Friends of Hartman Creek State Park

09/02/2026

Wisconsin Master Naturalist, Larry Lobner, talked about our amazing birds last Saturday. How can we help them, especially during migration? Provide water and food; keep cats indoors - it's a long flight and they need nourishment and a safe place to stop. Turn off outdoor lights at night during peak migration nights - lights can be confusing since it is believed they use the stars for guidance. Prevent window collisions by using Window Alerts and other various deterrents. Check out the American Bird Conservancy website (abcbirds.org) for all kinds of ideas that help birds. Last, but not least, provide good habitat - plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees.
The rain held off long enough to take a bird walk. No bird pictures, but here's what I think is a pearl crescent butterfly. We did see a Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cedar Wax Wings hopping around on the lily pads eating bugs, and heard other birds.

09/02/2026

Ryan Meisel's flute music was magical on a perfect summer evening. Thanks to everyone who came out to listen.

08/22/2026

07/14/2026

Tom gave an engaging presentation about bats in general; bats we might see in the park, like little brown and big brown bats; white-nose syndrome and population; and volunteering as a bat monitor. The audience was great and answered most of the questions he asked. Sadly, there are no bats in the bat house we checked on, but it might take awhile for them to find it or they may like some of the natural habitat in the park better. Thanks Tom for an enjoyable learning experience for all.

07/09/2026

Local musician, Tom Pease, had young and old alike, singing, dancing, and laughing on Sat., June 27 at the amphitheater. What a great family program on a beautiful summer evening in the park.