GRANTSBURG, Wis. – In late October, head to Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area for a wild edibles workshop, or put on your favorite superhero costume and enjoy the annual Howl-o-ween festivities.
Wild Edibles
A Wild Edible Workshop will be held at Crex Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. Build your confidence and competence in identifying, gathering, and eating wild food with experienced instructor Joan Jacobowski. Jacobowski teaches Art at HACIL Charter School in Hayward, Wis. and works as an Interpretive Park Ranger on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway during the summer.
Participants will head out for a hike, search for wild edibles, and prepare samples to try at the Crex visitor center. This workshop will focus on sustainability and positive identification, with a focus placed on identifying poisonous look-alikes and environmental hazards.
Admission will be $5 per person - pre-registration is required. This is an all-ages event.
Howl-O-ween
Join DNR staff and Friends of Crex Meadows for the 6th Annual Howl-o-ween event Oct. 30 at the Crex Visitor Center from 5 to 8 p.m.
This year's theme is wildlife superheroes at Crex, so be sure to wear your superhero costumes, bring your flashlight and dress for the weather. Those who head to Crex can enjoy cookie decorating, facepainting, wildlife bingo, crafts, a bonfire with s'mores, and much more. Guided interpretative hikes at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will travel along a glowing trail behind the visitor center lit up by Jack-O-Lanterns and teach participants about superheroes in the wild and invasive species.
Volunteer Opportunities
Get in the spooky spirit with a hands-on carving night for kids and families Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. In preparation for Howl-o-ween, volunteers can carve pumpkins while enjoying tasty treats. Those interested in helping out should bring carving blades, tools, or a carving kit for assistance. Pumpkins will be provided.
Volunteers are also needed to help set up the jack-o-lantern trail Oct. 30 from 10-11 a.m. Later that night, volunteers will help keep the trail lit, direct traffic, and assist with crafts.
If you are unable to attend but still want to help out, pick up a load of pumpkins at Crex and bring them back as jack-o-lanterns for display on the trail. You may take your carved pumpkin home after 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
To learn more about these events, contact Kristina Pupak, DNR Wildlife Conservation Educator, at 715-463-2739. Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area is located at 102 East Crex Avenue, Grantsburg, Wis. 54840.
Wildlife conservation education programs are supported by Friends of Crex, donations always appreciated. For more information, visit www.crexmeadows.org [EXIT DNR] or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pintrest.
Please report your Crex wildlife observations via email: information@crexmeadows.org.
Contact: Kristi Pupak, DNR wildlife conservation educator, 715-463-2739
