State Natural Area Filled with Beauty

Wisconsin was first in the nation to have a statewide natural area program, and it will celebrate it's 60th year in 2012.  We have 653 State Natural Areas with 358,000 acres of prairies, forests and wetlands in Wisconsin. Learn more about our nature heritage in this article from the Wisconsin DNR.

MADISON – The nation’s first statewide natural area protection program turns 60 this year and wears it well, Wisconsin’s top land official says.

Six hundred fifty-three designated State Natural Areas preserve 358,000 acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands that are among the best of their kind left in Wisconsin and are a vital refuge for endangered plants and animals, says Kurt Thiede, administrator of the Department of Natural Resources’ land-related programs.

“The 60th anniversary is a time to celebrate with citizens and partners and to recognize the hard work done so far,” Thiede says. In addition to DNR, 51 other agencies, organizations, local governments, land trusts and private citizens have designated State Natural Areas on their own lands, and such sites account for one-third of all State Natural Areas.

Full Story State Natural Areas protect some of Wisconsin’s best natural landscapes

Enjoy nature on your own property!  Listings across Wisconsin BuyWisconsinLand.com

The Colors of Autumn

After a very hot summer and a quick jump to fall, the leaves are starting to turn colors very fast around Wisconsin.  Some areas of the state are already at 50%! 

If you are looking to enjoy the autumn foliage show, check out Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report.  It will let you know where to go to get the best views of the lovely red, yellow, orange and gold leaves.

Don't wait too long - peak color will be a few weeks earlier for everyone this year.  And you'll be needed to get that rake out earlier too.

Imagine checking our the beautiful leaves on your own wooded getaway property. Check out these listings in over 45 Wisconsin Counties BuyWisconsinLand.com

Wisconsin and Michigan Win Awards for "Mitten State Debate"

If you remember last winter Travel Wisconsin, the State Tourism office, used a mitten to represent our state for it logo for a seasonal campaign.  Many residents of Michigan were outraged, claiming they were the "Mitten State" (see blog post from December 8th, 2011).

Pure Michigan, that State's Tourism office, and Travel Wisconsin encouraged the debate, all in good fun, and then created the "Great Lakes Mitten Campaign" to collect mittens and warm clothing for charities (see blog post from January 10th, 2012).

Now Michigan and Wisconsin have won the U.S. Travel Association Mercury Award for their handling of "Mittengate".  By promoting the "controvery" both states enjoyed $17 million dollars of free publicity and collected 3,100 mittens and winter clothing items for Wisconsin charities.

See these articles:
Mitten feud wins for Wisc., Mich. tourism officials  - Janesville Gazette
'Mittengate' garners award for Wisconsin tourism agency - The Business Journal
Mitten flap between Michigan and Wisconsin wins state travel departments national recognition - MLive.com

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World's Largest Amateur Musky Tournament

This weekend, August 17th-19th, it's the 27th Annual National Championship Musky Open Tournament in Eagle River.

Registration will be $55 at the Vilas County Fairgrounds. The Grand Door Prize this year is a 2012 Mercury Powered Ranger Boat with a RangerTrail trailer, and there will be many other great prizes. A portion of the proceeds from this event go to fish stocking and habitat imporvement.

Bring a non-perishable food item for the Vilas County Food Pantry and be entered to win a a Shimano Reel and other great fishing prizes.  Also bring a friend who's never fished before and you could win a musky rod and reel.

Get all the details for this fun family fishing weekend here National Championship Musky Open Tournament.

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Orphaned Wildlife

One of the best things about being outdoors is seeing wildlife.  Watching the deer graze in a field, geese flying in a 'V' formation, seeing bunnies hop across the grass, frogs jumping into a pond. 

You may have even found a baby bird fluttering on the ground, or seen a fawn wandering on it's own. It's best not to approach the animals, most times the mother is nearby and watching.  There are times when you will find a baby that is alone or adult animal that is injured.  Again you should never approach these animals. Some animals have diseases that will pass to people and pets, and human scent can direct preditors right to the animal's location.

If you find a wild animal in distress you can contact the Wisconsin DNR or a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator to rescue the animal. Check out this article from the DNR website which tells you what to look for and has a list of Rehabilitators you can contact. What to do if you find orphaned wildlife

Looking for your own wooded property to watch wildlife? We have listings in over 45 Wisconsin Counties. BuyWisconsinLand.com

Wisconsin Cheese Facts

Wisconsin is the Dairy State and well known for it's cheese.  But how much do you know about Wisconsin Cheese?

Wisconsin produces about 2 billion pounds of cheese a year.  Our 1290 licenced cheese makers (the most in any state) make 26% of all our country's cheese. And it takes 10 pounds of whole milk to make one pound of cheese.

Find these and more Wisconsin fun Cheese and Dairy facts on the Ehlenbach Cheese website Cheese Facts

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Health Tips for Extreme Heat

Enjoying this heatwave?

Here is a link for the the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to give you tips for staying healthy during the heat, including what symptoms require immediate medical care and a list of Cooling Centers. Heat - Related Health and Safety Tips

Please take care during this unseasonably hot weather. 

Happy Independence Day from all of us at BuyWisconsinLand.com