DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Naturalists lead hands-on learning opportunities for kids and adults. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas are great places to explore anything you can imagine about the great outdoors – at any age! Having a teacher or educator to influence us when we’re young can explain some of what we see, experience, feel, and wonder about, which stays with us as we age. But learning isn’t just for the young; the DNR has a set of educators who touch thousands of lives each year.
DNR educators provide a wide range of environmental education and outdoor skills lessons that will last a lifetime and help ensure Wisconsin’s natural resources remain sustainable for generations to come. At state parks, forests and recreation areas, there are year-round educators and seasonal educators. Our year-round educators provide learning and engagement at Devil’s Lake State Park, Havenwoods State Forest and Peninsula State Park.
Throughout the calendar year, educators teach Wisconsin’s residents and visitors about the natural world. They work with school groups, lead nature hikes and provide programs on topics ranging from ecology, geography, wildlife biology, history and cultural studies to all areas of outdoor recreation and outdoor skills and safety.
Some of this education occurs in nature centers, which can be found at dozens of state park properties. Several of these nature centers are powered by volunteers. You can get involved through a Friends of a park group or by volunteering through the DNR.
For independent learning, the Wisconsin Explorer Program is a free, fun activity to get children exploring outside. Three different books for different age groups (ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9+) encourage children to discover things in nature, participate in outdoor learning, and use all the senses to engage with the outside world.
Many of the programs offered by DNR educators and naturalists are free. You can learn about upcoming programs on the DNR’s Events Calendar. This summer while you’re out exploring Wisconsin’s state parks, consider stopping by a nature center or sit in on a program.
We have several events coming up this spring for expanded learning. This year the Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo (MOHEE) has two dates, May 10 at Havenwoods State Forest and May 18 at the MacKenzie Center. Make sure to add OutWiGo Green on May 13 to your schedule to kick-off the summer – we’ll have dozens of opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation education. The whole family may learn something new together!
Wisconsin Recognizes International Dark Sky Week April 15 - 22
Governor Tony Evers recently proclaimed April 15 - 22 as International Dark Sky Week throughout Wisconsin. The International Dark Sky Association created International Dark Sky Week to celebrate the night sky, raise awareness about light pollution and promote the use of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting around the world.
Newport State Park, at the top of the Door County peninsula, is home to Wisconsin's first Dark Sky Park.
Being a Dark Sky Park means a place features an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
At Newport State Park, you can view the Milky Way, stars in the sky, and even aurora borealis. Door County is home to hundreds of nocturnal and diurnal wildlife species, plants and insects that need a natural night environment to thrive.
“Light pollution” refers to wasted light that performs no function or task and artificial light that goes where it is not supposed to go, including glare, light trespass, sky glow and over lighting.
Next week, we challenge you to spend a little time outside, in darkness at night and notice the experience. What do you see, hear, smell and feel as you take in the night sky? Where can you go to escape light pollution?
Read more to learn what it means for Newport State Park to be a Dark Sky Park.
Photo: Denny Moutray
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Ready, set, bird! Natural Resource Foundation's Great Wisconsin Birdathon kicks off on April 15.
Wisconsin's largest fundraiser for bird conservation starts soon! Birdathon teams can participate any day from April 15 to June 15, and all skill levels are welcome to join. Form a team of co-workers, friends, family or students and set out to see as many birds as you can while raising funds for priority bird projects in Wisconsin.
Get the “swoop” on the #WIBirdathon at the first-ever virtual meet-up for participants on April 20 from 12-1 p.m. The funds raised through the Great Wisconsin Birdathon go to the Bird Protection Fund, which supports our state’s highest priority bird conservation projects.
For more information about the Birdathon and how to engage as a partner, visit the Birdathon Partners Toolkit here. And if you're a teacher, consider incorporating the Birdathon into your teaching.
We can't wait to have you join us to help #BringBirdsBack!
Come meet the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin at OutWiGo Green on May 13! They will have a table set up with more information about how to get involved. Join staff from the Natural Resources Foundation at 10:30 a.m. for a beginner birding hike along the Scuppernong Nature Springs Trail. Learn more about OutWiGo Green online.
Learn more about the Natural Resources Foundation online.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 The Mountain-Bay Trail travels through a wide variety of landscapes. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
The Mountain-Bay State Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin. The trail travels for 83 miles between the two geologic features it is named for, Rib Mountain and Green Bay. On the western end, the trail ends in Weston, just east of Wausau. On the eastern end, the trail ends at Howard Memorial Park near the city of Green Bay. There is a short gap in the trail in the city of Shawano near the Wolf River where local roads are used to connect the trail.
The trail is operated and maintained by Marathon, Shawano and Brown counties. The trail passes through several small communities and a wide variety of landscapes, including farmlands, forests and wetlands and features numerous bridge crossings over rivers and streams.
Along the Marathon County portion of the trail, there is a series of twelve interpretive signs picturing the early history of the county and the former rail line on which the trail is constructed. In Eland, the Mountain-Bay State Trail connects to the northern segment of the Wiouwash State Trail.
The level grade and smooth surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail. If you run into bike trouble on the trail, use stations like this (at left).
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Trail uses vary by county; remember to watch for postings along the trail or contact the county offices for more information.
Horseback riding is allowed in Shawano County only. Horses are not permitted on the trail in Marathon or Brown counties. Riders are asked to limit their use of the trail immediately following heavy rainfall to reduce the amount of damage to the trail. Riders must pick up after their horse. Each rider age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.
The Ice Age Trail follows the Mountain-Bay State Trail corridor for about two miles between Ringle and Hatley in Marathon County.
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The Mountain-Bay State Trail runs between Green Bay and Wausau. Learn more about it on the DNR's webpage.
Hartman Creek Volunteer Work Day
Hartman Creek State Park
Saturday, April 15
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park and park staff to plant trees and conduct various projects such as invasive species removal, brush clean up and campsite fire ring installations. The Friends of Hartman Creek will provide snacks and refreshments after the work day has concluded. Please bring work gloves and shovels if available; otherwise, there will be a limited supply that can be provided on the day of the event. Meet at the visitor entrance station parking lot.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Naturally Crafty!
Willow River State Park
Saturday, April 15
1 - 2 p.m.
Come get crafty with nature and make a masterpiece out of natural items found on the ground or from recycled items used in our daily lives. Re-create one of our pieces on display, or get inspired and make your very own creation! All ages are welcome. We will supply everything you need to get crafty, but if you have an extra hot glue gun, bring it with you. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Registration is required for this event.
This event costs $5 per person in support of our non-profit’s fundraising efforts to rebuild our nature center, and vehicle admission into the park is required. Payment is made at the door to avoid any last-minute cancellation fees. Cash or credit is accepted.
Questions? Email naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org.
Find more nature programs and DNR events.
Work For Wisconsin State Parks
You can join our great crew this summer at Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas! Applications are still being accepted for summer seasonal positions.
Pay, hours and more information are available online. Applications are only accepted online. Search by agency, Dept. of Natural Resources.
You may also contact a property directly for more information.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Where is your favorite state park, forest, trail, recreation area or land for viewing the dark sky?
Share your photos on Instagram and Facebook and tag us with #OutWiGo!
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