Programs starting this week at Pikes Peak!

This week will be a busy one up here in the Driftless!

Here at Pikes Peak we have the following programs this weekend:

*Programs are led by our AmeriCorps natural resources interpreter, Emily, who can be identified by her height and her bright red AmeriCorps shirt!

Friday, June 17th at 7:00pm: Hickory Ridge Hike!  Guided hike will begin at the main overlook at Pikes Peak and will go up to Hickory Ridge and then follow the trail back to the park store (see map below).  Hike will last approximately 1 ½ hrs depending on how much Emily talks about the Native American mounds, the history of the park, and the plants and animals that call Pikes Peak home!  There will be stairs involved as well as some time spent on a dirt path, so please wear appropriate shoes!

Saturday, June 18^th at 8:00am: Beginner’s Bird Walk! Come join us on a short walk through the woods to see what birds are awake and singing along the boardwalk! Now is a great time to listen for Cerulean warblers!  We’ll meet at the main overlook and go over a few of the common species found in our park and some of the basics of birdwatching before heading out!

Saturday, June 18^th at 10:00am: Animal Tracks Kids’ Program! This program will last for about an hour and kids will learn how to identify some common (and not so common!) animal tracks.  Then we’ll go out and see if we can identify some tracks in the park.  Kids can also make plaster molds of the tracks we find to take home with them!  We'll meet by the hummingbird feeders next to the park store.

Some upcoming events in the area include:

This Thursday, June 16th, marks the beginning of the annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien, WI.  The four day event recreates life during the 1840s when the area was a major center for fur trapping and trading.  Free admission!

Summer Concert in the Park on Thursday, June 16th at Lawler Park's South Gazebo in Prairie du Chien from 6:30-8pm. For more info call PdC Parks and Rec at 608-326-7207. Free admission!

Crawford County Dairy Days, June 17th-19th in Soldiers Grove, WI.

Annual New Wine Release Weekend, June 18th-19th: Be the first to sample new wines, food & music, Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509

Take a hike with a ranger and “Explore, Learn, Protect” at Effigy Mounds National Monument. On Saturday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Effigy Mounds visitor center, kids are invited to take a hike, explore the monument and learn to “Protect and Detect” in nature.

Music on the River Cruise on Saturday June 18th.  Two hour cruise departs at 6:30pm from St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien.  Ticket booth is located at Blackhawk & Main in Prairie du Chien, WI.

Have a great week and we'll see you outside!