Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park

"Fire,Shipwreck and Cheese: The Boom-and-Bust Ghost Ports of Wisconsin "

In the mid to late 19th century, dozens of small rural communities sprang up along the Lake Michigan coastline, each with its own lake pier and general store, and, perhaps, other pier-adjacent buildings; little industrial centers with populations of 20 to 50 to 100 people at most. Amy Rosebrough, a Wisconsin State Archaeologist, taught us about these lost ports and the histories of the people and ships that called them home. These pier ports and associated schooners were places of materials exportation and where immigrants and colonists came ashore. These pier ports are part of what made Wisconsin what it is today.
One example is right down the road from Kohler-Andrae - "Ronksville". Nicholas and Paul Ronk founded the Luxemburger Pier Company in 1858 and built Ronk's Pier which became the home port of the schooner "Northerner". In 1868 this schooner sank in the Port Washington area as it was being towed to Milwaukee for hull repair. Today the "Northerner" lies upright and reasonably intact in 140 feet of water. This "ghost" pier port of "Ronksville" later became the Belgium/Lake Church area.
Amy Rosebrough and her team continue to research ghost ports so check out www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org for updates.
This was one of many NEW programs the Park Naturalists, Phyllis McKenzie and Doris Kultgen, have brought to us this year. It was an interesting, fascinating and fun evening. Thank you Amy!

Exploring the Marsh" Program.

What better way to enjoy part of the July 4th Holiday by getting "down and dirty" exploring the Park's Marsh Boardwalk with scoopers and basins to discover what lives below.
What living secrets did we find? Pill clams, Water Beetles, Sideswimmers, Snails, Soldier Fly larvae, Threadworms, Damselfly nymphs and leeches to name a few.
What did we learn? There are over 160 species of Damselflies and Dragonflies in Wisconsin; the difference between swamps (have trees and shrubs) and marshes (usually treeless and dominated by herbaceous plants); there are lunged snails as well as gilled snails; and, there are both YELLOW and PURPLE loosestrife plants, amongst many other things.
We also learned of some common marsh plants like Marsh Cinquefoil, Common Bur-reed, Broadleaf Arrowhead or Duck Potato, Cattails (both native and non-native), "Dock" plants (related to "Sorrel" plants) and Sedges.
Thanks to Phyllis McKenzie, Park Naturalist, for a fun learning experience despite the delightfully noisy marsh frogs!

"Kohler Dunes Discovery Hike" Program.

Master Naturalists Jim Buchholz and Butch DuMez led a family friendly hike along the beach and the Kohler Dunes Cordwalk to discover what can be found in this special setting.......like......sand magnetite (also found in human brains and bird beaks), flowering wild beach pea pods, different types of native dune grasses and a sand dune "blowout". Interesting facts about Lake Michigan were also discussed; have you ever heard of seiches? I'll let you look that one up!
Jim and Butch also lead a dune walk for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin most summers. This organization is a nonprofit that strives to protect our State's lands, waters and wildlife by providing funding (some through grants), leading partnerships (some public-private) and connecting all people to nature (275 field trips by foot, bike or boat (with a fee) were offered this year). If you are interested in signing up for a field trip, becoming a Foundation member or making a donation please check their website.
The Park and the "Friends" thank Jim and Butch for sharing their time, knowledge and love of Kohler-Andrae with us all.

"Shakespeare in the Park" 2024 Program

Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the play that launched their company, was performed by the Summit Players and enjoyed by an audience of over 200 people at the Kohler-Andrae amphitheater. Sixteen other State Parks will experience this performance as well this summer as Summit Players works in collaboration with the Wisconsin State Park System and the Wisconsin DNR to create a positive overlap between the arts and outdoor recreation programs.
Summit Players Theatre is a traveling, non-profit theatre company that presents short, accessible, FREE Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences around the State of Wisconsin. The 45 minute workshop teaches Shakespearean text, general theatre practices and how Shakespeare used nature in his plays. The 75 minute performance uses all Shakespearean words, just less of them, and is full of mayhem, character switches and hilarity.
If you would like to know more about the Summit Players Theatre, or support them, please check out their website.
The Park and the "Friends" hope you enjoyed the show!

Greetings,

Below is a description for the programs we are offering the week of 7/28/2024.

Kohler-Andrae State Park
1020 Beach Park Ln.
Sheboygan, WI 53081

Discovery Bird Walk
TUESDAY, JULY 30 8:00a.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park 2020 Old Park Rd., Sheboygan, Friends Pond. Join Master Naturalists Janet & Andy Raddatz for a guided bird walk. Age 12 and up. Vehicle admission required. 920-451-4080


String Art in Nature
WEDNESDAY JULY 31
6 – 8 p.m.
Let your creativity shine as you create a nature-themed string art piece. We’ll provide the basic design already set up for you to twine string around. You choose the colors and the amount of detail you want to apply. Best for those age 8 years and up. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. Limited spaces: pre-registration required with the Park Office at 920-451-4080. A fee of $5/kit will be collected at the program. Please be present at the beginning of the program for instructions.
Meet at Sanderling Nature Center, parking lot P3.

Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Party
SATURDAY AUGUST 3
12 – 1:30 p.m.
Smokey’s turning 80! Come listen to a story, enjoy kid’s activities, cupcakes and lemonade, and sing “Happy Birthday”. Plenty of time to take photos with Smokey.
Meet at the Bathhouse near parking lot P6

What Would You Do?
SATURDAY AUGUST 3
7 – 8 p.m.
What should we do if we come across sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife to keep wildlife wild? To learn how to deal with such situations, attend the presentation by Jerry Theys from WOW, a Manitowoc area non-profit rehabilitator. View some wild ambassador’s close-up and perhaps participate in a skit or interactive part of the program. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed.
Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center.

Upcoming events at your park!

"Ink Fish Printing" Programs at Kohler Andrae!

MANY visitors came to the Park Bathhouse on two occasions recently to try the ancient art of "GYOTAKU" or ink fish printing. It originated over 100 years ago in Japan as a way for sports fishermen to record the exact size and species of fish they had caught. Today, sports fishermen in Japan often display gyotaku as wall decorations in their homes or as part of a personal journal. For others, it has become an art form in its own right. It's certainly caught on at Kohler-Andrae! This program may be offered yet again in August so watch the Park DNR and "Friends" websites events postings. All supplies are provided at our program but feel free to bring a tee shirt, shirt or sweatshirt if you prefer to print on that rather than the bandana provided.
We heartily thank the volunteers who led the past two ink fish printing events: MARY, LEVI, JAN, SHIRLEY, PHYLLIS, KAREN, LAURIE, KEITH and DONNA. We couldn't do it without you!

"Geocaching 101" Another great event at Kohler Andrae State Park!

This event in late June led participants to finding official caches within the Park of which there are FOUR within 1 mile. This hi-tech scavenger hunt using a phone or GPS device started back in 2000 when the U.S. government made GPS technology available to the public. It is a free, anytime, any day activity of finding a hidden cache (stash) site. Cache difficulty ranges from "1" to "5" depending on cache size, disguise and terrain encountered. Some unusual cache locations include a sunken toilet, up on a mountain top and one requiring scuba diving to get to it.
Geocaching is a fun recreational outside activity to do alone or with others; all you need is the desire to explore and access to GPS technology. Geocaching.com is a helpful online site.

"Universe in the Park!" Program.

This year it was Teddy and Allison who shared an astronomy powerpoint talk and sky viewing through a telescope with Park visitors at the "Universe in the Park" event recently. This outreach program through the UW-Madison Astronomy Department has visited Kohler-Andrae as well as many other State Parks since 1996.
According to their website, UitP is "predicated on a very simple idea: the best environment in which to introduce the general public to astronomy is outside under dark skies". The Park and the "Friends" agree and were pleased to host and support this program again this year and look forward to the next.

Safety in the Park!

Now that the Friends Accessible Path Grant Project of 3 years is completed, visitors are enjoying safe and accessible walking paths from the amphitheater area all the way down to the playground area. This provides safe access to parking lots, the beach, the bathhouse, the family picnic areas and the Indoor Shelter path along the way.
Roadways are now for vehicles and bicycles only.
ENJOY!

Here is an opportunity to donate to a park project by a very special young man! Please read below.

Hello I am Garrett Bierman and I'm a life scout with Sheboygan Troop 859. As part of my Eagle Scout project I am putting on a fundraising campaign. For the project I will help manage the construction of a new kiosk at the Black River Trail head. The current kiosk is too small for all the information to be displayed and the structure is in need of repair. In coordination with Kohler Andre, we are designing a new improved kiosk that will be a one stop information center that will contain a park map, bulletin board, and pay station. If you are able to make a donation that would be greatly appreciated by all who utilize the trail. Thanks for your consideration.

Donate to Garrett's Eagle Scout Project., organized by Garrett Bierman Hello I am Garrett Bierman and I'm a life scout with Sheboygan Troop 859. As part of my… Garrett Bierman needs your support for Garrett's Eagle Scout Project.

The office pond, one of the "gems" of Kohler Andrae State Park.

Lush vegetation growth from the increased rainfall along with "invasives" do affect ponds too!
This past week Karen removed invasive cattails and vegetation overgrowth before they both took over the pond as well as impeded the water flow within the pond. Volunteers Karen Doering and John Eickhoff have taken on maintaining the Park Office Pond this year with the help of Steinie's Water Gardens out of Two Rivers. Casey Lehmann of Steinie's instructed these volunteers on pond maintenance as they performed the pond "start-up" this Spring. Water and algae levels, vegetation growth and pump function need to be monitored regularly; algae and debris removal, water additives and cleaning of nets and filters need to be performed as well.
A variety of Park animals call this pond their home - COME AND HANG OUT WITH THEM FOR AWHILE!

Volunteers Needed!

Message from Ranger Katelyn Grissom!
For the month of July we have two cordwalk repair days planned, July 9th and July 30th. From 8:30-11:30am, Anna Larsen, will lead the group to either unbury portions of the cordwalk, replace boards, and add retaining walls. This work can be physically challenging. Please wear proper footwear, weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, gloves, and bring plenty of water.

If you are interested in either of these dates please let me know.

Thanks,

We are committed to service excellence.
Visit our survey at http://dnr.wi.gov/customersurvey to evaluate how I did.

Katelyn Grissom
Park Ranger- Kohler Andrae State Park
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan WI 53081
Cell Phone: (920) 207-0148
[email protected]

June 26th "Music in the Park"performance by Tonic Roots.

Perfect weather greeted "Tonic Roots" this past Wednesday evening at Kohler-Andrae State Park. Ann, Jeff, Adam and Paul matched that with a wonderful one and a half hour performance of soulful blues, jazz, acoustic rock, reinvented classics, beautiful vocals, intricate guitar work and creatively crafted arrangements. It was obvious the audience of approximately 150 appreciated their talents and enjoyed the evening under the pines.
Please check their website at www.tonicroots.com for more information about the group, the very accomplished individual members and where they'll be performing in the area in the future.
The Friends of Kohler-Andrae are pleased to support the Park in their efforts to provide "Music in the Park" frequently throughout the camping season.

Discovery Bird Walk-Weekly.

Flooding was an issue for some of Kohler-Andrae Park this past Tuesday morning, however, the Discovery Bird Walk carried on as usual under Janet and Andy Raddatz.
The Friends Fishing Pond parking lot and parts of Old Park Road were impassable so bird watching took place along the rest of Old Park Road and over at the Park Office Pond area. Sightings included a cuckoo, cowbirds, a green heron, a young eagle, turkey vultures, a yellow-bellied flycatcher, and a juvenile red cardinal. Also the Pond birdhouse being monitored by camera showed eggs in the nest and some HATCHLINGS! It should be fun to see Mom feed them - come see for yourselves at the Park Office Conference Room when the Office is open.
Remember these "Discovery Bird Walks" occur weekly on Tuesdays at 8 am and we meet at the Friends Fishing Pond parking lot. COME JOIN US!

Wildlife of Wisconsin(W.O.W.) -a Manitowoc non-profit wildlife rehabilitator

Jerry Theys and his wife have been active in W.O.W. for years and he has brought his knowledge and his wildlife rehabilitator message to Kohler-Andrae for years as well. Braving rain and winds, Jerry and ambassador animals visited the Nature Center last Saturday evening.
When an injured, ill or orphaned animal is found, what should we do? Well, Jerry advised us of our options including doing so through a fun audience participation skit. Often enough, the answer is to do nothing and first call the W.O.W.; also, the police and fire departments, veterinarians and Nature Centers know who to contact as well. Time is of the essence so don't delay!
W.O.W. answers approximately 3,000 phone calls per year and takes in more than 1500 animals per year. Some of the animals taken in for care and rehabilitation are able to be released back into the wild and some are not and become ambassador animals.
Please check the W.O.W. Facebook site for amazing local real-life wildlife stories, unending examples of teamwork in helping these animals and Jerry "in action". Perhaps consider being an animal transport volunteer or donating to their wonderful cause.

Mark your calander for this fun summer event!!

Our very owned roving reporter Karen Doering has been spending some time away,but she's back! Here's an update on what's happening at Kohler Andrae State Park! Thank you Karen for all you do!

THE PARK IS ALIVE!!

The Park has been alive with both interpretive programs and physical improvements.
The 24/7 AED has been installed at the Bathhouse and the paving segment of the Phase III Accessible Path Grant Project has begun.
Families enjoyed the kite building event that has been occurring at the Park for over 25 years. Another Owl Pellets talk and dissection was hosted by Laurie Hylen and the "Sheboogie" young performers, Drake and George, "jazzed" us up (see Sheboogie.org for more info). Also Ellen Klusmeier shared her knowledge about bluebirds with us.
And don't forget about the regularly occurring "Discovering Wildflowers" and "Discovery Bird Walk" events that are available throughout the camping season.
SPECIAL THANKS to DONNA AND KEITH HERBST for having conducted the kite building event for all these years.

Message from the Pudgy Pie Guy a favorite guest to Kohler Andrae State Park!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the park on Saturday for the unofficial start to summer pudgy pie cooking presentation at Kohler-Andrae.

It was fantastic weather as more than 75 people came to try their hand at making a pudgy pie. We had some first-timers, folks looking to learn something new, and families seeing if the pie iron is right for them! It was!

Thank you Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park for inviting me back for my 14th year. They also cover the cost of the food as part of the interpretive programming.

May 18th in the park, busy day!

Last Saturday was an event filled day at the Park Nature Center.
The semiannual "Big Sit" birding event started things off at 8am. Headed by Seth Cutright, the Moraine Shores Bird Club along with Park visitors that joined them saw or heard 54 different bird species over a 3 hour period.
Next, visitors had an opportunity to hand make an oriole (or gray catbird, tanager, grosbeak) bird feeder and learn more about them and feeding them.
"Bountiful Birds Self-Guided Quest and Geocache" followed combining some hiking with learning about the many birds that visit the Park.
Lastly, Papa Dewey provided relaxing and fun music on the back patio for families to enjoy.
Phyllis McKenzie and Doris Kultgen seek out and schedule ALL the Park's interpretive and entertainment events. We are SO fortunate to have them on OUR Park Staff.
THANK YOU PHYLLIS AND DORIS!

2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards!

One of the highlights of the Annual Spring Friends and Volunteer Potluck gathering is acknowledging the volunteer of the year for the previous year. So honored this year was Andy and Janet Raddatz.
Andy and Janet Raddatz became Master Naturalists in 2015 and that Summer Andy began leading the Tuesday morning "Discovery Bird Walk". Janet joined him after retiring in 2018 and they have co-led the walks since. The goal of the Discovery Bird Walk is to discover and learn about the nature around us. The focus is bird watching, however, they identify plants, mushrooms, snakes, frogs, butterflies and whatever else is encountered.
During the 18 walks held in 2023, over 80 different bird species were identified and 265 people participated. Each walk lasts 2-3 hours, is held weekly and is open to all Park visitors.
Janet has also presented other programs at the Park. In March, she talked about "Wisconsin Frogs" at the Nature Center Cabin Fever Series Saturday event.
For their dedication, knowledge and MANY hours of service, we celebrate Andy and Janet Raddatz as the 2023 Volunteers Of The Year!
The first "Discovery Bird Walk" of this season will be held May 14 at 8 a.m. at the Black River Trail. Come join Andy and Janet with or without binoculars!

Phase III of the Friends Accessible Path Grant Project .

If you haven't been to the Park the last 5 days, you've missed a lot! A lot of earth moving, grading and preparation for paving of the last segment of the three year "Accessible Path" project. The project objective was to provide SAFE and ACCESSIBLE walking paths linking all the various parking lots, buildings, venues, picnic areas and beach along the lakefront.
Each year, $500,000 from a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is set aside for grants to Friends groups and NCO's to improve facilities, build new recreation projects and restore habitat on state properties. There is a grant limit of $20,000 per property, however, funding for larger projects may be applied in three phases with a limit of $20,000 per year or a maximum of $60,000 per project. This is the option the Friends chose for this project. Grants are awarded for up to 50% of project costs; the other 50% is provided by the Friends. This project is another example of how money raised by the Kohler-Andrae Friends group is ALWAYS returned to the Park in one way or another!

Spring Candlelight Hike

Despite some early evening rain, Friends members,
Park Staff and volunteers were prepared to host the Spring Candlelight Hike last Saturday.
The torches were lit by 7pm and stayed lit through the rains that eventually subsided one hour later. Music was provided by "Clover Wonder" inside the Indoor Shelter including some audience participation. Snacks, lemonade and water were awaiting those that completed the Hike. The evening started out misty and ended nicely!
We hope everyone enjoyed this pleasant evening activity in OUR beautiful Park. We have 2 more Candlelight Hikes coming up: the Summer Hike on July 20 and the Fall Hike on October 12.
So, mark your calendars, watch for updates and COME JOIN US!

Camping Season Has Begun!

Camping season has begun and the Park Nature Center opened May 1 with the following summer hours: Monday-Friday 12:30-4:30pm and Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm.
Besides being cleaned "from head to toe" on Earth Day Work Day, the Nature Center has some "Spring Clearance" specials for you. Discontinued design adult clothing (short-sleeve tees, sweatshirts and sweatpants) are NOW ONLY $15.00! Also, adult tank tops have been REDUCED TO $10.00.
AND BLUEBIRD HOUSES FOR ONLY $5.00? Yes, that's right! A Girl Scout troop donated these kit-built bluebird houses to the Park. They are made out of pine with ventilation holes and a clean-out door. We are offering the houses at this price because we want to get them OUT IN USE during the current nesting season. We have a limited supply so get them while you can. We thank the Girl Scouts for their donation!
Remember, 100% of the Friends merchandise profits go towards improvements and interpretive programming here at OUR Park. The Friends thank you for your support

Busy Day In The Park!
Two well-attended events took the stage at Kohler-Andrae Saturday March 16th!
Over 100 visitors came through the Nature Center to take in the "Wisconsin Frogs" presentation by Janet Raddatz, see our usual exhibits and enjoy a one day geocaching trails hike learning about Kohler-Andrae birds. Did you know not all Green Frogs are green, some frogs eat frogs, frogs can regenerate parts of their eye and some produce toxic skin secretions? Oh, and, all the different sounds we heard that frogs make as well as all the reasons we NEED frogs! We should be thankful Sheboygan County is home to 9 of the 12 species found in Wisconsin. Thank you Janet for teaching us all these things and more.
Over at the Park Shop building we had a full room of visitors learning about bluebirds and then building a bluebird house. This was experienced under the direction of members of the Park Volunteer Work Conservation Crew. The construction phase was a bit noisy but everyone went home with a house to share with their resident bluebirds.
The above programs were sponsored by and put on through a joint effort of the Park and the Friends of Kohler-Andrae.
The next Cabin Fever Series Saturday event is on April 20 and we have TWO programs awaiting you that day, so, STAY TUNED!

True Spring is coming soon so you may need to replace or update your animal houses and feeders at your home.
The Friends of Kohler-Andrae have you covered! Come see our different bird houses, bird feeder, wood duck box and NEW squirrel feeders at the Park Office. The Office is presently open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30-3:30 for general Park business and merchandise purchasing.
As always, 100% of Friends merchandise profits go towards interpretive programming and improvements in the Park.
THE FRIENDS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!