DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
Kohler Andrae and many other parks have scenic picnic locations. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Make The Most Of Your Staycation
Planning some time off? Whether a staycation means staying in Wisconsin or staying close to home, there's no wrong way to enjoy it. These activities will provide opportunities for relaxation, exploration and discovery.
- Picnic in the Park
- Pack a basket with your favorite lunch, snacks and drinks. Enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal. Use the Find a Park page to locate destinations near you. Many even have outdoor shelters, picnic tables and grills for use. Find the list of amenities on each park's page, under the Recreation tab: Picnicking and Shelters.
- Visit a Local Farmers Market
- Spend a morning or early afternoon perusing through fresh produce, varied goods and local crafts. Challenge yourself to prepare a delicious meal with your new ingredients.
- Go to a DNR Event
- Find DNR event on the DNR Events Calendar. Try something new and meet people in your community, while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Photography Walk
- Take a stroll through state land with a camera or phone in hand and document your findings. Landscape, wildlife and unique sights can be captured with the click of a button.
- Mindfulness Day
- Allow yourself to enjoy a self-care day filled with relaxation, meditation and wellness. Have you tried forest bathing and cold-water dipping? Now is your chance to experience the benefits nature can have on your body and mind.
- Local Food Tour
Outdoor News And Announcements
Horicon Marsh in Dodge County, home of the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitors Center. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Congratulations Partners and Friends
The Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area program was created in 2015 to engage local communities and organizations in public land management and build the state’s conservation community. Program participants must dedicate 100 hours of volunteer efforts during at least three events or donate $3,000 annually. Volunteer work typically includes brush and invasive species management, stream restoration, tree planting and property maintenance.
This February, the organizations with the most volunteer hours logged or money raised for their adopted fish or wildlife area were recognized. DNR staff presented awardees with their commemorative plaques.
The award winners were:
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2023 Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area Group of the Year: Lakeshore Trout Unlimited for adopting Onion River Fishery Area in Sheboygan County
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2023 Wildlife Area Friends Group of the Year: Friends of Brillion Nature Center in Calumet County
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2022 Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area Group of the Year: Groundswell Conservancy for adopting Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area in Dane County
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2022 Wildlife Area Friends Group of the Year: Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center in Dodge County
Interested In Adopting A Wildlife Or Fishery Area?
With more than 300 fish and wildlife areas throughout Wisconsin, plenty of opportunities exist to help improve wildlife habitat and nature-based recreation. For more information on the Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Program or Wildlife Area Friends Groups or how to volunteer, visit the DNR’s Wildlife Management Volunteer Opportunities webpage.
Upcoming Events
Stewardship Saturday Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Havenwoods State Forest 9 – 11 a.m.
Join our staff to help remove invasive plants and keep the property beautiful for all to enjoy. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes and bring your water bottle. Gloves and tools are provided.
Drop-In Craft: Paper Making Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area 10 a.m. – noon
Stop by the picnic tables behind the Visitor Center to learn how to recycle different types of paper and craft supplies to make your own bookmarks and note paper.
Wilderness Academy: Archery Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Horicon Marsh Education Center 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Wilderness Academy is a science and project-based education designed for students aged 7 and older. Each session combines educational activities and games with take-home learning extensions to help students do more in-depth exploration of related topics.
This program is free, and no registration is required.
Walk After Work Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Lakeshore State Park 6 – 7 p.m.
April 4 is National Walk Around Things Day! Walking provides low impact exercise and a way to relieve stress. Join Lakeshore’s resident Naturalist in a ‘walk around’ Lakeshore State Park to learn the park’s history and see what flora are showing signs of spring. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the north entrance of the park, just in front of Discovery World.
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