DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Lori Schultz is a nature center host at Kohler Andrae State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Thank You State Park Volunteers
Thank you to our volunteers! Wisconsin's state parks, forests and recreation areas benefit greatly from the hard work of hundreds of individuals each year. Without these efforts, our beautiful and fascinating properties across Wisconsin would not be what they are today.
From trail-building and land management to event facilitation and fundraising, there is much to be grateful for. Thank you for your help in preserving natural areas, educating future generations and bettering our world.
Nature center hosts are one of our many different volunteer positions offered within the DNR. Hosts present property-interpretive and educational programs such as public workshops, classes and nature events, and help greet visitors and answer questions at DNR properties.
To give you a sense of this important work, we sat down with Lori Schultz, a nature center host at Kohler Andrae State Park.
How did you get started?
Last year was transitional for me. I moved from a 30-year career in higher education to a fully remote coaching job. I saw a Facebook post from the Friends group looking for nature center hosts and without figuring the logistics I replied, “pick me.” I have long had the retirement plan of traveling around the country volunteering in state and national parks. May 2023 was my first season as a volunteer nature center host, and I recently completed the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program and was fully charged up to be the difference!
What do you enjoy about the experience?
I enjoy opening the doors to the nature center and waiting for the visitors to come. I love talking to people, sharing information about the displays in the center, amazing Lake Michigan and the wonderful park. I enjoy learning their stories and hearing what brings them to the center. I grew up about 12 miles from the park and have so many special memories. It is an honor to be one of the “grown-ups” to award a young Explorer their completion patch and to show this beautiful habitat to the many surprised visitors.
What does being a host look like?
My role at the center is to engage with the visitors, answer questions and point out the location of the bathroom. Keeping everyone and everything safe and secure is paramount. The long waiting lines for the bathroom and keeping folks lighthearted is a skill I worked on the warm, sunny days. The good news is that when it’s busy the time passes quickly and when it is not busy the time passes quietly, and often quickly too. There are amazing conversations and experiences shared at the nature center.
What are your biggest takeaways?
I take pride in the day-to-day. The time I can host at the nature center is eagerly anticipated. I am grateful my job allows me to juggle the responsibilities and support the volunteers' work. I absolutely enjoy the campsite that is provided to hosts and call this my lake house. I look forward to sharing this amazing nature center with the people who come through the doors and am genuinely honored to be a host.
Interested in volunteering like Lori? Visit the DNR's Volunteer Opportunities webpage to learn more.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Brachiopod Trail at Whitefish Dunes. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Brachiopod Trail Improvements At Whitefish Dunes
The Open the Outdoors program is excited to announce another great project for accessibility in state parks. Improvements along the Brachiopod Trail at Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County are now complete, including new interpretive signage and an accessible parking lot.
The 1.5-mile Brachiopod Trail features new interpretive signage, including some casts of fossils and critters that visitors can touch and feel. The interpretive signage tells the history and story of the Brachiopod Trail and includes a link and phone number to call, which will read the sign information to you! These interpretive signs are a great option for visitors who may need reading assistance, for various vision abilities, or those who like more interactive experiences.
This project was accomplished in partnership with the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park and DNR park staff, and was made possible with funding from the Stewardship Friends Grant program and matching funds from the Friends of Whitefish Dunes.
The trail now also has an accessible parking lot along the main road through the park. This new parking lot features two new accessible parking spots and is located near the boardwalk along the Brachiopod Trail, providing improved access to the boardwalk for visitors with disabilities. This project was funded and completed by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes.
Come check out the Brachiopod Trail and learn more about Whitefish Dunes State Park on their park page. For more accessible recreation information, make sure to visit the Open the Outdoors webpage.
Upcoming Events
Arbor Day Tree Walk
Friday, April 26, 2024 at Lakeshore State Park
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Arbor Day emphasizes the benefits of trees and encourages residents to plant their own. Come along on an easy 1.7-mile “hike” around Lakeshore State Park to learn about Wisconsin trees and discover the unique challenges when it comes to planting at Lakeshore State Park. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the north entrance of the park, just in front of Discovery World.
Earth Day/Tree Planting/Park Clean-Up Event
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at High Cliff State Park
All day
Celebrate Earth Day at High Cliff State Park with a day of tree planting and park clean-up.
Contact the park office for details. Please meet at the Gathering Space.
Work & Play Earth Day
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
8:30 a.m. – noon
Help give the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and additional forest locations a spring cleaning.
Join others for a morning of camaraderie and litter pick up. Community groups are encouraged to participate. Bring your own gloves. Garbage bags will be provided.
Meet at the Forest Headquarters off County Road G to get your road/area assignment. After cleaning up, return to the Headquarters for snacks and refreshments.
Call to register groups.
Work & Play Day
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Roche-A-Cri State Park
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Park cleanup day with projects to include litter pickup, raking/leaf-blowing picnic areas and campsites, tree planting and more.
Volunteers should wear work shoes/boots, long pants and gloves. Bring shovels, rakes and leaf blowers if you have them.
Individuals and groups are welcome. An adult must accompany children.
Meet at the park office for assignments.
Noon refreshments will be provided. Park admission is free for those volunteering. Pre-registration is optional for individuals. Large groups can contact us before April 19 to be sure we’re ready for your help.
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.
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