DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 These volunteering events lead to lasting enhancements, increased awareness and continued support for the Wisconsin State Park System.
Work Play Earth Day
As we celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, we reflect on the founding of Earth Day by former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970. Originally founded to raise awareness about air and water pollution, today, Earth Day is observed around the globe and is commemorated as a whole month of recognition, stewardship and celebration of the natural environment.
Take this month to help enhance public lands through family-friendly activities at our properties through the Work Play Earth Day event series. These volunteering events lead to lasting enhancements, increased awareness and continued support for the Wisconsin State Park System.
Activities typically include tree planting, installing benches, removing invasive plants, painting picnic tables and other structures raking and cleaning up leaves and picking up litter.
Hours vary by event, with most beginning mid-morning and running through early afternoon. Following service projects, volunteers are encouraged to stay, play and enjoy all that the property has to offer!
Friends Groups are co-sponsoring several events at many properties. 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.
Find Earth Day events at our DNR Events Calendar and read the details on how to get involved!
 Join in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Wisconsin State Parks System through this stewardship opportunity! / Photo Credit: Joan Blankenship
Campground Hosts
If you like to spend time outside, help other outdoor enthusiasts and care about protecting our natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties need you this year! Join in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Wisconsin State Parks System through this stewardship opportunity!
The DNR is looking for volunteer campground hosts at state parks, forests and recreation areas across the state.
Host responsibilities generally include:
- Staying at a campsite at the campground and volunteering for a few hours daily.
- Greeting campers and answering questions about the property.
-
Helping with daily campground operations and setting an example by being a model camper.
- Cleaning campsites and helping out with light maintenance.
- Sharing park information and assisting with campground programs.
- Enjoying the company of other campers and ensuring they enjoy their stay.
Apply to be a campground host through the Volunteer Opportunities webpage.
Saddle Up For Horse Camp
Serving as an equestrian campground host can be a great way to get extra time on the trails this summer. Join the fun around the campfire with equestrian friends!
Stay at a campsite at the horse campground and volunteer a few hours per day. A 1 to 2-month service period is preferred.
125 Years Of Fun For Wisconsin State Park System
Get ready for a fantastic year in the Wisconsin State Park System, as we celebrate 125 years of history! It was 1900 when Wisconsin’s first state park, Interstate, was established in St. Croix Falls. And this amazing place on the St. Croix River was just the beginning. Today, there are dozens of incredible state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas throughout the state.
The spring issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine kicks off a year of celebration coverage with “Fascinating Tales To Tell.” Learn about the rich and sometimes hidden history of places such as Havenwoods State Forest, the Bearskin State Trail, Richard Bong State Recreation Area and state parks from Aztalan to Copper Falls to Rock Island and more.
Another anniversary also is featured in the latest magazine: the 100th year of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. It’s “A Storied Stand” nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, with 236,000 acres of rugged beauty in Iron, Oneida and Vilas counties. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is the largest state property in Wisconsin and holds countless historical and natural treasures.
The spring issue includes these stories and more! The digital edition is available online, or subscribe to get the magazine delivered to your doorstep. Call 1-800-678-9472, or sign up, renew or give a gift subscription online, just $8.97 for four quarterly issues.
Cover Photo Credit: Jason Fleener
|
Upcoming Events
Sunrise Watch
Saturday, April 5, Devil's Lake State Park
6 – 8 a.m.
Spend the morning watching the sunrise at Devil’s Lake!
Bring your lawn chair, your favorite warm beverage and warm clothing to watch the sunrise over the south shore of Devil’s Lake. Feel free to bring your camera with you, too, so you can take lots of pictures.
Meet at the South Shore Boat Launch Parking Lot.
Mackenzie Center Maple Festival
Saturday, April 5, MacKenzie Center
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Each spring, the MacKenzie Center welcomes the community to experience the heritage and process of maple sugaring for our annual Maple Festival.
During this event, you can take a guided tour of our sugarbush, observe a tree-tapping, learn how Indigenous peoples and early pioneers processed maple sap through interpretive stations, ride a horse-drawn wagon, listen to old-time country music and taste home-made ice cream churned with an antique engine and topped with pure maple syrup.
The pancake breakfast is returning for the first time since 2019! Breakfast will be served at the Lodge from 8 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10 for individuals 13 or older, $5 for ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. Cash only. The Friends of MacKenzie will sell food, drinks, souvenirs and maple products. There will be a quilt and 50/50 raffle drawings at noon – tickets will be available during the event.
While here, you can visit the wildlife area, walk through the Logging Museum and hike the trails. Please do not bring dogs or pets. Service animals are welcome.
Get In Touch With Nature: Weekend Red Fox Painting
Saturday, April 5, Horicon Marsh Education Center
10 a.m. – noon
Do you know how fast a red fox runs or how far it can hear a mouse squeal? Paint an 8 x 10 canvas using acrylic paints and learn about the life of a red fox on or near the marsh.
Bring a friend or come alone to create, converse, learn and de-stress. Go, fox, go!
This event is recommended for anyone 6 or older, but an adult must accompany any children.
A minimum of six participants is necessary to hold the class, and the maximum size is 20 people. There is a $15 fee for each person painting. Register and pay online or stop in at the education center.
Astronomy Viewing
Saturday, April 5, Richard Bong State Recreation Area
8 – 10 p.m.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s volunteer astronomer, Tom Harper, will bring his telescopes out to Parking Lot F and lead an astronomy viewing program. Stop by to expand your knowledge of the universe and take a peek through some special scopes. Meet at Parking Lot F. This program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or over 30% cloud cover.
Work Play Earth Day
Saturday, April 12, Amnicon Falls State Park
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This event will involve helping Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff and the Friends group with campground maintenance. This includes picking up sticks, trimming branches, picking up litter and debris and cleaning out fire rings.
Wings And Wilderness Walk
Sunday, April 13, Willow River State Park
9 – 10 a.m.
Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly birding hike! This short trek will lead us through some of the best local habitats for spotting birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) and learn to identify a variety of feathered friends by sight and sound. Our guide will share tips on birdwatching and help you discover what makes our local species unique. Dress warm, bring a water bottle and get ready to experience the wonders of birds.
This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and make our programming possible. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.
Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.
Work Play Earth Day
Sunday, April 13, Pattison State Park
1 – 5 p.m.
This event will involve helping Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff and the Friends group with campground maintenance. This includes picking up sticks, trimming branches, picking up litter and debris and cleaning out fire rings.
Lizard Mound Work Day
Thursday, April 17, Lizard Mound State Park
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Help clear invasive woody vegetation along the trails so that native plants and flowers can thrive while the mounds’ integrity is preserved.
Activities will include brush cutting and hauling; no experience is necessary.
Be sure to bring water, bug repellent, sturdy shoes and gloves. Tools will be provided as necessary. Poison ivy may be present.
Meet at the parking lot at the start time or check in with staff along the trail during the event.
A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass is required.
Find more events at properties near you on the DNR Events Calendar.
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 OutWiGo newsletter. To subscribe for the newsletters, visit our sign-up page.
|
