Peninsula State Park Launches a New Century

Bryanna Kuhlman teaches a park visitor about fire safety.

Peninsula’s new century is off to a great start: interesting nature sightings and strong program numbers have followed the centennial celebration in 2009, which resulted in the park being named Wisconsin’s state park of the year.

Peninsula’s 2010 Nature Center team, which helped make 2010 as successful as 2009, includes educated and resourceful members.

Bryanna Kuhlman completed a wildlife internship for UW-Stevens Point. In addition to offering wildfire programs for children, she jump-started bat surveys first conducted by Gibraltar graduate Matt Christofferson.

Paula Olig, Peninsula’s Invasive Species Coordinator (ISC), completed 26 management objectives. Along with about 60 volunteers, she facilitated summer weed warrior programs that target problem plants like garlic mustard, Japanese barberry, and glossy buckthorn.

Friends of Peninsula State Park have committed to continue invasive work by hiring Door County native Jason Wilke, who will eradicate phragmites along the park’s eight-mile coast.

Nick Meiers returned for his third season as a naturalist. He helped track down the identity of Ptelea trifoliata, a Wisconsin Species of Special Concern. He also developed a merchandise action plan to fund the summer naturalist position.

The Nature Center, open 10 am – 2 pm (closed Wednesdays), is located on Bluff Road in the middle of the park. The center features stuffed animals, historic photos, field guides, park mementos, and catch-and-release tanks that temporarily house snakes and frogs. All proceeds support park nature education. For more information call 920.854.5976.