Barkhausen Warterfowl Preseve

Suamico (Brown Cty)

Link: L.H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, also Birdbrain

This was my first spring trip for the Wheretogo site, and last Friday (Apr 17th) was a fantastic day to spend a vacation day to wander the countryside. I chose this place because of their impressive efforts in tracking the birds that visit. Yes, yes, I have become a birdite, not a proper birder mind you. Once I have a camera that can use a telephoto lens, then we can say that I've entered the realm.

The morning was wide open-anything was possible. To be outside with my face to the sun, my camera slung across my shoulder, it is truly when I am the most content. Currently I have a blog post titled "Euphoric Recall" that I've been working on, and so far it's the most fitting explanation of what my excursions have been like for me, psychologically speaking. That's the scientist in me talking, but what I seek is a spiritual connection, and that usually happens when I go exploring. OK- that's enough about me.

What I must confess, Gentle Reader, is that I did trespass. The main waterfowl section is blocked off (to leave the waterfowl in peace I am guessing). Technically you are supposed to stay
on the marked trails. Of course the geese tattled.

Aside from the Canadian Geese, I also spotted a pair of Sandhill Cranes, Great Egrets, the Mallards, Woodpeckers, Pelicans on high, garter snakes, a turkey, and a plethora of turtles.

The trails are marked easily, winding around marshy as well as wooded areas, and you will find observation blinds in a few places as well. The brochured map makes it look small, but it's not. The last time I was here my daughter and I got stuck in a marshy area, and we each lost a shoe that was stuck firmly in the mud. We still laugh about that. Good times.

If you have not been to Barkhausen before, this is the perfect time for a Road Trip. Pack a lunch, bring your kids (leave the dog at home, they are not allowed, for obvious reasons). Trails are open sunrise-sunset.

It is open year 'round, grooming the trails for x-country skiing at the Fort Howard Paper Foundation Wildlife Area. To find it, take Lineville straight to the dead end. Lockup you car when you do this. The house on the end appears to be occupied, and that's all I will say on the subject.

Wheretofind: 2024 Lakeview Dr, Suamico. Hwy 41 to Green Bay, exit Lineville Rd (Cty M), head east to Lakeview Rd. (Cty J). Turning Left and travel approx 1/2 block will get you to the Barkhausen Entrance, or continue as mention before to the Fort Howard Wildlife Area. Hours for West Shore Interpretive Center are Mon-F-ri 9am-4pm and weekends noon-4pm. Trails are open sunrise-sunset. For questions-call the Brown Cty Parks Dept 920-448-4466. Remember - No Dogs.

What to expect: A well planned, well developed park setup. It is probably a very busy park, but the layout offers a lot a room to be left alone. The lack of swings is not a deterrent for fun. The nature center offers plenty of activity to keep one's brain from going astray. The Brown Cty Parks website does a fair job at keeping current activities listed, you still are better off going to Barkhausen and grabbing a Trail Guide or the Birds of Barkhausen brochure.

Kaukauna Abandonment

Kaukauna Abandonment
Originally uploaded by WheretogoWisconsin

It sure was nice getting out Sunday afternoon.

Kaukauna is an interesting burb - After visiting 1000 Islands Nature Center, my daughter and I drove around, checking things out. If it wasn't for the reputation of the Paper Valley Stink, I'd consider living there. If you have been through Poy Sippi, then maybe you can see what draws my eye. And in Kaukauna, that's how I found this broken down farmstead.

This road was much, much older, and dead-ended at the
second abandoned farm. It seemed obvious that these were the only properties until the land was sold off and other homes were built. There was one other home that I found most intriguing. It had no real parking space, no garage (other than the road), but it had plenty of lawn for people to relax and hang out (which I did, not on the property itself). It was well cared for and the general feel of the place was peaceful, pleasant. I snapped a few, hoping to capture that essence. I am not sure if I was sucessful.

What I did see was a striking amount of abandonment for the size of this town. Honestly,when you consider the history of the paper industry, then it really is not that surprising. We also saw a lot of homes that were under renovation, which was heartening to see.

As for the rest of Kaukauna, we didn't see any Pelicans. Lots of jumping carp (no decent shots of that, sorry). They go by Bighead or Silver Carp I could be naming the wrong fish, but if I am right, please read up.