Events include wildflower and fern walks, pond science, invasive species removal, Music in the Park and a family bug hunt.
Exploring the Ice Age Trail: History, Adventure & the Mammoth Hike Challenge
The roughly 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans much of Wisconsin. The Ice Age Trail Alliance hosts a Mammoth Hike Challenge each October.
- Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan is hosting a series of nature and educational events from July 28 to Aug. 9.
- Activities include guided walks focusing on birds and wildflowers, as well as presentations on nocturnal animals and local archaeology.
- Events are scheduled throughout the park and most require a state park vehicle admission pass.
- The series also features volunteer opportunities, a live music performance, and family-friendly activities like a bug hunt.
SHEBOYGAN – Visitors to Kohler-Andrae State Park can take part in a series of nature programs, volunteer activities and educational events from July 28 through Aug. 9, offering opportunities to explore birds, wildflowers, insects, archaeology, music and more.
The programs are scheduled at locations throughout the park at 1020 Beach Park Lane in Sheboygan, according to a community announcement. Most events require a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass, which can be purchased online or at the park office unless otherwise noted.
The schedule begins July 28 with a Discovery Bird Walk from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Woodland Dunes Trailhead near playground parking lot P8. Master Naturalists Janet and Andy Raddatz will lead participants through areas that may include woodland, shoreline and marsh habitat. The activity is intended for ages 12 and older and may last up to three hours depending on wildlife sightings.
The following afternoon, Master Naturalist Karen Merlau will guide a Discovering Wildflowers walk along the Black River Trail from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Participants will meet at the Black River Trails parking lot, P1.
Nature education programs continue into August
Naturalist Phyllis McKenzie will lead Fern Foray from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 30 along the Black River Trails, where participants will learn basic fern identification, life cycles and characteristics during a hike covering about 1 to 2 miles.
Families and older children can explore aquatic science during “What’s in the Water?” from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 1 at Friends Pond, parking lot P9. Master Naturalist Kim Drost will demonstrate water testing and discuss what the results reveal about pond health. The program is geared toward ages 10 and older.
That evening, Jerry Theys of Wildlife of Wisconsin will present “The Night Shift” from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Sanderling Nature Center auditorium. The family-focused program will feature animal ambassadors and information about nocturnal wildlife found in and around the park.
Volunteers ages 16 and older can assist with invasive species management during “Out with Invasives!” from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Black River Trails parking lot. Participants will help remove invasive honeysuckle with guidance from McKenzie. Admission is free for volunteers, but organizers ask participants to register by calling 920-451-4080.
Music, archaeology and family activities round out lineup
The park’s amphitheater will host Tonic Roots from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 as part of the Music in the Park series. The group’s performance will feature blues, acoustic rock and original music.
Archaeologist Kurt Sampson will present “Indian Mounds of Sheboygan” from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Sanderling Nature Center auditorium. The presentation will focus on regional mound sites and include discussion of “The Mounds of Horicon Marsh and the Upper Rock River,” a book Sampson co-authored with retired DNR Naturalist Bill Volkert.
Additional programs include Nature Journaling from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 8 at the amphitheater, a live moth demonstration called “Where Moths Gather” from 8 to 10 p.m. Aug. 8 at the amphitheater and a family-friendly Bug Hunt from 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 9 at Friends Pond.
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