By: Discover Dodge Tourism – Juneau, WI
Archery, birding, cooking, hunting and fishing are among the fun things to be taught by Department of Natural Resources staff and expert volunteers during the free and family-friendly August “Horicon Marsh Outdoor Skills Day”. Horicon Wildlife Educator, Liz Herzmann, says no registration is required for the August 6. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“There will be something for everyone at this hands-on event,” Herzmann said. “Even if you have a pretty good idea of which activities appeal to you, it can be a great learning experience for anyone with an interest in the outdoors.”
How’s your aim?
The Horicon Bowmen and the DNR are proud to offer the archery camp at this year’s event. People of all ages can try archery using the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) equipment. Herzmann says this is the same easy-to-use equipment dozens of schools all across Wisconsin use in their physical education programs.
Campfire meals, birds and binoculars — and safety, too!
Watch a cast iron cook in action and taste delicious treats, all prepared over the campfire. Members of the Wisconsin Trappers Association will have a booth with pelts, traps and information for anyone who is interested in learning more about regulated trapping. Certified Hunter Safety Instructors will be available with firearm action sets to demonstrate proper firearm use and safety. Expert birders will be on hand to show the basics of binocular use. Then, you can put those skills to action on a bird scavenger hunt. Try your hand at tying your own fly as well!
Reel on in
New this year is a fishing station that will take interested people on a mock fishing trip. You get to choose the lake and species you want to fish, and then learn how to plan and execute a successful fishing trip. An instructor will assist on choosing and preparing the proper gear for the excursion. There will be a fish identification primer that will be accompanied with the pertinent rules and regulations. Finally, the participants will get to put their knowledge to the test as they get to fish with rods and plastic fish. Skills to be taught include map reading, knot tying, fish identification, regulations and casting.
The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located between Horicon and Mayville on Highway 28. For a detailed list of all Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center special events, please visit the Friends of Horicon Marsh website at www.horiconmarsh.org.
For more information regarding this event or other Horicon Marsh education programs, contact Liz Herzmann, DNR educator, at 920-387-7893.
Here are the details to help you make August your Fun / Free month at Horicon Marsh:
August 6: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.- Outdoor Skills Day
Archery, birding, cooking, hunting and fishing are among the fun things to be taught by Department of Natural Resources staff and expert volunteers during the free and family-friendly August Horicon Marsh Outdoor Skills Day.
“There will be something for everyone at this hands-on, family-friendly event,” Herzmann said. “Even if you have a pretty good idea of which activities appeal to you, it can be a great learning experience for anyone with an interest in the outdoors.”
New this year is a fishing station that will includes a mock fishing trip. You get to choose the lake and species you want to fish, and then learn how to plan and execute a successful fishing trip. Also new this year is a geocaching course. GPS units will be provided.
August 9: 10 – 11:00 a.m.- Wild Edibles of the Marsh
To eat or not to eat, that is the question! Learn about which plants make a tasty treat and which are not so great to eat.
August 11: 10-11 a.m. – Stories at the Marsh
Join a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources educator for “Butterflies” themed storytelling and craft-making at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. This event is best for children ages 1-10 years old.
August 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Walk a Mile in a Warden’s Shoes
Meet a DNR conservation warden and learn how exactly they keep our natural resources safe. Great for kids of all ages.
August 16, 10-11 a.m. – Prairie Blooms Walk
View the prairies around the education center and learn about the different flowers and their benefits to wildlife.
