Peninsula State Park - Newsroom

Peninsula State Park Hosts Annual SPOOK-tacular Hike

2009-09-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Peninsula State Park Hosts Annual SPOOK-tacular Hike

Calling all ghouls and goblins! On Saturday, October 10, from 5 - 7:30 PM, hundreds of pumpkins will light the way along a forest trail in Peninsula State Park. Friendly witches will greet families who walk from "Skeleton Street" to "Spider Row." Smokey Bear will greet kids at the end.

October 10 marks the eighth annual Spook-tacular Hike, a ghoulishly fun Halloween event that focuses on the natural world. A state park vehicle sticker is required, or patrons may purchase a $5 special event sticker. A donation of $2/adult and $1/child is suggested at the door. Enter the park at Fish Creek, then drive about three miles to park at Nicolet Beach. Signs will direct you to the event. If you need additional information call 920-868-3258 or 920-854-5976.

The Spooktacular Hike is a fundraiser for Peninsula's nature center and also for Northern Door Girl Scouts. Girls Scouts will be dressed as monarch butterflies, luna moths and witches. Other volunteers include Charlie Dickson, who will portray Vinni the Vulture and Scotty Weborg, a.k.a. Smokey Bear for the evening.

The self-guided walk is about a mile long, and takes about 45 minutes. A bonfire follows the event, with s'mores available for purchase. All proceeds benefit nature education and area scouts. Goodie bags will also be distributed to kids age ten and younger (while supplies last).

Be part of the fun on October 10. Costumed goblins are especially welcomed!

Lauren the GOOD WITCH welcomes you to Peninsula's Spooktacular Hike.

Northern Door Girl Scouts teach children about monarchs and luna moths at Peninsula's Spooktacular Hike.

Talking Tombstones August 4

2009-07-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Talking Tombstones at Peninsula State Park

Visit Blossomburg Cemetery in Peninsula State Park on Tuesday, August 4, for a SPECIAL CENTENNIAL EVENT: Talking Tombstones. Visit the cemetery any time from 10 a.m. - 12 noon to meet Door County characters such as Dr. Sneeberger, Carl Anderson, Julia Duclon, Artist Rouseff and others. Discover the Peninsula's colorful past through costumed characters & friendly descendents. The park's special centennial signed, limited edition print will be available for sale. Please consider donating $2 to defray program expenses. A state park vehicle sticker is not required to attend the event. Parking is limited. Bike if you can or park in Nelson’s picnic lot and walk (five minutes) to Blossomburg. Limited handicapped parking on Mengelberg Lane. Rain or shine. For additional information call 920-854-5976.

P Kathleen Harris

Peninsula State Park Naturalist

Peninsula State Park

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

(() phone: (920) 868-3258

(() fax: (920) 868-1931

(+) e-mail: kathleen.harris@wisconsin.gov

Peninsula State Park Centennial 2009

100 Years of Memories ... Only the Beginning

Art Print Celebrates Peninsula's First Century

2009-06-23T06:05:00.003-07:00

Door County artist Dave Hackett has created a watercolor montage that captures scenes from Peninsula's first century. Signed, limited edition prints are available for $25, with all proceeds benefitting park education and trail maintenance. For additional information call Park Headquarters at 920-868-3258.

P Kathleen Harris

Peninsula State Park Naturalist

Peninsula State Park

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

(() phone: (920) 868-3258

(() fax: (920) 868-1931

(+) e-mail: kathleen.harris@wisconsin.gov

Peninsula State Park Centennial 2009

100 Years of Memories ... Only the Beginning

Sunsets & S'mores Premiers

2009-06-23T06:05:00.001-07:00

American Folklore Theatre's Sunsets and S'mores is playing at Peninsula State Park now through August. Commissioned by Friends of Peninsula State Park, this lighthearted musical review celebrates 100 years of memories at Wisconsin's favorite camping destination.

The show runs Tuesdays and Saturdays. People camping at Peninsula receive a discount coupon on the ticket price upon check-in.

This is a once-in-a-century show, sure to entertain and delight everyone. See you there!

P Kathleen Harris

Peninsula State Park Naturalist

Peninsula State Park

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

(() phone: (920) 868-3258

(() fax: (920) 868-1931

(+) e-mail: kathleen.harris@wisconsin.gov

Peninsula State Park Centennial 2009

100 Years of Memories ... Only the Beginning

Centennial Celebration

2009-05-29T05:50:00.001-07:00

June 6 & 7 Fishing Daze 600-gallon DNR fish tank on display at Nature Center. Fishing license not required June 6 & 7. Fishing poles available for free loan at Nature Center.

June 7 Centennial Dedication 1– p.m., Peninsula Amphitheater. Flag raising by American Legion Billy Weiss Post 527 with bugler Austin Boncher. Unveiling of new centennial commemorative painting by Door County artist Dave Hackett (limited edition prints of this collectible will be available). Pictorial stamp at temporary Post Office. VIPs. Music and Refreshments 2 p.m., Nicolet Beach. Music by 1910 Newtonburg Brass Band. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse open 10 a.m.– p.m. at no charge. State park vehicle sticker not required. Contact 920-868-3258. Rain or Shine!

Commemorative Centennial Postmark - June 7

2009-04-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

Peninsula State Park Centennial Postmark

In celebration of Peninsula's centennial, the United States Postal Service announces a commemorative pictorial postmark.

Please visit us at the temporary Post Office station, which will be established near the Peninsula State Park amphitheater, on Sunday, June 7, 2009. The centennial pictorial postmark is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, part of Peninsula's centennial dedication day activities which include a 1 p.m. flag raising with brief remarks by VIPs. Unveiling of a centennial painting by Door County artist Dave Hackett will also take place.

Those who can not attend the June 7 event but wish to obtain the postmark may submit a mail order request. Pictorial postmarks are available only for the date indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial postmark date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-class postage.

Customers wishing to obtain a postmark should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others, insert a card of postcard thickness in the envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to:

PICTORIAL POSTMARKS

PENINSULA CENTENNIAL STATION

FISH CREEK WI 54212-9998

For more information on the centennial calendar of events, visit www.peninsulafriends.org/100 or phone Peninsula State Park at 920-868-3258.

P Kathleen Harris

Peninsula State Park Naturalist

Bureau of Parks

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

(() phone: (920) 868-3258

(() fax: (920) 868-1931

(+) e-mail: kathleen.harris@wisconsin.gov

Peninsula State Park Centennial 2009

100 Years of Memories ... Only the Beginning

WANTED: Holey Diggers

2009-04-16T18:40:00.001-07:00

Grab a shovel - time to dig some holes to get ready for our "centennial forest". April 24. Nature Center. 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. ARBORRR DAYYYY! Go Green.

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Centennial Poster

2009-04-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

Door County Artist Dave Hackett will unveil a commemorative painting at the June 7 Centennial Dedication. Limited edition prints will be available with all proceeds benefiting Peninsula education and stewardship.

The "montage" features historic renderings of Eagle Tower, the golf course, last-century camping and much more. Contact kathleen.harris@wisconsin.gov for complete information.

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Centennial Reader $5

2009-03-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

What a deal! For just five bucks you'll receive 100 pages of memories. The Centennial Reader, a soft-cover booklet funded in part through private donations, includes stories about the golf course, the working men and women of the park, the Swedish bachelor who lived on Middle Road and much more. Contact the park office at 920-868-3258 if you need more information, or email kathleen.harris@wisconsin.gov. Booklets can be mailed for an additional $2.50 for shipping and handling ($7.50 total, tax included).

Who Will Be the 09 Summer Staff?

2009-03-20T13:25:00.001-07:00

Peninsula State Park is conducting two full days of interviews. About twenty maintenance and visitor services staff will be hired for the 2009 season, including several returning employees. One permanent maintenance position at the park still remains vacant and frozen due to state budget constraints.

March: Behind the Scenes

2009-03-04T09:39:00.001-08:00

Just because there are no scheduled nature programs this month doesn't mean park staff are sitting around, chatting all day, drinking lates. On this month's agenda:

1. Rewire diorama ... or at least get the lights working!
2. Update and insert new diorama text panels.
3. Complete and distribute 2008 naturalist report - over 12,000 people attended programs last year.
4. Update Pen's Invasive Species Management Plan; develop conservation targets for 2009.
5. Wait for news about the invasive species coordinator grant - would fund a position to "pull weeds" and much more.
6. Wait for news about a grant to fund a centennial program assistant from July through November.
7. Create learning center space theme in nature center. Who has a refridgerator box?!

Also this month - hiring summer employees, about twenty.
Plus more centennial stuff!

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3 inches of snow - but will it last?!

2009-02-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

Centennial Reader to Press

2009-02-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

100 pages of new Peninsula stories - essays about the golf course, the CCC, working (wo)men, the Swedish bachelor and more. Delivery - @ 3/1.

Centennial Mugs Here!

2009-02-03T08:57:00.001-08:00

Mugs featuring Peninsula's full-color centennial logo have arrived. Your $10 purchase supports centennial activities. Call Park Headquarters at 920-868-3258 for complete information.

Centennial Reader Goes to Press

2009-01-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

A generous grant from the Raibrook Foundation is helping to fund a brand new publication, the Centennial Reader. This 90-page booklet is brimming with stories and histories of Peninsula State Park. It will be available by May 1, 2009. Chapters include A Swedish Bachelor Lets Us Pick Berries, Working (Wo)men, Game On! and Curtain Call. The booklet will be priced very affordably at about $5 and will include a images of people and places that are part of Peninsula's heritage. For example, this photo (1999) shows Fred Alley of the American Folklore Theatre.

The Centennial Reader is a companion publication to Peninsula State Park Historical Sites, a $2 guide to significant places in the park.

Winter Trails: Call 920-868-3258 for current conditions. Icy on 1/2/09.

2009-01-02T06:24:00.001-08:00

Ski trail conditions change rapidly so it is always best to phone Peninsula State Park Headquarters for current conditions. Recent rain and a lack of subsequent snow has resulted in icy conditions on the ski trails. As of this posting, ski trails are fair to good. A trail fee is required. As of this posting, the sledding hill remains closed due to ice. For current conditions phone Park Headquarters at 920-868-3258.

2008 Spooktacular Hike a Success

2008-10-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

The seventh annual Spooktacular hike was held on Saturday evening October 11, 2008. The weather was perfect. Over 1,000 people took the hike. Kathleen Harris is to be commended for organizing this event every year. Camp hosts, park personnel, members of the Friends of Peninsula State Park and other volunteers helped set up, participate in, and put everything away when the hike was finished. Generous contributions received from hike participants will be used to support Peninsula Nature Programs. Hikers commented freely about how much they and their children enjoyed this fun and educational hike.

The Parking Crew - Bill Schaars, Ranger Pingel and Nick Anderson

Gail Anderson and Jo Schaars at the donation table

Two happy hikers with "friend"

Girl Scouts in butterfly costumes flutter along the trail.

Charles Dickson as "Vinnie Vulture" gives a nature lesson.

"Captain" Doug Blahnik talks about the Christmas Tree Ship.

Two Ghouls caught in the Spider Lady's Web.

Surrounded by Happy Pumpkin Ghosts and loving it!

Hug Smokey but don't drop your hiking stick!

Girl Scouts staff the "goody" table.

Goodies being enjoyed!

Fall Program Schedule Announced

2008-10-13T12:56:00.001-07:00

Fall is a time when the park naturalist works on grants, attends training workshops, conducts school programs, and prepares for the centennial. Reports include invasive species management. A Fish and Wildlife Service grant has enabled Peninsula to make great strides controlling phragmites, garlic mustard and honeysuckle. Under Invasive Species Coordinator Jason Wilke's supervision, all 2008 invasive management objectives were met.

Fall nature programs are limited. Ask for a complete program schedule when you arrive. Most nature programs are free and open to the public, but a state park vehicle sticker is required.

Saturday, October 11

Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Nature Riddler Stop by any time during Nature Center hours to identify a mystery critter. Receive a free bookmark if you answer correctly.
CCC in Wisconsin State Parks On request, during Nature Center hours. Enjoy a 12-minute video that celebrates a Depression era work group that left an indelible mark on Peninsula. 2008 marks the 75th anniversary of Roosevelt's New Deal.
Spooktacular Hike. 5-7:30 p.m. Park at Nicolet Beach parking lot. Walk a 1-mile candlelit trail meeting friendly animals and silly spooks. Afterwards, enjoy a bonfire. $2/adult and $1/child suggested donation, with Northern Door Girl Scouts are this year's special volunteers. S'more's, Door County apple cider, and light sticks will be available for sale. The event is supported by Friends of Peninsula State Park [exit DNR].

Sunday, October 12

Nature Center open 1 - 4 p.m.
Going Batty? 2 - 2:30 p.m. What do bats have to do with ash trees? Where do Peninsula bats "hang out" in winter? Enjoy a naturalist talk, a favorite bat story and then (optional) decorate a bat to keep.

Saturday, October 18

Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Nuts to You 10 - 10:30 a.m. Squirrel story and leafy craft, especially for families.
Ghost in the Graveyard 2 - 3 p.m. Meet at Blossumburg Cemetery on Mengelberg Lane. This respectful walk features the true story of the Hackley Shipwreck, the flying lady doctor, a Gettysburg war hero and more. Easy walking.

Saturday, October 19

Nature Center open 1- 4 p.m.

Friday, October 31

Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Soil Witch Welcomes Halloween 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Nature Center. Meet the Soil Witch and her magic shovel, Clyde. Find out about invasive earthworms and the rocks beneath us. Dirt pudding, while supplies last.

Saturday, November 1

Nature Center open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tree-ific Trees 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Stroll near the Nature Center to identify common park trees by bark and leaf fall. Discover the Nature Center's icy past.
Raptor Talk and Talon Key Chains 1 - 2 p.m. Nature Center. Learn about Peninsula hawks and owls. Then, paint a plastic talon replica to hang on your backback.

Saturday, November 8

Honeysuckle Work Day at Gibraltar School. All are invited to help eradicate invasive honeysuckle from the new Outdoor Classroom, ion Peninsula State Park adjacent to the school. Work begins at 10 a.m. Stay for all or part of the day. Call (920) 868-3258 for more information.

For more information, ask Kathleen Harris, (920) 854-5976.