Author: Friends of Lakeshore State Park

February 2022 Newsletter

Bridge dedication honors a park supporter who built bridges of cooperation

The bridge at Lakeshore State Park is an important point of connection between downtown and the Third Ward and between the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Oak Leaf Trail. And now the bridge officially recognizes someone known for making connections during his many years of public service.

With Gov. Tony Evers and other dignitaries in attendance, the bridge was officially dedicated as the Richard A. Grobschmidt Memorial Bridge on a sunny October day last year. Everyone who spoke that day remembered Richard (Rick) warmly as someone who reached across the aisle in the service of his community.

Bridge dedication honors a park supporter who built bridges of cooperation
 
 
I can’t think of a more fitting metaphor than this beautiful Lakeshore State Park bridge. Look out to the shiny bright bridge, with its radiant rows of sunshine beaming skyward. Try to imagine, as we step forward, that Rick is there to carry us across, as he was a true bridge-builder.

 

~ Barb Grobschmidt

Rick was one of the key visionaries behind Lakeshore State Park and an avid advocate for the South Milwaukee community he represented for 18 years as a state senator and assemblyman. In those and other roles, he was particularly focused on education and became known as a bridge-builder who strove for productive discussions among all political parties. After Rick passed away in 2016, then-Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law naming the bridge after him.

Barb Grobschmidt, who attended the ceremony in honor of her husband, captured the day beautifully when she said, “I can’t think of a more fitting metaphor than this beautiful Lakeshore State Park bridge. Look out to the shiny bright bridge, with its radiant rows of sunshine beaming skyward. Try to imagine, as we step forward, that Rick is there to carry us across, as he was a true bridge-builder.”

Among the many in attendance at the dedication ceremony are, from left: Steve Schmelzer, Wisconsin State Parks Bureau Director, WDNR; David Wenstrup, FLSP President; Gov. Tony Evers; Bill Schmitt, FLSP Building and Facilities Chair; Barb Grobschmidt; and Angela Vickeo, Natural Resources Property Supervisor, Milwaukee State Parks Work Unit, WDNR.

 

Among the many in attendance at the dedication ceremony are, from left: Steve Schmelzer, Wisconsin State Parks Bureau Director, WDNR; David Wenstrup, FLSP President; Gov. Tony Evers; Bill Schmitt, FLSP Building and Facilities Chair; Barb Grobschmidt; and Angela Vickeo, Natural Resources Property Supervisor, Milwaukee State Parks Work Unit, WDNR.

OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It has been three years since I stepped into the role of president of the Friends of Lakeshore State Park. Over that time, our organization has grown in both numbers and maturity. Through our fundraising efforts and the work of our volunteers, we’ve truly been making a difference to improve the park and benefit the community – thank you volunteers!

One of our most active volunteers recently has been David Wenstrup. He’s been instrumental in writing successful grant requests which have helped fund the ADA accessible fishing pier, improvements to our prairie plantings and other essential programs. And during warmer months, he’s often at the park helping the Wisconsin DNR remove invasive plants.

David retired from GE Healthcare a couple of years ago and is ready to lead us as we take our next steps forward caring for our beautiful gem of a park on the lake. I wish him all the best and will be there for him as past president whenever he needs me. Welcome David.

~ Sue Frautschi

PARK PROPERTY SUPERVISOR UPDATE

Winter is in full swing here at the park, with numerous ice fishermen using the basin hoping to catch record-sized trout. As a reminder, the DNR does not monitor for ice conditions, and no ice is 100% safe. To help you best prepare for safely ice fishing, see the tips provided at Ice safety | Wisconsin DNR.

The goldeneyes, greater and lesser scaups, coots, and mallards are enjoying the open water created by the circulators used to keep the docks and fishing pier ice-free. These waterfowl typically will remain all winter long in open-water areas of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

As we look to the cold, snowy conditions on the park, we like to think about spring to give us a feeling of warmth. Stay tuned for the next newsletter for some exciting news on how to stay engaged in volunteer opportunities at the Park, including some longer-term volunteer positions needed and how to stay informed on special projects like the planting days, invasive species removal, and completion of painting our harbor railing at the south entrance in 2022.

If you’re looking for possibly getting even further involved, we are currently hiring for seasonal positions for Natural Resources Educator and Park and Recreation Specialists. For more information on these positions, and to apply, visit DNR (wisc.jobs) and search for Job ID 4527 for our Milwaukee Properties (Lakeshore State Park, Hank Aaron State Trail, Havenwoods State Forest). Applications for the Milwaukee Work Unit are due 11:59pm on February 13th.

We are continuing to take requests for bench and picnic table sponsorships for 2022. This will be an ongoing initiative until all approved locations have been sponsored. For more information on this opportunity, contact the Milwaukee Work Unit Superintendent, Angela Vickio. Prices for benches are $2500, and picnic tables are $3000, which includes all costs for purchase, plaque, installation, and 10 years of sponsorship.

Looking for an area candlelight hike? The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail in cooperation with Urban Ecology Center, are hosting the 5th annual Urban Candlelight Hike at Three Bridges Park on February 26th. More information on that event can be found at www.urbancandlelighthike.com. To find more winter recreation opportunities throughout all State Parks, visit Events | Wisconsin DNR.

Membership Recognition

Thank you to our newest Members! We couldn’t do it without your support and patronage.

Prairie Patron:

Richard & Sharon Canter
David Zepecki & Diane Diel
Kathleen Brumder
Richard Roszkowski
Rita Hulstedt
Andrew & Margaret Krei
Kenneth Krei
Timothy & Sue Frautschi
Sharon Lavin & Joe Neuman
Dan & Pat Fetterley
Deborah Bachun
Bob & Carol Diggelman
Lauren & Taylor Wakefield
John Wakefield
Deborah Kern
Gail Sahagun
Anonymous
Melissa & Stephen DeBot
Joyce Biehn
Chad Pankop
Jay Urban

Park Pal:

Daniel Petry
Kate Retzlaff
Mary Read
Patricia Starr
David Holmes
Douglas & Jane Hagerman
Craig Young
Marc DeVries
Joyce Biehn
Kristine Martinsek
Pamela Anderson
Barb Grobschmidt

Here are some of the things Park Members have accomplished this year!

  • Together with other volunteers we planted more than 1,000 native prairie plants in the newest restoration area (Fox Prairie) of the park

  • Funded installation of 2 new prairie areas using native vegetated mats at the south entrance

  • Completed reconstruction of the accessible fishing pier and purchase of 2 new de-icers to maintain the structure

  • Implemented non-toxic goose population remediation

  • Introduced the Friends group to park visitors and spent time with our members at the Friends raffle table at over a dozen Black Box events scheduled around the Cracking Arts Rebirth installation. The raffle we ran raised over $4500 for the park. Participated in a number of events associated with the art installation

  • Provided supply funding for 6 ‘beach bonfires’

  • Hosted a day of park activities as a participant site for Participated in Doors Open Milwaukee.

  • Secured a partial grant for a water and sewer study needed for the planning of the future visitor and education center. The rest of the funds for this study will come from our ongoing fund raising activities

  • Hired a campaign consultant for the future visitor and education center

Naturalist Notes May 2018

Naturalist Notes

March 2018

While some winter birds still enjoy our waters until they migrate to cooler regions, others are just beginning their return. Still in the waters are the Goldeneyes, Lesser Scaups, and Red-breasted Mergansers.

We have sighted the first Tree Swallows of the season. Their wings and tails are dark grey and forked, while their upper bodies are an iridescent blue and underparts are white.   Over the summer, the population will reach to about 100 Tree Swallows. As adults, these birds eat about 2000 insects a day!

The Red-Wing Blackbirds are back too & can be seen, and heard, staking out their territories, especially by the raingardens.

Naturalist Notes April 2018

Naturalist Notes

April 2018

As Spring begins to provide us with warmer weather, the first forbs, or flowering plants, are finally bringing a little color to the gardens at the front of the park. Prairie Smoke is the first to emerge!

Geum triflorum: Native North American herbaceous perennial in the Rose family
Common names: Prairie Smoke, Old Man Whiskers, Praire Avens, Purple Avens

Interesting facts: Prairie Smoke is one of the earliest bloomers on the prairie, and is an important food source for insects coming out of hibernation. Clusters of nodding           reddish-pink flowers emerge from hairy, fern-like leaves. The flowers are fused and cannot open completely, so bees have to force their way in to pollinate them. It is only after     pollination that the flowers will stand upright to expose feathery tufts of seed heads that look like wafting smoke. These puffs of seeds are a treat for birds and also form cover for the prairie’s small rodents. Watch this Wisconsin native over the next month to see these blooming stages.

As more native plants begin to emerge & bloom, watch the north kiosk for “What’s Blooming” posts. Feel free to take a Prairie Plants Brochure from the stand by the north kiosk for more information. Additionally, plant ID signs will be posted by the blooming plants, providing interesting facts about each species.

Naturalist Notes March 2018

Naturalist Notes

March 2018

The weather is beginning to warm up and the animals are starting to become more active. During the winter months, you may have seen some Coyote tracks around, and thanks to one of our park visitors, Michael DeBoer, we have photographic evidence of its presence. While Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been known to take over fox dens, this one has been primarily seen on the Summerfest property and likely was just using the park as hunting grounds. It was seen by park staff in January, wandering around the Summerfest stages, and Michael DeBoer’s photographs were taken earlier this month on the berm area behind the American Family Amphitheater at the south entrance. Our Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) typically den in the rocky area in the northern half of the park.

The birds are also becoming a bit frisky. Male Common Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) can be seen bobbing their head up and down while verbally calling for females. The Red Breasted Mergansers (Mergus serrator) are back, and the males will soon appear to be racing around the lagoons, showing off their speed to potential mates. Our yearly visitor, a leucistic (low-pigment) female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) appeared to have already chosen a mate, as she chased a particular male around the lagoon earlier this month.

While you’re walking through, enjoy the mild weather and watch the waterfowl behavior. Share your photos of the park, or of your catch, with us on our facebook page, or email them to Angela.Vickio@wisconsin.gov.  We’d love to see your photos! We’re getting closer to spring, so make sure to check our website or facebook page often for upcoming events!

Naturalist Notes February 2018

Naturalist Notes

February 2018

The temperatures have remained relatively stable, which means solid ice in the lagoon that is perfect for ice fishing. Waterfowl, however, do not share the same enthusiasm for ice cover. They are warmer and closer to their food source when they stay in open water areas during Wisconsin’s winters. The open water area under the bridge is a popular spot for waterfowl to congregate, especially since Lake Michigan is currently at 51% ice cover.

If you look closely at the waterfowl around the park, you will see 4 main species: Goldeneye, Mallard, Greater Scaup and Lesser Scaup (the scaups are also known as Bluebills).

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

Males: Black head with a white spot near the bill; black back with white sides

Female: Brown head with gray back and wings; black bill with yellow at the tip

Both: Bright yellow eyes; white patch on wings

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Males: Dark, iridescent green head with yellow bill; gray body with black tail

Females: Mottled brown body with orange and brown bill

Both: Blue patch on their wing with a white border

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)

Males: Black head with green iridescence; dark grey/black tail, grey/white body

Females: Dark brown head; brown body; white base on bill

Both: Rounded head; blue-grey bill with a black tip

Lesser Scaup (Aytha affinis)

Males: Black head with purple iridescence; dark grey/black tail; grey/white body slightly darker than Greater Scaup

Females: Dark brown head and body with slight mottling; white base on bill

Both: Small peak/tuft on top of head; smaller than Greater Scaups

We’d love to see your photos! Share your photos of the park, or of your catch, with us on our facebook page, or email them to Angela.Vickio@wisconsin.gov. We are getting close to spring, so make sure to check our website or our facebook page often for upcoming events!