Wildlife WHEP Wisconsin 4-H
Wisconsin 4-H Forestry
Website https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/projects/outdoor-education/
Email: wi4hwildlifeforestry@gmail.com
“TRACKS” – January 2024
DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 22 & 23, 2024
4-H Wildlife & Forestry Art Contest
West Bend, WI
March 22 & 23, 2024
Wildlife WHEP WI 4-H Contest (NQE – WHEP)
West Bend, WI
March 22 & 23 2024
Wisconsin 4-H Forestry Contest (NQE – Forestry)
West Bend, WI
March 22 & 23 2024
4-H Wildlife Contest & Tri-County Archery & Air Rifle Tournament
West Bend, WI
Wildlife WHEP & Forestry 4-H Friends,
About this time of year, I am envious of all those animals that hibernate! Some days when the
wind is blustering and the snow is falling I think it might be nice to fall asleep and wake up again
when the daffodils are blooming. Do you know which Wisconsin mammals hibernate? Below is an
excerpt from http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/nature/snugsnow (Check out the link for the full
story.)
“There are different kinds of hibernation. The “true” hibernators sleep so deeply that they are
almost impossible to wake up. Woodchucks, ground squirrels, and bats are “true” hibernators. A
woodchuck’s heart rate goes from 80 beats a minute when active to 4 or 5 beats a minute when in
hibernation. Its body temperature drops from 98 degrees Fahrenheit to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. And,
the woodchuck’s incisors, which grow continuously and are kept short by all the gnawing it does,
quit growing during hibernation. True hibernators do get up every few weeks to nibble on food, and
in the case of the woodchuck, use an underground toilet room. When bats are ready to hibernate,
they must find a place that stays above freezing. They gather together in caves called hibernacula.”
As humans, we can’t hibernate so we might as well enjoy the winter. I hope you have been
snowshoeing, skiing, skating, or finding other ways to take advantage of the cold weather. Oh, by
the way, where is the camera when you need it?
Keep looking for critter clues. I love seeing tracks in fresh snow. Usually, my kids are faster than
me at identifying them!
Wildlife & Woods Explorations – Virtual Sessions: Designed for K-5 and elementary-grade
youth. The next interactive sessions for your family are on January 24, February 28, March 27, April
24, & May 22. Free registration is available in your family 4-H Online account under the Events
section, The Zoom link will be emailed after the registration is complete. Questions?
Email:
wi4hwildlifeforestry@gmail.com
Wildlife & Woods Careers & Competition – Virtual Sessions: Designed for middle and high
school youth. The next interactive sessions for your family are on January 22, February 26, March
25, April 22, & May 20. Free registration is available in your family 4-H Online account under the Events section, The Zoom link will be emailed after the registration is complete. Questions?
Email: wi4hwildlifeforestry@gmail.com
Wildlife & Forestry 4-H Art Contest – It’s time for your entries in the art contest.
There are 18 categories & four groups:
K-5, 2nd grade, 3-6th grade, 7-9th grade, & 10th -13th grade.
The registration form is attached. Have fun & share your entries.
Wildlife WHEP & Forestry Contests Dates: March 22 & 23, 2024. Study guides and registration forms for the contest are available so email us.
The National WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Education Program) Manual www.whep.org and the National Forestry Manual www.4hforestryinvitational.org are nationally accredited resources.
It’s also available at https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/projects/outdoor-education/ or email us anytime.
Backyard & Back 40 “Kit-To-Go” Activity Boxes: There are 15 different Backyard & Back 40 wildlife & forestry-related programs. Each program offers many different hands-on educational opportunities for kids and adults of all ages. Programs can be presented by your own 4-H youth & adult leaders. We’ll provide the instructions for you to build your 4-H Club “Kit-To-Go” hands-on activity boxes.
Email: wi4hwildlifeforestry@gmail.com and request the “Kit-To-Go” boxes. Kerri, “TRACKS” Editor
Special Thanks” are extended to the following for making the “Wildlife WHEP Wisconsin 4-H” & “Wisconsin 4-H Forestry” programs possible: Northern Kettle Moraine Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Wildlife WHEP Wisconsin 4-H & Wisconsin 4-H Forestry – Washington County; Wisconsin Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation – Mad City Gobblers: Wildlife WHEP Wisconsin 4-H & Wisconsin 4-H Forestry Friends & State Committee Members.
Advisor: Carlea Liermann, Calumet Co. 4-H Program Educator
