“Like to Hike” Pin Celebrates Wisconsin Heritage

This new year, 2009, marks the 100th anniversary of the Peninsula State Park, established in 1909, the same year that Wisconsin school children voted the wood violet as the state flower. In 1948, the Youth Committee of the Wisconsin Centennial Commission realized the selection was never official. So, on June 4, 1949, an act of the Wisconsin Legislature, Chapter 218, Laws of 1949, Section 1.10 was created and the wood violet (Viola Papilionacea) was named Wisconsin’s official flower. Therefore, it is fitting that this year’s “Like to Hike” pin features a delicate rendition of the violet with a dramatic map of the Door Peninsula in the background.

Peninsula Park’s “Like to Hike” program, now in its ninth year, offers nature enthusiasts the opportunity to earn a custom collector’s pin for $3 (normally $6). To receive pin, participants may pick up a hiking log at the Peninsula State Park Headquarters or the Nature Center and select five of nine trail options listed, such as skiing, biking, hiking, snowshoeing and kayaking. The completed log may then be stamped at headquarters or the Nature Center. Quantities of the pins will be limited. (Pins are also available to individuals and groups that volunteer.)

Participants may use their 09 “Like to Hike” miles for Peninsula 100 Club miles, in order to earn a free hiking shield. For more information, call 920.868.3258.