DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Attend events with live music at Wisconsin state parks! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Live Music In The Parks
If you're looking for live music, serene nature and good people, you're in luck. Plenty of live music events are happening at our state parks across the state. You can find all of these music events on our Events calendar.
A few coming up this week include:
Fish Fry & Live Music - Friday, Aug. 16
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
Join the Friends of Pike Lake for the perfect Wisconsin evening, hot fish fry, live music and a great view! The food will be cooked on-site by Uncle Larry’s Kitchen for $15/plate from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Entertainment for the evening courtesy of local musician Tom Innis, playing from 6 - 8 p.m. For a sweet end to the night, the Friends of Pike Lake will have ice cream available for purchase. This is an event you won't want to miss out on!
Native Arts And Culture Of Teewakącąk: Ho-Chunk Dance - Friday, Aug. 16
Devil's Lake State Park
Join us for an event that embraces the arts and culture of the Tee Wakacak - the Ho-Chunk people.
Elliott Funmaker, Sr. (Ho-Chunk) and his group will provide a family-friendly cultural demonstration of the music and dance of Ho-Chunk Nation. Elliott will also explain the symbolism of objects and actions, such as the drum itself and the significance of the regalia worn by each dancer.
Music In The Park - Mellen Peace Choir - Saturday, Aug. 17
Copper Falls State Park
Join Mellen’s Peace Community Choir as they share some favorite tunes and sing-alongs. After the performance, save some room for classic Penokee sundaes to benefit the park's trails! Our local treats celebrate Tetzner’s Dairy; build your own with their local ice cream, maple syrup and berry sauce.
Music On The Mound - Old Oaks Music - Saturday, Aug. 17
Blue Mound State Park
Enjoy a night of music with family and friends at Blue Mound State Park. The Friends of Blue Mound State Park welcome Old Oaks Music. Music ranges from 12-string renditions of classic tunes to melodious folk-jazz originals.
Find more live music events below in our Upcoming Events section!
Outdoor News And Announcements
Help With Rare Plant Monitoring
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers for the Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program, a community-based science program that gives plant enthusiasts an opportunity to conduct surveys for rare plants around the state.
The information these volunteers collect is used to assess plant population trends during state and national conservation efforts. The volunteer program is Wisconsin's largest source of rare plant data.
“Whether you have botanical knowledge, a commitment to conservation or are just passionate about plants, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference,” said Jessica Ross, DNR Rare Plant Monitoring Program coordinator. “Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and their efforts play a significant role in helping us understand the state of rare plants in Wisconsin and inform how we might conserve them.”
Since 2013, Rare Plant Monitoring Program volunteers have checked on the health and size of rare native plant populations in nearly every county in the state. In 2023 alone, more than 50 trained volunteers from around the state submitted 178 reports of rare plants, including 31 populations in areas of Wisconsin where they had not been documented before.
Property Highlight: Green Circle State Trail
 The Green Circle State Trail makes a great loop! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Encircling the city of Stevens Point, the Green Circle State Trail meanders along the scenic Wisconsin and Plover rivers. It recalls the area's lumber-making and pioneer settlement history while connecting secluded natural and wildlife areas, the Schmeeckle Reserve and many city parks. The trail, including all spurs, is 31 miles long and features river scenery, forests, wetlands, prairies, boardwalks and quiet neighborhoods. A 4-mile spur on Hoover Road connects to the Tomorrow River State Trail in Plover.
The Green Circle is managed locally by the Green Circle Board of the Community Foundation of Portage County and is a cooperative effort among communities, private landowners, individuals and local governments. It is thought to be the only trail system in the country that circles an entire community.
The trail's surface varies by section and can be crushed stone, asphalt, wood chips, boardwalks, sidewalks or roadways. Bicycling is allowed on most sections of the trail; however, there are some sections and spurs that are closed to bicycles. The roadways and some other sections of the trail are paved with asphalt suitable for in-line skating.
Pets are allowed on most segments of the trail but are not allowed in the Schmeeckle Reserve. An alternative route around the reserve is available along North Point Drive. Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Currents With Ryan Meisel
Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at Governor Dodge State Park
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Music and storytelling in a relaxed setting create an enjoyable experience for all.
Spiritual Currents blends Indigenous world music with Ryan's background in jazz. It honors his spiritual connection to nature and is a gateway to creative expression.
He performs Native American flutes, saxophones and Indigenous woodwinds (East Indian Bansuri, Lithuanian Skuduciai & Birbyne, Irish flutes & whistles, Slovakian Fujara and Andean Pan Pipes).
He plays along to recorded accompaniments of world percussion, ukuleles, guitars and electronics.
The program will be followed by an interactive drum circle. These provide the audience with an experience of togetherness and community.
More information is available online.
Music In The Park - Old Soul Society
Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at Buckhorn State Park
7 – 9 p.m.
Join the Friends of Buckhorn for a night of fun at the amphitheater for a summer concert. The concert is free, but a park sticker is required.
Music In The Park: The Periodicals
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 at Devil's Lake State Park
6 – 8 p.m.
Join Madison's finest alternative pub rock/northern soul band, now with added pop. Bring your own chair or blanket to the North Shore Chateau and get ready to boogie.
The show is free; donations are accepted. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park.
Dollar A Day Boys - A Musical Tribute To The Civilian Conservation Corps
Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 at Rib Mountain State Park
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Upper Peninsula-based singer/storyteller Bill Jamerson will present a 90-minute music and storytelling program about the Civilian Conservation Corps. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Rib Mountain State Park. It will be held outdoors in the amphitheater, but it will move inside to the Friends Gathering Place in case of rain.
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