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Forget the long lines, large crowds, high humidity and heat Second Summer is back and more beautiful than ever. These are the days in the 70s and lower 80s and crisp, clear nights to open the window to.
Pictured above is Devils' Lake State Park Another sign that normalcy has returned to the Summer vacationing season in Wisconsin, the DNR announces on June 1st a number of changes to its' operations across the state. As the number of daily cases of COVID-19 in the Badger State continues to decline and the number of vaccinated Wisconsinites rises DNR officials are now allowing indoor group camps, with both indoor and outdoor camps returning to their capacity of 350. State park properties and State Natural Areas (SNA) which were closed last summer and now open incliude: Gibraltor Rock, Pewitt's Nest, Dells on the Wisconsin River, and the popular Rock Island State Park. Also, in time for Summer all enclosed shelters are now open, as well as playgrounds and towers such as Lapham Peak State Park and Peninsula State Park. Open air shelters and amphitheaters can have maximum capacity or 350 people, as well o utdoor-only concession activities. However, visitor centers, office buildings, and nature centers remain closed until further notice. Some state park, drive-up windows may be open for admission purchases. If you are not sure where facilities are open or closed you can now visit DNR service centers Fitchburg, Green Bay, Madison and Spooner to purchase a state park sticker or fishing license. The DNR assures that it will continue to operate with safety in mind for all visitors and staff based on the Badger Bounce Back Plan COVID-19 precautions such as encouraging social distancing, and park capacities are still in place. The DNR recommends visitors enjoy parks at off-peak times or other properties less popular. State parks that are subject to capacity limits include: o Copper Falls o Devil's Lake o Governor Dodge o Governor Nelson o Harrington Beach o Hartman Creek o High Cliff o Interstate o Kinnickinnic o Kettle Moraine Southern Unit o Lapham Peak o Perrot o Rib Mountain o Roche-a-Cri o Whitefish Dunes o Willow River The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends you visit those natural areas listed above during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. According to the DNR "The majority of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources properties are open, with special conditions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect natural resources."
LIght weight, and relatively inexpensive, teardrop campers offer affordable alternatives for camping in the great outdoors with the little comforts of home.
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s (ODPHP) have created the "Move Your Way" campaign
" O ur goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures," Wisconsin's "conservation governor" Gaylord Nelson said of Earth Day the worldwide event he had founded. On April 22, 1970 the first Earth Day was celebrated by over 20 million Americans. The event brought communities across the country together to support the environment. Today, Earth Day is celebrating its' 51st year and while the mission is the same the message is more clarion and dire than ever before. But in this media landscape of doom and gloom there are signs in Washington D.C. and small towns across the U.S. that people finally understand what Gaylord Nelson's Earth Day truly is. This single day event has brought communities across the globe together to think sustainably, plant trees, save rain forests, prairie and wetlands and foster meaningful legislative action from the world's largest economies to those countries less economically blessed in the global south facing the constant threat of climate change every day. The United Nations Climate Change Conference which will hold COPP 26 in Glasgow this November owes a great deal to Wisconsin's very own, the man from Clear Lake, Gaylord Nelson. In the age of the internet, Earth Day is not only a one day worldwide celebration but a dedicated website https://www.earthday.org/ that nurtures community connections and actions in a Social Media driven context. The website is vast and somewhat daunting for a first time visitor. If you were fortunate enough to visit Earthday.org on Earth Day you were treated to a livestream of dignitaries and every day people speaking up for the environment and highlighting the actions their communities or organizations have taken to make this planet a healthier place for all of us to live. But the Earth Day website outside of April 22nd offers -downloadable toolkits and action plans that even a single individual can take on. There is the "Earth Challenge" which invites citizens around the globe to document point sources of pollution. The Great Global Cleanup (#GreatGlobalCleanup) encourages people to seek out groups in their community that are cleaning up trash around their neighborhoods and parks. Or you can pledge to make your next meal plant based. These are just a few Earth Day actions that you can do every day, whether your at home or on vacation use Earthday.org as your guide to live a greener, cleaner life and as U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelosn succinctly put it, "(create) an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures."
From London To Rome Spring Break Staycations In Southern Wisconsin's Unincorporated Towns unexpected treasures to visit.
11 Great, Free Daytripping Attractions In Southern Wisconsin offer a safe way for building family traditions.
Enjoy your local animal friends before it's too late. We have to appreciate what we have now because they may not be around in the future.
(Photos courtesy of Cave of the Mounds) Where in Wisconsin can you venture outdoors in a relatively balmy 50 F in the middle of February? The Cave of the Mounds of course.. Awe inspiring and educational this geological wonderland has all the ingredients of a great, family field trip and more. The Cave of the Mounds's designation as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1987 recognizes the site's historic, geological and educational significance to Wisconsin and the Midwest. In these pandemic times, parents must find a balance between virtual learning and safe options for childhood learning and development outside the home. From up-close and personal moments with 400 million years of Earth history to the geological process of how Speleothems like stalactites and stalagmites are formed, the Cave of the Mounds truly lives up to their nickname "Wisconsin's Oldest Classroom." The cave staff also provides a number of science experiments and curriculum's to meet the inquisitiveness of any budding earth scientist or geologist. Kids can crack open a geode, or sift sand for gemstones on site or download one of many, educational activities from the Cave of the Mounds' website . The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to all of us as we navigate our family's lives with their safety and health at the forefront. The Cave of the Mounds, in accordance with Dane County's COVID-19 guidelines, has put a number of new safety measures in place for their visitors and staff. Gone is the traditional tour with a guide, unless you reserve a VIP package online or in person. The Blue Mounds' area cave like Mammoth Cave National Park has implemented self-guided tours to better manage group sizes for social distancing. Additionally, the cave has added back lit signs to highlight educational moments along the route to help guide the self-paced tours. The cave's tour route is configured in a one-way loop to control foot traffic, and guides are now stationed at two locations in the cave to answer all questions.. Other facility-wide safety measures at the cave include hand sanitizing stations, frequent cleaning of all railings, door handles, cash registers and credit card pads. Mask wearing is mandatory for all staff and visitors both in the gift shop and the cave itself. "We have received lots of calls from visitors pointedly approving what precautions we have taken," says Jan Okeson, Operations Manager at Cave of the Mounds. Okeson also noted for the most part visitors have complied with mask wearing requirements and that only a handful of Instagramers posing for selfies have taken off their masks while inside the cave. Fortunately, there are cave guides stationed throughout the 1/2 mile tour so that help is always nearby. Lastly, if you want to have "Wisconsin's oldest classroom" all to yourself Okeson recommends visiting Tuesdays through Thursdays which tend to be the slowest days of the week. If you visit remember to mask up, maintain your social distance of 6 feet at all times. Take care and stay safe! HOURS Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm Last tour entry at 4 pm Weekends: 9 am to 5 pm Last tour entry at 4 pm CONTACT Phone: 608-437-3038 DIRECTIONS From Madison exit 258 off the Beltline (Hwy 12/18.) to merge onto to Hwy 18W/151S. Take Hwy. 151 south for 25 miles and exit onto Cave of the Mounds Road. The Cave of the Mounds is located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road. 511 Wisconsin For up to the minute winter driving conditions in southern Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin DOT's 511 Wisconsin or call 511 or (866) 511-9472.
Five Offbeat Places to Hike, Snowshoe, and Cross-Country Ski in Southern Wisconsin this Winter
Healthy To Go Meals For Your Day Trips To Southern Wisconsin
Curbside pick-up and drive-thru options are always tantalizing for anyone on the go whether that be for work or play. But before you pick up that phone or fill our that online form consider the impact of eating restaurant food on your wallet and waistband. Yes, times are very tough. Many of us during the pandemic are scraping by and eating unhealthy to boot. We have all had to adjust to a new normal. But many Americans in the face of adversity are trying out new things, taking up new hobbies. It's as though COVID-19 is creating an opening for an extended New Year's Resolution or permission be ourselves for a change.
Now during a pandemic is as good of a any time as any to pick up a new healthy habit like creating your own to-go meals for the open road. Not only is making a homemade dish healthier and cheaper but it's a time saver too Imagine more time to explore when you can eat when you want and where you want. Also, If you care about the impact of plastic and Styrofoam on your health and health of your community eating consider your own meals on your day trip as much safer bet.
All that is a required is a little planning
To Go Essentials
There are a few supplies and stock items for the kitchen every day tripper
should consider having.
Let's look first at portable storage for your day trip.
- Anchor-Hocking and Pyrex make safe, sturdy glass containers for storing foods like salads, dips or wraps.
- For ice cold, food items you can't go wrong with most of the Coleman line of coolers
- If you plan to serve hot food then look no further than Thermos but you might want to consider Kleen Kanteen, Hydroflask or Mira
The USDA recommends throwing out cooked foods that have been outside for longer than two hours if not kept at a temperature of at least 140° F. According to the USDA bacteria grow rapidly between the temperatures of 40° F and 140° F. in what they term the "Danger Zone."
In the fridge or cabinet some food items are just staple worthy ingredients
for any to go meal.
- Eggs - check the expiration date if you buy a dozen from the grocery store, but from the farm eggs keep much longer
- Pasta - Most of us visit the pasta aisle with one item on our minds, spaghetti. But you want more variety consider rotini, linguini and elbow macaroni.
- Beans - Beans are instant fiber and protein, If canned choose chickpeas without sodium, black beans, and lentils if available.
- Onions - Onions keep a long time if stored away from the light and in a cool place., and sure punch up any meal raw, cooked or fried
- Nuts - Almonds, walnuts, cashews and pistachios pack a lot of protein and anti-oxidants to punch up any meal.
- Bananas - Buy green and let them ripe. Bananas have potassium and are great energy boasters while providing fiber and adding sweetness to any meal
- Raisins - Possibly the most inexpensive dried fruit you can buy and available in organic options too
- Avocados - They're not just for Super Bowl Sunday or guacamole but they're a great addition to any salad, wrap or sandwich.. Just remember to use them the day of the trip as they brown.
- Apples - Apples have pectin which is a great binding fiber and anti-oxidant. Apples are an easy add to any salad or sandwich. Some varieties can store in the refrigerator for months
- Honey - Honey is a natural sweetener and living in Wisconsin there are many options to source it locally. Buying your honey from area farms is great for the immune system and supporting our local farmers.
- Peanut Butter - If you or a family member is not allergic to peanuts consider buying organic peanut butter. This common vegetarian spread has so many applications for to go meals as limitless as your imagination
- Olive Oil -- It is the good fat but use in moderation with soup and salads, or sandwiches, and do not use in very high heat
To Go Meals
Here are a few simple, quick options you can try on your own
Coleslaw
8 large leaves of red or green cabbage slice into thin strips
2 large, organic carrots slice both into thin strips
1/2 Tablespoon of salt (or to taste)
1/2 Tablespoon of pepper (or to taste)
4 Tablespoons of olive oil
4-6 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (or to taste)
1 Teaspoon of Paprika
1/4 Teaspoon of chili powder
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well serve chilled, a great to go side dish or snack.
Chicken salad
1 pound of chicken breast
2 cups of washed and drained, sliced green grapes preferably organic
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
5 Tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 Teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
1/2 Teaspoon of pepper (or to taste)
1/2 garlic clove
1/2 cup water
4 -5 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (or to taste)
1 1./2 Teaspoons of dried of fresh mint finely chopped
1 Tablespoon of flour or cornstarch (to thicken mixture)
Chop your chicken into cubes and pan fry in olive oil and garlic cloves, and sprinkle of salt. Stir fry until
chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink on inside. Let cool down. In a bowl and all other contents of recipe
and mix together well. Add chicken cubes to mixture once cooled down. Served chilled, store overnight in glass container so it's ready for your day trip.
Whole Lentils and Spinach Soup
This recipe comes courtesy of Madison's legendary chef, Sabi Atteyih former owner of Lulu's
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 pound of fine chopped onions
1/2 Teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup whole lentils (washed and drained)
1/4 cup short-grain rice (washed and drained)
2 1/2 cups of water, or chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Three cloves of garlic, superfine minced
The juice of one lemon (to taste)
1/2 pound chopped spinach
In a medium pan on medium heat, warm up the olive oil (do not overheat) and sweat the onion the black pepper. When the onions become translucent, add the drained lentils, and rice, mix lightly, and add the liquids. Bring the mixture to a boil, add salt, and cumin, cover and simmer for a half an hour or when the rice starts falling apart. Check the thickness of the soup. Add chopped spinach, garlic and lemon juice, turn off heat and let soup sit for five minutes. If you have prepared the soup the night before make sure to cool down the dish before storing. Heat soup to a boil and pour into a thermos container.
Tabbouleh Salad
This recipe comes courtesy of Madison's legendary chef, Sabi Atteyih former owner of Lulu's
1/2 cup medium-sized cracked wheat, also known as Bulgar #2
The juice from two lemons
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon crushed dried mint
Pinch of black pepper, fresh ground
Two bunches of parsley washed, drained and finely chopped
1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint when in season
1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
1/2 cup of diced cucumbers
1/4 cup of diced green onions
Was and immediately drain the cracked wheat. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried mint. Let cracked wheat sit for a few hours to absorb all the flavors. Shortly before serving, gently use the olive oil, parsley, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and fresh mint.
Other great healthy, to go recipes you can try:
Vegetarian chili
Tomato and turkey sandwich
Onion lentil soup
Hummus
Fried Rice
Bulgar salad
Boiled egg
Almond, Apple Toast
Trail mix
Peanut butter and banana sandwich
Frittata
Rotini Salad
Avocado, bean veggie wrap
Grilled Cheese sandwich
5 bean soup
