Enjoy the Nightlife!

Join bat experts and enthusiasts at the Wisconsin Bat Festival, Saturday, June 1 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM  & 7:00 - 10:00 PM). The festival will feature opportunities to learn about different bat species and enable you to discover, and contribute to, the essential conservation efforts being made worldwide.

New this year will be a "Bat Science Night" in which to observe bat research techniques as part of monitoring efforts made by local bat researchers.

The Wisconsin Bat Festival is held at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.  See directions here. All proceeds benefit the Wisconsin Bat Conservation Fund. Festival entrance fees are $5.00 per adult (16+); children free (with paying adult).  See flyer.

To learn more about bats, visit the following links:

Wisconsin Bat Monitoring Program

Organization for Bat Conservation

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Bat Conservation Endowment Fund

Smokey Bear's Necessities

In order to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Smokey’s message of fire safety, staff from Wisconsin DNR will be distributing free samples of a Babcock Dairy Plant special ice-cream during the Dane County Farmer’s Market (capitol square), Saturday, August 8th. This special ice cream, “Smokey Bear’s Necessities” features a tasteful blending of all that a bear could love--honey, cinnamon, cranberries and pecans.

In addition to the ice-cream sampling, Smokey and staff will be on-hand to demonstrate the equipment used to battle wildfires. To learn more about the DNR’s fire programs, visit the Forest Fire Program site.