2008 Contents

December 2008

Winter wanderers: Larks and buntings are a welcome, but spotty, winter find.
The gatherer: Our visions of wild places are collected and savored over a lifetime.
Green pastures, green futures: Grazing cattle on grass meadows is lighter on the farmer, the herd, the land and the wallet.
Gifts that keep on giving: Celebrating 25 years of endangered resources success.
Making tracks: Snowshoeing leads to brisk winter adventures on crisp days.
Piecing together nature: A naturalist stitches up the fabric of outdoor denizens and habitats in colorful quilts from decades of outdoor observation.
Creature Comforts: Creature Comforts invites bird watchers to join seasonal counts and tallies.
Wisconsin Traveler: Traveler heads to sparkling heights, twinkling lights and candlelight tours to brighten the year's darkest days.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Special Insert:: The Spirit of Collaboration [PDF 294KB]; Wisconsin's Great Lakes strategy steers ahead.

A weasel with a secret: Why are reclusive American marten taking to parts of the Northwoods and struggling in others?
Footing the bill to spread their wings: Waterfowl hunters support and sponsor more space and more places for ducks and geese.
Don't wing it!: Plan for duck hunting success and safety.
Target hunger, help a neighbor: Harvesting deer for food pantries is good for the community and for the herd.
Living with the rusty menace: Invasives like rusty crayfish can change a lake for decades, but slowing their spread is well worth the effort.
Tending to tomorrow's woodland owners: What help do family woodland owners want so today's forests will be here tomorrow?
Creature Comforts: Creature Comforts digs up some help for getting dogs on track as companions.
Wisconsin Traveler: Wisconsin Traveler takes you owl banding, on a swamp romp, to a canine Olympics, mushing on dry land and on a candlelit walk in search of fall fun.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Special Insert:: Wisconsin Stewardship Fund Enters a New Era [PDF 1.1MB]; Connecting people with nature.

A bolt from the blue: How does it catch its prey? The handsome belted kingfisher dives right in!
Hook into a good time: Catch onto the fun of a Great Lakes fishing charter.
Make it public: Check out these sites to find hunting space on public lands.
What do you pack in for the outdoors?: Tell us about the kits and gadgets you made to explore the outdoors safely, comfortably and confidently.
Tidings from the watery world: Updates on VHS, fishing tournament rules and musky genetics.
Back in business: Old factories and properties are prime locations to turn community eyesores into assets.
Creature Comforts: Creature Comforts licks a tick and evicts party animals.
Wisconsin Traveler: Wisconsin Traveler finds fisheries, outdoor festivals and sidewalk culture close to home.

A Tale of two tigers: It's easier to tell apart swallowtail butterfly species by their habits than by their looks.
Top dogs: Bone up on some basics about training, hunt tests and field trials that prepare dogs for good days afield.
Mountain biking 101: The winding, scenic trails are designed to cross logs, climb rocks and ford streams, and mountain bikers wouldn't have it any other way!
Piping up for plovers: These rare birds need special attention.
A wild ribbon of forest and water: More than 250 miles of river await exploration on the Namekagon and St. Croix.
Wisconsin botany blitz!: Come along as volunteers inventory the goods in nature's warehouse.
Creature Comforts: Creature Comforts warms up to spring weather, sunshine and getting down in the dirt.
Wisconsin Traveler: Traveler slaps on walking shoes to hike, stroll, sink some toes in the sand and dance the night away.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Special Insert:: Air Quality Index [PDF 300KB]; Know the air you breathe.

Weekend adventures: 58 field trips to consider from April through October. Join us!
When the bill arrives: Dabbling big-billed northern shovelers are a sure sign of spring.
Reading, writing and archery: Archery is a popular recent addition to school phy ed courses.
Build your own raingarden: This home improvement project is fun, attractive and darn good for the environment. Learn how step by step.
Seal of approval: Your pick of the parks and trails that have a special something to provide special experiences.
Creature Comforts: Be pet smart if disaster stikes. Creature Comforts says make a plan to get up and go when you gotta get out.
Wisconsin Traveler: Leap for love. Wisconsin Traveler visits lover's leaps and the birds who dance, leap and sign to bring on that lovin' feeling.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Special Insert:: 2008 Wisconsin Fishing Report [PDF 4.4MB]

Cormorant conundrum: Sustaining cormorants while limiting their spread is tricky work.
Sociable encounters: Chance meetings with red foxes provide plenty to talk about.
License to thrill: Improved licensing systems and a new Call Center make it easier than ever to get the papers you need and enjoy the outdoors.
A legacy in pine: Trees harvested from Aldo Leopold's family plantation see new life as a green nature center.
When birders flock together: Day hikes, night walks, boat rides and tours help visitors enjoy songbirds and waterfowl at the Horicon Marsh Birding Festival.
Ten Ttitles that enlighten: We review good books that provide a great way to liven up your reading list.
Creature Comforts: Creature Comforts shows how pets are good for your health and heart.
Wisconsin Traveler: Traveler cooks up dinners, pageants, music and shows to beat the winter blues.
Readers Write: Your letters to the editor.
Special Inserts:: For Our Patrons [PDF 922KB]; News for Conservation Patron License Holders and potential patrons.; Know Before You Go [PDF 366KB]; Prepare for safe boating in Wisconsin.; Thanks for Your Continued Support! [PDF 1.4MB]; Your investment in Wisconsin's Fish & Wildlife 2006-2007.