DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Volunteering is fun, especially when it involves spending time outdoors and helping the environment! / Photo Credit: Nick Wilkes
Work Play Earth Day
Don't just celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Join us throughout April and May to help our environment through acts of service and outdoor recreation at Wisconsin State Parks.
Founded in 1970 by Wisconsin native Governor Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day was meant to raise awareness about air and water pollution. Today, Earth Day is observed around the globe and includes a whole month of recognition, stewardship and celebration of the natural environment. Everyone is invited to participate in family-friendly activities that help enhance our public lands. These events lead to lasting enhancements, increased awareness and continued support for DNR-managed properties.
Watch for upcoming events during April and May on the DNR Event's calendar. We already have more than 20 events listed!
Work Play Earth Day activities happening around the state include:
- Removing invasive plants
- Helping maintain trails and campgrounds
- Cleaning up parks and picking up litter
- Planting trees
Most events start mid-morning and run through the early afternoon. Volunteers are encouraged to stay, play and enjoy the great outdoors after service events.
Anyone interested in volunteering for a service project can sign up online on the DNR's Volunteer Opportunities webpage. Both individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up online.
Friends Groups are co-sponsoring several events at many properties and often provide lunches or refreshments. A Friends Group is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose members volunteer their time, services and support to enhance Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Discussion panel from the first Wisconsin Healthy Communities Summit. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin Bike Fed
Wisconsin Healthy Communities Summit
Join us at the second Wisconsin Healthy Communities Summit and learn how collaborative efforts can create healthier individuals and communities while elevating outdoor recreation. This event is co-hosted by the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wisconsin Bike Fed and will feature many innovative speakers from Wisconsin and beyond.
This is an excellent opportunity to foster ideas and make connections to make Wisconsin a better place to ride a bike, enjoy the outdoors and lead a healthy, happy lifestyle. Whether you're a trail enthusiast, active transportation advocate, educator, health professional, business owner, fitness enthusiast or simply interested in healthy, active communities, this day has something for you.
Attendees will participate in panel discussions and hands-on workshops. The full lineup includes dozens of innovators leveraging bicycling and outdoor recreation, safer routes to schools and trail development for healthier communities. You can view the schedule of events on the Summit Schedule webpage.
Join us at the summit to learn more about implementing exciting new programs and ideas in your community.
Upcoming Events
Work Play Earth Day
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Wildcat Mountain State Park
9 a.m. – noon
Bring along friends and family to join park staff and the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park for this fun annual stewardship event and celebration of Earth Month.
Participate in individual and family-friendly activities that help enhance the Wildcat Mountain State Park.
Activities may include tree planting, campground and trail clean-up, invasive species removal, picnic table maintenance and litter clean-up. Bring sturdy footwear and some work gloves. The Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park will provide refreshments.
After volunteering, we encourage you to stay and recreate in the park for the afternoon.
Earth Hour And Work Day
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Mirror Lake State Park
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join the Mirror Lake State Park staff in helping to give the park a spring cleaning while getting outside to play for Earth Day. We will work on cleaning campsites and day-use areas to prepare them for summer.
Volunteers should wear sturdy work shoes. We will provide garbage bags, gloves, rakes and shovels, but please feel free to bring your own supplies if you have them.
Meet at the park office.
Large groups, please call ahead.
Earth Day Trail Cleanup: Badger And Sugar River State Trails
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Badger State Trail - Sugar River State Trail
9 – 11 a.m.
Join the Friends of the Badger and Sugar River State Trails for a clean-up celebrating Earth Day.
We recommend wearing gloves, pants and long sleeves as you may be cleaning up garbage in the brush along the trail. Bags will be provided.
Clean up with a Friends board member at the following locations:
- Albany: Trail parking lot
- Belleville: Library Park
- Fitchburg: Purcell Road, Badger State Trail parking lot
- Monticello: Trailhead parking lot
- New Glarus: Train Depot/trailhead
Work Play Earth Day
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Whitefish Dunes State Park
9 a.m. – noon
Join us in celebrating Earth Day by cleaning up the park and helping us prep for the summer season!
Wear work shoes or boots, long pants and gloves. Please bring loppers and rakes if you have them; the park will provide cleaning supplies.
Refreshments will be provided at noon.
Anyone planning to work along a roadside is required to wear a high-vis vest at all times. The park can provide one for you if needed.
Meet at the Nature Center. Park admission is free for those volunteering.
Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. To sign-up for weekly newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.
|
