Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Public Programs
May – December 2012
Diggin' Dirt Nature Storytime
May 4, 9:30 - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Be prepared to get a little dirty as we unearth what makes up dirt. We'll learn what lives on and in the soil. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.
What's that Bird? Exploring Nature Program
May 5, 10:00 - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
As the warm southerly winds bring spring, thousands of birds wing their way back to Wisconsin. Join us for a bird watching walk to gain identification tips and spy what birds have returned for the summer. Remember to bring your binoculars. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
An Evening with Nature
Kayak Connections
May 10, 7:00 - 8:45 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Tom Koeppen and Company
Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers
Have you ever wanted to try kayaking, but were not sure how to get started? Then this program is a must for you! Tom Koeppen and friends from the Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers will introduce you to the sport of kayaking. They will discuss what gear and skills are needed, where to go kayaking and how to connect with classes and kayaking groups. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 10 years.
Tough-shelled Turtles Exploring Nature Program
May 12, 10:00 - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Wisconsin is home to eleven species of turtles. You will be amazed at how these tough-shelled reptiles are adapted to survive in a wide variety of habitats. You may even get to meet some live turtles. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
Dandy Ducks Nature Storytime
May 18, 9:30- 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Little ducks, big ducks, colorful ducks, drab ducks, diving ducks, dabbling ducks. . . There are so many dandy ducks! Wade with us through the wonderful world of ducks. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.
Learn to Fly Fish
May 19, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter(located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Do you marvel at those fly fishing anglers, but can’t quite figure out how they do it? Come to Mauthe Lake to learn from an experienced fly fisherman the correct way to use fly fishing gear and tackle to catch a whole variety of fish. Bring your own gear, if you have some. A number of rods and reels will be available for participants’ use. Class size is limited. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 byMay 17. People over the age of 16 need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish after the program. This program is appropriate for peopleat least 10 years old.
Ice Age at the Beach Exploring Nature Program
May 19, 10:00- 11:30 am (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
The glaciers have returned to Mauthe Lake! Discover how the glaciers created kames, eskers, kettles, and moraines through fun hands-on activities. Be prepared to get a little wet. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.
Fading Into Darkness Night Hike
May 25, 8:30 - 10:00 pm (Friday)
Zillmer Trails Area (located off Hwy SS between Hwy G and Hwy 67 near New Prospect)
As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we explore the fading darkness using all of our senses. This night hike is for families/groups with children at least 5 years old.
Discover Nature’s Secrets
May 26, 10:00- 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to discover some secrets of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.
Marvelous Mammals Drop In at the Beach
May 26, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
May 27, 12:00 - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
What do humans have in common with bears, bats, mice and deer? We're all mammals! Discover what characteristics mammals share and how they're adapted for survival. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.
Meet the Ranger
May 26, 2:00 -3:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Have you ever wondered what a forest ranger’s job actually involves? Then come learn more about what they do and the tools they use as part of their duties. Everyone is invited to stop in to meet one the Northern Unit’s law enforcement rangers.
Summer Saturday Evening Event
Outdoor Survival
Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine
May 26, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center
Presenter: Jackie Scharfenberg, Forest Naturalist
Become skilled at some easy techniques to help you survive in the outdoors. Program topics include hike preparations, orienteering compass, simple shelters, water collection, fire building and rescue aids. This program is most appropriate for people over the age of 8 years old.
Silent Salamanders Nature Storytime
June 1, 9:30- 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Salamanders don't say much and they live where it's dark. Travel with us to the salamander's home to learn about these wondrous creatures. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.
Fading Into Darkness Night Hike
June 1, 8:30 - 10:15 pm (Friday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure as we listen for all those night sounds. This night hike is for families/groups with children at least 5 years old.
Discover Nature’s Secrets
June 2, 10:00- 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to discover some secrets of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.
Learn to Fish Rodeo
June 2, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes Backyard Bass Casting, Fill the Tackle Box, Fishing Regulations Quiz, Avoiding Hazards, Knots Tie-up, What’s that Fish? and Baiting your Hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the fishing pier will help hone your newly acquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own gear or fishing gear will be provided for those who need it.
Summer Saturday Evening Event
Nature’s Bounty: Wild Edibles
Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine
June 2, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Jackie Scharfenberg, Forest Naturalist
If you know where to look, nature can provide a whole smorgasbord of food. Learn what plants are safe to eat and let your tastebuds decide which are "good" to eat. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old.
Spring into Summer Nature Fest
June 3, 12:00 -3:30 pm (Sunday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Journey out on Wisconsin’s State Park System Open House Day to the Spring into Summer Nature Fest! There will be something for all ages at four different activity stations. Learn about our fascinating fish, take flight with the birds of a feather, celebrate the summer sun, and create your own nature prints. Bring a T-shirt or bandanna to print or purchase one that day.
Discover Nature’s Secrets
June 9, 10:00- 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to discover some secrets of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.
Fascinating Fish Drop In at the Beach
June 9, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
June 10, 12:00 - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
How do fish swim? How do they breathe under water? How do they eat? Come find the answers to these questions and much more as we wade through the world of Wisconsin fishes. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.
Summer Saturday Evening Event
What’s the Buzz about Native Pollinators
Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine
June 9, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenters: Arian M. Konell and Linda Warren, Native Way Nursery
Honey bees get all the credit for pollinating our flowers and crops, and they are not even native to the United States. Discover what our native pollinators are and how we can help them do their job. This program is most appropriate for people over of 8 years old.
Rare Blooms: Orchids Outdoor Adventure
June 14, 6:30 - 8:00 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Orchids are plant treasures of the Kettle Moraine. Come learn where they grow and how we can protect them. Don't forget your cameras. We will meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool to a site or two where the orchids are blooming. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years.
A Tale of a Tree's Life Nature Storytime
June 15, 9:30- 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Join us as we spin a tale of a tree's life from seed to rotting log. We'll even head to the woods to visit the trees and find out their stories. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.
Discover Nature’s Secrets
June 16, 10:00- 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to discover some secrets of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.
Tree Houses for Wildlife Drop In at the Beach
June 16, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
June 17, 12:00 - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Trees provide homes to many different animals. Find out what animals live in the leaves, branches, trunks, bark, and roots of forest and city trees. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.
Summer Saturday Evening Event
Night Owls
Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine
June 16, 7:00 - 8:00 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Schlitz Audubon Center
Wisconsin is home to several species of owls from the large great horned to the tiny screech. They possess many extraordinary adaptations to hunt in the darkness of night including large eyes, soft feathers, incredible hearing, and sharp talons. You will have the opportunity to examine owl artifacts and meet a couple live birds. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old.
Discover Nature’s Secrets
June 23, 10:00- 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to discover some secrets of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.
Alien Attack Drop In at the Beach
June 23, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
June 24, 12:00 - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
We're being invaded not by outer space aliens but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will have a chance to make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.
Summer Saturday Evening Event
Twilight Paddle
Sponsored by Friends of the Kettle Moraine
June 23, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Presenter: Jackie Scharfenberg, Forest Naturalist
Join us for an evening canoe trip around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. As we paddle, we will keep our eyes and ears open for evening birds and other wildlife. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by June 21. Class limit is 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. Basic canoe skills will be covered. No experience is necessary. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This program is most appropriate for people over 8 years old.
Canoe Adventure
June 28, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (Thursday)
Crooked Lake Boat Launch (located off Hwy SS east of New Prospect)
Venture with us by canoe around Crooked Lake. Get a close look at the natural communities within and surrounding the lake. Basic canoe skills will be covered. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by June 26. Class limit is 24 to 30 people without canoe equipment. No experience is necessary. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years.