Nature Net News
Your source for nature tips and tricks
June 2009
Trails
"We celebrate not the trail, but the
wild places it passes through."
--
Ray Jardine
Dear Reader, Some of my favorite vacation memories are of family hikes on the State Trail System. Oftentimes we would double up with another family. With hiking sticks and trail map in hand the whole gaggle of us – parents and kids of all ages -- would strike out on the path, ready for adventure and discovery. The hikes would start out with a quick study of the map and the assurance that we would indeed get from Point A to Point B, but no one could anticipate what surprises we would find in the process. Each fork in the trail, each turn around the bend, would bring a sense of wonder and delight to even the most savvy hiker. Trails are a great way for families to get outside and spend time together. And in Wisconsin, we have a variety of trails to choose from! Take a look through this month’s Nature Net News and find out about the trails all around us. Perhaps they’ll lead you to an adventure or cherished family memory, too! Enjoy! Kathe & Sarah |
The State Trail System in Wisconsin is named “The Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System” in honor of Aldo Leopold and the role he played in environmental history.
In the United States it is estimated that there are over 200,000 miles of trails!
What to Do This Month:
*National Trails Day is June 6th! Learn more and sign up at the National Trails Day site!
*Take a hike by finding a trail close to you. The WDNR site has a wonderful interactive map of State Trails with hyperlinks to the State Trail's website and descriptions. Check it out!
If you're going out of state this summer, check out the National Trails System to find Scenic and Historical Trails from both Federal and non-profit organizations.
Tricks of the Trail for Parents:
Some good advice for taking kids on their first hike:
Dress in layers and bring gear so that you are prepared for all types of conditions.
Bring high-energy snacks and water, as dehydration causes crankiness, fatigue or worse.
If you are hiking with many children or it they tend to run ahead, dress them in vivid colors so that they contrast with the surroundings.
Caution little ones not to put berries and leaves in their mouth.
Avoid wearing sweet-smelling odors (perfumes and shampoos) that may attract insects. If bugs are a problem, there are DEET-free insect repellants available for children.
Remind children that the quieter they are, the more likely that they will see animals on the trail.
Instant Outdoor Expert:
Leaves of Three, Watch out for Me!
Beware of poison ivy, poison oak and other irritating plants (like wild parsnip or stinging nettle) on your hike! While there are three leaved plants that are safe, both poison ivy and poison oak have three leaves. Better safe than sorry! The irritant from the plants is caused by Urushiol, a light, almost colorless substance found throughout these plants in their leaves, berries, stalks and roots. It oozes out whenever the fragile structure of the plant is traumatized or touched. This oil, which cannot be seen easily, settles onto the skin and quickly penetrates. Once out of the plant, the oil rapidly oxidizes and forms a polymer that resembles black lacquer. This black lacquer can be seen on trees during the summer particularly in areas of high wind, so stay away from those trees!
Nature Directional Signs
On average there is more moss on the north side of trees and rocks in the northern latitudes. This is thought to be so because the north side receives less sunlight, and therefore has better growing conditions for moss. In heavily wooded areas, moss grows equally on all sides because the sun is filtered down, so remember to keep a map and compass at hand!
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Lussier Family Heritage Center
The Lussier Family Heritage Center is a year-round
Dane County Parks facility available for education, recreation,
volunteerism, meetings and special events, located in the heart of Lake
Farm Park. It provides families access to the Leopold Legacy Trail
System through the Capitol City State Biking & Hiking Trail and the Nine
Springs E-Way and Ski Trails. Be sure to visit the Center's observation
deck overlooking expansive wetlands and magnificent native prairie. Or
enjoy the Park's recreational opportunities, including a boat launch on
Lake Waubesa, picnic ground and campgrounds.
Keep all your hiking needs right on your neck!
What you need: assorted pony beads, small
magnifying glass with jump ring or hole, small key ring flashlight with battery, compass key
ring, whistle, string (can be elastic cord, yarn or break-away lanyards).
1. Cut necklace string. Make sure it's not too long, or it will catch on everything while hiking, but make sure there's enough room for you to string all of your supplies.
2. Take whistle and double knot the jump ring so it stays secure on the necklace. Put three pony beads to the right and left of it.
3. Repeat Step 2 with the key ring on the flashlight, the magnifying glass and the compass.
4. Your Hiking Necklace is done! Now you can
go on a hike and be confidant that you can explore to the fullest extent!
Suggested Reading:
"Curious George goes Hiking" by H.A. and Margret Rey
(all ages)
"Trekking on a Trail" by Linda White (4-8)
"
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?" by Carmela LaVigna Coyle (4-8)
"Anna Goes Hiking" by Joanne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons (4-8)
"Buck Wilder's Small Twig Hiking & Camping Guide" by Tim Smith (4-12)
"Essential Hiking for Teens" by Kristine Hooks (12+)
