DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Bring your sense of wonder and wander to the Kettle Moraine State Forest on May 13. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Mark your calendar; OutWiGo Green is coming soon!
You're invited to a special event in the beautiful Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit on May 13! At OutWiGo Green, you can try several activities to learn new skills, hone existing skills and find out more about activities in Wisconsin State Parks, including:
Adaptive sports
Archery
Astronomy
Backpacking
Bicycling
Birding
Boat Safety
Camping, tents and hammocks
Equestrian
Fire building
First Aid
Fishing
Forest meditation
Geocaching
Hiking
Hunting dog training
Insect collection
Kayaking
Motorized sports
Mountain biking
Nature crafts
Nature photography
Orienteering
Rock climbing
Stream ecology
Standup Paddleboarding
Trail running
Trout fishing
And more!
We'll also have food trucks for lunch and snacks, information and activities about how you can get involved in conservation, and you can learn more about our Wisconsin state park system.
Join us for all or part of the day!
Read more about OutWiGo Green and find a full schedule of events on our website. Find out more about our host site, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, below.
Wisconsin State Parks Are Buzzing
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Wisconsin DNR have teamed up to increase pollinator habitat in our state parks.
We're celebrating our powerful pollinators with Pollinator Week, June 19 through 25. During Pollinator Week, the DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin will announce a pollinator upgrade to three state park properties in 2023.
The DNR is leading a “Pollinators in the Parks” initiative to increase pollinator habitat at state parks across Wisconsin. New pollinator habitat will be created at these three state parks thanks to funding from the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Fund of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
In advance of Pollinator Week, you can learn more about this important part of our agricultural system and our state’s biodiversity at OutWiGo Green on May 13. Find out how to get involved with pollinators by checking out the Natural Resources Foundation’s table. The DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation program will also lead a tour of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit’s pollinator gardens throughout the day. Both organizations will be at the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area.
You can also read more about the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Fund in the spring 2023 issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
 Ottawa Lake is a perfect place for paddling or to catch beautiful views of the sunset. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Kettle Moraine State Forest includes over 57,000 acres of southern forest over six different "units." The Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest includes almost 22,000 acres of forest, lakes, springs and prairie. This area offers people and horse campgrounds, mountain bike trails, the Ice Age Trail, the McMiller Sports Center, a nature center, the Palmyra Environmental Learning Center and the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive.
With glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and picnicking.
Southern Unit Superintendent Anne Korman says her "favorite place" (among many!) in the Southern Unit is Ottawa Lake. The shallow lake is perfect for paddling and fishing and also has a nice beach, making this area the center of a lot of activity on the north end of the forest. It is also home to the most popular campground on the property.
"What truly makes this area unique is found in the quiet moments, such as the peaceful summer day shown in the photo, and the breathtaking sunsets that are a regular occurrence any time of the year," said Korman. "After a long day filled with hiking, biking and swimming, watching the sun set in an explosion of rich color is something to savor and a great way to fully appreciate the beauty of this special place."
Ottawa Lake has a campground with an accessible cabin and electric campsites. There's a beach with a shelter and changing facilities and a lake with an accessible fishing pier and boat launch. The Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail across from Ottawa Lake provides hiking and trout fishing opportunities.
A recently constructed amphitheater overlooks Ottawa Lake, making it a picture-perfect destination for a wedding, party or other event. Contact the property to find out how to reserve the amphitheater for your special event!
Ottawa Lake in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit is located in Dousman. Other parts of the Southern Unit are located in Eagle, Palmyra and LaGrange.
 The electrified amphitheater at Ottawa Lake has nearby camping, shelters and restrooms plus play area for kids, pollinator garden and picnic tables. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Garlic Mustard Grab
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Saturday, May 6
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Enjoy and protect the spring wildflowers in the Mt. Pisgah Hemlock Hardwoods State Natural Area by helping look for and pull the invasive garlic mustard plants that threaten our lovely native spring flowers. During this event, you will learn to recognize this nasty invasive plant and distinguish it from other plants with similar leaves. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy and identify some of the lovely spring wildflowers that carpet the forest floor.
Meet at the lower picnic area kiosk (canoe launch). Please bring sturdy footwear (we will be hiking up hills and off trail) and drinking water. Gloves and a light hand trowel are optional. No experience or expertise is needed, just a willingness to make a difference!
Forest Bathing
Interstate Park
Saturday, May 6
2 - 3 p.m.
Take in nature with all five senses, learn the history of forest bathing, release stress and be mindful with us on a slow-paced, mile-long hike. Meet at the Silverbrook Trail Loop parking lot. No pets or children, please.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
Discovery Bird Walk
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Tuesday, May 9
8 - 10 a.m.
Meet Master Naturalists Janet & Andy Raddatz at the Black River Trails, Lot 1. Walks may take 2-3 hours, depending on what all is seen. Participants can leave at any time. Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and binoculars. The walk is best for ages 12 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please. Bird walks meet weekly. Vehicle admission is required.
Meet at the Black River Trails, Lot 1.
Volunteer Work Evening
Merrick State Park
Thursday, May 11
4 - 7 p.m.
Volunteers will be helping the Merrick State Park Friends group T.U.R.T.L.E.S and Merrick State Park staff get the park ready for the main use season. Some jobs may include staining picnic table boards, washing canoes and kayaks, splitting and stacking firewood, removing woody plants from the prairie systems, picking up litter, and working in the planting beds. Light refreshments will be offered. Meet at the park maintenance building.
Work For Wisconsin State Parks
Applications are still being accepted for summer seasonal positions.
Several areas of the state have openings for summer seasonal employees. In particular, if you know anyone in the areas around the Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest, Yellowstone State Park, or in Door County, please spread the word.
Read more about open positions and the pay, hours and more information online. Applications are only accepted via the Wisc.Jobs website. To find all openings, search by agency and select Dept. of Natural Resources.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
What are your plans to welcome in spring?
Share your spring adventuring photos on Instagram! Tag us with #OutWiGo!
|
