what do the animals eat? Find out what is on the lunch menu for the wild animals of the Kettle Moraine. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 6-7 p.m.

Friday, October 18, 2013

• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • What's For Lunch? Nature Storytime. You may have a hamburger for lunch, but what do the animals eat? Find out what is on the lunch menu for the wild animals of the Kettle Moraine. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Halloween Nature Hikes. Become a myth buster to reveal what is fact or fiction about raccoons, turtles, bumblebees and many other animals. This is not a scary hike and is best for those more than five years of age. Groups leave every six minutes. The last hour-long hike leaves at 8:30 .m. While waiting for your hike, enjoy playing some fun-filled games, making a craft to take home or snacking by the glow of a campfire. In the event of severe weather, the event will be canceled for the night. Long Lake Recreation Area. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

• Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva, 262-248-2528 or email -
  • Park Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Come help at a Big Foot Beach workday! Workdays take place one Saturday a month May through October, and are flexible. Come for one or for all, stay for a while or for the whole time. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Prepare to work outdoors. Meet at the picnic shelter. 9-11 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Halloween Nature Hikes. Become a myth buster to reveal what is fact or fiction about raccoons, turtles, bumblebees and many other animals. This is not a scary hike and is best for those more than five years of age. Groups leave every six minutes. The last hour-long hike leaves at 8:30 .m. While waiting for your hike, enjoy playing some fun-filled games, making a craft to take home or snacking by the glow of a campfire. In the event of severe weather, the event will be canceled for the night. Long Lake Recreation Area. 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, 920-451-4080 or email -
  • Birds of Prey: A History of Falconry. Presentation on the history of falconry followed by the role of birds of prey in nature. A flying demonstration and question and answer period will follow. Outdoor shelter. 2 p.m.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park, Friendship, 608-339-6881 -
  • Pumpkin Walk and Haunted Hayrides. Get ready for an early Halloween with events beginning at 3 p.m.; Games from 3-4:30 p.m., walk around the mound from 3-9 p.m. (pumpkins and tiki torches will be lit at dusk), non-haunted hayrides 3:30-5:30 p.m., haunted hayrides 6-9 p.m. Ticket sales for hayrides end at 9 p.m. Food will be sold during the event. Free admission to the park. Park and ride the free shuttle bus from the corner of Highway 13 and Czech Ave. Come rain or shine! Supported by the Friends of Roche-A-Cri State Park. Park office picnic area. 3-9 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, October 27. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Friday, October 25, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, October 27. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].

Saturday, October 26, 2013

• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, 920-989-1106 or email -
  • Great Pumpkin Hike. The last smells of autumn will be in the air as winter fast approaches. Walk a torch-lit trail on your own, or join the park naturalist for a guided hike. Enjoy hot cocoa and other concessions offered by the Friends of High Cliff. A blazing warm fire in the beautiful pavillion will top off a great night with friends or family. No reservations required. Program is free, but watch for opportunities to "give back" to the community through a charity drive, and sign up for future volunteer opportunities to support the park. Supported by the Friends and the Sherwood Lions. 6-9 p.m.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, October 27. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].
• Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email -
  • Nature's Unloved Exploring Nature Program. Unearth intriguing facts about some of nature's unloved critters including bats, skunks, slugs and spiders. You may just go away liking them or at least appreciating their role in 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.
• Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-996-2261 or email -
  • Astronomy Program. Astronomy programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, May through October, at the observatory. Programs start at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, near Lodi, 800-227-0046 -
  • Mobile Skills Crew Trail Building Event. Mobile Skills Crew trained volunteers specialize in working safe, having fun and building and maintaining high-quality, sustainable Ice Age Trail segments. Camping, education and environmentally friendly trail building techniques are always components of projects. No experience is necessary to attend, and volunteers are always welcome to participate in MSC projects. Event runs Thursday, October 24 through Sunday, October 27. For more information or to register, see the Mobile Skills Crew website [exit DNR].