After The Fire (Photos)
On July 11th, a fire broke out at the base of the East Bluff in Devil's Lake State Park, near the railroad tracks. It burned about 3/4 of an acre of forest on the slope before it was contained. A…
A Little Good News for the Bats
Back when I worked at Devil’s Lake State Park in the early ‘90s, naturalist Ken Lange (the park’s first naturalist) would tell us that the north shore bat colony was over 1,000 strong. By 2010, that often-quoted number had dropped…
Pollen on the Water
Let's "clear up" a little concern before the weekend! If you have noticed yellow-green dust blanketing the surface of Devil's Lake recently, don't worry, it's not algae. It's just a sign that our local pine & willow trees are in…
Find Your Quietude
As a "local" who spends more time on the trails than most, I can tell you that the idea that "everything is too crowded" on weekends and holidays, is only partly true. It's crowded in places and times when everyone…
Lake Flies or Rain?
As the weather starts to warm up in Wisconsin, visitors to Devil's Lake State Park always have about 2 weeks to share the shoreline with an unwelcome addition to their outdoor experience - the dreaded lake flies. These small, harmless…
Groundhogs: The Overlooked Stars of Devil’s Lake State Park
Did you know that Devil's Lake State Park is home to groundhogs? These furry creatures are closely related to marmots, a popular sight in national parks out west. In fact, in some national parks such as Olympic NP, the public…
What’s Up With All The Downed Trees?
As we hike and drive through the forests of Devil’s Lake State Park, we’re surrounded by the majesty of towering trees, many of which are now struggling to survive. In many locations, we're also surrounded by dead wood piled up…
Pileated Woodpeckers: Nature’s Tree Carvers
If you've ever hiked through Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin, you may have heard the distinctive drumming sound of a Pileated Woodpecker. The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker found in North America. At about 16-19 inches in length,…
Loons Return To Devil’s Lake
As spring arrives in Devil's Lake State Park, one of the most exciting events is the return of the common loon. Known for their haunting calls, these waterbirds are a sight to see as they glide through the crystal-clear waters…
Hikers Embrace Mud Season
Devil's Lake State Park is a popular destination for hikers in Wisconsin, offering breathtaking views of the lake and bluffs. However, with the arrival of spring, comes mud season - a time when snow, rain, and melting combine to create…