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.