DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails,
Forests And Recreation Areas
 A variety of rare and threatened warblers in Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Featured Activity: Birding
Birds are everywhere, from backyard feeders to forests, lakes, farm fields and more. Identifying birds and their sounds, also known as “birding,” is a great way to make a hike in the woods more interesting or find inspiration to explore a new place.
Beyond making outdoor adventures more fun, birding plays an important role in conservation. In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 14, consider visiting your favorite state park property for some birding. Learn more about why birds are ecologically important and how your observations can help on the Audubon Society's website.
Birding is a family-friendly activity and requires little to no equipment: binoculars if you have them and a sturdy pair of shoes. Wisconsin is home to a variety of birding hotspots, including Harrington Beach State Park, Wyalusing State Park, Yellowstone Lake State Park and more.
Here are a few ways to learn more about our feathered friends this month.
HORICON MARSH BIRD FESTIVAL
Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area
Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8, 2022, all day
Registration for the 2022 Horicon Marsh Bird Festival is now LIVE! We hope you will join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the festival.
Horicon Marsh Bird Club invites birders of all skill levels and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors to the 25th Annual Horicon Marsh Bird Festival. This weekend-long event provides family-friendly activities and educational experiences designed to showcase Horicon Marsh’s role as an important habitat for birds and wildlife.
Highlights of this year’s Bird Festival include NEW trips to Old Marsh Road, night sounds, paddling and birding, LIVE birds of prey, smaller, more intimate guided tours and so much more! Find more details on the Horicon Marsh Bird Club's website.
WEEKLY BIRD WALK
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Every Tuesday, 8-10 a.m.
Grab your binoculars and meet Master Naturalists Janet and Andy Raddatz at the Black River Trail parking lot to observe birds and nature. Walks last two to three hours, depending on bird activity, and participants may leave at any time. Dress for the weather. Bring insect repellant, sunscreen and binoculars. Best for age 12 and up.
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY: AN OUTWIGO EVENT (DAY 2)
Sanderling Nature Center at Kohler-Andrae State Park
Sunday, May 15, 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
7:30 a.m. & 9 a.m. - Bird Hikes
Bring your binoculars and join experienced birders who will lead easy morning bird hikes in the park. Each hike is 45 minutes long.
10 a.m. - Raptors
See live birds of prey up close!
11 a.m. - Bugs
Learn about the variety, natural history, survival strategies, ecological importance and beauty of insects from the Bug Lady.
1 p.m. - Birds
North America has lost nearly 3 billion breeding birds since 1970. Join Dr. Jennifer Phillips-Vandenberg to learn how to help birds and reverse these declines with seven simple actions.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Native Habitat Improvement Project
Johnson’s Nursery in Menomonee Falls will provide a display of native plants for residential properties. Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory will answer questions about incorporating native plants into your yard to help the vulnerable birds, butterflies and pollinators.
BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS
Roche-A-Cri State Park
Saturday, May 21, 2022, 9:00 a.m.-noon
Join the Friends of Roche-A-Cri for breakfast, bird activities and a hike led by a local birder.
WHO FLEW THERE? DROP-IN AT THE BEACH
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
Saturday, May 28, 2022, 1-4 p.m.
Did you see that bird fly by? What was it? Learn tricks and tips for identifying our feathered friends. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.
Meet at the Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (N3450 Division Road, Cascade - north of County Road F near Dundee).
Did you know: The Wisconsin State Bird is the American robin, a.k.a. robin redbreast?
Outdoor News
Grant Funds Tree Planting At Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park is proud to be the beneficiary of a grant that led to 75 trees planted at the North Shore parking lot and the Quartzite and Northern Lights campgrounds. Devil’s Lake Climbing Guides received a $6,500 grant from Trees Forever and Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Program: One Million Trees Initiative to purchase and plant the trees.
Devil’s Lake State Park staff identified this year’s key locations to plant the trees. This is the second year the DNR has worked with Devil’s Lake Climbing Guides and Heartwood Tree Company on an Arbor Day planting. The two partner groups coordinated about 25 people to plant the native hardwood trees made available through Johnson’s Nursery.
“The department is very fortunate to have private donors and volunteers who are committed to supporting Wisconsin State Parks for all citizens,” said Jim Carter, Superintendent at Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo.
Lake Kegonsa State Park To Receive New Trail Connection
On April 13, the Natural Resources Board approved the donation of a section of bike trail from Dane County to add as a segment of the Lower Yahara River Trail. The new segment will connect Lake Kegonsa State Park in Stoughton to Fish Camp County Park in McFarland. Construction is anticipated to start in 2023. The new trail section will begin at a parking lot and trailhead at the historic fish net houses in Fish Camp County Park and extend south along the eastern shores of Lake Kegonsa. Eventually, the trail will extend from the Capital City State Trail at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park to the Village of McFarland and then to the City of Stoughton.
Photo Above: Arbor Day tree planting at Devil's Lake State Park. / Photo Credit: Devil's Lake Climbing Guides
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Hartman Creek Happenings
New Fire Rings On The Way
Last year the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park started a fire ring upgrade project that will continue into 2022. Twenty new fire rings will be installed this fall to finish replacing the fire rings at all 100 campsites.
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant To Repair The Dike Trail
This spring, the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park were awarded a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grant of $12,248 to help with the cost of repairing the Dike Trail loop around Hartman Lake. Muskrats in the lake have burrowed through the dike, leading to sinkholes along this popular trail. To save the trail, park staff and Friends groups will rebuild and resurface the 2,000-foot trail, also making it wheelchair accessible. To prevent further damage, they will lay rock to the sides of the trail that extend below the surface of the lake to discourage muskrat damage from undermining the trail foundation in the future.
The Knowles-Nelson Grant is a 50/50 split grant between the state and Friends groups. The total cost is estimated to be $24,500. The Friends will seek additional grants and donations to make up 80% ($10,000) of the remaining $12,500. The Friends will cover the rest with donations, in-kind volunteer work and sales in the park. Work will start in the third quarter of 2022 after the summer peak is complete. Stay tuned for more progress on this project.
Thanks to the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park for this update!
Located on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes, Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca is a quiet and friendly natural gem and a popular destination in central Wisconsin. The park offers camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking opportunities, the historic Hellestad House log cabin, and four picnic areas, including Whispering Pines along crystal-clear Marl Lake.
Beach at Hartman Creek State Park / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Upcoming Events
Elroy-Sparta State Trail Reopens
After 2018 flooding caused extensive outages and bridge damage along 21 of the 32.5 mile historic Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the trail reopens this month. On May 14, the DNR and local officials from along the Elroy-Sparta Trail will hold a ribbon-cutting reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Kendall Depot. The public is invited to attend and join in a celebratory bike ride followed by refreshments. State trail passes are encouraged but not required for this event.
Find more Nature Programs and DNR events here.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Where do you #OutWiGo? When you post pictures of your outdoor adventures, be sure to tag #OutWiGo to share with us!
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