2002 Contents

December 2002

The midnight marauder: This "house guest" is up and about kind of late in winter.
Get the big picture: Two maps help you see and feel the character of Wisconsin's geographic features.
Long live the kings: A catch-and-release ethic and sound management are restoring strong populations of big muskies to many Wisconsin waters.
Nature as near as your back door: Urban nature centers open the door for the curious, the serious and the novice nature watchers in town.
The complex business of keeping the lights on: Smart energy policy takes more than flipping a switch. Germany provides lessons.
Wisconsin Traveler: Kites and pies.

Clear intentions: Thirty years ago this month the Clean Water Act started the work of recovering the nation's troubled waters. Are we ready for the next stage?
Quality from the field to the table: Tips for processing deer and ordering tasty sausages.
Fashioning the flock: Handmade decoys are beautiful heirlooms and draw in waterfowl.
Reducing the CWD risk: Understanding the risks of CWD exposure and the tactics we are taking to stem the disease.
A swift performance: And you thought eight clowns in a car was a tough act to follow!
Wisconsin Traveler: Trail's end.
Special Insert:
The forest where we live: Caring for trees in our cities and backyards.

Hit the trails!: The largely unseen network of footpaths, bike routes, horse trails and the routes yet to come.
The celebrated water witch of Door County: How Clifford's divining comedy created a little hell on earth.
Shotgun camp: This gun club developed a fun summer program with kids. Could yours do the same?
Chestnut's last stand: The largest remaining grove of American chestnut in the world is under siege and under intensive care in La Crosse County.
CWD update: Here's the scoop on plans to contain chronic wasting disease among deer.
Pipe dreams: Look for the ghost flowers of August.
Wisconsin Traveler: Who has the energy?
Special Insert:
Shipshape: A guide to reducing pollutants for marinas, boaters and other coastal customers.

Bassin' basics: How to gear up and hook up for the greatest fight on water.
Packaging progress: There's an art to combining grants and loans so communities get a bigger bonus from public aid.
Pitcher in the bog: Some nectar, the right shape, and there's no escape.
Fighting for a worthy shore: As algae slimed up little English Lake, neighbors fought back.
Launching an interest in the shoreline: Communities can get grants and help to provide access to the shoreline.
A night float: After dark, a river's personality reveals depths and shadows hidden by the light of day.
Wisconsin Traveler: It's cool to spelunk!
Special Insert:
Dive into diversity: Exploring Wisconsin's Southeast Region.

Adventures in rare places: Annual field trips visit 63 State Natural Areas.
Making headway: In an Earth Day message, Secretary Bazzell accounts how many things are going right and what efforts are under way to stay the course.
Fish gotta swim: New mandates about fish passage provide a chance to reconnect Wisconsin's aquatic habitats.
Sleigh Bells in the swamp: An amorous chorus of treefrogs rings in spring.
Masters of the wind: Transient shorebirds stop in Wisconsin to refuel on their far-reaching migrations.
Perservering for preservation: The result of five decades of dedicated effort, the State Natural Areas program today conserves 333 extraordinary Wisconsin places.
On a wing and a prayer: An airborne metal 'mom' may save whooping cranes from extinction by teaching young cranes how to fly – and migrate.
Wisconsin Traveler: Spring heralds.

Floating on snow: Lighter materials and varied designs offer snowshoers new twists on an old-fashioned way to get around.
A window to the outdoors: In its second year, our Emmy-winning TV series leads kids outside "the box" to great experiences.
The 'stuf' of dreams: The chance to unearth a rare life form proved irresistible.
Quiet winter visitors: Pine grosbeaks are big, shy northern guests.
Restoring life to a watershed: Once destined to die a slow death from erosion, streams in the Coulee Region now support thriving populations of brook and brown trout.
Off the rack: Our picks for a good read and a little diversion.
Wisconsin Traveler: Follow your muse.
Special Insert:
Certified woods: Ingraining sustainable forestry.