Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library

Mornin' to everyone bailing water and prayin' out in Western Wisconsin as the Mississippi River floods. Why don't they just make beer out of it?? This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here. 

What we're reading about this week:

• Check out State Park passes at your library 📚

• Bobcat pulled from driver's grill 🐈

• Loon fallout 🐦

Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library

Ah, the public library. For some, it's hallowed ground for discovery, unearthing depths of knowledge on a whole plethora of topics. 

For others, they are haunted by a $437 overdue fee from that picture book in the first grade, probably the last book they ever opened. Ahem, Uncle Joe... 

But there's a new reason to head over to your public library--they can get you into a State Park for free. That's right, and you won't even need to trespass or jump from a moving vehicle to do so! 

Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library:

• More than 160 libraries will check out 6,300 state park passes

• Works at any state park, forest or recreation area where admission is required

• Valid for one day and one vehicle

About the program

Beginning Monday, May 1, north of 160 libraries across Wisconsin will start renting out some 6,300 passes. These passes are good for a free, single-day, single-vehicle admission at any state park, forest or recreation area where admission is required. 

The goal is pretty simple--create opportunities to explore Wisconsin's wild places without the burden of a fee. 

How'd it start

Back in November, most of us 'Scons were thinking thoughts like; Will my shovel hold up to the snow this year? Will all the leaves I failed to rake magically disappear beneath the snow? Will I ever see the sun again? 

But some smarties at the DNR and Wisconsin library system had a bright idea to rent out state park day passes at some 20 locations as a test pilot for a much larger program coming down the pipe. 

“We had a great response to our pilot program over the winter, and we are confident this summer and fall opportunity will be just as successful,” said Steve Schmelzer, Parks and Recreation Management Bureau Director.

How to participate

First, you'll need a library card. Cripes, they're free. Just do it!

Next, check out the list of participating libraries. Chances are there's one near you. Head there and let the good folks know you're looking to get out 'der.  

Then, just hop in your car (must have Wisconsin license plates on it, FIBs), and you're on your way to getting into one of Wisconsin's beautiful parks fee-free. 

Other good shtuff

As your prepping for your summer outdoor adventures, check out some of our last editions on Wisconsin state parks. 

And when you're ready to start reserving sites (read: realizing you're wayyyy behind on reserving camp sites), learn how to use the State Park Availability Alerts to snag a last-minute spot. 

There ya have it folks! Now head to your local library then get out der!

🖼 WI State Bird: American Robin Artwork! 

When it came to our childhood art projects, mom always said: Keep your day job. 

And criminy was she right. That's why we brought aboard a local 'Scon, Kayley Hackett, to design our latest piece of Wiscampsin merch - the State Bird print!

Picture this hanging above your bed, your tool shelf, your toilet... anywhere really, it's that darn pretty.

For every purchase, 20% will be donated to The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology to promote the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds.

• 3 Options: 5" x 7", 8" x 10", and 11" x 14"

• 100lb. Matte Cardstock

• Ships in a Rigid Envelope

• Made in the USA

• Printed in Janesville, WI

• Artist: Kayley Hackett

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Well it looks like there is still lots of foraging out there for everyone since only 25% of you have participated in the activity! Just remember, no trespassing! 

NEW: Wisconsin Events

Butt glued to the couch? Here are some great Wisconsin events to get you out 'der:

HUNTER INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION TRAINING at Fitchburg DNR Office - Fitchburg, WI on Saturday, April 29, 2023, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

MAKE A MOSAIC BIRDBATH at Richard Bong State Recreation Area - Kansasville, WI on Saturday, April 29, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK at Devil's Lake State Park - Baraboo, WI on Saturday, April 29, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Know a WI Outdoors-related event happening? Reply to this email with the details and we will share the week before the event!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🐈 Watch out for... cats?: A local 'Scon discovered a stowaway in the form of a Bobcat (yes, a bobcat for Pete's sake) behind their car grill. The Portage County Sheriff's Office shared a video of the hair-raising ordeal. 

🐦 The loons are falling: Literally, Chicken Little. Apparently, ice build up on the wings of Wisconsin Loons are causing them to fall from the sky. If you see such witchcraft occurring, report it and watch out for the sharp beak. 

🌲 22 million trees and counting: After this past Earth Day, Wisconsin is nearly a third of the way to the Governor's goal of planting 75 million trees by the end of the decade. Upwards of 22 million trees have been planted in the past two years. Grab a shovel give 'em a hand!

Meme of the Week 😂 

A review from the Trail... Cripes, we'll keep gettin' ya if that's ok!