Wyalusing Bluff Report

February 8, 2012

2012-02-08T16:00:00.002-06:00

DATE:Wednesday,February 8, 2012

TRAILCONDITIONS:Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Tuesday,February 7. Whitetail Meadows Trail was tracked and is still 95 percent snow covered. Ron Falch, volunteer groomer and local skienthusiast described that trail as “skiable”. The south loop ofTurkey Hollow and roadway to Henneger Point is also tracked. . Warmerthan normal temperatures for this time of year are responsible for“less than ideal” ski conditions. According to the forecast forthe next few days, the remaining snow cover should remain intact astemperatures are expected to stay below freezing every day except forThursday when temperatures will soar close to 35 degrees. Night timetemps from today through Sunday will hover between single digits andupper teens. All hiking trails are still snow covered. Pleaseremember, no pets or walking on the ski trails. Both can quickly ruina well groomed trail.

CAMPINGINFORMATION:Homestead Campground, Outdoor Group Campground andthe Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. The Wisconsin RidgeCampground is open for camping on a first come, first served basis.

Thereservation period has ended for both family campgrounds and theOutdoor Group Campground. All flush toilets, showers and fountainsare closed for the season, with the exception of the winterizedfaucet located just east of the shower building in the WisconsinRidge Campground. All reservations for campsites in Wisconsin StateParks and Forests are made through Reserve America. Reservations canbe made 11 months in advance over the telephone at888-947-2757,or online at www.wiparks.net.

Theconcession stand is closed for the season. Firewood should beavailable from vendors located near the park entrance.

Feesfor using the Indoor Group Camp have changed. Fees are now $6 perperson per night and $300 minimum per night.

BIRDSIGHTINGS:Bird sightings at the park office feeders include: bluejays, juncos, cardinals, gold finches, mourning doves, red-belliedwoodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, purplefinches and the local sharp-shinned hawk. Bald eagles can sometimesbe seen near the park entrance as well as from the bluffs. Anexciting discovery was made on Monday, February 6 by local birdenthusiast, Alex Stark. One of his favorite haunts is in the pinetrees near the south loop of Homestead Campground. Alex was walkingthrough the pines, when a pine cone just happened to drop in front ofhim, thus causing him to look up. And what to his amazement did hesee? A flock of white-winged crossbills!!! He said they were feedingsilently on the pine cones. Alex also went on to say that the birdsare nomadic, dependant on food source. So here on Monday, possiblygone by today. Since the first of this year, birds in the same areaincluded red crossbills, pine siskins, and common redpolls. Pleasekeep in mind that if you are thinking about venturing out to the parkin search of this rare find, they may have already left the area andyou will need to walk from the park office to the birds’ locationas we do not plow the roads in that area of the park. At this time,it would be an easy walk along the roadway.

MISSISSIPPIRIVER REPORT:Ice fishing pressure has drastically dropped offsince the last weekend in January when there were about 30 vehiclesat the park boat landing. This could mean that fishing success hasalso dropped off, but there are still ice anglers trying their luckevery day. Mississippi River level at PdC remains unchanged for thelast few days at 8.1 No matter if the fish are biting or not, it isstill nice to get out on the ice with fellow anglers. We do notmonitor ice conditions.

PARKHAPPENINGS:We just received work this week that the “old parkoffice” has an official new name to go along with the refurbishingwhich was completed this past summer. The official new name is thePaul Lawrence Interpretive Center. The interpretive panel for theoriginal CCC kiosk, now located near the Paul Lawrence InterpretiveCenter was received this fall. A frame for the kiosk will soon beordered so we will have it in time for placement this spring. Arededication of the building will be scheduled for spring or summer.Thanks to Greg Pitts for going the extra mile to get the name changestarted. Thanks also to the Friends of Wyalusing and Brian Hefty fortheir involvement with this historic project.

2012StarsplitterAstronomy Schedule

Programswill resume in the spring.

UpcomingFriends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday,September 29

Spiritsof Wyalusing Past

Makeyour camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a laterdate.

AreaEvents

February25

BaldEagle Appreciation Day

LiveBald Eagle and raptor programs, exhibits, birding experts on hand,outdoor viewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-sizedBald Eagle nest, children’s’ activities. This event will be heldat the PdC regional Tourism Center, AmericInn Motel, and The EaglesClub. More info please call: 1-800-1673.

NELSONDEWEY STATE PARK CURRENT CONDITIONS

NelsonDewey State Park’s roadways will not be plowed this winter. Theparking lot near the park office will be plowed and visitors arewelcome to hike into the park from the lot. There are no ski trailsat Nelson Dewey, but people can ski or snow shoe in the park from theparking lot.

Roadsat Nelson Dewey State Park were plowed at the end of January, andthis area has had no snowfall since then. Roads should still be ingood driving condition as of February 7, 2012. For more informationon the roads at Nelson Dewey, please call Wyalusing State Parkat608-996-2261.

February 1, 2012

2012-02-01T14:13:00.004-06:00

FROMTHE BLUFFS

OFWYALUSING

WyalusingState Park

13081State Park Lane

Bagley,WI 53801

Phone:608-996-2261

www.wyalusing.org

DATE:Wednesday,February 1, 2012

TRAILCONDITIONS:Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Sunday,January 29^th. Warmer than normaltemperatures for this time of year are responsible for poor skiingconditions. With temperatures early in this week rising to abovefreezing and expected highs from mid 30’s to mid 40’s for theremainder of this week, cross country ski trail conditions willdeteriorate. All hiking trails are still snow covered.Pleaseremember, no pets or walking on the ski trails. Both can quickly ruina well groomed trail.

WEEKENDFORECAST:The forecast for today through Sunday includes a high of39 degrees this afternoon with cloudy skies and a low of 27 degrees.Thursday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny with a high near 44degrees and a low dropping to 28 degrees. Friday will be mostlycloudy with a high near 41 degrees. There is a slight chance of rainand snow late Friday night into Saturday morning with a low around29. Temperature on Saturday will reach almost 40 degrees and there isa 40 per cent chance of snow and rain, which continues throughSaturday night. The low on Saturday night will be around 25 degrees.Sunday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny with a high near 36degrees. .

Theconcession stand is closed for the season. Firewood should beavailable from vendors located near the park entrance.

Feesfor using the Indoor Group Camp have changed. Fees are now $6 perperson per night and $300 minimum per night.

BIRDSIGHTINGS:The office bird feeders remain a flurry of activity,even with the recent warm temperatures. Cardinals and gold finchesare taking advantage of the puddles near the park office for anunexpected mid-winter bathing opportunity. It is fun to watch themsplash in the puddles. Even with the warmer temps, raccoons have notbeen an issue at the feeders (knock on wood). Bird sightings in thepark include: blue jays, juncos, cardinals, gold finches, mourningdoves, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers,pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, tree sparrows, purple finches,wild turkeys, various hawks, and bald eagles. Earlier this week, anorthern flicker was seen near the front door of the office.

MISSISSIPPIRIVER REPORT:Ice fishing at the park boat landing most of lastweek and this past weekend (January 28 & 29) can only bedescribed as excellent according to reports of local anglers and thenumber of cars at the boat landing. On Saturday, January 29, theparking lot was filled and vehicles were parked along the roadway onLong Valley Road close to the landing. It seems as if the “hotspots” have cooled off now as most anglers this week have beenreporting fewer hits. One ice angler reported yesterday that he wasstill having success, but others nearby were not so lucky. No matterif the fish are biting or not, it is still nice to get out on the icewith fellow anglers. We do not monitor ice conditions.

PARKHAPPENINGS:Interviews on park manager position were held, are butstill no word on that position or park superintendent position.Greg’s time at Wyalusing is limited to just a few more days, but hewill continue to be available to park staff as needed.

2012StarsplitterAstronomy Schedule

Programswill resume in the spring.

UpcomingFriends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday,September 29

Spiritsof Wyalusing Past

Make yourcamping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later date.

AreaEvents

February4 & 5

AnnualFisheree-Ice fishing competition on waters (ice) near Prairie duChien with headquarters at Lakeview Marina Bar & Restaurant,County Highway K, PdC. This is an outing for the entire family,fishing prizes and evening entertainment. Fisheree will be held Iceor No Ice. For more info: 1-800-1673

February25

BaldEagle Appreciation Day

Live BaldEagle and raptor programs, exhibits, birding experts on hand, outdoorviewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-sized Bald Eaglenest, children’s’ activities. This event will be held at the PdCregional Tourism Center, Americinn Motel, and The Eagles Club. Moreinfo please call: 1-800-1673.

NELSONDEWEY STATE PARK CURRENT CONDITIONS

Roads atNelson Dewey State Park were plowed on Saturday, January for BaldEagle Days this past weekend (so as of today they are still clear ofsnow and ice. If this area receives additional snowfall or freezingrain, the roads will not be maintained.

January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T11:32:00.001-06:00

FROM THE BLUFFS

OF WYALUSING

Wyalusing State Park

13081 State Park Lane

Bagley, WI 53801

Phone:608-996-2261

www.wyalusing.org

DATE:Thursday, January 26, 2012

TRAIL CONDITIONS:Wyalusing State Parkreceived an additional snowfall of approximately 2 inches overnighton Sunday, January 22. This brings the total accumulation to about 7inches on the ground. All cross country ski trails have been groomedand tracked. Ski trails are in good to excellent skiing conditions asof today. All hiking trails will be snow covered.Please remember, nopets or walking on the ski trails. Both can quickly ruin a wellgroomed trail.

WEEKEND FORECAST:The forecast for todaythrough Sunday includes a high of 38 degrees this afternoon with alow of 18 degrees. Friday calls for a 70 per cent chance of snow with1 – 2 new inches of snow possible. High temperature for Friday willbe near 33 degrees with a low of 17 and a 50 per cent chance of snowon Friday night. Saturday calls for a 20 per cent chance of snow,mostly sunny and a high near 30. Saturday night’s forecast includesa 20 per cent chance of snow with a low around 12 degrees. Temps onSunday will be near 22 degrees with a low around 11 degrees.

The reservation period has ended forboth family campgrounds and the Outdoor Group Campground. All flushtoilets, showers and fountains are closed for the season, with theexception of the winterized faucet located just east of the showerbuilding in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. All reservations forcampsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made throughReserve America. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance overthe telephone at888-947-2757, or online atwww.wiparks.net.

The concession stand is closed for theseason. Firewood should be available from vendors located near thepark entrance.

Fees for using the Indoor Group Camphave changed. Fees are now $6 per person per night and $300 minimumper night.

BIRD SIGHTINGS:The office bird feedersare a flurry of activity with the recent cold, wind and snow.Raccoons have ceased to be a problem because of the coldertemperatures, but a few deer have found the feeders during the nighttime hours. A sharp-shinned hawk has also found the feeders, makingit a “bird feeder” in the every sense of the word. It is amazingto see the birds scatter when the sharp-shinned makes its suddenappearance. The landscape is certainly beautiful with the snow andthe bright red of the many cardinals. Bird sightings in the parkinclude: bluejays, juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves,red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers,pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, tree sparrows, purple finches,wild turkeys, various hawks, and bald eagles.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT:A number ofice anglers have been taking advantage of the colder weather. We donot monitor ice conditions.

PARK HAPPENINGS:Interviews on parkmanager position are moving forward, but still no word on parksuperintendent position. Greg’s time at Wyalusing is limited tojust a few more days, but he will continue to be available to parkstaff as needed.

2012Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule

Programs will resume in the spring.

Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday, September 29

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

Make your camping reservation now. Moreinfo to be announced at a later date.

Area Events

February 4 & 5

Annual Fisheree-Ice fishing competitionon waters (ice) near Prairie du Chien with headquarters at LakeviewMarina Bar & Restaurant, County Highway K, PdC. This is an outingfor the entire family, fishing prizes and evening entertainment.Fisheree will be held Ice or No Ice. For more info: 1-800-1673

February 25

Bald Eagle Appreciation Day

Live Bald Eagle and raptor programs,exhibits, birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing of Bald Eaglesthrough spotting scopes, life-sized Bald Eagle nest, children’s’activities. This event will be held at the PdC regional TourismCenter, Americinn Motel, and The Eagles Club. More info please call:1-800-1673.

NELSON DEWEY STATE PARK CURRENTCONDITIONS

Nelson Dewey State Park’s roadwayswill not be plowed this winter. The parking lot near the park officewill be plowed and visitors are welcome to hike into the park fromthe lot. There are no ski trails at Nelson Dewey, but people can skior snow shoe in the park from the parking lot.

Cassville Bald Eagle Days will be heldon Saturday, January 28 and 29. The road into the park will be plowedfor eagle viewing.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T15:22:00.000-06:00

DATE:Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TRAIL CONDITIONS:This area receivedapproximately 5 or 6 inches of snow on Thursday of last week. Thesnow was light and fluffy and it was very windy. There are areas ofthe park that have accumulations of 5 or 6 inches and other areaswhere blades of grass are still peeking through. Cross country skitrails were packed on Monday, but no grooming has been done to dateas there is just not enough snow. There were a few skiers who broketheir own trail on Saturday. All hiking trails will be snow covered.Please remember, no pets or walking on the ski trails. Both canquickly ruin a well groomed trail.

WEEKEND FORECAST:The forecast for todaythrough Sunday includes a high of 21 degrees this afternoon with aslight chance of snow before 9 p.m. Tonight will be cold with a lownear 1 degree, but winds will be brisk forcing the wind chill valuesdown to a negative 15. Thursday will be mostly sunny, but cold with ahigh near 7 degrees and chill factor as low as -19 degrees. Snow islikely on Friday with a 70 per cent chance of precipitation. Friday’shigh temp is forecast at 14 degrees with a low around 2 degrees.Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny with a high of 21 and a lowaround 18 degrees. Sunday there is a chance of rain and snow with ahigh near 34 degrees. I think winter may be here to stay.

Wyalusing has had campers every weekendsince January 1. This past weekend we had 5 gentlemen in tentscamping on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The reservation periodhas ended for both family campgrounds and the Outdoor GroupCampground. All flush toilets, showers and fountains are closed forthe season, with the exception of the winterized faucet located justeast of the shower building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Allreservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests aremade through Reserve America. Reservations can be made 11 months inadvance over the telephone at888-947-2757, or onlineatwww.wiparks.net.

The concession stand is closed for theseason. Firewood should be available from vendors located near thepark entrance.

Fees for using the Indoor Group Camphave changed. Fees are now $6 per person per night and $300 minimumper night.

BIRD SIGHTINGS:The office bird feedersare a flurry of activity with the recent cold, wind and snow.Raccoons have ceased to be a problem because of the coldertemperatures. A sharp-shinned hawk has also found the feeders, makingit a “bird feeder” in the every sense of the word. It is amazingto see the birds scatter when the sharp-shinned makes its suddenappearance. The landscape is certainly beautiful with the snow andthe bright red of the many cardinals. Bird sightings in the parkinclude: bluejays, juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves,red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers,pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, tree sparrows, purple finches,wild turkeys, various hawks, and bald eagles.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT:A number ofice anglers have been taking advantage of the colder weather. OnSaturday there were a number of fishermen on the ice at the park’sboat landing, but on Sunday just a few, which means the fish were notbiting on Saturday or everyone was home waiting for the Packers toplay. We do not monitor ice conditions.

PARK HAPPENINGS:Interviews on parkmanager position are moving forward, but still no word on parksuperintendent position. Today, we once again say good-bye to GregPittz. His weekly schedule at Wyalusing ends today, but he will stillbe available as needed.

2012Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule

Programs will resume in the spring.

Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday, September 29

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

Make your camping reservation now. Moreinfo to be announced at a later date.

January 11, 2012

2012-01-11T11:25:00.000-06:00

FROM THE BLUFFSOF WYALUSING
Wyalusing State Park
13081 State Park Lane
Bagley, WI 53801
Phone: 608-996-2261
www.wyalusing.org
DATE: Wednesday, January 11, 2012
TRAIL CONDITIONS: Mississippi Ridge, Walnut Springs, Prairie Trail and Turkey Hollow Trails should be in good hiking condition. Sand Cave and Sentinel Ridge Trails and Sugar Maple Nature Trail may have patches of snow or ice remaining on north facing slopes. Temperatures reached 50 degrees yesterday and expected high temperature today will be in low to mid 40’s, but because of the bluff areas, these patches may remain icy. Sentinel Ridge and Mississippi Ridge Trails are an excellent choice for an easy walk through the woods overlooking the bluffs with a great view of the Mighty Mississippi.
WEEKEND FORECAST: The forecast for today through Sunday includes 80 per cent chance of snow and rain tonight with a low near 20 degrees and new snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible. Thursday’s forecast calls for snow and patchy blowing snow with temps falling to 18 degrees by 5 p.m. and winds gusts as high as 26 mph. There is an 80 per cent chance of snow on Thursday with additional snow accumulation of 1-3 inches. Thursday night temps will drop to around 12 degrees with wind chill values as low as negative 2 degrees. Friday calls for 20 percent chance of snow before noon with a high near 18 degrees and a low around 8 degrees. Saturday and Sunday, temps will reach mid to upper 20’s with a slight chance of snow.
CAMPING INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping on a first come, first served basis. The warmer temperatures should make “winter camping” a bit more appealing for those who do not enjoy the frigid temperatures of a “normal January”. The reservation period has ended for both family campgrounds and the Outdoor Group Campground. The dumping station is closed, but campers can fill their tanks, using their own hose at the winterized faucet located just east of the shower flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The water at the dumping station has been shut off. The shower/flush toilet building is closed for the season. All fountains throughout the park are shut down for the season with the exception of the winterized faucet All reservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made through Reserve America. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance over the telephone at 888-947-2757, or online at www.wiparks.net.
The concession stand is closed for the season. Firewood should be available from vendors located near the park entrance.
Fees for using the Indoor Group Camp have changed. Fees are now $6 per person per night and $300 minimum per night.
BIRD SIGHTINGS: The local bird population has now found the new feeding station. So have the raccoons. The unseasonably warm temperatures mean the raccoons are still out and they attack the feeders overnight, leaving them empty and on the ground. Hopefully with colder temperatures, the raccoons will no longer be raiding the feeders. Bird sightings in the park include: bluejays, juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles. A bluebird was heard this morning. Alex and Libby Stark, avid bird watchers from Prairie du Chien spotted a flock of red crossbills on Monday, January 2 in the pines south of Homestead Picnic Shelter. Redpolls, pine siskins and red-breasted nuthatches were also sighted. The birds were feeding on pine cone seeds. Alex has checked a number of times since January 2, but the birds are no longer there. Today he did see one pine siskin.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT: No ice anglers to date at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park. I think the ice fishermen are getting impatient for colder weather and thick ice. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is at 7.7 the same as yesterday. The water is too thick for boating, but not thick enough for ice fishing.
PARK HAPPENINGS: The unseasonable warm weather has certainly increased the amount of traffic at the park last week and so far this week. We have had more people in the park last week and yesterday than we had in November and December combined. We had one camper on Friday and Saturday night of last week.
Budget work, campground host assignments for both Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey, and sticker sales have occupied much of Bev’s time this week. Soon it will be time to start the 2012 edition of the Wyalusing State Park Visitor.
The Friends of Wyalusing have decided to cancel Ground Hog Daze this year.
2012Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule Programs will resume in the spring.Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events.
Saturday, September 29Spirits of Wyalusing PastMake your camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later date.

January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T15:58:00.000-06:00

FROM THE BLUFFS

OF WYALUSING

Wyalusing State Park

13081 State Park Lane

Bagley, WI 53801

Phone: 608-996-2261

www.wyalusing.org

DATE: Thursday, January 5, 2012

TRAIL CONDITIONS: MississippiRidge, Walnut Springs, Prairie Trail and Turkey Hollow Trails shouldbe in good hiking condition. Sand Cave and Sentinel Ridge Trails andSugar Maple Nature Trail may have patches of snow or ice remaining onnorth facing slopes. Temperatures are expected to reach close to 50degrees this afternoon, but because of the bluff areas, these patchesmay remain icy. Forecast for this weekend includes a highnear 45 degrees for Friday and temperatures near 40 degrees forSaturday and Sunday. Overnight lows are expected to rangebetween 25 – 33 degrees. Sentinel Ridge Trail is anexcellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woods overlookingthe bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and the WisconsinRivers. Bird and squirrel nests, previously hiddenby full leaf coverage, are now clearly visible in the bare trees. Amazing river views can now be seen due to lack of vegetation.

The warmer temperatures should make“winter camping” a bit more appealing for those who do not enjoythe frigid temperatures of a “normal January”. Thereservation period has ended for both family campgrounds and theOutdoor Group Campground. The dumping station is closed, butcampers can fill their tanks, using their own hose at the winterizedfaucet located just east of the shower flush building in theWisconsin Ridge Campground. The water at the dumping stationhas been shut off. The shower/flush toilet building is closedfor the season. All fountains throughout the park are shut downfor the season with the exception of the winterized faucet Allreservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests aremade through Reserve America. Reservations can be made 11months in advance over the telephone at 888-947-2757, or onlineat www.wiparks.net.

The concession stand is closed for theseason. Firewood should be available from vendors located nearthe park entrance.

Fees for using the Indoor Group Camphave changed. Fees are now $6 per person per night and $300minimum per night.

BIRD SIGHTINGS: The local birdpopulation has now found the new feeding station. So have theraccoons. The unseasonably warm temperatures mean the raccoonsare still out and they attack the feeders overnight, leaving themempty and on the ground. The raccoons have not bothered thefeeders this week. Bird sightings in the park include:bluejays, juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, red-belliedwoodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headedwoodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys,pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles. Alex and Libby Stark,avid bird watchers from Prairie du Chien spotted a flock of redcrossbills on Monday, January 2 in the pines south of HomesteadPicnic Shelter. Redpolls, pine siskins and red-breastednuthatches were also sighted. The birds were feeding on pinecone seeds.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT: No iceanglers to date at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park. I thinkthe ice fishermen are getting impatient for colder weather and thickice. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is at 8.1, up.3 from yesterday. The water is too thick for boating, but notthick enough for ice fishing.

PARK HAPPENINGS: The unseasonablewarm weather has certainly increased the amount of traffic at thepark this week. We have had more people in the park this weekthan we had in November and December combined. We had 2 campersbetween Christmas and New Years. Sticker sales have certainlyincreased this week compared to other years.

Budget work, picnic shelterreservations, campground host assignments for both Wyalusing andNelson Dewey, and sticker sales have occupied much of Bev’s timethis week. Soon it will be time to start the 2012 edition ofthe Wyalusing State Park Visitor.

The Friends of Wyalusing have decidedto cancel Ground Hog Daze this year.

2012Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule

Programs will resume in the spring.

Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday, September 29

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

Make your camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later date.

December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T13:40:00.004-06:00

FROM THE BLUFFS

OF WYALUSING

Wyalusing State Park

13081 State Park Lane

Bagley, WI 53801

Phone: 608-996-2261

www.wyalusing.org

DATE:Wednesday, December 21, 2011

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Trails should be ingood hiking condition. Wyalusing received a very slight dusting ofsnow overnight. With the present forecast, it looks as though wewill not have a white Christmas at Wyalusing. Sentinel Ridge Trail isan excellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woodsoverlooking the bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and theWisconsin Rivers. Bird and squirrel nests, previously hidden by fullleaf coverage, are now clearly visible in the bare trees. Amazingriver views can now be seen due to lack of vegetation.

CAMPING INFORMATION:HomesteadCampground, Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp areclosed for the season. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open forcamping on a first come, first served basis. The reservation periodhas ended for both family campgrounds and the Outdoor GroupCampground. The dumping station is closed, but campers can fill theirtanks, using their own hose at the winterized faucet located justeast of the shower flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.Campers can use the dumping station to dump. The water at the dumpingstation has been shut off. The shower/flush toilet building is closedfor the season. All fountains throughout the park are shut down forthe season with the exception of the winterized faucet Allreservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests aremade through Reserve America. Reservations can be made 11 months inadvance over the telephone at888-947-2757, or onlineatwww.wiparks.net.

The concession stand is closed for theseason. Firewood should be available from vendors located near thepark entrance.

Fees for using the Indoor Group Camphave changed. Fees are now $6 per person per night and $300 minimumper night.

BIRD SIGHTINGS:The local birdpopulation has now found the new feeding station. So have theraccoons. The unseasonably warm temperatures mean the raccoons arestill out and they attack the feeders overnight, leaving them emptyand on the ground. Bird sightings in the park include: bluejays,juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, bluebirds,red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers,red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wildturkeys, pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT:No ice anglersto date at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park yet this year. Ithink the ice fishermen are getting impatient for colder weather andthick ice.Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is at 7.9

PARK HAPPENINGS:Camping and visitationhave all but ended. The 2012 stickers are ready for sale and peopleare coming up to buy them for Christmas presents. Stickers can alsobe purchased over the phone with a credit card – stickers will bemailed out the same day or next. The last day for mailing stickersin time for Christmas is Thursday, December 22. Many of us haveannual leave to use before the end of the year, so some days parkstaff may be hard to find. The park will not be staffed on ChristmasEve, Christmas Day, December 26, December 31, January 1 and January2. This means that in the event of snowfall, the park roads will notbe plowed. If you would like to purchase a park sticker, pleasecomplete a self registration form (located in the kiosk by the frontdoor of the office) and the sticker will be mailed out the followingday. Greg Pittz continues at Wyalusing until a new manager is inplace which could be sometime next month. Interviews for vacantmanager positions were held about 3 weeks ago.

The next Friends of Wyalusing meetingwill be held on Saturday, January 28that the Bagley Community Center.Meeting will start at 4 p.m. with a Holiday Party to follow. GroundHog Daze events were discussed at the November meeting. Emaildiscussion on proceeding with Ground Hog Daze was held among boardmembers last week and to date no decision has been made.

2011 Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule

The last astronomy program was lastSaturday. They will resume in the spring.

Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday, February 4

Ground Hog Daze ??

Peterson Shelter – Wyalusing StatePark

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, September 29

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

Make your camping reservation now. Moreinfo to be announced at a later date.

This will be the last Bluff Report for2011. I would once again like to thank everyone who has helpedWyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks this past year to continue tobe the beautiful properties that they are. You are a force to bereckoned with and your continued volunteering and support does not gounnoticed or unappreciated. We have come to depend on volunteers atboth properties. I would also like to thank those of you who havechosen both Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks as your favoritecamping and day use properties. We will do our best to maintain theseparks in the high standards that you have been accustomed to. Onemore note of appreciation – I would like to thank the staff atWyalusing State Park for their dedication and commitment to the parkand to each other. We are truly a team and realize that togetherthere we can accomplish great things for the parks. I think we allfeel that working at the parks is more than just a job. We feelprivileged to work for the Wisconsin DNR at Wyalusing and NelsonDewey State Parks.

One more thing to share in this holidayseason – 2 “regular” campers just came to Wyalusing to bring ussome Christmas treats (hint hint) and they told me the following:

“Coming to Wyalusing State Park isbetter than going to Disney World”.

I wish all of you a very MerryChristmas and the very best in 2012.

November 16, 2011

2011-11-16T14:35:00.001-06:00

FROM THE BLUFFS
OF WYALUSING

Wyalusing State Park
13081 State Park Lane
Bagley, WI 53801
Phone: 608-996-2261
www.wyalusing.org

DATE: Wednesday, November 16, 2011

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Trails should be in good hiking (and hunting) condition. All of the snow from last week was gone by Sunday. Sentinel Ridge Trail is an excellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woods overlooking the colorful bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers.    Bird and squirrel nests, previously hidden by full leaf coverage, are now clearly visible in the bare trees. Amazing river views can now be seen due to lack of vegetation.
CAMPING INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Campground are closed for the season. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping on a first come, first served basis. The reservation period has ended for both family campgrounds and the Outdoor Group Campground. The dumping station is closed, but campers can fill their tanks, using their own hose at the winterized faucet located just east of the shower flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Campers can use the dumping station to dump. The water at the dumping station has been shut off. The shower/flush toilet building is closed for the season. All fountains throughout the park are shut down for the season with the exception of the winterized faucet All reservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made through Reserve America. Reservations can be made over the telephone at 888-947-2757, or online at www.wiparks.net.
The concession stand is closed for the season.. Firewood should be available from vendors located near the park entrance.

BIRD SIGHTINGS: Bird sightings in the park include: bluejays, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, bluebirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles. An influx of juncos showed up this week near the park office, scratching and feeding along the roadway. The large number of oak trees in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground makes it a great place to find red-headed woodpeckers this time of year.
Feeding system at park office will be revamped soon
MAMMAL SIGHTINGS: The howling of coyotes is a familiar sound in the Homestead Campground. MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT: Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien this morning is 7.4 feet, down .1 from yesterday. With the still mild temperatures, anglers are still using the boat landing. I think many feel they want to get out on the river before it freezes.
DEER HUNTING IN THE PARK: The annual 9 day gun deer hunt at Wyalusing State Park will begin on Saturday, November 19th and conclude on Sunday, November 27th. Only holders of a 2011 Park Access Permit for deer hunting in Wyalusing State Park (Deer Management Unit 73A) may deer hunt in the park. Wyalusing State Park is not open to deer hunting during other seasons or to archery hunting. No other species of wildlife may be hunted within the park.
FORECAST FOR THIS WEEKEND: Friday – mostly sunny with a high near 50 and breezy with a south wind between 10 and 17 mph, gusting to 25 mph. Friday night – 20 per cent chance of rain after midnight, low around 37. Saturday: 50 per cent chance of rain, cloudy with a high near 54. Saturday night: Chance of rain and snow, cloudy and breezy, low around 31. Sunday: Partly sunny (mostly cloudy) high near 39.
PARK HAPPENINGS: We have had campers every night, with the exception of 1 night with no campers. This past weekend there were 5 campsites occupied. Last night (Tuesday) we had 3 sites registered. Visitation has slowed to just a few visitors daily. We will most likely have a number of campsites occupied by deer hunters this weekend. Bev will be closing out the 2011 sticker accounts this week and next in preparation for the sale of the 2012 stickers which have arrived. We will sell the 2012 stickers beginning on December 1 and they are valid for use at that time through December 31, 2012. Other staff is busy with leaf blowing, boundary signing and indoor group camp shutdown continues. We said goodbye to Greg Pittz, yesterday. Greg filled in as acting park superintendent since June. Greg Pittz will remain at Wyalusing until a new manager is in place. He will work 1 or 2 days per week dependent on his personal schedule. Staff is glad to have him continue on at Wyalusing until manager and supervisor positions are filled. We truly appreciate his commitment to Wyalusing. The interpretive signs depicting life in the Civilian Conservation Camp (Camp Nelson Dewey) at Wyalusing State Park have been ordered (just today in fact). There were a number of changes that had to be made and finally today I felt safe in giving the company the final approval to proceed with the printing.
Friends of Wyalusing will not meet in December. Ground Hog Daze events were discussed at the November meeting and will include a twilight hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. A number of other possibilities were discussed and more discussion will continue via email.

2011 Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule
The last astronomy program was last Saturday. They will resume in the spring.
Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events
Saturday, February 4
Ground Hog Daze
Peterson Shelter – Wyalusing State Park
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, September 29
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Make your camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later date.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

2011-11-10T11:50:00.000-06:00

TRAIL CONDITIONS:

Wyalusing State Park received a few inches of heavy, wet snow on Wednesday, November 9.Hiking trails may have some snow cover, but with temperatures in the upper 30’s today and high temperatures for Friday and Saturday predicted in the low to mid 50’s , the snow will not last long. Trails may be wet and with heavy leaf cover, trails may be slippery. Sentinel Ridge Trail is an excellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woods overlooking the colorful bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers. Bird and squirrel nests, previously hidden by full leaf coverage, are now clearly visible in the bare trees. Amazing river views can now be seen due to lack of vegetation. Many of the gold tamarack leaves (needles) at the park entrance fell yesterday with the heavy snow and strong winds. Soon the branches will be bare. The tamarack tree, also known as a larch, is the only conifer in Wisconsin that sheds all of its leaves (needles) each fall.

CAMPING INFORMATION:

Homestead Campground, Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Campground are closed for the season. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping on a first come, first served basis. The reservation period has ended for both family campgrounds and the Outdoor Group Campground. The dumping station is closed, but campers can fill their tanks, using their own hose at the winterized faucet located just east of the shower flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Campers can use the dumping station to dump. The water at the dumping station has been shut off. The shower/flush toilet building is closed for the season. All fountains throughout the park are shut down for the season with the exception of the winterized faucet All reservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made through Reserve America. Reservations can be made over the telephone at 888-947-2757, or online at www.wiparks.net.

The concession stand is closed for the season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support. The concession had a great season. Firewood should be available from vendors located near the park entrance. Canoe and kayak rental is no longer available.

BIRD SIGHTINGS:

Bird sightings in the park include: blue jays, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, bluebirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles. The large number of oak trees in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground makes it a great place to find red-headed woodpeckers this time of year. Flocks of robins and bluebirds have been congregating in preparation for their trip to warmer winter climates.

Feeding system at park office may be revamped. Due to high cost of sunflower seeds, feeders may not be maintained until later this month or early winter.

MAMMAL SIGHTINGS:

he howling of coyotes is a familiar sound in the Homestead Campground. Raccoons are frequent visitors to campsites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT: Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien this morning is 7.6 feet.

There were a number of boats at the boat landing on Monday and Tuesday of this week, but no fishing report from the anglers.

DEER HUNTING IN THE PARK:

The annual 9 day gun deer hunt at Wyalusing State Park will begin on Saturday, November 19th and conclude on Sunday, November 27^th.Only holders of a 2011 Park Access Permit for deer hunting in Wyalusing State Park (Deer Management Unit 73A) may deer hunt in the park. Wyalusing State Park is not open to deer hunting during other seasons or to archery hunting. No other species of wildlife may be hunted within the park.

PARK HAPPENINGS:

Camping and visitation have slowed to just a few visitors daily. To date, we have had 1 night since November 1 with 0 campers. Currently we have had 1 site occupied since Tuesday evening and they will remain in the park until Sunday. A few more campers are expected for this weekend. Bev continues the catch-up process in her paper-work duties for both Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks. Other staff is busy with seasonal water turnoff as well as winter preparation at Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks. The shutdown procedure for the Indoor Group Camp has also started.

We said goodbye to Greg Pittz, yesterday. Greg filled in as acting park superintendent since June. We enjoyed working with Greg and getting to know him. Greg filled a much needed niche at the park. We will certainly miss him. Thanks, Greg, for coming out of retirement to help at Wyalusing these past few months. Greg may be back on a more limited basis, but that has not been decided. So at this time of year, we are down to 4 permanent staff: Lisa and Chris, park rangers, Dave, facility repair worker and myself, visitor service associate.

The interpretive signs depicting life in the Civilian Conservation Camp (Camp Nelson Dewey) at Wyalusing State Park have been ordered and we were hoping to have them by the end of November. But, we are still in the proofing process to make sure the signs are correct. Final proofs will hopefully be submitted by tomorrow or early next week. The process for renaming “the old office” to The Paul Lawrence Interpretive Center is now complete – all paperwork has been submitted. Thanks to Greg for taking charge of both of these issues in addition to everything else he handled.

2011 Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule

The last astronomy program was last Saturday. They will resume in the spring.

Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events

Saturday, February 4

Ground Hog Daze

Peterson Shelter – Wyalusing State Park

More information and time to be announced soon.

Saturday, September 29

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

Make your camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later date.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

2011-10-27T10:36:00.000-05:00

Click Map for Information.

DATE: Thursday, October 27, 2011

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Hiking trails should be in good condition. Sentinel Ridge Trail is an excellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woods overlooking the colorful bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers. Even though Wyalusing State Park is “weeks past peak leaf color” and many trees are bare, the bluffs are still beautiful with various shades of rust, mauve, maroon, amber, yellow and brown highlighting the oaks and aspens. The colors are more muted than the brilliance of Columbus Day Weekend, when colors were at their peak. The drive up County Highway C on the way to the park and the bluffs surrounding Prairie du Chien offer late season leaf lookers an opportunity for late fall color. As I look out my office windows today with the sun trying to break through the clouds, I still marvel at the fall beauty I am surrounded by. Bird and squirrel nests, previously hidden by full leaf coverage, are now clearly visible in the bare trees. Amazing river views can now be seen due to lack of vegetation. A hike through the beautiful fall woods in late October at Wyalusing State Park has become a family tradition for many over this long 4 day weekend for many school districts.

Click image to enlarge

CAMPING INFORMATION: The Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campgrounds are both open for camping. The reservation period for Homestead Campground is over for this year – all sites are open on a first come, first served basis. Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for reservations through October 31. Many of the reservable bluff and electric sites have been taken, but there are still a good number of nice sites, including electric, available in both campgrounds. The showers and drinking fountains in Homestead Campground are closed for the year. The dumping station is closed, but campers can fill their tanks, using their own hose at the winterized faucet located just east of the shower flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Campers can use the dumping station to dump. The water at the dumping station has been shut off. The shower/flush toilet building in the Wisconsin Ridge will remain open for this weekend. Homestead campers are welcome to drive to the Wisconsin Ridge for water, showers and flush toilets. The flush toilet building located at the entrance to the Wisconsin Ridge Campground is closed for the season. Water faucets in all picnic areas and the Outdoor Group Camp are shut down for the winter.

This is a popular “last camping trip of the year” weekend due to the statewide teachers’ convention which means no school today and tomorrow for many school districts. Weather forecast for this weekend calls for a high of 52 degrees today with a 30% chance of rain. We had rain early this morning, and as of this writing it is partly sunny with white puffy clouds and blue skies. Low tonight will be near 32 degrees. Friday calls for partly sunny with a high near 54 degrees and a low near 30 degrees. Saturday calls for sunny skies with a high near near 53 and a low of 39 degrees. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date, and can be made 11 months in advance. All reservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made through Reserve America. Reservations can be made over the telephone at 888-947-2757, or online at www.wiparks.net.

The concession stand is closed for the season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support. The concession had a great season. The campground hosts on site 153 in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground will be available for canoe and kayak rental. The concession stand is out of firewood, so campers will need to purchase it through local vendors all located within a mile of the park.

BIRD SIGHTINGS: Bird sightings in the park include: bluejays, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, Northern flickers. bluebirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers,

red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, turkey vultures, various hawks, bald eagles. The large number of oak trees in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground makes it a great place to find red-headed woodpeckers this time of year. Flocks of robins and bluebirds have been congregating in preparation of their trip to warmer winter climates.
Feeding system at park office may be revamped. Due to high cost of sunflower seeds, feeders may not be maintained until later this fall or early winter.

BIRD TIPS AND INFORMATION: Watch for robins and cedar waxwings feeding on red osier dogwood and mountain ash berries. Blue jays will take several seeds at once from a feeder and fly away to hide them to eat later. Birds don’t need your feeders to survive, but keeping the feeders filled on a regular basis will make it more likely for you to get more birds visiting your feeders.

MAMMAL SIGHTINGS: The howling of coyotes is a familiar sound in the Homestead Campground.
Raccoons are frequent visitors to campsites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Campers are reminded not to feed raccoons, and to take their garbage and recycling to the dumpsters each day. Food should be kept in the vehicle.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT: Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien this morning is 7.5 feet, up .10 from yesterday. Anglers are still successful, with nice catches of blue gills being reported.

PARK HAPPENINGS: Camping and visitation have decreased considerably this week, so Bev has started the catch-up process in her paper-work duties. Other staff is busy with seasonal water turnoff as well as winter preparation at Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks. Camphosts Bill and Linda Pike will leave Wyalusing on November 1. They have been very busy with cleaning fire rings, leaf removal, making campers feel welcome, and whatever else needs to be done. We will certainly miss their help and friendly faces. Greg Pittz, acting park superintendent will remain at Wyalusing through early-mid November.

2011 Starsplitter Astronomy Schedule
The last astronomy program was last Saturday. They will resume in the spring.

2011-10-17T13:11:00.001-05:00

Click image to enlarge

WyalusingState Park:

ConcessionStand closed for the season.

Homesteadshowers:Closed

Homesteadwater fountains:Closed

DumpingStation: Closed- Campers may still use the dumping station to dump ifthey have water to flush.

Campersmay fill their tanks usingtheir own hoseat the winterized faucet just east of the Wisconsin RidgeShower/Flush Building (located in the center of Wisconsin RidgeCampground. (Note: A small parking lot is located just east of theclosed shower building on Wisconsin Ridge that will provide temporaryparking without snow. The hydrant is located on the north side of theroad. A 50 foot hose is recommended.)

Showersand flush toilets are still open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.Campers using Homestead Campground are welcome to use the showers inthe Wisconsin Ridge Campground.

Firewoodand canoe/kayak rentals are available from the campground host onsite 153 in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. There are also anumber of firewood vendors located within 1 mile of the parkentrance.

Thelast Astronomy Program of the season will be this Saturday, October22, at 8:30 p.m.

FallColor Outlook: Most of the trees are bare, with mainly the oaksretaining their leaves.

CampingOutlook: Once again electricity will be in demand for this weekend. All sites in Homestead Campground, including the electric sites areopen on a first come first serve basis. WisconsinRidge has 4 reservable electric sites open for reservations as ofMonday morning.

NelsonDewey State Park:

Reservationperiod has ended - all sites available on a first come first servedbasis.

Showers,dumping station and all water faucets are closed for the season.

Campersmay still dump is they have water in their tanks to flush.

Thanksfor everyone helping to get the word out about Nelson Dewey andWyalusing State Parks

Wednesday, October 12, 02011

2011-10-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Click on image for large photo.

Hiking trails should be in good condition. Rain is forecast for this afternoon through tomorrow. With today’s rain, and the fallen leaves, trails may be a bit slippery due to the wetleaves down on the trails. Sentinel Ridge Trail is an excellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woods overlooking the colorful bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers. Even though Wyalusing State Park is “past peakleaf color”, and many leaves have fallen, it is still a beautiful time of the year to get out to the parks and hike, camp and canoe. As of this writing, there is still some color, although the trees are not as brilliant as they were last week at this time. The oaks of Wyalusing remain beautiful with shades of rust, maroon, and brown, long after all the other trees have lost their leaves. (Read about each of the trails here.)

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.

The Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campgrounds are both open for camping. Sites 201 – 206 and 208-219 remain open in Homestead Campground for advance registrations through October16. as well as walk in camping. Sites 101-133 and 135-141 are open for reservations in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground through October 31. Sites 142-155 are available on a first come first serve basis year around. As of today, there is one receivables siteopen in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground for this weekend as well as a number of nonreservable bluff sites. Electrical sites remain in high demand and at this time there are 2 electrical sites open through the weekend. Showers, flush toilets, dumping stationand water fountains will still be on for this weekend. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date, and can be made 11 months in advance. All reservations for campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made through Reserve America. Reservations can be made over the telephone at 888-947-2757, or online at www.wiparks.net.

The showers in Homestead Campground are closed. Campers can use the showers in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.

The concession stand is closed for the season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support. The concession had a great season. The campground hosts on site 153 in the WisconsinRidge Campground will sell firewood, ice and canoe and kayak rental on a limited basis.

Homestead Campground should have a number of sites available this weekend. As usual this time of year, electrical sites will be difficult to get.

FALL COLOR REPORT: With the rain and windy conditions, many of the trees will have dropped their

leaves by this weekend. But the remaining leaves will still have some color, and with any amount of sunshine,it should still be a nice weekend.

The Birdwatcher Gazette
BIRD SIGHTINGS:
Bird sightings in the park include: bluejays, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, Northern flickers. bluebirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, turkey vultures, various hawks, bald eagles. The large number of oak trees in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground makes it a great place to find red-headed woodpeckers this time of year.

BIRD TIPS AND INFORMATION: If you are going to add any poles for feeders or nest boxes to your yard, do it now before the ground freezes. The first juncos and white-throated sparrows should arrive in the next few days. Watch for robins and cedar waxwings feeding on red-osier dogwood, mountain ash, apples, and winterberry. Keep thistle feeders full since goldfinches are still around, just in their dull winter plumage. Pine siskins, the streaked cousin of the goldfinch are also attracted to thistle seed. Flickers, robins, and bluebirds are beginning to flock together.

Emerald Ash Borer Still a Threat.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 25 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has beenchanged from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

MAMMAL SIGHTINGS: The howling of coyotes is a familiar sound in the Homestead Campground. Raccoons are frequent visitors to campsites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Campers are reminded not to feed raccoons, and to take their garbage and recycling to the dumpsters each day. Food should be kept in the vehicle

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REPORT: Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien this morning is 7.4 feet, same as yesterday. According to the number of boats at the boat landing in the park the last 2 weeks, fishing must be very good.

The Star Splitters of Wyalusing Saturday, October 22 will be the last astronomy program for this year. The program will start at 8:30 p.m. announced at a later date.

PARK HAPPENINGS:
Park staff has been working hard just trying to keep up with the busy fall camping and leaf looking season. Last week was one of the busiest weeks of the entire year. The Columbus DayWeekend was very busy at the park with colors at peak and perfect fall camping and hiking weather. October Campground Hosts Bill and Linda Pike arrived on October 4. They are busy with cleaning fire rings, leaf removal, making campers feel welcome, and whateverelse needs to be done. We said goodbye to Tom and Janet Klein who hosted at Wyalusing in August and September. Greg Pittz, acting park superintendent will remain at Wyalusing through early-mid November.

Note: Astronomy programs are held on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday nights of the month May through October. Programs begin at 8:30 p.m. and are held rain or shine.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

2011-07-14T17:07:00.002-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Click on image for large photo.

Park trails should be in excellent hiking condition. We have received no rain in the past few days. (Read about each of the trails here.)

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.
Both the Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campground are open for camping. The flush bathrooms and showers are open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, but showers in Homestead Campground are not open at this time. People camping in Homestead Campground can drive to the Wisconsin Ridge Campground for showers. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance and must be made at least 2 days prior to your arrival date through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.

Nelson Dewey State Park

As of Thursday morning, we have 10 sites available for the weekend, including 2 electric sites. These sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. People interested in camping without reservations may want to call ahead to check availability before they head out. Nelson Dewey State Park, just 23 miles south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville, Wisconsin, has a number of nice electric and non electric sites also open on a first come, first served basis. The sites at Nelson Dewey are some of the nicest sites I have seen in Wisconsin State Parks – wooded and secluded. Showers and flush bathrooms are available in the family campground and firewood is available from the campground host.
The forecast this weekend includes a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms tonight through Friday night with that chance increasing to 40 percent for Saturday. Temperatures will be on the rise as well as the humidity. Saturday’s high temp is predicted at 87 and Sunday temps will reach a high of 93. Lows will range from mid 60’s to mid 70’s for this weekend.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: (Link)
The Mississippi River remains higher than normal for this time of year. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien today is 11.1 feet. The concession stand is renting canoes and kayaks. I believe that most people are paddling the backwater area of the Mississippi River and not the main channel. Reports that I have heard are that the backwater area now is like canoeing through the forest and is a lot of fun.

Emerald Ash Borer Still a Threat.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

The Birdwatcher Gazette

Bird sightings:

Eastern Kingbird

Great Crested Flycatcher

Humming birds continue to delight park visitors and campers. It is rare for anyone entering the park to not stop and watch their antics for a few minutes before heading into the park. The number of “hummers” is back to near normal and the tiny birds are consuming about 2 gallons of sugar water per day. Bird sightings include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, Eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson’s thrush, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, warbling vireo, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Henslow’s sparrow, throated bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars.
On June 3, I am very happy to report that the Bell’s Vireo was once again sighted in Wyalusing State Park. The Bell’s Vireo once nested at Wyalusing, but had not been sighted for at least 2 or 3 years. The location for the Bell’s Vireo has changed from west of the park office to the entrance road. The Bell’s Vireo as well as two other birds not reported in the last few years (worm-eating warbler and the least flycatcher ) were also reported by the same birders from Pennsylvania. Chris West also reported the Bell’s Vireo on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.
A copy of an updated list (current through June 9) can be obtained at the park office. The list shows the date and location of the sighting.

Beard tongue

WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Ohio spiderwort, white indigo, butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed, pale purple coneflower, prairie phlox, beard tongue, columbine, black-eyed Susan purple prairie flower are all in bloom at this time in the prairie garden located at the park office. Thanks to Dorothy Messner for taking such good care of this beautiful garden. The hummingbirds and butterflies love it as due park visitors.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING:

Next meeting will be Monday, August 8. The meeting place will be the park office, the old park office or the Peterson Shelter. If it is hot and sticky, we will have the meeting at the park office. We will put the finishing touches on Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration, which will be held on Tuesday, August 9. Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration will be the next special event sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. This event will start at 6 p.m. at the Peterson Shelter with a parade through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, led by Smokey Bear himself. Activities will include “Pin the Hat on Smokey” and a reading of “The True Story of Smokey Bear”. A campsite decorating contest will also be held. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated campsite as well as the best decorated bicycle, tricycle, wagon or stroller in a Smokey Bear/Campfire Safety/Forest Fire Prevention theme. Forest Ranger Cindy Kohles will bring a DNR fire truck and talk about fire safety. Refreshments will be served including a “Smokey Bear Birthday Cake”. A few lucky children will take home a “Smokey Bear” doll, complete with ranger hat. All children will receive Smokey Bear items.

The StarSplitters of Wyalusing have started their monthly astronomy programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 8:30 p.m. Programs will run through the 2nd Saturday of October.

Saturday, July 16

Guided Canoe Trip

Presented by Bruce Klang

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Canoes and kayaks available for rent from concession stand. Concession stand opens at 8 a.m.

Meet at Wyalusing State Park Boat Landing

Saturday, July 30

Saturday, July 30

Guided Canoe Trip

Presented by Bruce Klang

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Canoes and kayaks available for rent from concession stand. Concession stand opens at 8 a.m.

Meet at Wyalusing State Park Boat Landing.

Ornamental Basket Making
7:00 p.m.
Location: Point Lookout Shelter or the old park office
Cost: $5
Presented by: Effigy Mounds National Park Ranger Mary Techau
Participants will make a small, colorful ornament-sized basket. Program will take 45 minutes and all supplies are included in the cost.

Saturday, August 6
Outdoor Cooking Demonstrations
10:00 a.m. through mid afternoon
Location: Across from the tennis courts

Tuesday, August 9

Smokey Bear Birthday Celebration – 6 p.m.

Parade, refreshments, “Pin the Hat on Smokey” and more.

Peterson Shelter

Saturday, August 13

Guided Canoe Hike

Presented by Bruce Klang

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Canoes and kayaks available for rent at concession stand. Concession stand opens 8:00 a.m.

Meet at Wyalusing State Park Boat Landing.

History Hike

1:00 p.m.

Meet at Peterson Shelter

Led by Bruce Klang

Sticks, Stones and Bones
6:30 p.m.
Location: Peterson Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Merle Frommelt and Barb Frommelt.
This program will include a presentation on Native Americans and a demonstration on the ancient tools and stone crafts of that time. See the Atlatl (ancient spear thrower) and how it works, and possibly even give it a try.

Saturday, August 27
Effigy Mounds Junior Ranger Program
10:00 a.m.
Location: Green Cloud Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Maria Wenzel. Program will include a hike with Ranger Wenzel to learn about the mond builders’ lives, play some ancient games and earn a National Park Badge. start mid morning and continue throughout the day.

Saturday, September 24

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

6:00 p.m.

Note: Astronomy programs are held on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday nights of the month May through October. Programs begin at 8:30 p.m. and are held rain or shine.

July 7, 2011

2011-07-08T07:39:00.002-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Click on image for large photo.

Park trails should be in excellent hiking condition. (Read about each of the trails here.)

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.
Both the Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campground are open for camping. The flush bathrooms and showers are open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, but showers in Homestead Campground are not open at this time. People camping in Homestead Campground can drive to the Wisconsin Ridge Campground for showers. As of Thursday morning, we have 8 sites available for the weekend, most in the Homestead Campground. There are no electric sites open for today through the weekend, but there is a possibility of 3 nonreservable electric sites opening on Friday. These sites are on a first-come, first-served basis and may be given out on the transfer list on Friday morning. People interested in camping without reservations may want to call ahead to check availability before they head out. Nelson Dewey State Park, just 23 miles south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville, Wisconsin, has 16 nonelectric sites and 3 electric sites open for this weekend as well as the 3 outdoor group sites. For campers arriving on Friday, these sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites at Nelson Dewey are some of the nicest sites I have seen in Wisconsin State Parks – wooded and secluded. Showers and flush bathrooms are available in the family campground and firewood is available from the campground host. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance and must be made at least 2 days prior to your arrival date through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.

The forecast this weekend includes a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms tonight, Friday and Saturday nights, with highs in the mid to upper 80’s and lows in the mid 60’s to 70 degrees.. Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is predicted for Sunday with partly sunny skies.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: (Link)
The Mississippi River remains high at 12.7 today, a drop of .2 from yesterday. The concession stand is renting out canoes and kayaks.

Emerald Ash Borer Still a Threat.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

The Birdwatcher Gazette

Bird sightings:

Humming birds continue to delight park visitors and campers. It is rare for anyone entering the park to not stop and watch their antics for a few minutes before heading into the park. The number of “hummers” is definitely down compared to a week or two ago. This may be due to the fact that they are busy raising their young and feeding them insects for protein.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Bird sightings include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, Eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson’s thrush, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, warbling vireo, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Henslow’s sparrow, throated bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars.

Bell's Vireo

A copy of an updated list (current through June 9) can be obtained at the park office. The list shows the date and location of the sighting.

Beard tongue

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, July 11. This meeting will be a bit out of the ordinary for the FOW as we will tour the Gifford Property, located southeast of the park. Anyone interested in hiking this beautiful property should meet at the Wyalusing State Park Office at 5 p.m. We will then caravan to the Gifford Property.

Things to bring along: a sack lunch, beverage, bug spray, good walking shoes. We will drive to the top in one vehicle and then walk down to the rest of the vehicles. The entire walk should take no more than an hour. We will return to the park office for a short meeting, mostly to discuss Smokey’s birthday party.

The StarSplitters of Wyalusing have started their monthly astronomy programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 8:30 p.m. Programs will run through the 2nd Saturday of October.

Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration will be the next special event sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. This event will take place on Smokey’s actual birthday, Tuesday, August 9. Final details are yet to be worked out, but activities will include “Pin the Hat on Smokey”, and a bicycle parade through the campground, led by Smokey Bear himself. Forest Ranger Cindy Kohles will bring a DNR fire truck and talk about fire safety. Refreshments will be served including a “Smokey Bear Birthday Cake”. A few lucky children will take home a “Smokey Bear” doll, complete with ranger hat.

PARK HAPPENINGS: Wisconsin Ridge June Camphost Beth Luchsinger left on July 3. Jerry and Janet Hursh continue in the Homestead Campground through the end of July. Russ and Sandra Marr arrived on Sunday, July 3^rd to begin their duties as Wisconsin Ridge Camphosts. Dick Schuette has been hosting at Nelson Dewey since mid May. Park staff truly appreciates the work that these generous volunteers do for both properties.

Upcoming Naturalist Programs
Saturday, July 9
Astronomy Program
8:30 p.m.
Huser Astronomy Center
Presented by StarSplitters of Wyalusing

Saturday, July 30
Ornamental Basket Making
7:00 p.m.
Location: Point Lookout Shelter or the old park office
Cost: $5
Presented by: Effigy Mounds National Park Ranger Mary Techau
Participants will make a small, colorful ornament-sized basket. Program will take 45 minutes and all supplies are included in the cost.

Saturday, August 6
Outdoor Cooking Demonstrations
10:00 a.m. through mid afternoon
Location: Across from the tennis courts

Saturday, August 13
Sticks, Stones and Bones
6:30 p.m.
Location: Peterson Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Merle Frommelt and Barb Frommelt.
This program will include a presentation on Native Americans and a demonstration on the ancient tools and stone crafts of that time. See the Atlatl (ancient spear thrower) and how it works, and possibly even give it a try.

Saturday, August 27
Effigy Mounds Junior Ranger Program
10:00 a.m.
Location: Green Cloud Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Maria Wenzel. Program will include a hike with Ranger Wenzel to learn about the mond builders’ lives, play some ancient games and earn a National Park Badge. start mid morning and continue throughout the day.

Saturday, September 24

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

6:00 p.m.

More naturalist programs will be added as the use season gets a bit closer.

June 23, 2011

2011-07-03T06:09:00.000-05:00

DATE: Thursday, June 23, 2011

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: The park has received some rain the last 4 or 5 days. Scattered showers are predicted today. Park trails should be in good hiking condition, but they will be wet. Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks did not receive any storm damage this past week.
CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION: Both the Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campground are open for camping. The flush bathrooms and showers are open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, but showers in Homestead Campground are not open at this time. People camping in Homestead Campground can drive to the Wisconsin Ridge Campground for showers. As of Thursday morning, we have 18 sites available for the weekend, including 3 nice electric sites and 4 bluff sites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground as well as sites in Homestead Campground. These sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability will change as the day progresses. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance and must be made at least 2 days prior to your arrival date through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31

The forecast this weekend is about as close to perfect as it can get. Showers will end tonight with sunny skies predicted for Friday and Saturday. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 70’s during the day and mid to upper 50’s at night. Sunday’s forecast does include a 30 per cent chance of showers.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: The Mississippi River is on the rise once again. River level at Prairie du Chien today is 11.2, in increase of .1 since yesterday. The concession stand is renting out canoes and kayaks.
Effective immediately – Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 25 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.
Bird sightings: Humming birds continue to delight park visitors and campers. It is rare for anyone entering the park to not stop and watch their antics for a few minutes before heading into the park. Early mornings, dusk and rainy days are the busiest times at the park office feeders. It is hard to believe, but the “hummers” devour 2 gallons of food every day. Migrant bird sightings include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, Eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson’s thrush, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, Philadelphia vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, golden-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, Northern Parula warbler, yellow warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, magnolia warbler, Cape May warbler, black-throated blue warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, bay-breasted warbler, blackpoll warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, Connecticut warbler, mourning warbler, common yellowthroat, Canada warbler, yellow-breasted chat, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, Henslow’s sparrow, white-throated sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars. Please keep in mind that some of the birds listed above do not nest in the park and have moved on to their summer homes in northern Wisconsin.
On June 3, I am very happy to report that the Bell’s Vireo was once again sighted in Wyalusing State Park. The Bell’s Vireo once nested at Wyalusing, but had not been sighted for at least 2 or 3 years. The location for the Bell’s Vireo has changed from west of the park office to the entrance road. The Bell’s Vireo as well as two other birds not reported in the last few years (worm-eating warbler and the least flycatcher ) were also reported by the same birders from Pennsylvania. Chris West also reported the Bell’s Vireo on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.
A copy of an updated list (current through June 9) can be obtained at the park office. The list shows the date and location of the sighting.
WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Ohio spiderwort, white indigo, butterfly milkweed, swamp milkweed, pale purple coneflower, prairie phlox, beard tongue, columbine, black-eyed Susan (all found in the prairie garden located at the office). The purple prairie clover, also located in the prairie garden at the park office will be blooming in a few days. Other flowers in bloom throughout the park include yarrow, meadow rue and flea bane. Thanks to Jean Edwards for her help in flower identification.
FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, July 11. This meeting will be a bit out of the ordinary for the FOW as we will tour the Gifford Property, located southeast of the park. Anyone interested in hiking this beautiful property should meet at the Wyalusing State Park Office at 5 p.m. We will then caravan to the Gifford Property. Things to bring along: a sack lunch, beverage, bug spray, good walking shoes.

Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration will be the next special event sponsored by the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. This event will take place on Smokey’s actual birthday, Tuesday, August 9. Final details are yet to be worked out, but activities will include “Pin the Hat on Smokey”, and a bicycle parade through the campground, led by Smokey Bear himself. Forest Ranger Cindy Kohles will bring a DNR fire truck and talk about fire safety. Refreshments will be served including a “Smokey Bear Birthday Cake”. A few lucky children will take home a “Smokey Bear” doll, complete with ranger hat.
PARK HAPPENINGS: Greg Pittz, acting park manager through the end of October is settling in and becoming familiar with the staff and the properties.
The end of the fiscal year is fast approaching and Bev is concentrating on making sure the budget is as up to date as possible. Camping and park visitation is up considerably since the beginning of June. Camphost Beth will stay through the 4th of July weekend. Janet and Jerry Hursh will stay on at Wyalusing for the month of July due to a cancellation and Dick Schuette will continue at Nelson Dewey through July. Campground hosts have become a welcome and necessary asset to the staff at both properties. The volunteer work that they do is greatly appreciated by staff and park visitors..
Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks will participate in “Take Smokey Bear Camping” Program. Cute Smokey Bear dolls are available on a limited basis from camp ground hosts at each property. Children can “borrow” Smokey Bear in a protective back pack while they are camping at either property.
Upcoming Naturalist Programs
Saturday, June 25
Astronomy Program
8:30 p.m.
Huser Astronomy Center
Presented by the StarSplitters of Wyalusing
Saturday, July 30
Ornamental Basket Making
7:00 p.m.
Location: Point Lookout Shelter or the old park office
Cost: $5
Presented by: Effigy Mounds National Park Ranger Mary Techau
Participants will make a small, colorful ornament-sized basket. Program will take 45 minutes and all supplies are included in the cost.
Saturday, August 6
Outdoor Cooking Demonstrations
10:00 a.m. through mid afternoon
Location: Across from the tennis courts
Saturday, August 9
Smokey Bear Birthday Celebration – time to be announced.
Parade, refreshments, “Pin the Hat on Smokey” and more.
Saturday, August 13
Sticks, Stones and Bones
6:30 p.m.
Location: Peterson Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Merle Frommelt and Barb Frommelt.
This program will include a presentation on Native Americans and a demonstration on the ancient tools and stone crafts of that time. See the Atlatl (ancient spear thrower) and how it works, and possibly even give it a try.
Saturday, August 27
Effigy Mounds Junior Ranger Program
10:00 a.m.
Location: Green Cloud Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Maria Wenzel. Program will include a hike with Ranger Wenzel to learn about the mond builders’ lives, play some ancient games and earn a National Park Badge. start mid morning and continue throughout the day.
Saturday, September 24
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
6:00 p.m.

Note: Astronomy programs are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday nights of the month, May through October. Programs begin at 8:30 p.m. and are held rain or shine.

Friday, Hune 10, 2011

2011-06-10T12:15:00.000-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Click on image for large photo.

Emerald Ash Borer Still a Threat.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

The Birdwatcher Gazette

yellow-billed cuckoo

Bird sightings: The heyday of the orioles is finally over as they are nesting deeper in the woods. There have been very few humming birds the last two weeks, but Thursday and Friday of this week, numbers seem to have rebounded. Migrant bird sightings include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, Eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson’s thrush, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, Philadelphia vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, golden-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, Northern Parula warbler, yellow warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, magnolia warbler, Cape May warbler, black-throated blue warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, bay-breasted warbler, blackpoll warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler, Connecticut warbler, mourning warbler, common yellowthroat, Canada warbler, yellow-breasted chat, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, Henslow’s sparrow, white-throated sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars. Please keep in mind that some of the birds listed above due not nest in the park and have moved on to their summer homes.

Bell’s Vireo

On June 3, I am very happy to report that the Bell’s Vireo was once again sighted in Wyalusing State Park. The Bell’s Vireo once nested at Wyalusing, but had not been sighted for at least 2 or 3 years. The location for the Bell’s Vireo has changed from west of the park office to the entrance road. The Bell’s Vireo as well as two other birds not reported in the last few years (worm-eating warbler and the least flycatcher ) were also reported by the same birders from Pennsylvania. Chris West also reported the Bell’s Vireo on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

A copy of an updated list (current through June 9) can be obtained at the park office. The list shows the date and location of the sighting.

PARK HAPPENINGS: We have a park manager!!! Greg Pittz has generously come out of retirement to take charge of Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks for a 6 month commitment. Welcome back to Wisconsin State Parks, Greg and a special welcome to Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey.

The new pit toilets at Wyalusing State Park are having the electricity hooked up this week. Concrete work is completed at the new pit toilets in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, Point Lookout, Outdoor Group Camp and Homestead Shelter.

Nelson Dewey State Park Visitors will be delivered next week. Lisa and Bev worked together to totally revamp the entire paper. We said goodbye to June Campground hosts Bill and Judy Huebner. Janet and Jerry Hursh as well as Dick Schuette who is hosted at Nelson Dewy in May will continue on as hosts for June. Beth Luchsinger is the June host for Wisconsin Ridge. Staff is so appreciative of the work these hosts do. and Janet and Jerry Hursh arrived on May 1 and are hard at work cleaning fire rings and general park spruce up.

The StarSplitters of Wyalusing have started their monthly astronomy programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 8:30 p.m. Programs will run through the 2nd Saturday of October.

Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks will participate in “Take Smokey Bear Camping” Program. Cute Smokey Bear dolls are available on a limited basis from camp ground hosts at each property. Children can “borrow” Smokey Bear in a protective back pack while they are camping at either property.

Upcoming Naturalist Programs
Saturday, June 10
Astronomy Program
8:30 p.m.
Huser Astronomy Center
Presented by StarSplitters of Wyalusing

Saturday, July 30
Ornamental Basket Making
7:00 p.m.
Location: Point Lookout Shelter or the old park office
Cost: $5
Presented by: Effigy Mounds National Park Ranger Mary Techau
Participants will make a small, colorful ornament-sized basket. Program will take 45 minutes and all supplies are included in the cost.

Saturday, August 6
Outdoor Cooking Demonstrations
10:00 a.m. through mid afternoon
Location: Across from the tennis courts

Saturday, August 13
Sticks, Stones and Bones
6:30 p.m.
Location: Peterson Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Merle Frommelt and Barb Frommelt.
This program will include a presentation on Native Americans and a demonstration on the ancient tools and stone crafts of that time. See the Atlatl (ancient spear thrower) and how it works, and possibly even give it a try.

Saturday, August 27
Effigy Mounds Junior Ranger Program
10:00 a.m.
Location: Green Cloud Shelter
Presented by Effigy Mounds National Monument Ranger Maria Wenzel. Program will include a hike with Ranger Wenzel to learn about the mond builders’ lives, play some ancient games and earn a National Park Badge. start mid morning and continue throughout the day.

More naturalist programs will be added as the use season gets a bit closer.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

2011-05-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Park trails should be in excellent hiking condition.

Click on map to enlarge

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION:
Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. The Homestead Campground will open on Friday, May 20. The shower/flush building is open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground and the flush building is open on weekends. The dumping station is open. The reservation period started on May 1. All reservable electric sites and all reservable sites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground have been reserved for this weekend. There are still a number of sites open on a first come first serve basis for tomorrow night in Homestead Campground as well as a few bluff sites in Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Electric sites will be hard to get for this weekend at Wyalusing State Park. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance and must be made at least 2 days prior to your arrival date through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31. The concession stand will open this weekend on a limited basis – Friday – 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Mississippi River remains higher than normal, but canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the concession stand.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: After cresting at 21.4 feet on April 15, the Mississippi River remains higher than normal at approximately 14 feet with a drop of 1 foot by Saturday.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Park bird feeders are once again stocked and very active. Birds at the feeders include rose-breasted grosbeaks, orioles, gold finches, cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees. The hummingbirds returned on Friday, April 29. At times there are as many as 30 or 40 feeding on the park office feeders. Orioles are also taking advantage of the humming bird feeders as well as the oranges across the road at the bird feeders. There are only a few hummingbirds at this time.

Whip-poor-will

Cape May Warlber

Recent migrant bird sightings as of Thursday, May 19th include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor-will, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, all woodpeckers, Eastern wood pee-wee, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, gray-cheeked thrush, wood thrush, Swainson’s thrush, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, Philadelphia vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, golden-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, Northern Parula warbler, yellow warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, magnolia warbler, Cape May warbler, black-throated blue warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, bay-breasted warbler, blackpoll warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Louisiana waterthrush, Kentucky warbler,


Indigo Bunting

Connecticut warbler, mourning warbler, common yellowthroat, Canada warbler, yellow-breasted chat, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, Henslow’s sparrow, white-throated sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, bobolink, Baltimore oriole in addition to the more common regulars.
A copy of an updated list (current through Thursday, May 19) can be obtained at the park office. The list shows the date and location of the sighting.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, June 6, which is a change from the usual 2nd Monday of the month. The meeting will hopefully be held at the old park office.

Friends of Wyalusing will provide refreshments – cookies and lemonade - for Open House Day on Sunday, June 5.
They will also offer fish and animal tracks printing program. Participants should provide their own tee shirt or items to be printed. The location of refreshments and fish and animal track printing will be the Peterson Shelter. Time to be announced.

The Friends of Wyalusing also submitted paper work to start the process for giving “the old park office” an official name. It is hoped to be named after Paul Lawrence, the parks 1st superintendent.

PARK HAPPENINGS: Showers and flush building are open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The dumping station is open for the season. . Concrete work is completed at the new pit toilets in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, Point Lookout, Outdoor Group Camp and Homestead Shelter. week .Nelson Dewey State Park Visitors are ready to be printed and hopefully will be received in a few weeks. Campground hosts Bill and Judy Huebner and Janet and Jerry Hursh arrived on May 1 and are hard at work cleaning fire rings and general park spruce up. Nelson Dewey Campground host Dick Schuette arrived on Tuesday of this week. It seems as if there is never a lack of work for the hosts to help with. Park staff is very grateful to the hosts for the work they do. Showers and flush bathrooms at Nelson Dewey are also on for the season.

The StarSplitters of Wyalusing have started their monthly astronomy programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 8:30 p.m. Programs will run through the 2nd Saturday of October.

An Outdoor Cooking Demonstration will be presented by a Boy Scout Troop on Saturday, August 6. This will start mid morning and continue throughout the day.

More naturalist programs will be added as the use season gets a bit closer.

May 5, 2011

2011-05-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Click on image for large photo.

Park trails should be in excellent hiking condition. (Read about each of the trails here.)

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.

Reserve America Map

Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. The Homestead Campground remains closed until mid May. The shower/flush building is open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground and the flush building is open on weekends. The dumping station is open. We have a number of reservations for this weekend, mainly electric and bluff sites. There are still plenty of sites open on a first come first served basis. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.

The concession stand will open this weekend on a limited basis – Friday – 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Due to high water, canoes will not be rented until the Mississippi River drops.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:

After cresting at 21.4 feet on April 15, the Mississippi River remains at flood stage – 16 feet. This year’s flood tied for the 5^th highest flood on record. St. Feriole Island is now open to pedestrians and vehicle traffic.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Park Bird Feeders...
...are once again stocked and very active. Birds at the feeders include rose-breasted grosbeaks, Eastern towhees, orioles, gold finches, cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees. The hummingbirds returned on Friday, April 29. There are only a few hummingbirds at this time.

Solitary viereo

Recent migrant bird sightings as of Saturday, April 30th include: chimney swift, least flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, house wren, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, gray catbird, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, blue-winged warbler, Nashville warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, blackpoll warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, Eastern towhee, American tree sparrow, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, and Baltimore oriole.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING:
Next meeting will be Monday, May 9. We will meet at the park office yet this month. Meeting begins at 6 p.m.

PARK HAPPENINGS:

Showers and flush building are open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The dumping station is open for the season. Dump station is open. Concrete work is being completed at the new pit toilets in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, Point Lookout, Outdoor Group Camp and Homestead Shelter. The 2011 edition of the Wyalusing State Park Visitor was picked up this week. It is available on line at www.wyalusing.org. Nelson Dewey State Park Visitors are ready to be printed and hopefully will be received in a few weeks. Campground hosts Bill and Judy Huebner and Janet and Jerry Hursh arrived on May 1 and are hard at work cleaning fire rings and general park spruce up. Garlic mustard puller, Jim left yesterday after donating 130 hours of time and using 50 gallons of Round Up, trying to eradicate certain areas of the park from the nasty invasive species.

PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMS...
will begin on Sunday, May 8th with a bird walk led by Chris West. The bird walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Point Lookout and continue through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Participants will then drive to the Passenger Pigeon Monument, boat landing and then the astronomy center if time permits.
Please note that in last week’s edition of the Bluff Report, the date was incorrect. It was listed as Saturday, May 7. The correct date is Sunday – Mother’s Day – May 8.

The StarSplitters of Wyalusing will begin their monthly astronomy programs on Saturday, May 13 at 8:30 p.m. Programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month through October, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

An Outdoor Cooking Demonstration will be presented by a Boy Scout Troop on Saturday, August 6. This will start mid morning and continue throughout the day.

More naturalist programs will be added as the use season gets a bit closer.

April 28. 2011

2011-04-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Park trails should be in excellent hiking condition.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.

Reserve America Map

Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. The Homestead Campground remains closed until mid May. The shower/flush building is open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The dumping station is not yet open, but campers can fill their holding tanks using their own hose at the winterized faucet near the shower building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. At this time, all sites in the Wisconsin Ridge and Outdoor Group Campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis. Reservations begin on May 1. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.

The concession stand will open on a limited basis – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – starting Friday, May 6.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:

After cresting at 21.4 feet on April 15, the Mississippi continues to drop. This year’s flood tied for the 5th highest flood on record. St. Feriole Island is now open to pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is 16.2 feet as of this morning. Flood stage is 16 feet.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Park Bird Feeders...


Eastern Towhee

...were not stocked for a number of weeks, so no bird activity to report. They have recently been filled and are popular with gold finches, cardinals and blue jays. An Eastern Towhee was spotted on the ground near the feeders yesterday. Spring migration has been slow. If humming birds remain true to their past years’ arrival, they should show up at Wyalusing on Saturday, April 30. Hummer food has been made and feeders will be in place by the end of today.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING:
Next meeting will be Monday, May 9. We will meet at the park office yet this month. Meeting begins at 6 p.m.

PARK HAPPENINGS:

Even with the cold and rainy weather, camping has increased. We had 22 campsites taken over Easter Weekend. I believe if the weather would have been warm and sunny as it should have been by mid April, all of the electric sites and many bluff sites would have been taken. Park staff is busy with getting the park prepared for the upcoming season. David is involved with water turn on throughout Wyalusing. Lisa has been concentrating on getting the Nelson Dewey Showers painted in preparation for water turn on. Jake has been busy replacing partitions in the flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Chris continues with background checks on new LTE park rangers. Both Nelson Dewey and Wyalusing State Park Visitors are ready to be printed. In fact, Wyalusing’s papers may be ready for pickup from the printers today. Eleven thousand papers will be printed and should last until this time next year. Indoor group camp is open for the season and a number of groups have made use of the facility already this year. Campground hosts Bill and Judy Huebner and Jerry and Janet Hursh will begin hosting in May.

PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMS...
... will begin on Saturday, May 7th with a bird walk led by Chris West. The bird walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Point Lookout and continue through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Participants will then drive to the Passenger Pigeon Monument, boat landing and then the astronomy center if time permits.

The StarSplitters of Wyalusing will begin their monthly astronomy programs on Saturday, May 13 at 8:30 p.m. Programs will be held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month through October, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

An Outdoor Cooking Demonstration will be presented by a Boy Scout Troop on Saturday, August 6. This will start mid morning and continue throughout the day.

More naturalist programs will be added as the use season gets a bit closer.

March 17, 2011

2011-03-17T14:59:00.001-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Most wooded trails will still be snow-covered, including the walkway to Point Lookout. With the rain that is forecast for this afternoon and increasing warm temps and sunny skies for the weekend, winter should lose some of its hold over the park’s trails

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.

Reserve America Map

Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis. We have had a few people braving the cold and snow to winter camp in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31. The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: Moderate to heavy flooding is expected this spring on the Mississippi River. The main channels of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are open.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

New bird arrivals – sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, turkey vultures. Just as the swallows return to Capistrano in the spring, the turkey vultures have returned to Wyalusing. Spring must be here
Eagles in the area: Eagles sightings have increased as the Mississippi River opens. Eagles have now laid their eggs and the incubation process has started. For an upclose look at an eagle nest, visit www.raptorresource.org.
The featured eagles and their nest are located near the fish hatchery at Decorah, Iowa.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: No meeting until May. Friends of Wyalusing would like your input on prospective park projects..

PARK HAPPENINGS: Park staff is preparing for the upcoming season. Hiring for summer staff is underway. Campground hosts are all in place at both Nelson Dewey and Wyalusing. Newspaper revisions will soon be sent to graphic artist. Contractors are being contacted for 2nd phase of the old park office. Water heaters have been replaced at the indoor group camp. The old pits are being torn down by the contractor. Picnic table repair and equipment maintenance continues. Visitor use has been up considerably this week with some colleges and school districts on spring break this year. The warm weather is giving everyone spring fever.

2011-03-09T10:21:00.002-06:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Wyalusing received about 3 inches of heavy, wet snow overnight, giving the park a fresh winter look. Ski trails will not be groomed any more this year. All trails are now snow covered and an additional 1-3 inches of snow is expected before the snow ends today.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION.

Reserve America Map

Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis. We have had a few people braving the cold and snow to winter camp in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31. The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:
The main channels of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are open.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

... remain popular with winter song birds. The “cardinal bush” is beautiful today with the fresh snow clinging to the branches filled with cardinals. With the warmer weather, squirrel and raccoon activity has increased. No damage to the feeders yet. Birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, mourning doves, tree sparrow, and gold finches. Large flocks of robins are seen daily.

Eagles in the area:

Eagles sightings have increased as the Mississippi River opens. Eagles have now laid their eggs and the incubation process has started. For an upclose look at an eagle nest, visit www.raptorresource.org.
The featured eagles and their nest are located near the fish hatchery at Decorah, Iowa.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, March 14 in the park office at 6 p.m.

PARK HAPPENINGS: Park staff is preparing for the upcoming season. Interviews for summer staff will take place this weekend. Park newspapers for both Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey will be revamped. Hazardous trees are being removed and trees are being cleared off the septic mound at the indoor group camp. Water heaters at the indoor group camp will be replaced. The old pits are being torn down by the contractor. Picnic table repair and equipment maintenance continues. Park office drive up window will soon be replaced.

March 3, 2011

2011-03-03T11:16:00.000-06:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

With the thawing and freezing of a few weeks ago as well as freezing rain, cross country ski trails are in poor condition. There have been no skiers for at least a week. Most hiking trails remain snow and ice covered. Thanks to adequate snowfall, cold temperatures, like new grooming equipment and a volunteer and staff committed to grooming trails, Wyalusing State Park experienced its best cross country ski season in many years. An increased number of skiers took advantage of these factors and discovered the beauty of Wyalusing State Park in the winter.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION:

Click on map to enalrge

Last weekend the Wisconsin Ridge Campground boasted its highest number of campsites for this year – 3 sites registered. One of the 3 sites was registered to 6 young men from the Chicago and Milwaukee area. Obviously, these campers did not receive enough snow in their home towns and felt the challenge to camp at Wyalusing. They decided to “rough it” by throwing a tarp on top of the snow and sleeping in their sleeping bags on top of the tarp.

Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season.

All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed.
The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis.
We have had a few people braving the cold and snow to winter camp in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.
The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:
Anglers continue to ice fish off the park’s boat landing. Main channels of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers are beginning to open.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Park bird feeders remain popular with winter song birds. With the warmer weather, squirrel and raccoon activity has increased. No damage to the feeders yet. Birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, mourning doves, tree sparrow, and gold finches.
A large flock of robins were spotted in the trees across from the park office, near the bird feeders. Spring cannot be far behind.

Eagles in the area: (View Live Eagle Camera from Decorah, WI.)There are a number of places in the area that eagles can be found. A popular place for eagle watching is just north of Prairie du Chien at the intersection of Hwy. 27 and County Hwy. N. A local, commercial fisherman spreads the waste from the fish on a farm field on the east side of Hwy. 27 or on the north side of Highway N. At times, as many as 50 or more eagles can be sighted along the highway.

Cassville, Wisconsin, just south of Wyalusing State Park is another popular eagle watching spot. Because of the open water near the power plant, it is a favorite wintering spot of the bald eagles. Eagles are also spotted regularly near any open water in the Prairie du Chien area as well as Hwy. 35 north of Prairie du Chien.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, March 14.

PARK HAPPENINGS: Five sets of new pit toilets were installed last week. Locations of the new pits are: Homestead Picnic Area, Point Lookout Shelter, Wisconsin Ridge Campground, and 2 in the Outdoor Group Camp. These new buildings are very attractive and a welcome addition to the facilities at Wyalusing. The old pits are being torn down. Landscaping and access to the new buildings will be done when weather permits.

Park staff is preparing for the upcoming season. Repair of picnic tables as well as mower maintenance at both Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey is being done now. Interviews for summer staff will take place next week. Park newspapers for both Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey will be revamped. All campgound host spots have been filled at both properties.

February 11, 2011

2011-02-11T10:26:00.002-06:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Turkey Hollow and Cathedral Tree XC Trails were groomed and tracked on Monday of this week. Whitetail Meadows was packed with the snowmobile yesterday. The trail as of yesterday was not tracked. With the bitter cold temperatures, the trails received no use this week. Both Turkey Hollow and Cathedral Tree trails should be in excellent condition but with temperatures above freezing predicted for today and through next week, conditions will vary.

Trails may be soft and sticky as the temperatures warm during the mid-day. Morning skiers will face the challenge of icy trails due to the overnight freezing.

Cross country skiing is at an all time high at Wyalusing. Skiers report having an excellent time on the trails. Turkey Hollow Trail is the most challenging with a number of hills and sharp turns. Beginning skiers enjoy Cathedral Tree Drive. Cross country ski enthusiast Ron Falch reports that the ski trails at Wyalusing State Park are about the best that he has seen them in years.

This winter we have received ample snowfall and cold weather to keep the trails snow-covered. The purchase of a like-new snowmobile and trail groomer certainly has a positive effect on the condition of the ski trails. Please call the park at 608-996-2261 for updated trail information. Sentinel Ridge and Sand Cave Trails and Sugar Maple Nature Trail are popular with people wishing to snowshoe. Sentinel Ridge affords a beautiful view of the Mississippi River 500 feet below. The road to Sugar Maple Nature Trail and Homestead Picnic Shelter is currently plowed, providing access to both. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is also a popular place for snowshoeing,, affording an excellent view of the Wisconsin River Valley and sometimes an eagle soaring eye to eye with visitors.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION:

Click on map to enalrge

Last weekend the Wisconsin Ridge Campground boasted its highest number of campsites for this year – 3 sites registered. One of the 3 sites was registered to 6 young men from the Chicago and Milwaukee area. Obviously, these campers did not receive enough snow in their home towns and felt the challenge to camp at Wyalusing. They decided to “rough it” by throwing a tarp on top of the snow and sleeping in their sleeping bags on top of the tarp.

Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season.

All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed.
The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis.
We have had a few people braving the cold and snow to winter camp in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.
The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:
People have been fishing off the backwaters of the Mississippi River at the park boat landing.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Park bird feeders remain popular with winter song birds. The feeding area was extremely beautiful this morning with a light snow falling and approximately 20 male cardinals perched in “the cardinal tree”. With the predicted warm temperatures, raccoons will most likely be out and about as well as hungry. I fear my feeders may not survive the weekend. The snow banks near the feeders make it difficult to see the birds feeding on the ground. Birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, mourning doves, tree sparrow, and gold finches. The sharp-shinned has not been seen for a few days.

Eagles in the area: Cassville, Wisconsin, just south of Wyalusing State Park is another popular eagle watching spot. Because of the open water near the power plant, it is a favorite wintering spot of the bald eagles. Eagles are also spotted regularly near any open water in the Prairie du Chien area as well as Hwy. 35 north of Prairie du Chien.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, March 14. There will not be a February meeting.

GROUND HOG DAZE (Details here....)

is now history. While the event was not attended as well as we had hoped, those who did attend had an excellent time. The weather was perfect for an afternoon outdoors. The children enjoyed the number of outside games, including Northern Lights and the Fox and the Ground Hogs as well as How Much Wood Can a Wood Chuck Chuck held in the Peterson Shelter. Bruce presented 2 programs on the fascinating ground hog. The hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground proved challenging as we decided as we hiked to do the entire loop, part of which was not plowed or tracked with the snowmobile. Hats off to the 5 year old boy in the green coat and his dad who stayed for the entire program, including the walk through the campground which meant trudging through snow drifts up to the boy’s waist. A big thank you to the Friends of Wyalusing for the work they put into this event and also to park staff Chris and Lisa who spent much of Thursday and Friday moving snow so this even could be held.

February 3, 2011

2011-02-04T16:10:00.001-06:00

Ground Hog Daze will be held as scheduled tomorrow, February 5. The event will start at 2 p.m. with a torch lit hike beginning at 5:00.

Ski Trails is "good" condition.

Turkey Hollow Trail and Cathedral Tree Drive have been groomed and tracked. Our volunteer groomer rates both trails as "good". Whitetail Meadows Trail is too drifted to do anything with at this time. With warmer temperatures predicted for this weekend (before cold temperatures set in again), we are hoping that the snow will pack, making it easier for the snowmobile to get through the deep snow.

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Wyalusing State Park received approximately 4 inches of light, fluffy snow on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. High winds caused considerable drifting in the park as well as the area. As of today, ski trails are not groomed. Trails will be groomed by this weekend and should be in excellent condition with the fresh snowfall. Volunteer groomer and cross country ski enthusiast Ron Falch reports that the ski trails at Wyalusing State Park are about the best that he has seen them in years. This winter we have received ample snowfall and cold weather to keep the trails snow-covered. The purchase of a like-new snowmobile and trail groomer certainly has a positive effect on the condition of the ski trails. Trails open for cross country skiing are Turkey Hollow and White Tail Meadows. The road to Mississippi Ridge and Cathedral Tree Drive will no longer be plowed due to budget restraints. These trails are still accessible by parking in the Astronomy Center parking lot and skiing Turkey Hollow Trail to Homestead Picnic Shelter. Mississippi Ridge and Cathedral Tree Drive can both be accessed from Homestead Picnic Shelter. Please call the park at 608-996-2261 for updated trail information and to find out for sure if Mississippi Ridge and Cathedral Tree Drive will be groomed by this weekend. Sentinel Ridge and Sand Cave Trails and Sugar Maple Nature Trail are popular with people wishing to snowshoe. Sentinel Ridge affords a beautiful view of the Mississippi River 500 feet below. Visitors wishing to hike or snowshoe Sugar Maple nature Trail will need to park in the office parking lot and snowshoe or hike to that trail.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION:

Click on map to enalrge

Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season.
All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed.
The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis.
We have had a few people braving the cold and snow to winter camp in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.
The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:
People have been fishing off the backwaters of the Mississippi River at the park boat landing.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Park bird feeders remain popular with winter song birds. The feeders are only a few feet above the top of the snow, but so far raccoons have not been a problem. The snow banks near the feeders make it difficult to see the birds feeding on the ground. Birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, mourning doves and gold finches. The sharp-shinned has not been seen for a few days.

Eagles in the area: Cassville, Wisconsin, just south of Wyalusing State Park is another popular eagle watching spot. Because of the open water near the power plant, it is a favorite wintering spot of the bald eagles. Eagles are also spotted regularly near any open water in the Prairie du Chien area as well as Hwy. 35 north of Prairie du Chien.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: Next meeting will be Monday, March 14. There will not be a February meeting.

GROUND HOG DAZE (Details here....)

will be held on Saturday, February 5, starting at 2:00 p.m. Plans are being finalized for this event. Ground Hog Daze will celebrate the legend of the ground hog, featuring a program on “How the Ground Hog Got Its Day”, a hike featuring animals in the winter, “How Much Wood Can a Woodchuck Chuck” game, , and a torch lit hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Weather permitting, The Fox and Groundhog Game will be played outside. This is a takeoff of the Fox and Geese Game that some of you may remember playing in your own backyard. It is a very active game of winter tag. We will also experiment with “Icy Bubbles”. If the weather is below 32 degrees, we will blow a special solution of bubble mixture and watch the bubble closely to see ice crystals form on the bubble until it freezes into a bubble of ice. We will also play a type of scavenger hunt where participants will try to locate colored ice cubes in the snow. The Peterson Shelter and Nature Center will be the central location for all of the activities. The Nature Center is totally enclosed and there will be a roaring fire in the fireplace insert as well as in the 2 fireplaces in the Peterson Shelter. The torch lit hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground will start at 5 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present an astronomy program following the torch lit hike. Refreshments will be available. Come join the Friends of Wyalusing as we try to shake “cabin fever” and anticipate the arrival of spring just 6 weeks away unless the elusive ground hog sees his shadow and scurries back into his burrow. For more information, please call 608-996-2261 or visit our website at Wyalusing.org or Friends of Wyalusing blogspot.

January 20, 2011

2011-01-20T10:28:00.000-06:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS:

Wyalusing State Park received about 5 inches of fresh snow on Monday, January 17. Ski trails are in excellent condition. Volunteer groomer and cross country ski enthusiast Ron Falch reports that the ski trails at Wyalusing State Park are about the best that he has seen them in years.

This winter we have received ample snowfall and cold weather to keep the trails snow-covered. The purchase of a like-new snowmobile and trail groomer certainly has a positive affect on the condition of the ski trails.

Trails open for cross country skiing are Turkey Hollow, White Tail Meadows, Mississippi Ridge and Cathedral Tree Drive.

As of this time, Mississippi Ridge has not been groomed or tracked. The remaining trails have been tracked for traditional skiing and groomed for skate skiing.

Sentinel Ridge and Sand Cave Trails and Sugar Maple Nature Trail are popular with people wishing to snowshoe. Sentinel Ridge affords a beautiful view of the Mississippi River 500 feet below.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION:

Click on map to enalrge

Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season.

All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed.

The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis.

We have had a few people braving the cold and snow to winter camp in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31.

The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION:
People have been fishing off the backwaters of the Mississippi River at the park boat landing.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Sharp Shinned

A sharp-shinned has been frequenting the park office feeders on a regular basis.

Eagles in the area: There are a number of places in the area that eagles can be found. A popular place for eagle watching is just north of Prairie du Chien at the intersection of Hwy. 27 and County Hwy. N. A local, commercial fisherman spreads the waste from the fish on a farm field on the east side of Hwy. 27. At times, as many as 50 or more eagles can be sighted along the highway.

Cassville, Wisconsin, just south of Wyalusing State Park is another popular eagle watching spot. Because of the open water near the power plant, it is a favorite wintering spot of the bald eagles. Eagles are also spotted regularly near any open water in the Prairie du Chien area as well as Hwy. 35 north of Prairie du Chien.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING:

Next meeting will be Monday, March 14. There will not be a February meeting..

GROUND HOG DAZE

will be held on Saturday, February 5, starting at 2:00 p.m. This event will celebrate the legend of the ground hog, featuring a program on “How the Ground Hog Got Its Day”, a hike featuring animals in the winter, “How Much Wood Can a Woodchuck Chuck” game, a variety of winter games and activities, and a torchlit hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.

The Peterson Shelter and Nature Center will be the central location for all of the activities. The Nature Center is totally enclosed and there will be a roaring fire in the fireplace insert as well as in the 2 fireplaces in the Peterson Shelter.

The torchlit hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground will start at 5 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be available. Come join the Friends of Wyalusing as we try to shake “cabin fever” and anticipate the arrival of spring just 6 weeks away unless the elusive ground hog sees his shadow and scurries back into his burrow. For more information, please call 608-996-2261 or visit our website at www.wyalusing.org.

PARK HAPPENINGS:
The process for removing the old pit toilets scheduled for replacement has started. Park staff have removed the inside panels. Existing toilets will be removed and new ones installed in January.

The indoor group camp is being readied for the upcoming season. Floors are being stripped and waxed.

Scheduling of campground hosts is almost complete. Thanks to those of you who have returned the RSVP.

Getting in tip-top shape XC ski trails. *

2011-01-14T10:50:00.000-06:00

Click on image to reize

Wyalusing State Park has about 9 miles of ski trails that are tracked and groomed for skate skiing. Trails as of Friday, January 14 are in good to excellent condition. The local volunteer trail groomer and cross country skiier reports that the trails today are about the best that he has ever seen them. Whitetail Meadows (3.1 mile loop), and Turkey Hollow (2.3 mile loop) Cross Country Ski Trails are both accessed from the Astronomy Center Parking lot located about 1/2 past the park office on the right side of the road.

Mississippi Ridge Trail, including Cathedral Tree Drive (3.6 miles round trip) is also open for skiing and is tracked and groomed for skate skiing. Parking is available in the Homestead Picnic Shelter parking lot. Follow the road through the Homestead Campground, just past the park office to the left.
*Ron Falch, volunteer who grooms Wyalusing State Park ski trails.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010 TRAIL

2010-12-22T10:47:00.002-06:00

PARK CONDITIONS: With the recent snowfalls, Wyalusing State Park has been transformed into a true Winter Wonderland. In many areas, the snow is still hanging on the tree branches. The drive to the park up County Highway C is especially beautiful with the snow laden trees and the snow covered rocks along the road. The park has at least a foot of snow on the ground and walking through the deep snow is difficult. All trails are snow covered. Snow shoes are recommended. Cross country ski trails as of today have been packed somewhat with the snowmobile, but have not been “groomed” or tracked yet.

Please note: Due to permanent staff vacancies, state mandated furlough days and the holidays, the park will not be staffed on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, December 24 through December 27. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Roadways will not be maintained on the above mentioned dates. Admission stickers can be purchased through self-registration which is located near the front door of the office under the overhang. Annual stickers will be mailed out the next day the office is staffed.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31. The concession stand is closed for the season.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: People have been fishing off the backwaters of the Mississippi River at the park boat landing.

Effective immediately – Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 25 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.

Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Park bird feeders have been a popular place for the winter resident birds. The backdrop of snow laden trees with a sprinkling of beautiful red cardinals provides the perfect setting for a winter postcard. Other birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and gold finches. A sharp-shinned or Cooper’s Hawk has been frequenting the park office feeders on a regular basis. I cannot tell if it is a sharp-shinned or a Cooper ’s hawk as both have similar plumage with the main difference being size flight pattern. If anyone can positively identify this bird, please let me know.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The January meeting will take place on January 15^th at 3 p.m. at the Bagley Community Center. It is also the Annual Holiday Party for staff and the Friends of Wyalusing State Park. For more info on the party, please call Bev at 996-2261.

GROUND HOG DAZE will be held on Saturday, February 5, starting at 1:30 p.m. This event will celebrate the legend of the ground hog, featuring a program on the animal itself, a winter hike, and a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The festivities will conclude with a tiki torch night hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The Peterson Shelter and Nature Center will be the central location for all of the activities. The Nature Center is totally enclosed and there will be a roaring fire in the fireplace insert. We will also have warming fires in the Peterson Shelter fireplaces. Refreshments will be available. Come join the Friends of Wyalusing as we try to shake “cabin fever” and anticipate the arrival of spring just 6 weeks away unless the elusive ground hog sees his shadow and scurries back into his burrow. More information will soon be available on our website at www.wyalusing.org.

PARK HAPPENINGS: The process for removing the old pit toilets scheduled for replacement has started. Park staff have removed the inside panels. Existing toilets will be removed and new ones installed in January.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best in 2011. I would also like to thank everyone who has helped to make Wyalusing State Park the special place that it is. This includes park staff, Friends of Wyalusing State Park and the very many volunteers who help throughout the year, including volunteer naturalists, campground hosts, people who help control invasive species such as garlic mustard and honey suckle, the webmaster, blog site administrator, and ski trail volunteer. Wyalusing State Park would not be the same without people such as you. We have come to depend on the important work that you do and are truly appreciative. I would also like to thank the many of you whom I have met over the past 25 years who continue to visit “your favorite state park”. You have discovered the true gem and treasure that Wyalusing State Park is. I have enjoyed getting to know a number of you personally and always look forward to visiting with you. I consider myself truly blessed for having a job such as mine and I look forward to serving you to the best of my ability in 2011.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

2010-12-16T09:53:00.003-06:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: With the recent snowfalls, Wyalusing State Park has been transformed into a true Winter Wonderland. The park received approximately 8 inches of fluffy, fresh snow after the freezing rain this past weekend. All trails are snow covered. Whitetail Meadows Cross Country Ski Trail and the road to Henneger Point are groomed but not tracked. As of today, Turkey Hollow has not been maintained for cross country skiing due to the number of limbs down on that trail. The walkway to Point Lookout will be packed but not plowed this year.

Please note: Due to permanent staff vacancies, state mandated furlough days and the holidays, the park will not be staffed on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, December 24 through December 27. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Roadways will not be maintained on the above mentioned dates. Admission stickers can be purchased through self-registration which is located near the front door of the office under the overhang. Annual stickers will be mailed out the next day the office is staffed.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, the Outdoor Group Campground and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. All water fountains, flush bathrooms and showers are also closed. The Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. A pit toilet is available and a winterized faucet is located near the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Camping is on a first come-first serve basis. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance through Reserve America at www.wiparks.net. or by calling 1-888-947-2757. The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31. The concession stand is closed for the season. (See Winter map on left. Click to enlarge.)

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: The Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is 10.3. People have been fishing off the backwaters of the Mississippi River at the park boat landing.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has beenchanged from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

Park Birdfeeders.
Park bird feeders have been a popular place for the winter resident birds. The backdrop of snow laden trees with a sprinkling of beautiful red cardinals provides the perfect setting for a winter postcard. Other birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and gold finches.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: There will not be a December Friends of Wyalusing meeting.

Ground Hog Daze will be held on Saturday, February 5, starting at 1:30 p.m. This event will celebrate the legend of the ground hog, featuring a program on the animal itself, a winter hike, and a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The festivities will conclude with a tiki torch night hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The Peterson Shelter and Nature Center will be the central location for all of the activities. The Nature Center is totally enclosed and there will be a roaring fire in the fireplace insert. We will also have warming fires in the Peterson Shelter fireplaces. Refreshments will be available. Come join the Friends of Wyalusing as we try to shake “cabin fever” and anticipate the arrival of spring just 6 weeks away unless the elusive ground hog sees his shadow and scurries back into his burrow. More information will soon be available on our website at www.wyalusing.org. or http://friendsofwyalusingstatepark.blogspot.com/

FROM THE BLUFFSOF WYALUSING
Wyalusing State Park
13081 State Park Lane
Bagley, WI 53801
Phone: 608-996-2261
www.wyalusing.org
http://friendsofwyalusingstatepark.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 23, 2010

2010-11-23T11:13:00.004-06:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. A wintery mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is forecast for Wednesday of this week. The 9 day deer gun season which opened on Saturday, November 20, continues in the park. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.
CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable electric sites have been reserved for the weekend. There are a number of reservable non-electric sites still available in the Homestead Campground for this weekend. Non-reservable electric sites as well as reservable electric sites will be difficult to get for the remaining fall weekends.
Please keep in mind that generators are not allowed. Campers are welcome to check availability by calling the park at 608-996-2261 before heading to Wyalusing. Reservations can be made through Reserve America by calling 1 -888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.
The reservation period is from May 1 through October 31. The concession stand is closed for the season.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: The Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is 10.9.
Effective immediately Because
of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.
Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been
changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT
Park bird feeders have been up for almost a week. Not many birds have been taking advantage of the feeders yet. Birds at the feeders include: cardinals, blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches and gold finches. The raccoons have not yet raided or destroyed the feeders.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: There will not be a December Friends of Wyalusing meeting.

Ground Hog Daze will be held on Saturday, February 5, starting at 1:30 p.m. This event will celebrate the legend of the ground hog, featuring a program on the animal itself, a winter hike, and a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The festivities will conclude with a tiki torch night hike through the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. The Peterson Shelter and Nature Center will be the central location for all of the activities. The Nature Center is totally enclosed and there will be a roaring fire in the fireplace insert. We will also have warming fires in the Peterson Shelter fireplaces. Refreshments will be available. Come join the Friends of Wyalusing as we try to shake “cabin fever” and anticipate the arrival of spring just 6 weeks away unless the elusive ground hog sees his shadow and scurries back into his burrow. More information will soon be available on our website at www.wyalusing.org.

Winterization

2010-10-21T14:11:00.003-05:00

Nelson Dewey - all water - faucets, showers, flush toilet - closed for the season. Drinking water available at winterized faucet near the park office. Please use self registration for camping and stickers if office is not staffed.

Wyalusing State Park - Homestead showers closed. Dumping station closed, but water is available at the winterized faucet in the Wisconsin Ridge. Please bring your hose to fill your tank at the winterized faucet in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Dumping station can be used to dump if campers have water in their tank to flush with.

Wisconsin Ridge Campground - flush building at the entrance to the Wisconsin Ridge Campground closed for the season.

All water faucets off in the park except the winterized faucet - located east of the shower flush building and the faucet in front of the shower flush building.

Most leaves are off the trees - not much color this year. Oaks are beautiful!!

September 29, 2010

2010-09-29T16:17:00.001-05:00

DATE: Wednesday, September 29, 2010

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. Sand Cave Trail and Sugar Maple Nature Trail have been reopened after being closed for 2 years. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave (Image Left) is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

WEEKEND FORECAST: The forecast for this weekend is about as close to perfect as possible for a fall weekend. The forecast as of Wednesday, September 29 for Thursday through Sunday includes sunny skies on Thursday, with a high near 70 and clear for the evening with a low of 45. Friday should see mostly sunny with a high near 68 and cloudy Friday night with a low around 43. Saturday calls for mostly cloudy with a high near 53. Saturday night skies will be partly cloudy with areas of frost after 1 a.m. Sunday should be sunny with a high near 56.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable electric sites have been reserved for the weekend. There are a number of reservable non-electric sites still available in the Homestead Campground for this weekend. Non-reservable electric sites as well as reservable electric sites will be difficult to get for the remaining fall weekends.
Please keep in mind that generators are not allowed. Campers are welcome to check availability by calling the park at 608-996-2261 before heading to Wyalusing. Reservations can be made through Reserve America by calling 1 -888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.
.

CAMPING INFORMATION: Showers, dumping station and flush toilets are open. The concession stand is open on a limited basis. Concession stand hours: Fridays: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays – 8:00 a.m. – noon. Firewood, ice, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand. Firewood and ice may be purchased from the campground host on site 153 in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on the days when the concession is closed.
Even though both the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers are high, the trails and campgrounds at Wyalusing State Park are open. Wyalusing is located on a 500 foot bluff above both rivers. The boat landing is the only part of Wyalusing that is affected by the high water.
As we approach fall and the return of cold weather, we anticipate shut down of showers, water fountains, flush toilets, and the dumping station. Scheduled shutdown of these facilities is as follows: October 12 and 13 – showers, flush toilets, dumping station and picnic area fountains at Nelson Dewey State Park in Cassville; flush building and all drinking fountains in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground, Outdoor Group Camp at Wyalusing State Park; October 18 the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge will be shut down as well as the dumping station.

PLEASE NOTE: THESE DATES ARE ONLY APPROXIMATE SHUT DOWN DATES. IF A HARD FREEZE IS FORECAST, ALL WATER IN BOTH NELSON DEWEY AND WYALUSING STATE PARK WILL BE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 608-996-2261 IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFO ON THIS. A GOOD RULE TO FOLLOW – PLAN ON NOT HAVING SHOWERS, FLUSH BATHROOMS, ETC IN OCTOBER AND IF IT HAPPENS TO BE AVAILABLE, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY.

At this time, canoes and kayaks are not available for rent because of the high water on the Mississippi River.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: The Mississippi River is now at flood stage. Today’s level (Wednesday, September 29, 2010) was 17.5 around noon with an expected crest on Friday at 19.1 feet. Flood stage is 16 feet. All boat landings in Prairie du Chien are closed and there is a slow/no wake zone on the river near the Prairie du Chien waterfront. The boat landing at Wyalusing State Park is open, but flooded. Parking will be limited.

Effective immediately Because
of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and
diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater
than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the
borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or
unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased
locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state
or greater than 50 miles from the property is not
allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon
Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County
where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an
additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and
Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles
from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County,
so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or
Vernon Counties.

Please note
that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been
changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please
purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

Recent bird sightings – reported on Tuesday, September 28 : orange-crowned kinglet, Tennessee Warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, Nashville Warbler, golden-crowned kinglet, yellow-bellied sapsucker, Northern flicker, white-throated sparrow, red-bellied woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch, white-breasted nuthatch, gold finch, rufous sided towhee, blue jay, cardinal, tree sparrow, bluebird, junco, catbird, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, cedar waxwing, song sparrow, tree swallow, northern rough-winged swallow, red-tailed hawk, pileated woodpecker, chickadee, barred owl, great horned owl, great blue heron, Canada goose, cormorant, bald eagle, kestrel, wood duck, mallard, kingfisher, osprey, ring-belled gulls, herring gulls, and killdeer .
The hummingbirds have finally left the area. The last “hummer” was sighted on Sunday, September 27. I will leave my feeders up for another week in case a straggler happens by.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The October meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park will be on Monday, October 11. The meeting will start at 6 p.m.
Volunteer Jamboree is now history. It was so much fun and I do think everyone enjoyed themselves. The jamboree (Photo left) is a way to recognize and thank the volunteers that help to make Wisconsin State Parks as great as they are. I enjoyed personally meeting most of the volunteers that came to the jamboree. I would like to thank the Friends of Wyalusing, specifically Randy and Kathy Paske, Bruce and Ruth Klang, Ken and Jean Knowles and Kay Schmitz as well as Peter Biermeier, Jenna and Tana from the Bureau of Parks and Recreation for all of their help with set up and clean up. Because of their hard work, the jamboree ran smoothly.

On Tuesday of this week we said good-bye to Ken and Nettie who were the campground hosts at Nelson Dewey since mid August. Jerry and Janet have been hosting at Wyalusing Stater Park for the month of September. The staff would like to thank these four people for the work that they did while they were hosting. We are very grateful to them and all of the hosts at both properties. Jerry and Janet will leave Wyalusing to head south to Nelson Dewey for the next two weeks.

Area Weekend Events – Saturday and Sunday, October 2nd and 3rd

Effigy Mounds National Monument – Annual Hawk Watch
Marquette, Iowa – Flea Market under the Mississippi River Bridge
McGregor, Iowa – Fall Arts and Craft Fair – Triangle Park
Shihata’s Apple Orchard Apple Fest – north of Prairie du Chien, Limery Road (off Highway 35)

Upcoming Events – Saturday and Sunday October 9 and 10

Marquette, Iowa – Flea Market under the Mississippi River Bridge
McGregor, Iowa – Fall Arts and Craft Fair – Triangle Park

Saturday, October 9
Fall Hawk Watch and Songbird Migration – by Chris West
Meet at Point Lookout
9:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 10
10 10 10 For 10 sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to recognize the importance of wetlands.
Wyalusing State Park has been recognized as a “Wetland of International Importance”.
10 10 10 10 will take place on Sunday, October 10 (10th month, 10th day) at 10 a.m. This event is meant to have a low impact on those properties that are taking part in it. Hence the remaining “10” which represents approximately 10 people who will attend the bird walk at Point Lookout in honor of this recognition. For more information, please visit www.fws.gov/midwest/uppermississippiriver/index.html

August 19, 2010

2010-08-19T11:48:00.001-05:00

DATE: Thursday, August 19, 2010

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. Sand Cave Trail was completed in mid November and should be more sustainable in the event of heavy rain. Both Big Sand Cave(Photo Left) and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.
WEEKEND FORECAST: The forecast for this weekend includes a mixed bag of weather: today, warm and sunny with a high near 85, a slight chance of thunderstorms for tonight with a low in the mid 70s; Friday – 50 per cent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 84. 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms likely for Friday night with a low of 68. Saturday’s forecast is partly cloudy (mostly sunny if you are an optimist) and a high of 85. Saturday night should be mostly clear with a low around 66. Sunny skies for Sunday with a hight near 86. Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien is 12.2, up .4 from yesterday.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable sites have been taken, but as of Thursday morning, there is a nice selection of non-reservable sites, including 3 bluff sites. Electric sites will be difficult to obtain. At this point, all sites are on a first come, first served basis.
CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Both campgrounds are open for camping. Showers, flush toilets and dumping station are open. Concession stand is open daily. Hours for the concession are as follows: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 pm. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

PARK BIRD SIGHTINGS: With the spring migration over and the fall migration not yet started, birding is not as popular at this time of year as it is in the spring and fall. A current list is not maintained, but the following is a list of birds that are summer residents: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole.

The swarm of humming birds at the park office feeders continues to delight park visitors and campers. The “hummers” are a favorite subject of many photographers. Humming birds can be seen at any time of the day, but the best time to see the ‘swarm” is on rainy or cloudy days and right before dark.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The September meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park may be held on the Monday evening of the Volunteer Jamboree (September 13) if time allows. Plans for the jamboree are in place, registrations are in with approximately 85 people attending. I think that we are offering a nice selection of off site activites as well as on property programs. Friends of Wyalusing members are also planning for Spirits of Wyalusing past which will be held on Saturday, September 25th.
Upcoming Park Events
September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Future Area Event
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

July 29. 2010

2010-07-29T20:08:00.000-05:00

DATE: Thursday, July 29, 2010

Click map to enlarge. Or follow this link

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. Sand Cave Trail was completed in mid November and should be more sustainable in the event of heavy rain. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.
This area has received considerable rainfall within the last week, but we did not receive any damage from the recent storms. Both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are higher than normal. The Mississippi River dropped .2 of an inch overnight. Mississippi River stage is at 11.2. Even with the higher than normal water levels, canoeing and boating remain popular activities.

WEEKEND FORECAST: The forecast for this weekend includes a mixed bag of weather: today, warm and sunny with a high near 84, a slight chance of thunderstorms for tonight with a low in the mid 60s; Friday – showers and thunderstorms likely before 1 p.m. and a high near 80; Saturday should be partly cloudy (mostly sunny) with a high near 81 and a low of 64; Sunday’s forecast if mostly sunny with a high near 85.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable sites have been taken, but as of Thursday morning, there is a nice selection of non-reservable sites, including 5 bluff sites. Electric sites will be difficult to obtain. At this point, all sites are on a first come, first served basis.

CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Both campgrounds are open for camping. Showers, flush toilets and dumping station are open for the season. Concession stand is open daily. Hours for the concession are as follows: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 pm. The concession will close at 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday beginning in August. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

RECENT PARK BIRD SIGHTINGS: blue heron, trumpeter swan, turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot, sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker, pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee, Acadian flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, Cerulean warbler (left), American redstart, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, house finch gold finch, prothonotary warbler. This list was compiled by Chris West on May 29. It is not a complete list of birds found in Wyalusing State Park.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo(Right), black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The August meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park will be held on Monday, August 9 at the old park office. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. The main topics of discussion will be the Volunteer Jamboree and Spirits of Wyalusing. This will be the last meeting before the Jamboree.

A BIG THANK YOU TO Ken and Jean, Craig and Patti, and Don and Joyce who were the July camphosts at Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey.

Upcoming Park Events
July 31
Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
August 7
Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts
Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.
September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

July 8, 2010

2010-07-08T16:58:00.004-05:00

Thursday, July 8, 2010

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Most trails will be wet and muddy due to the recent heavy and constant rain. Sand Cave Trail is temporarily closed because of that rain. The forecast for today through the weekend is sunny with lower humidity and highs in the mid 80’s. If this forecast holds true, the trails should be in good hiking condition and Sand Cave will be opened by the weekend. Sand Cave Trail and Sugar Maple Nature Trail have been reopened after being closed for 2 years. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. Old Wagon Road Trail, which starts across from the tennis courts and ends at The Knob is now open. The trail crew recently completed a trail north of the park office which connects the Wisconsin Ridge Campground with the Homestead Campground. This trail travels through a beautiful prairie. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

WEEKEND FORECAST: Forecast for this weekend as of Thursday, July 8 includes sunny skies for today, Friday and Saturday with a 30 per cent chance of rain on Sunday. Highs will be in the mid 80’s and lows in the mid 60’s. Humidity is also expected to drop, making for what appears to be a long overdue perfect weekend for camping, hiking and canoeing at Wyalusing State Park.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable campsites are taken for the weekend. As of today, there is still a good selection of nonelectric sites, including 5 on the bluff side of the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. This will change as it gets later in the day and people start to arrive for the weekend. Campers are advised to check availability by calling the park at 608-996-2261 before heading to Wyalusing.

CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Showers, dumping station and flush toilets are open. The concession stand is open daily. Concession stand hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

RECENT AREA BIRD SIGHTINGS: great blue heron, trumpeter swan(Left), turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot, sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee, Acadian flycatcher, phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, starling, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, meadowlark, grackle, cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, house finch, goldfinch, house sparrow. Please note: the above list is not a complete list of birds found at Wyalusing, but is a list compiled by Chris West who led a bird walk on May 29. A new addition to this list is the worm-eating warbler (Right) spotted on June 17 on Long Valley Road.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter. The Kentucky warbler can be spotted at the top and bottom of Long Valley Road.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

The park office humming birds remain a popular photo opportunity for park visitors. Humming bird numbers seem to be down this year, but I also think the adults are still busy with their young. The end feeder at the south end of the building is by far the most popular of all 8 feeders. The “hummers” will empty that feeder between 3 and 4 times per day.
The Prairie Garden near the park office is still a site of beauty. Flowers in bloom include: white beard tongue, prairie phlox, prairie onion, white indigo, black-eyed susan, pale purple coneflower and coreopsis, purple coneflowers, Joe Pyeweed, royal catchfly, mallow, orange milkweed and liatris. It is “alive” with humming birds and butterflies. The humming birds are attracted to the beautiful red catchfly. Thanks to Dorothy Messner for taking such good care of the garden.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The Friends of Wyalusing is sponsoring a pot luck picnic at noon with the F.O.W. providing the brats, hotdogs and lemonade. Meet at noon at The Point Lookout Shelter, Saturday Noon.. Please keep in mind there is no electricity there for crock pots. There will be lawn games and activities for everyone so bring a smile and something to share for a great afternoon. We will have a meeting after the picnic. Agenda will include more planning of the Camphost Jamboree. Plans are well underway for this event. The Jamboree will be a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of Wyalusing State Park as well as the surrounding area.

Campground Hosts – Wyalusing staff said good by to Beth who hosted in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.for the month of June. Beth took on a huge responsibility as she cared for both campgrounds while she was here. Ken and Nettie hosted at Nelson Dewey for part of May and the entire month of June. Ken and Nettie played a vital role at Nelson Dewey selling many bundles of firewood to campers and keeping an eye on the park when needed. Thanks to all three hosts for all the work that they did while they were at both properties. We have come to depend on hosts as members of the park staff. Welcome this month to Ken and Jean and Craig and Patti at Wyalusing and Don and Joyce at Nelson Dewey.

Weekend Events – Area and Park
War of 1812 in Wisconsin - A historic re-enactment commemoratin Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 Battle.
Saturday and Sunday – Villa Louis Historic Site in Prairie du Chien
Saturday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Battle at 7 p.m.
Sunday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Battle at 2:30 p.m.
A living history lesson of how the British won the battle – but lost the territory that became the State of Wisconsin

“Pig in the Park”
Pig roast on St. Feriole Island, serving from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Fireworks – at dusk on St. Feriole Island.

Astronomy Program –
8:30 p.m. – Astronomy Center
Wyalusing State Park

Upcoming Park Events
July 14
“Snakes Alive” – Peterson Shelter
6:30 p.m.

July 17
Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.

July 31
Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

August 7
Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts

August 14
Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.

September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.

Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

June 24, 2010

2010-06-24T12:59:00.000-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. Sand Cave Trail and Sugar Maple Nature Trail have been reopened after being closed for 2 years. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. The trail crew is now working on Old Wagon Road Trail which will start across from the tennis courts and end at The Knob. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

WEEKEND FORECAST: Forecast for this weekend as of Thursday, June 24 has warm and sunny with a high of 85 and a night time low of 68. There is a 40 % chance of showers in the evening. Chance for rain on Saturday is at 30% with cloudy skies and a high near 91 and 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening with a low of 70. A 40 % chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for Sunday with a high near 86 and a slight chance of showers on Sunday night with a low of 66.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable campsites are taken for the weekend. As of today, all sites for Friday are on a first come first served basis. Arrive on Thursday or early in the day on Friday to obtain a site for the weekend. Nelson Dewey State Park near Cassville, Wi, has a number of nonelectric sites open for this weekend on a first come first serve basis. Campers are advised to check availability by calling the park at 608-996-2261 before heading to Wyalusing.

CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Showers, dumping station and flush toilets are open. The concession stand is open daily. Concession stand hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

RECENT AREA BIRD SIGHTINGS: great blue heron, trumpeter swan, turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot, sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker(left), downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee, Acadian flycatcher, phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, starling, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, meadowlark, grackle, cowbird, Baltimore Oriole(right), house finch, goldfinch, house sparrow. Please note: the above list is not a complete list of birds found at Wyalusing, but is a list compiled by Chris West who led a bird walk on May 29. A new addition to this list is the worm-eating warbler spotted on June 17 on Long Valley Road.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter. The Kentucky warbler can be spotted at the top and bottom of Long Valley Road.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

The heyday of the hummingbirds at the park office is over – at least for now. At this time of year, the adults are busy taking care of their young – feeding them small insects and spiders. There are only a few hummers frequenting the office feeders. Once the young are fledged, adults and young will return with a vengeance.

Prairie Garden near the park office is ablaze with color. Flowers in bloom include: white beard tongue, prairie phlox, prairie onion, spiderwort, white indigo, black-eyed susan, pale purple coneflower and coreopsis, purple coneflowers. Joe Pyeweed should be blooming in the next couple of weeks. Thanks to Dorothy Messner for taking such good care of the garden.

Bluebird boxes in the park are not as successful this year as in the past years. By this time last year, the park’s boxes had fledged 36 blue birds. Total to date is 6 bluebirds fledged. A few more boxes should fledge in the next week or so. Dorothy thinks that black flies are responsible for the lower numbers this year.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The June meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park was held on June 21st in the refurbished old park office. It is beautiful and one more thing that the Friends of Wyalusing can be extremely proud of! The Friends of Wyalusing applied for a grant which funded the office project. The Volunteer Jamboree was discussed and the planning has begun. The Jamboree will be a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of Wyalusing State Park as well as the surrounding area.

Upcoming Park Events
Saturday, June 26
Native American Stories and Music by Dan “Fire Crow” Lybarger
Point Lookout

July 14
“Snakes Alive” – Peterson Shelter
6:30 p.m.

July 17
Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.

July 31
Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

August 7
Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts

August 14
Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.

September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.

Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

June 17 2010

2010-06-17T16:15:00.003-05:00

RECENT AREA BIRD SIGHTINGS: great blue heron (right), trumpeter swan, turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot, sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee (Left), Acadian flycatcher, phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, starling, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, meadowlark, grackle, cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, house finch, goldfinch, house sparrow. Please note: the above list is not a complete list of birds found at Wyalusing, but is a list compiled by Chris West who led a bird walk on this past Saturday.

Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter. The Kentucky warbler can be spotted at the top and bottom of Long Valley Road.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo(Left), black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

The park office hummingbirds continue to delight park visitors.(Photo - Right) The 8 feeders are filled at least 2 times a day with approximately 2 gallons of sugar water being consumed daily.

Prairie Garden near the park office is ablaze with color. Flowers in bloom include: white beard tongue, prairie phlox, prairie onion, spiderwort, white indigo, black-eyed susan, pale purple coneflower and coreopsis. Purple coneflowers and Joe Pyeweed should be blooming in the next couple of weeks. Thanks to Dorothy Messner for taking such good care of the garden.

Bluebird boxes in the park are not as successful this year as in the past years. By this time last year, the park’s boxes had fledged 36 blue birds. Total to date is 6 bluebirds fledged. A few more boxes should fledge in the next week or so. Dorothy thinks that black flies are responsible for the lower numbers this year.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The June meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park will be on June 21 at the old park office. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Discussion will include planning for the Volunteer Jamboree.

CAMPGROUND HOSTS Ken and Nettie and Beth are helping out this month. Ken and Nettie are at Nelson Dewey and Beth is at Wyalusing State Park. We certainly appreciate all the work that they are doing.

Upcoming Park Events

Saturday, June 26

Native American Stories and Music by Dan “Fire Crow” Lybarger

Point Lookout

July 14

“Snakes Alive” – Peterson Shelter

6:30 p.m.

Please note this program was originally listed as June 14. The correct date is July 14. I apologize for any inconvenience.

July 17

Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians

Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.

July 31

Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”

Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

August 7

Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians

Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.

Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo

Across from the Tennis Courts

August 14

Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”

Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.

September 18

Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey

Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

September 25-

Spirits of Wyalusing Past

Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.

Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.

Area events this weekend:

35th Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous

St. Feriole Island – Prairie du Chien

Reenactment of the fur trapping and trading days of the 1800’s. One of the largest rendezvous in the midwest..

Future Area Events

Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.

July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival

August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest

September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

Thursday, June 10, 2010

2010-06-10T16:59:00.002-05:00

DATE: Thursday, June 10, 2010

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. (Link to latest Trail Photos) Sand Cave Trail and Sugar Maple Nature Trail have been reopened after being closed for 2 years. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. The trail crew is now working on Old Wagon Road Trail which will start across from the tennis courts and end at The Knob. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

Click map to enlarge. Or follow this link

WEEKEND FORECAST: Forecast for this weekend as of Thursday, June 10 has a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Friday and a 50 % chance on Saturday. Keep in mind that means an 80 % chance of no rain on Saturday and a 50% chance of a dry Saturday. Temperatures will range from mid 60’s at night to mid 80’s during the day.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: At this time, most of the reserved sites have been taken, leaving a few open on a first come, first served basis as well as a number of non-reservable campsites. There are still plenty of sites available for this weekend, but electric sites will be difficult to get. Sites for Friday night are now on a 1st come, 1st served basis as reservations need to be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date.

CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Both campgrounds and the outdoor group camp are open for the season. Showers, dumping station and flush toilets are open. The concession stand is open daily. Concession stand hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately – Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. LINK TO PDF DOCUMENT

RECENT AREA BIRD SIGHTINGS: great blue heron, trumpeter swan, turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot (Left), sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee, Acadian flycatcher, phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Eastern bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, starling, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler (right), scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, meadowlark, grackle, cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, house finch, goldfinch, house sparrow. Please note: the above list is not a complete list of birds found at Wyalusing, but is a list compiled by Chris West who led a bird walk on this past Saturday.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The June meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park will be on June 21 at the old park office. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Discussion will include planning for the Volunteer Jamboree.

Upcoming Park Events
.Saturday, June 5
Guided Canoe Trip – Bruce Klang and Randy Paske
Meet at Boat Landing – 9:00 a.m.
Rental canoes and kayaks available at Park Concession
History Walk – Bruce Klang
Meet at the Concession Stand – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 26

Native American Storyteller

Meet at Point
Lookout Shelter ()

July 14
“Snakes Alive” – Peterson Shelter
6:30 p.m.
Please note this program was originally listed as June 14. The correct date is July 14. I apologize for any inconvenience. (Please see web site!)

July 17
Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time TBA
July 31
Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
August 7
Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts
August 14
Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.
September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.

Park and area events this weekend:
Saturday, June 12
Astronomy Program
Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present an astronomy program at the Astronomy Center beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Crawford County June Dairy Breakfast
6a.m. – 10 a.m.
Jim and Jean Moret farm located off Hwy. 18, just across the Wisconsin River Bridge.
Cajun Fest
Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12
Friday: 5 – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 – 10 p.m.
Enjoy a “Taste of Louisiana” with authentic Cajun food and Louisiana Beers. Music begins at 7 p.m. and again at 1:00 p.m.
Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.
June 17-20 – Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

Thursday, June 3, 2010

2010-06-04T08:35:00.001-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. Sand Cave Trail was completed in mid November. Even though the trail is now complete, the soil is not completely stabilized. For the next few months, heavy rainfall may necessitate the closing of the trail to protect it. Sugar Maple Nature Trail and Sand Cave Trail were both opened in 2009, after being closed for more than 2 years due to heavy rains. Both trails were redesigned and should be more sustainable in the event of heavy rain. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

WEEKEND FORECAST: Forecast for this weekend includes a 70% chance of rain on Friday, but decreasing to 50% on Saturday and 30% on Sunday. Temperatures will range from upper 50’s at night to upper 70’s during the day.
CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: There is still a good selection of nonelectric sites open for this weekend. Campsites for Friday evening are now on a first come first served basis as campsites need to be reserved at least 2 days prior to the arrival date.
CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Both campgrounds are open for camping. Showers, flush toilets and dumping station are open for the season. Concession stand is open daily. Hours for the concession are as follows: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 pm. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately – Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 25 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties.

Effective June 1, 2010: Perimeter for movement of firewood has been changed to a 25 mile radius perimeter.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. Please buy firewood locally.

RECENT PARK BIRD SIGHTINGS AS OF MAY 29, 2010: blue heron, trumpeter swan, turkey vulture, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey, American coot, sandhill crane, killdeer, mourning dove, yellow-billed cuckoo, great horned owl, barred owl, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, flicker, pileated woodpecker, Eastern wood pewee, Acadian flycatcher, Eastern phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, rough-winged swallow, barn swallow, blue jay, American crow, chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, bluebird, wood thrush, robin, catbird, cedar waxwing, yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, Cerulean warbler, American redstart, ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, house finch gold finch, prothonotary warbler. This list was compiled by Chris West on May 29. It is not a complete list of birds found in Wyalusing State Park.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The June meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park will be held on Monday, June 21 at the old park office. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Topics of discussion to include Volunteer Jamboree planning.

A BIG THANK YOU TO PAUL KOSIR AND CHRIS WEST FOR THE NATURALIST PROGRAMS THIS PAST WEEKEND. Chris led a very productive bird walk on Saturday, May 29 and Paul did a variety of programs ranging from a bird walk, edible plant walk, and cooking with those edible plants. Attendance was high at all programs.

Upcoming Park Events
Saturday, June 5
Guided Canoe Trip – Bruce Klang and Randy Paske
Meet at Boat Landing – 9:00 a.m.
Rental canoes and kayaks available at Park Concession
History Walk – Bruce Klang
Meet at the Concession Stand – 7:00 p.m.
June 14
“Snakes Alive” – 6:30 p.m. Peterson Shelter
June 26 – Native American Storyteller
Point Lookout Shelter – time TBA
July 17
Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time TBA
July 31
Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
August 7
Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts
Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.
September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.
Saturday, June 5
Villa Louis Appreciation Day
Special admission: Adults - $2, Children – free
Old-time Baseball game starts at 1:00 p.m.
June 17-20 – Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

Thursday, May 27, 2010

2010-05-27T13:26:00.002-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails are in good hiking condition. Sand Cave Trail was completed in mid November. Even though the trail is now complete, the soil is not completely stabilized. For the next few months, rainfall will necessitate the closing of the trail to protect it. Sugar Maple Nature Trail and Sand Cave Trail were both opened in 2009, after being closed for more than 2 years due to heavy rains. Both trails were redesigned and should be more sustainable in the event of heavy rain. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River.

Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet). Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

WEEKEND FORECAST: The Memorial Day Weekend Camping forecast sounds close to perfect. Temperatures will range from mid 50’s at night to low 80’s during day. Humidity levels have dropped considerably from earlier this week. There is a slight chance of a short downpour on Saturday afternoon.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY: All reservable sites have been reserved. Wyalusing State Park has 22 first come first serve sites. Campers are encouraged to call before coming to check on the availability of these sites. Please keep in mind that we cannot hold or reserve first come, first serve sites. Campers must be here in person to register for these sites and a unit must be set up on the site before 11:00 p.m. that night.
CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, sites 201-219 will be open this weekend, but closed for weekday use next week. Showers are not open in Homestead Campground, but campers can use the showers in Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. Water fountains, the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground and the dumping station are open. The concession stand is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Memorial Day Weekend. Starting on Friday, May 28, the concession stand will be open every day. Hours for May will be as follows: Fridays: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sundays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.
Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 50 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state.

Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note, that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties. Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Please note that the perimeter for movement
of firewood will decrease to a 25 mile radius in May. Spread the word
and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Please note that the perimeter for movement of firewood will decrease to a 25 mile radius on June 1.
Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

AREA BIRD SIGHTINGS: Fox sparrow, bluebirds, robins, killdeer, sand hill cranes, turkey vultures, red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, pelicans, song sparrows, American woodcock, kestrels, golden-crowned kinglet, belted kingfisher, chipping sparrow, rufous sided towhee. A few cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, gold finches, bluejays, juncos and nuthatches can still be found at the office bird feeders. New spring arrivals include: greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs, solitary sandpipers, spotted sandpipers, yellow-billed cuckoo, common nighthawks, ruby-throated hummingbirds, great crested flycatcher, tree swallows, rough-winged swallows, barn swallows, brown creepers, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Swainson’s thrush, wood thrush, solitary vireo (blue-headed), yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, common yellowthroat, Wilson;s warbler, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, vesper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, catbird, brown thrasher, Northern parula, ruby crowned kinglet, Magnolia warbler, black and white warbler, Eastern kingbird, common loon.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter.

Summer residents that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

FLOWERS IN BLOOM: columbine, May apples, showy orchid, lady’s slipper, nodding trillium, large flowering trillium, meadow rue, phlox, wild geranium, Jacob’s ladder, spiderwort, Greek valarium,
FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The May meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park was postponed until this Monday, May 17.

Upcoming Park Events

Saturday, May 29th
Guided Bird Walk led by Birding Guide, Chris West.
7:30 a.m. – meet at Point Lookout.
Paul Kosir, former LTE Naturalist at Wyalusing State Park will return for the Memorial Day Weekend, presenting a number of programs:
10:00 a.m. – Edible Plant Hike – See the plants we’ll eat tonight and many more “incredible edibles”. Edible Plant Hike – Meet at Point Lookout – 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – Indian Mound Walk – Find out about the residents on this land before settlement. Meet at the Passenger Pigeon Monument.
3:00 p.m. – Geology Hike – Try out the new Sand Cave Trail and learn about the Earth History of the Park. Meet at the old park office.
8:00 p.m. – Evening Program – Julian Wild, the Fern Chef – Find out how to cook edible wild plants that are delicious, nutritious, and best of all free!. Meet at Peterson Shelter.

Sunday, May 30th
7:00 a.m. Bird Walk – The trees are alive with the sound of bird songs. See what makes Wyalusing such a birding “hot spot”. Meet at the Tennis Court.
10:00 a.m. – Spring Wildflower Hike – See the beauty and smell the fragrance of spring ephemerals while they’re here. Meet at the old park office.
1:00 p.m. Forest Ecology Walk – Get answers to many of your questions about trees and forests plus a whole lot more. Meet at Point Lookout.
3:00 p.m. Wyalusing History Drive – Visit the car accessible sites important to Wyalusing’s history in a new program led by an old character. Meet at Point Lookout.
Monday, May 31
7:00 a.m. Bird Walk – Anything this good is worth doing again. Maybe we’ll even beat Sunday’s outing. Meet at the Tennis Court.
10:00 a.m. – Cliff Ecology Hike – We’ll take a last look from the bluff before we look at the bluff during a hike that’s short on distance, but long on interest. Meet at Point Lookout.
Saturday, June 5
Guided Canoe Trip – Bruce Klang and Randy Paske
Meet at Boat Landing – 9:00 a.m.
Rental canoes and kayaks available at Park Concession
History Walk – Bruce Klang
Meet at the Concession Stand – 7:00 p.m.
June 14
“Snakes Alive” – 6:30 p.m. Peterson Shelter
June 26 – Native American Storyteller
Point Lookout Shelter – time TBA
July 17
Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time TBA
July 31
Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
August 7
Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts
Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.
September 18
Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
September 25-
Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.

June 17-20 – Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic

May 13, 2010

2010-05-13T11:17:00.002-05:00

TRAIL/PARK CONDITIONS: Trails will be wet due to the recent rains of the past few days. Rain totals in the area range from 2 – 3 inches. Sand Cave Trail will be closed due to the heavy rainfall. Sand Cave Trail was completed in mid November. Even though the trail is now complete, the soil is not completely stabilized. For the next few months, rainfall will necessitate the closing of the trail to protect it. Sugar Maple Nature Trail and Sand Cave Trail were both opened in 2009, after being closed for more than 2 years due to heavy rains. Both trails were redesigned and should be more sustainable in the event of heavy rain. Both Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave are now visible from Sand Cave Trail as well as Walnut Eddy on the Wisconsin River. Sentinel Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be accessed from Point Lookout and will follow the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of approximately 500 feet).

Click to enlarge image.

Indian Mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are located on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument. Bluff Trail to Treasure Cave is open. To reach Treasure Cave, take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is located on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.

CAMPING AND RESERVATION INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, sites 201-219 will be open this weekend, but closed for weekday use next week. Showers are not open in Homestead Campground, but campers can use the showers in Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping. Water fountains, the shower/flush building in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground and the dumping station are open. The concession stand is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Memorial Day Weekend. Starting on Friday, May 28, the concession stand will be open every day. Hours for May will be as follows: Fridays: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sundays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.. Firewood, canoe and kayak rental, camp supplies, sweat shirts and tee shirts are available at the concession stand.
Reservations can be made 11 months in advance. Reservations must be made at least 2 days prior to the arrival date. Reservations can be made through Reserve America at 888-947-2757 or online at www.wiparks.net.

Effective immediately Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 50 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state.

Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 50 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note, that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties. Spread the word and tell yourfriends and neighbors not to move firewood.

Please note that the perimeter for movement
of firewood will decrease to a 25 mile radius in May. Spread the word
and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

AREA BIRD SIGHTINGS: Many spring migrants returned Friday, April 30 after the afternoon storm went through. Early returning spring migrants include: fox sparrow, bluebirds, robins, killdeer, sand hill cranes, turkey vultures, red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, pelicans, song sparrows, American woodcock, kestrels, golden-crowned kinglet, belted kingfisher, chipping sparrow, rufous sided towhee. A few cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, gold finches, bluejays, juncos and nuthatches can still be found at the office bird feeders. New spring arrivals include: greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs, solitary sandpipers, spotted sandpipers, yellow-billed cuckoo, common nighthawks, ruby-throated hummingbirds, great crested flycatcher, tree swallows, rough-winged swallows, barn swallows, brown creepers, house wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Swainson’s thrush, wood thrush, solitary vireo (blue-headed), yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, yellow-throated warbler, pine warbler, palm warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, common yellowthroat, Wilson;s warbler, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, vesper sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, catbird, and brown thrasher.
New Arrivals for the week of May 9 through May 13 include: Northern parula, ruby crowned kinglet, Magnolia warbler, black and white warbler, Eastern kingbird, common loon.
Sought after bird sightings: yellow-throated warbler and Henslow’s sparrow. Henslow’s sparrows can be found just past the Astronomy Center. Yellow-throated warblers can be found near Homestead Picnic Shelter near the north loop of Turkey Hollow Trail, in the pines along the roadway to Homestead Picnic Shelter and in the pines at the intersection of Long Valley Road and the road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter.

Spring migrants that nest in Wyalusing State Park include: yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, common nighthawk, whip-poor will, Eastern wood peewee, Acadian Flycatcher, least flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, great crested flycatcher, Eastern kingbird, house wren, Eastern bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Catbird, brown thrasher, Yellow-throated vireo, warbling vireo, red-eyed vireo, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-throated warbler, cerulean warbler, American Redstart, prothonotary, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, Eastern Towhee, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, swamp sparrow, Baltimore oriole

FLOWERS IN BLOOM: columbine, May apples, showy orchid, lady’s slipper, nodding trillium, large flowering trillium, meadow rue, phlox, wild geranium, Jacob’s ladder, spiderwort, Greek valarium(Left) and a few amethyst shooting stars are still blooming.

MOREL MUSHROOMS: Local “shroomers” think that the morel mushroom season is not yet over due to the recent rainfall. They feel with the predicted temperatures in the upper 60s – 70 degrees for this weekend, the morel mushroom crop will be rejuvenated.

FRIENDS OF WYALUSING: The May meeting of the Friends of Wyalusing State Park was postponed until this Monday, May 17.

THANK YOU to Donna Starkey for the monarch butterfly program on Saturday, May 8 and Alex Stark and Libby Zeman for the guided bird walk on May 2.

Upcoming Park Events
Saturday, May 15 – Guided Bird Walk – Matt Heeter
7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Meet at the boat landing. Participants are welcome to join the group at any time during the program
Saturday, May 15 – Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks” Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 29th – Paul Kosir, former LTE Naturalist at Wyalusing State Park will return for the Memorial Day Weekend, presenting a number of programs:
10:00 a.m. – Edible Plant Hike – See the plants we’ll eat tonight and many more “incredible edibles”.Edible Plant Hike – Meet at Point Lookout – 10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – Indian Mound Walk – Find out about the residents on this land before settlement. Meet at the Passenger Pigeon Monument.
3:00 p.m. – Geology Hike – Try out the new Sand Cave Trail and learn about the Earth History of the Park. Meet at the old park office.
8:00 p.m. – Evening Program – Julian Wild, the Fern Chef – Find out how to cook edible wild plants that are delicious, nutritious, and best of all free!. Meet at Peterson Shelter.

Sunday, May 30th
7:00 a.m. Bird Walk – The trees are alive with the sound of bird songs. See what makes Wyalusing such a birding “hot spot”. Meet at the Tennis Court.
10:00 a.m. – Spring Wildflower Hike – See the beauty and smell the fragrance of spring ephemerals while they’re here. Meet at the old park office.
1:00 p.m. Forest Ecology Walk – Get answers to many of your questions about trees and forests plus a whole lot more. Meet at Point Lookout.
3:00 p.m. Wyalusing History Drive – Visit the car accessible sites important to Wyalusing’s history in a new program led by an old character. Meet at Point Lookout.

Monday, May 31
7:00 a.m. Bird Walk – Anything this good is worth doing again. Maybe we’ll even beat Sunday’s outing. Meet at the Tennis Court.
10:00 a.m. – Cliff Ecology Hike – We’ll take a last look from the bluff before we look at the bluff during a hike that’s short on distance, but long on interest. Meet at Point Lookout.
June 14 – “Snakes Alive” – 6:30 p.m. Peterson Shelter
June 26 – Native American Storyteller
Point Lookout Shelter – time TBA
July 17 – Matt Heeter - Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time TBA
July 31 – Merle Frommelt, - “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
August 7 – Matt Heeter – Reptiles and Amphibians
Peterson Shelter – time TBA
August 7 – Boy Scout 357 – Outdoor Cooking Demo
Across from the Tennis Courts
August 14 – Merle Frommelt – “Stones, Bones and Sticks”
Peterson Shelter – 6:30 p.m.
September 18 – Monarch Butterfly Program – Donna Starkey
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.
September 25- Spirits of Wyalusing Past
Peterson Shelter – 7:00 p.m.

The Starsplitters of Wyalusing will present Astronomy Programs on the 2nd and 4th Saturday evenings beginning in May. Programs will be held at the Huser Astronomy Center and begin at 8:30 p.m.
Please note, “Stones, Bones and Sticks originally scheduled for August 21st, has been rescheduled to August 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Future Area Events
Please note, a number of these events will have an impact on camping reservations at Wyalusing State Park. If you are planning on camping on the weekends listed below, you may want to make your campsite reservation now.

June 17-20 – Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous
July 30-July 31 – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
August 6-August 7 – Country on The River Music Fest
September 11, September 12 – Villa Louis Carriage Classic