The first weekend in June means more free fun around the state! It's a Free Fishing Weekend June 1-2, with no fees or license required on Wisconsin waters (regular rules and bag limits apply). There also are kids’ fishing clinics and other events designed to introduce everyone to the joys of fishing. For details and event listings, check dnr.wi.gov, keywords “Free Fishing Weekend.” June 1-2 also is Free Fun Weekend for the Wisconsin State Park System. There are no vehicle admission fees to enter state properties, and state trail pass fees are waived. Activities are planned throughout the state park system; click here for scheduled events. In addition to all the free fun, June 1 is National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Association, with a number of state trails offering related events. Just one more way to enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors!
Off the Record on again
It’s back! The DNR’s Wild Wisconsin-Off the Record podcast has relaunched after a hiatus, giving the public yet another way to connect to the outdoors via social and digital media. The first new episode focuses on outdoor recreation and travel in Wisconsin, with commentary from secretary-designees Preston Cole of DNR and Sara Meaney of the Department of Tourism along with Ben Bergey, director of DNR's Parks and Recreation Bureau. Other new episodes are available on topics such as fishing, keeping wildlife wild, OutWiGo activities and more. Listen and subscribe to Wild Wisconsin-Off the Record on iTunes, Spotify, PodBean or Stitcher. Find links at dnr.wi.gov, keyword " connect." |
Add native plants to aid wildlife
Planting even a few stems of native plant species in backyards and on balconies can help feed and shelter important pollinators and aid a wide range of wildlife. Native plants are hardy and low-maintenance, with seasonal selections for sun, shade and a variety of growing conditions. They offer food for insects, at the base of the food web, and benefit bees, birds, butterflies, fish, small mammals and more. The DNR offers a wealth of information on native plant species along with nurseries and sales where they are available. For details — including downloadable PDF pages to help guide in choosing and planting — check dnr.wi.gov, keywords " native plants." |
OutWiGo Girls is a hit!
More than 1,600 OutWiGo Girls of all ages turned out for the inaugural event May 11 in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. With biking, hiking, crafts, hands-on learning and more, the event helped to get people outside and on the move. Plenty more can be expected from the Wisconsin State Park System’s OutWiGo initiative. For details, go to dnr.wi.gov, keyword “OutWiGo.”
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Karner blue butterfly surveys
There’s still time for volunteers to learn how to help the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly with summer surveys. Upcoming training sessions for the Karner Volunteer Monitoring Program include a one-hour presentation and one-hour field session. Dates are: June 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Black River DNR Service Center; June 8, 1-3 p.m., Hartman Creek State Park; June 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wild Rose Fish Hatchery; and June 22, 10 a.m.-noon, Sandhill Wildlife Area. Sign up here. For more information, visit the Karner Volunteer Monitoring Program website at wiatri.net/inventory/kbb.
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