WNR magazine NEWS & REVIEWS March 2018

Traffic jam at Horicon Marsh

“One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving the murk of a March thaw, is the spring. ... Once the first geese are in, they honk a clamorous invitation to each migrating flock, and in a few days the marsh is full of them.” — Aldo Leopold

As the arrival of migrating geese and other birds heralds the change in seasons, it puts the spotlight on a place in Wisconsin at the center of all the movement: Horicon Marsh. This Dodge County site, which is part State Wildlife Area and part National Wildlife Refuge, becomes a cacophony of avian activity as Canada geese and other species use it as a spring stopover. The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center — a joint venture between DNR and Friends of Horicon Marsh, N7725 Highway 28 — features a terrific hands-on Explorium opened in 2015. It also offers occasional special events, including a March 2 full moon hike and March 3 free seminar on nest boxes with presentations from DNR staff and other experts. For more about Horicon Marsh including visitor center details, history and marsh management, check dnr.wi.gov, keywords “Horicon Marsh.”

Two chances to check out DNR DNR will be among the exhibitors at a pair of upcoming outdoors shows. * The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 7-11 at State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, has been a tradition for outdoors enthusiasts since 1940. Visit the DNR booth to find out about agency programs, see live fish and other species, and learn about wildlife with hands-on displays. Visitors also can try the Kids Casting Clinic and get details on license purchases and other information. * Canoecopia, March 9-11 at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, will include DNR exhibitors from the Natural Heritage Conservation program and Fishing for Dinner initiative. Wisconsin State Parks also will be represented, with admission stickers and state trail passes for sale.

State Natural Areas seek volunteers State Natural Areas represent some of Wisconsin’s most pristine public lands, and volunteers are needed to help keep them that way. No experience is necessary to participate. Several SNA volunteer workdays are scheduled for March to clear and burn brush. Other volunteer opportunities arise throughout the year. For details, search dnr.wi.gov, keyword “SNA,” then click on the “volunteer” link.

Tax-time help for resources Don’t forget, you can help Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources Fund with a donation on your state tax return. These tax-deductible contributions provide 25 percent of funding for DNR staff and partners to care for the state’s rare wildlife, plants and State Natural Areas. If you donate directly on your tax form, the gift is doubled. For details, go to dnr.wi.gov, keywords "tax check off."

Spring issue is almost here!

For Wisconsin Natural Resources, the coming of spring means more than just (hopefully) warmer weather. Our first issue of 2018 is on the way, too! We can hardly contain our excitement for the edition, which kicks off coverage of DNR’s 50th anniversary and features our annual look at Natural Resources Foundation field trips. Other stories include an update on improvements at the State Game Farm pheasant-hatching facility in Poynette; the history behind several nature sites in the Fox Valley area; snippets on dozens of “little wild spaces” in the urban environs of Milwaukee; and much more. Look for it in mid-March. To subscribe, call 1-800-678-9472 or check wnrmag.com.

Citizen involvement makes a difference

Hundreds of citizen scientists will gather in Eau Claire March 22-24 for the Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers, representing some of the 12,000-plus people who volunteered in the state last year to care for the resources they love. Presentations, updates, training and field trips are part of the event, a joint conference of the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network and Wisconsin Master Naturalist program. DNR and UW-Extension are co-hosts. Registration fills quickly but spots might remain before the March 2 deadline. Citizen scientist involvement is possible all year via local activities and major statewide programs. Many larger initiatives are coordinated by DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation program, and numerous opportunities are listed on the WCBM Network calendar such as the Rare Plant Monitoring Program, spring bird counts, Breeding Bird Atlas events, the Frog and Toad Survey and more. Get involved today!