Mornin' to ‘Scons losing their curds over these 5 Flamingos that landed in Port Washington. 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.

This week’s weekly:

• All-terrain wheelchairs 🦽 

• Mussels need help 💪 

• Leaf diseases to watch out for 🍁 

  

Gettin’ All Bodies Out ‘Der

Ya know that feeling of elation you get after an epic hike, bike around the lake, or even just a stroll through the woods?

Science has shown that the outdoors has a certain medicinal quality, alleviating stress, boosting mood, and totally raising our stoke levels.

But the problem is, not everyone is able to access nature, particularly those with mobility limitations.

Thankfully, a new partnership in Wisco could change that.

Let’s roll:

• Access Ability Wisconsin provides all-terrain wheelchairs to outdoor partners in the state

• DNR and Access Ability Wisconsin are working on a similar partnership

• There are more than 500,000 ‘Scons with disabilities who could benefit from an all-terrain wheelchair

Not your grandaddy’s wheelchair (yet)

All-terrain wheelchairs are pretty badass, if we say so ourselves.

More tank than actual wheelchair, these devices have two “tracks” that can drive over gravel, grass, dirt, snow, and other rough terrain with ease.

The problem is they cost about $13K ($18K for a standing version). That’s a lot of cheese.

Thankfully, Access Ability Wisconsin is a non-profit that’s been partnering with nature centers, parks, and other partners in 14 counties to help folks access these wheelchairs.

And now the DNR wants to expand this initiative even further.

The DNR and Access Ability Wisconsin

This new partnership would expand wheelchair access to state parks and forests in Wisconsin.

Just as it works now with Access Ability Wisconsin, the wheelchairs would be free to use.

"We want people of all abilities to be able to come out to the properties and recreate. By having these chairs and other accessible pieces of equipment and apparatuses to allow them to do that, it opens up a lot of options," said Steve Schmelzer, the Parks and Recreation Management Bureau Director.

The impact potential? There are more than 500,000 people with disabilities in the state, and around 6 million acres that frankly aren’t gonna explore themselves.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found those with mobility impairments benefit in more than 20 physical, social, and mental ways when they experience the outdoors.

These chairs not only provide all the normal associated benefits of the outdoors, but also increase an individual’s sense of independence.

Downsides? Essentially zero. These chairs are silent, safe, and leave virtually no trace.

How to get out ‘der

Ready to roll? All-terrain wheelchairs are currently available at Peninsula State Park, Point Beach State Forest, Buckhorn State Park and Kettle Moraine State Forest — Pike Lake Unit.

And if you want to hit the beach (maybe next year), you can find beach wheelchairs at Big Bay, Buckhorn, Harrington Beach, Kohler-Andrae, Newport Beach, Whitefish Dunes and Devil's Lake; and at Kettle Moraine State Forest — Pike Lake Unit and Southern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Find out more about the program here, and if you want to donate to Access Ability Wisconsin, you can do so on their website.

Now get out ‘der!

Other great Wiscampsin reads…

Rock Climbing Devil's Lake State Park

Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library

Rock Island: "The Last Remains of Old Door County"

Shop Wiscampsin

Wisconsin State Bird Art Print: “Very nicely made, great colors and design. It looks amazing in my home. Keep it up Wiscampsin ❤️” - Peggy

Wiscampsin Badgers Tee: “It’s the perfect t-shirt to show off my love for camping and Wisconsin at the same time :)” - Emily

Wiscampsin Recycled License Plate Frame: “Love it! Get out der! Makes my Mazda look even better” - Alex

Wiscampsin Mug: “Awesome mug, very lightweight, the mug doesn't get piping hot if you need to microwave your coffee either.” - Matthew

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

42% of you are hunting this fall while 11% of Wisconsinites on average register to hunt, great work increasing those participation numbers and filling the freezer!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

💪 Let’s pump up some mussels: Mussels are dying faster than your Dad’s calves after he pulled his groin in kickball, folks. The drought and historic water levels are endangering the state’s 50 mussels species, most notably along the Wisconsin River. Click here to find out how you can help.

🥾 Fox Cities → High Cliff State Park: Winnebagoans, rejoice! A group of ‘Scons is working on a new trail that would connect a regional trails along the northern part of Lake Winnebago to High Cliff State Park, helping bicyclists, joggers, and walkers get out ‘der.

🍁 Leaf diseases alert: Experts warn that you should dispose of your leaves if they have one of these diseases. Maybe you can jump in the pile beforehand, however?

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Thanks for the support!

*As always, 1% of profits will go to the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

Want to sponsor the Wiscampsin Weekly?

Reply “Sponsor” and we will get back to you with the details!

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Cripes that’s still over .500, better than ‘da Bears record!