DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 The Butterfly Trail at High Cliff State Park may be a reprieve from mud. Check it out at different seasons to spot the changes. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
This message is coming to inboxes the weekend of the spring equinox, the astronomical beginning of spring here in the Northern Hemisphere. By now, you've likely noticed the days feeling longer and the sun getting higher. This will happen until the summer solstice in June.
On Monday, March 20, we'll experience the spring equinox, the day the Earth is tilting neither toward nor away from the sun, which is why we have equal parts daylight and nighttime.
In summer and winter, we experience a solstice, when the Earth is at its maximum tilt towards or away from the sun.
Between daylight saving time and the spring equinox, how are you welcoming back more daylight?
Here's what is on our minds these days:
Embracing The Mud
If you're antsy to get off the paved trails and into the woods, a little preparation goes a long way. Be ready to embrace the mud - walk single-file directly through it, staying on that trail. Walking off the path to avoid mud can lead to greater erosion and destroy vegetation or habitat, oftentimes unbeknownst to the hiker. Trekking poles can help you with your balance in slick or steep conditions. To help keep away mud and moisture, consider gaiters or breathable, quick-drying pants. If you are trying to avoid the mud, consider going hiking earlier in the day when the ground might be frozen, or check out paths that are paved or gravel lined.
State Trail Passes
With snow starting to fade across the state, many people are pulling out bikes and stashing sleds and skis. In addition to your spring tune-up (check the brakes, handlebars, chains and tire pressure at a minimum), make sure you get your 2023 state trail pass. A state trail pass is required of people ages 16+ when biking, in-line skating and horseback riding on several trails across state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. See the list of where a pass is needed and learn how you can get your pass on our trail pass webpage. Passes are good for the entire year.
Spring Events
Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are great places for events. Things quiet down in the winter, but we are ramping up for an active spring! In April, we'll again be hosting several Work*Play*Earth Day events: have fun and volunteer where you recreate! Find Earth Day events on the DNR Events Calendar, at the Friends group of your favorite park property or stay tuned to this newsletter. We'll be sharing more info in the next few weeks. Volunteer as an individual or get your workplace, organization or service group signed up.
The Happy Little 5k is April 22 - 28; channel your inner Bob Ross and get ready to do an at-your-own-pace 5k in Wisconsin state parks! OutWiGo Green at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit is May 13, Mother's Day weekend.
Camping And Summer Trip Planning
If you haven't made your campsite reservations yet, don't wait! Pro tip: weekends fill up fast. Check for your favorite spot during the week when there is more availability. Once you have your dates, start planning!
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Design The 2024 Wisconsin State Park And Forest Vehicle Admission Sticker
Wisconsin state park and forest annual vehicle admission stickers are designed by high school students chosen in a statewide contest. The design contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin DNR, is open to all high school-age students attending public, private or parochial schools or homeschooled in Wisconsin.
Entries must be received by the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, no later than 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2023.
The design must be the artist’s original creation and shall not be copied or duplicated from previously published art, including photographs, clip art or electronic graphic images. Photographs or photo manipulations will not be accepted. Entries should highlight outdoor recreation or Wisconsin native natural resources.
Find full submission requirements on the DNR's website. Best of luck, students!
Seasonal Work At Wisconsin State Parks
You can join the team working seasonally at Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas this summer. Positions are now open across the state. Interviews for some positions are starting soon - apply today!
We are now hiring for:
Seasonal/ Limited-term Park Rangers
Seasonal/ Limited-term Visitor Services Associates
Seasonal/ Limited-term Parks and Recreation Specialists
Pay, hours and more information is available online. Applications are only accepted online at wisc.jobs. Search by entering the keyword "parks" or by agency, Dept. of Natural Resources.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 This trail in west-central Wisconsin follows the scenic Buffalo River valley for 36 miles between Mondovi and Fairchild. The Buffalo River, which lends its name to the trail, was named by early French explorers. They called it Riviere de Beeufs for the many bison that once inhabited the area.
The trail is built on a former railroad corridor and passes by farmlands, woods, hills and wetlands while traveling through the communities of Eleva, Strum and Osseo. It is a combination of railroad ballast and limestone screenings, so if you're looking to avoid the mud, this trail might work for you. The trail surface may not be suitable for some bicycle types, especially bikes with thinner tires, but mountain bike riders may enjoy the rougher terrain. This trail is very popular with ATV riders.
The majority of the trail passes through the area known as the "driftless," or the area untouched by glaciers. The few miles that were touched by glaciation are considered "older drift," meaning they were previously glaciated but not during the last glacial period. Do you notice any geological or topographical changes when you're in this part of Wisconsin?
There is some public fishing available along the river, and parts are designated as both Class I and Class II trout streams. A county park in Strum is either 1/3 or 2/3 of the way along the trail, depending on where you start. Users enjoy observing wildlife, birding, photography and berry picking.
Getting onto the trail is easily accessible from all directions. The entire trail, from Fairchild to Mondovi, parallels State Highway 10 from the east and west. From the north and south, Interstate 94 and State Highway 53 intersect the trail near Osseo, and State Highway 93 intersects the trail in Eleva. It's just outside of the Eau Claire- Chippewa Falls area and provides nearby connections to other trails. If you have a long weekend to explore, consider heading up to the Buffalo River.
ATVs and UTVs are allowed on the trail year-round. Each bicyclist or horseback rider aged 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail. Horses are allowed when there isn't enough snowpack for snowmobiles. Given the diversity of uses on this trail, please follow trail etiquette and safety guidelines.
The Buffalo River State Trail has trailheads in Mondovi and Fairchild. Learn more about it here.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Saturday Explorers: Is It Spring Yet?
Devil's Lake State Park
Saturday, March 18
10 - 11:30 a.m.
We might still have some snow on the ground, but signs of spring are starting to show. On our hike, we’ll look for signs that spring is returning. Come dressed for the weather and be ready to explore in the woods. Through our engagement with our environment, we’ll challenge our minds, build awareness, responsibility and community all while learning, finding our place as part of nature and having tons of fun. This program’s activities are designed with families in mind but are open to everyone. Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking Lot.
Havenwoods Hike: Step Into Spring!
Havenwoods State Forest
Saturday, March 18
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Welcome the start of spring at Havenwoods! Join us as we notice the changes in the landscape on a hike through Havenwoods State Forest. Dress for the weather, and wear your boots in case some sections get muddy. This hike will cover about 1.5 miles. A vehicle admission sticker is not required.
Bluebirds Presentation
Interstate Park
Sunday, March 19
1 - 3 p.m.
Join the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin for a presentation on bluebirds at the Interstate Park Ice Age Center. The presentation will cover the best habitats to attract birds, how to minimize predation and the value of nest box monitoring.
After the presentation, attendees will be able to construct their very own bluebird nest box. Each bluebird kit costs $10 and is available as supplies last. There is no charge for the presentation; however, a vehicle admission sticker or daily pass is required to enter the park. Sponsored by the Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks. Call 715-483-3747 for more information.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Where do you OutWiGo during this mud season?
Share your photos on Instagram and Facebook and use #OutWiGo!
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