1999 Contents

December 1999

Redpoll Winter: Flocks of these arctic finches wander to Wisconsin sometimes.
Still at Home in the Badger State: The elusive badger has burrowed deeply into Wisconsin's landscape. Changing habitat just gives it new holes to dig out of.
A Howl Over Coyotes: When wild neighbors adapt to suburban life, communities must find ways to cope.
Why They Couldn't Tame Copper Falls: Spectacular falls and verdant cliffs are a lovely remnant of the wheeling and dealing that busted business, but left a scenic state park.
Wisconsin State Parks — 100 Years Young: Join the fun as we celebrate a century of outdoor relaxation at state parks, trails and forests.
The Bait Debate: Feeding deer and hunting near baited areas raises health, safety and ethical concerns that the Deer 2000 study is sorting out.
Wisconsin Traveler: Let there be light!

Green Treasures in a Sea of Blue: Botanists are combing Lake Michigan's isles to inventory the vegetation and discover rare plants.
A Twisted Tale: Horsehair worms appeared from nowhere and posed a tangled history of mystery.
Indian Summer: When summer blows one last warm breath across an autumn day, it's time to finish those outdoor chores and have a little fun before winter comes to stay.
The Learning Trees: School forests serve as outdoor classrooms, research labs, wild repositories and springboards for future caring adults.
A Wet Report Card: New reports annually evaluate the quality of drinking water and describe how customers can tap into information about their public water supply.
On the Trail of Snake Creek: A school assignment spawned a community project and a beautiful natural attraction.
A Slow Crossing to Winter: The woolly bear's stripes don't predict cold weather, but we know what makes its coat change color.
Wisconsin Traveler: Ride the rails to appreciate Wisconsin's fall color this year.
Special Insert: Resourceful & Vigilant: How wardens safeguard and enhance outdoor experiences.

Lithe Lumber: When twigs twitch, they may be walking sticks.
Taking the Great River's Pulse: Assessing the health of the Upper Mississippi means drawing a lot of samples from Ol' Man River.
The Secret Smallmouth Lake in the U.P.: Dave Crehore tells the tale of a grand fishing misadventure.
Meet the Disjuncts: Plants from far-away places find congenial corners of habitat in Wisconsin.
Help Yourself to Cleaner Lakes: Volunteers in the Self-Help Lake Monitoring Program take it upon themselves to see how their lakes measure up.
Campfire Recipes: Add a pinch of variety to your campside cuisine with these recipes contributed by our readers.
The Crystal Lake Pump: The family never unpacked the memories of "the summer vacation.".
Wisconsin Traveler: Hone your outdoor skills at the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors Festival in Oshkosh.
Special Insert: Groundwater: Protecting Wisconsin's Buried Treasure: A collection of articles about managing Wisconsin's valuable groundwater resource.

Burned by Wild Parsnip: Sun-induced burns from a common weed stump medical professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Big Plans for a Little Butterfly: The public/private partnership to protect the tiny Karner blue butterfly covers more land than any conservation plan in the nation.
Pelicans' Feast: The once-scarce pouched birds now dine in greater numbers at the Mississippi River's bountiful table.
A Clarion Bugle Across Badgerland: There's a growing call to bring back elk to several areas of Wisconsin.
Antidote: The only cure for an infestation of ants is more knowledge.
Panfish 101: Fishing tips and techniques to get you started on a summer of outsmarting perch, crappies and bluegills.
The Buzz on Cicada: It's a short season in the sun for the cicada.
Wisconsin Traveler: Dreams come alive in the whimsical folk sculptures of farmer Nick Engelbert.
Special Insert: The Quiet Forests: A collection of articles examining how private woodlands improve the quality of life in Wisconsin.

Dockside Hunters: Fishing spiders stalk prey on land, on water and below the surface.
Backsliding: A meditation on winter giving way to spring.
Dammed if You Do and Dammed if You Don't: Deciding to maintain or remove aging dams has many owners weighing costs, public safety and the character of their communities.
A Liking for March: A contrary month has an admirer in Central Wisconsin.
Thinkin' Like a Gobbler: Tips and tactics to talk turkey and bring in toms in springtime.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Wisconsin Traveler: Wisconsin's Point of Beginning.

Lightning-Fast Licensing: A new system for issuing licenses, permits and passes is your quick ticket to outdoor adventure.
A Tale of 150 Winters: Bur oaks stand the test of time.
Leaves on Ice: The last outing of the ice-fishing season took an artful turn.
Celestial Shimmer: The northern lights are crackling in a sky near you.
Winter Romance: Great horned owls spark on frigid nights.
Good Value, Just Compensation: As lands are bought for public use and taken off the tax rolls, a host of programs keep the costs from rolling onto your tax bill.
Winged Sand Dancers: A guide to Wisconsin's prime dancing grounds for watching sharp-tailed grouse.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Wisconsin Traveler: A choice weekend.