It’s a big year for birds
— the Year of the Bird, in fact, so designated by a partnership including National
Geographic, the National Audubon Society, BirdLife International and the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Year of the Bird celebrates the 100th
anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, passed by Congress in 1918 to
protect birds from wanton killing. National Geographic has planned special “Take
Action” activities for each month this year to celebrate the centennial.
Also for bird lovers, get
ready for the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative, a
partnership of more than 175 groups statewide dedicated to protecting and
promoting all types of bird species. The annual WBCI meeting is Sept. 6-8 in Pewaukee
and will include presentations by experts including from the Department of
Natural Resources, a meeting sponsor. Registration deadline is Aug. 21; sign up
by Aug. 6 for special discounts at the host hotel, the Ingleside (formerly
Country Springs). This year’s WBCI annual event will focus on “SOS for Our
Flying Bug Eaters,” including tree swallows (pictured above), purple martins,
common nighthawks and other bird and bat species.
The DNR website has a
wealth of information on birding and bird conservation including good places
for bird-watching and ways to get involved in aid efforts. For details, go to
dnr.wi.gov, keyword “birding.”
OutWiGo and on the move
August is the perfect time to get outside — and consider
signing the OutWiGo pledge. Wisconsin State Parks is promoting this new wellness
initiative. People are encouraged to sign the OutWiGo pledge to “feel good in
the great outdoors” and can look for #OutWiGo wellness tips and tricks on DNR
social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For details, see
dnr.wi.gov, keyword “OutWiGo.”
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 State parks are packed
with August activities
There are so many activities and events planned this month
at Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks, it’s impossible to know where to begin. DNR’s
Get Outdoors! calendar is chock-full for August and features everything from outdoor
survival skills to Shakespeare; bats, bugs, birds and butterflies to bonfires
on the beach; hikes, bike rides and paddling events; wellness walks and yoga; fishing
and bowhunting instruction; music, astronomy activities, scavenger hunts,
storytimes and so much more. For details on all the state park happenings, check
dnr.wi.gov, keywords “Get Outdoors.” You can then search the events calendar by specific park,
activity and date range to find something fun for you!
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