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Canoeing Wisconsin's North Woods

Program Number: 9700RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/14/2013 - 7/20/2013; 8/11/2013 - 8/17/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Eagle River, Wisconsin
Price starting at: $599.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Explore Wisconsin's breathtaking lake country by canoe. With more than 1,300 lakes, the glaciated landscape of Vilas county has much to offer water enthusiasts on this canoeing adventure. Take several day trips to paddle many of the area's pristine lakes and remote rivers, seeing bald eagles and loons along the way. Excursions will be led by professional naturalists.




Highlights

• After a paddle on the Manitowish River, stop at Little Bohemia to explore the site of a shootout between the John Dillinger gang and local authorities. Old newspaper articles and preserved bullet holes document history.
• Investigate a northern quaking bog by walking out on the mat of floating vegetation and examining the unique plant life there.
• Explore a low-traffic, six-mile stretch of the Upper Wisconsin River before it is influenced by industry and dams — and learn canoe strokes such as backward, forward, draw, pry, rudder, sweep and J-stroke.



Activity Particulars

All skill levels welcome, beginners to experts. Ability to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day.




Date Specific Information

7-14-2013, 8-11-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Trees For Tomorrow.




Eagle River

Situated near the largest inland chain of connecting freshwater lakes in the world, this community lies next to the 600,000-acre Nicolet National Forest and is a well-known hub of recreational activity, from canoeing to hiking.
Accommodations
Lodge-style dormitory, shared bath.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Rob Wiener
Rob Wiener has taught at Trees For Tomorrow since 1999. In addition to teaching, Rob is Northbound editor, coordinates school schedules and staff schedules, and develops curriculum. He is a Northland College graduate with a B.S. in environmental studies who worked previously with the U.S. Forest Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and private consulting firms. His hobbies include photography, guitar, weightlifting, tennis, and reading.
 
Maggie Bishop
Maggie joined the Trees For Tomorrow staff as a teacher and naturalist in January of 2003 and became executive director in 2005. As director, Maggie manages the day-to day operations of Trees For Tomorrow and the future direction of the organization. Maggie earned a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay in human development and also received her teaching certification. She taught 7th grade math, english and science at Cabrini Middle School in Manitowoc, followed by eight years as the educator for the Point Beach Energy Center in Two Rivers. Maggie enjoys kayaking, fishing, birding and hiking.
 
Cheryl Todea
Cheryl has been at Trees For Tomorrow since 2000. In addition to teaching, she supervises the seasonal naturalists, coordinates teacher workshops, helps the staff with computer and technology equipment, assists with the TFT website, and manages the campus store. Cheryl earned a degree in environmental education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and worked previously for the Girl Scouts and the Wisconsin DNR. She enjoys hiking, birding, biking, snowshoeing, and knitting.
 
Sheri Buller
Sheri joined the Trees For Tomorrow staff in August 2003. She is primarily responsible for group scheduling and pre-workshop preparation as well as personnel management. Sheri earned her bachelor's in biology from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota and her masters in biology (wildlife management) from Northern Michigan University. She previously worked for the Wisconsin DNR as a wildlife manager and natural resources educator. Sheri enjoys horseback riding, hiking, wildflowers and biking.
 
Joe Panci
Joe rejoined the Trees For Tomorrow staff in 2009 after working at TFT from 1984 to 2003. In addition to teaching, Joe coordinates the natural resources careers workshop and oversees all education program equipment. He earned bachelor degrees in forestry and environmental education from Michigan State University and a masters in environmental education from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Joe previously worked as an environmental science teacher, outdoor education coordinator and cross-country ski and softball coach at Conserve School in Land O' Lakes. Joe has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Youth Conservation Corps and Young Adult Conservation Corps programs. He is a National Outdoor Leadership School Outdoor Educator graduate as well as a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
 
Laura Schoephoester
Laura Schoephoester joined the Trees For Tomorrow education staff in August 2012. Originally from Morton Grove, Ill., she graduated from Northland College with a B.S. degree in outdoor and environmental education. In addition to her position as a teacher and naturalist, Laura oversees the care of numerous education animals, and is the summer programs coordinator. She enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and crocheting in her spare time.
 
Troy Walters
Troy has been at Trees For Tomorrow since January of 2003. In addition to teaching, he oversees the care of Trees For Tomorrow education raptors, is Northbound assistant editor, coordinates Road Scholar programming, and coordinates the Eagle River area Bat Monitoring effort. Troy earned his B.S. degree in Water Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. He has also worked as an environmental chemist and was a trip leader at various camps out west. Troy likes to cross-country ski, rollerski, bike, and canoe.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
  Eagle River, WI 6 nights
 Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Type: Lodge
  Description: Trees For Tomorrow (TFT) started in 1944 to help reforestation efforts in northern Wisconsin. Initially, Trees For Tomorrow was focused on giving out free tree seedlings and assisting with forest management. Once the reforestation effort was largely completed, TFT shifted more toward education. Today TFT is an accredited Natural Resources Specialty school that focuses on educating students, teachers, and other adults about the wise use and management of natural resources. The campus is located on about 30 acres with an interpretative walking trail within it.
  Contact info: 519 E. Sheridan St
P.O. Box 609
Eagle River, WI 54521 USA
phone: 715-479-6456
web: www.treesfortomorrow.com
  Room amenities: Each room has 2-3 bunk beds, dresser, coat rack, and small desk. During warm months, it is recommended to bring a fan, as only the main Education Hall has air conditioning. We will provide bed linens, pillows, and blankets. Participants should bring their own towels and washcloths.
  Facility amenities: Our dormitories are rustic, yet comfortable, one-story buildings with 7 to 12 bedrooms in each. The dorms have central lounges with fireplaces and a central shared standard bathroom (separate genders) within a short distance of each bedroom. There is Wi-Fi available campus-wide available at no cost. There are no laundry facilities on site, but there are places to go within a 5 minute drive.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: Shared bath down the hall.
  Additional nights prior: $35 Single/$50 Double Please contact TFT - Road Scholar Coordinator Troy Walters at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date if interested in staying additional nights. Additional nights before and after the program vary depending on the program date.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $35 Single/$50 Double Please contact TFT - Road Scholar Coordinator Troy Walters at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date if interested in staying additional nights. Additional nights before and after the program vary depending on the program date.
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3-4:30 PM check in at the Education Hall at Trees For Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, WI. You will be staying at Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow that night.
  End of Program:
9:00 AM at Trees For Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, WI. You will be staying at Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
On-site parking is available at no extra cost.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Eagle River, WI
  Nearest city or town:  Rhinelander
  Nearest highway: Hwy 45
  Nearest airport:  Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI)
  From End of Program
  Location: Eagle River, WI
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Rhinelander

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Trees For Tomorrow
phone: 715-479-6456
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 min 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Please contact the Trees For Tomorrow - Road Scholar Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to ensure transportation.
 

Rhinelander

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required
Airport - Car Rentals
phone: 715-365-3430
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

N/A - Depends on time you keep the rental car
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

Please contact the airport car rental well in advance (at least 2 weeks) to make sure they can meet your needs.
 

Rhinelander

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Rapid Cab
phone: 715-365-7433
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$50
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Due to the high cost of taxi service, we recommend contacting Trees For Tomorrow for an airport shuttle. If you do wish to use a taxi, call them at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
 

Rhinelander

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Trees For Tomorrow
phone: 715-479-6456
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Please contact the Trees For Tomorrow - Road Scholar Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to ensure transportation.
 

Rhinelander

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Rapid Cab
phone: 715-365-7433
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$50
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Due to the high cost of taxi service, we recommend contacting Trees For Tomorrow for an airport shuttle. If you do wish to use a taxi, call them at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
 
Driving Directions
  From the East (Escanaba, MI) Take Hwy 70 West to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
  From the North (Hancock, MI) Take Hwy 45 South to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
  From the South (Appleton) Take Hwy 45 North to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
  From the West (Superior) Take Hwy 53 South to Hwy 70 East. Take Hwy 70 East to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
Equipment Requirements: Trees For Tomorrow provides canoes, paddles and life vests.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-in / Local Wine and Snacks Social / Orientation
(Sunday, August 11)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival - Check in at the Education Hall from 3-4:30 PM. Participants will get a name tag and room key along with additional information.
 Dinner: Social & Dinner - We will meet each other while enjoying local wine and snacks. This is normally an excellent time to do participant introductions. Dinner to follow at 5:30 PM.
 Evening: Orientation - Participants will get an orientation of the facilities and an overview of the schedule.
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Canoe Instruction / Bog Investigation / Canoe Baker Lake & Tamarack Flowage
(Monday, August 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:30 AM.
 Morning: Canoe Instruction - Participants will learn the basics of canoeing. Parts of the canoe and paddle will be examined along with learning basic strokes such as: the forward & backward stroke, draw, pry, C-stroke, and J-stroke. We will canoe a local lake to develop or hone our paddling skills. While on the lake we'll practice paddling straight, play some games, and then go through a slalom course to work on turning. Most times we even have time to paddle around the lake and look at loons, various shoreline issues (esp. aquatic invasive species), and numerous other plants and animals.
 Lunch: Lunch at 12:00 PM Noon.
 Afternoon: Bog Ecology & Investigation - Vilas County is home to over 1300 glacially created lakes. When conditions are right, certain plants begin to grow out into the lake. These plants form a dense root network that allow us to walk on them. The waterbed-like feel of a northern quaking bog is a memorable experience for many participants. While out there, we will examine the many unique plants that call this area home. The carnivorous pitcher plant, sphagnum moss, leatherleaf, labrador tea, black spruce and tamarack are some of the plants and trees we'll expect to see.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 PM.
 Evening: Canoe Baker Lake & Tamarack Flowage - We will be canoeing while the sun goes down, wind subsides, and temperature declines. Evening paddles on Baker Lake and Tamarack Flowage are rich in plant and animal life. Bald eagles, loons, beavers and others are breeding residents. Great blue herons, numerous ducks, and even barred owls are possible in this unique area of two lakes connected by a small river channel. This lake is truly a Northwoods gem.
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Canoe Sylvania Wilderness / Visit Bond Falls Waterfall / Summer Public Program (Various Topics)
(Tuesday, August 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:00AM.
 Morning: Canoe Sylvania Wilderness - Sylvania Wilderness is a beautiful place to canoe. Located just over the WI border, this Upper Peninsula of MI gem contains 34 named lakes within the 20,000-acre boundary. We'll paddle the pristine waters in multiple groups, a wilderness regulation designed to reduce vocal and visual impact. This area contains large expanses of water with multiple islands, providing great nesting places for loons. Bald eagles are also a common site in this area. In past years, I've also seen river otters enjoying the water.
 Lunch: Sack Lunch at 12:30 PM. We will eat lunch at Clark Lake, one of the most scenic and historic spots in the wilderness. Back in the early 1900s, a few people formed a private hunting and fishing club, purchasing over 14,000 acres. There were a couple houses constructed along the southeast corner of Clark Lake. We can thank these people for buying the land. This private ownership and their subsequent usage has preseved one of the few untouched parcels of land in this area. This left an old growth hemlock/hardwood forest containing trees in excess of 400 years old. The government purchased the land in the 1960s and has since removed the houses.
 Afternoon: Visit Bond Falls Waterfall - This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Bond Falls is not only home to a beautiful waterfall, but some water is also diverted northwest to the city of Victoria, providing significant hydropower.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:30 PM.
 Evening: Public Program - Each summer, Trees For Tomorrow hosts a wide array of public programs on Tuesday evenings. Participants can go to this program or have the evening off. Past programs have included: loons, Wisconsin's elk, bears, loons, phenology, birds of prey, tree identification, fishing, and many others!
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Franklin Lake Nature Hike / Free Afternoon / Canoe Lower Ninemile Lake
(Wednesday, August 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:00 AM.
 Morning: Hike Franklin Lake Nature Trail - Mid-week is a good time to give our canoeing muscles a little bit of a rest. We will visit a beautiful nature trail in the Nicolet National Forest. This 1.5-mile interpretative trail has much to offer in the way of plant and animal life. In fact, nearly every habitat type in the Northwoods is found there!
 Lunch: Lunch at 12:00PM Noon.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore the local area!
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:15 PM.
 Evening: Canoe Lower Ninemile Lake - Much of this lake is surrounded by National Forest land. Trumpeter swans, loons, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes are often found here. This lake is best paddled in the evening, as it is quite large and wind can be an issue during the day. Sunset paddles are also a favorite for many people.
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Canoe Manitowish River / Stop at Little Bohemia Restaurant / Dinner on your own & Free Evening
(Thursday, August 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:00 AM.
 Morning: Canoe the Manitowish River - Paddling the clear water of the Manitowish River is a good opportunity to practice your turning skills. With a small gradient along the river, the 6-mile stretch we will paddle meanders back and forth more times than you care to count. However, around each bend is a new chance to see something different... common yellowthroats, alder flycatchers, green frogs, green herons, belted kingfishers, wood & painted turtles, muskrats, various waterfowl, and many other animals can be found on this beautiful river. The DNR has recently discussed altering water flows on an upstream dam in hopes of reestablishing a native population of sturgeon that has only been sustained with repeated stocking.
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch at 11:00 AM.
 Afternoon: Complete our canoe trip on the Manitowish River - The second half of our paddle changes from a more forested shoreline to a more open sedge meadow habitat type. The river also narrows down a little more and has even more turns. Sedge wrens normally escort you downriver along with some naturalist interpretation. Local author John Bates wrote a book that has very interesting historical and biological aspects of the river. We normally share some of his stories as we venture to the take out spot.
 Afternoon: Visit Little Bohemia - A trip to Manitowish Waters is not complete without a stop at the old John Dillinger hangout. Little Bohemia was the site of a shootout between local authorities and the Dillinger gang. Old newspaper clippings, artifacts, and bullet holes have been preserved to provide a glimpse of history.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own at one of the many fine restaurants in the area
 Evening: Free evening relaxing doing whatever you'd like :)
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Canoe Wisconsin River / Water Quality Study / Closing
(Friday, August 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:00 AM.
 Morning: Canoe the Wisconsin River - Considered to be one of the hardest working rivers in the nation, we will explore a portion of the upper part of the river before it is influenced by industry/dams. This meandering 6.5-mile stretch is located about 20 river miles from the headwaters in Lac Vieux Desert. In the past, we have seen many different species of birds including: american bittern, wood ducks, bald eagles, catbirds, and cedar waxwings to name a few. This stretch is also home to the largest dragonfly in the Northwoods, the dragonhunter. It is always a treat to paddle this low traffic stretch of beautiful river... don't tell your friends about it!
 Lunch: Sack Lunch at 12:30PM.
 Afternoon: Water Quality Study - After canoeing a stretch of the river, we will visit where it all begins. Lac Vieux Desert is the beginning of 432 miles of the Wisconsin River. We will also do a biotic index survey, meaning we will collect aquatic bugs that are indicators of water quality/health. These creatures have a variety of adaptations that are not often discussed, but are critical in their survival. This stream survey will hopefully allow you to see the water as you never have before.
 Dinner: Dinner and Wine at 5:30 PM.
 Evening: Closing - The TFT Road Scholar Coordinator will present a slideshow containing pictures from the participants' experiences during the week. Participants will also get a CD and be able to download the pictures shown during the slideshow. Passports will also be stamped.
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Eagle River, WI Downtown Stores
Located just a few blocks from downtown Eagle River, Wall Street has a variety of stores to explore.
  Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce
The Eagle River Chamber of Commerce is a short walk from "Trees" and has excellent resources. Phone number is 715-477-2205. For additional information, visit www.eagleriver.org
  Fishing, Golf, Tennis, Basketball
There are many places to fish in the Northwoods. Other relaxing recreational opportunities at parks may include tennis and basketball. Golf courses can also be found in the area. See "Trees" Coordinator for further details.
  Olson Memorial Library
The library has many resources to explore. Books, email access, and newpapers can all be found. Phone number is 715-479-8070.
  Trails
Wilderness areas along with other public lands surround Eagle River. See "Trees" Coordinator for maps and locations.
  Various Trails
Trees For Tomorrow is in the heart of many public lands. National Forests, State Forests, and County Forests provide abundant opportunities for biking and other recreational opportunities. See "Trees" Coordinator for maps and locations. There are both road and mountain bike trails available.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Graced by the Seasons: Spring and Summer in the Northwoods


Author: John Bates and Terry Daulton (Illustrated)


Description: Graced by the Seasons: Spring and Summer serves as a "Volume 2" to A Northwoods Companion: Spring and Summer, and offers a detailed and fascinating picture of the orderly timing and progression of natural events written for people who want a deeper understanding of all of nature. The book is chock full of phenological highlights and is organized so the reader who wants to study nature's coming attractions or plan a northern vacation can anticipate what will be blooming, crawling, singing, migrating, or croaking in any particular month.



River Life


Author: John Bates and Terry Daulton (Illustrated)


Description: Rivers are sacred places that resonate with sounds, smells, sensations, mysteries and beauty. River Life takes you on a guided exploration of the Manitowish River, a small river in northern Wisconsin. Packed with information, River Life examines current ecological studies, probes fur trader journals and archaeological surveys, and explores the author's personal observations to vividly describe the life of a northern river. Richly designed with 125 illustrations, diagrams, maps and tables, River Life introduces the science of stream ecology and brings it into the language and vision of the layperson. Canoeists, kayakers, birders, plant enthusiasts and all nature lovers will find this book thoroughly pleasurable and educational.





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