WONDERS OF THE KICKAPOO VALLEY! A call for entries to the Friends of the Reserve photo contest begins on September 1. This year's contest theme is " Wonders of The Kickapoo Valley". "Give us your best shot" of the beauty and wonder that is the Kickapoo. There are two entry categories: students and adults. Each entrant may submit two photos. Best of Show and many other awards will be made. Public voting on the entries will take place in November.Download an entry form for more information. (Jerry Quebe's winning photo from last year's "Between Fences" contest is shown above)

KVR Annual Trail Ride The 5th annual Trail Ride on the Reserve will be held on September 26-28. There will be guided and self-guided trail rides on both Saturday & Sunday. The KVR Horsepower group will provide a pot-of-chili meal around a roaring campfire on Saturday night. A special camp area to accomodate trailers, horses, mules, and their riders will open at 3 pm on Friday. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Reserve.

Hmong Culture featured in next Driftless Dialogue Program On Saturday, August 23, the Driftless Dialogue II series will present Hmong History & Culture. Nao Tou Lor, President of the Lao Veterans of America and Kou Xiong, DNR Hmong Liason, will describe the culture of their people and their migration to the United States. Free and open to the public, this program opens at 10 am at the KVR Visitor Center.

DAM CHALLENGE NEWS You can register on-line for the 2008 KVR Dam Challenge to be held Saturday, October 4. The Challenge includes a 7 mile canoe trip on the Kickapoo River, a 14 mile road bike route, and ends with a three mile trail run through the hills of the Reserve. Register on-line at http://kvr.state.wi.us. Early registration is open through September 17.

Nature Art Series ReturnsMonica Jagel returns to teach four nature art classes beginning in October. Classes will be held on Field Sketching, Pen & Ink, Designs From Nature, and Stone Texture. (Check the calendar for exact times and dates.) Class size is limited to 15 so sign up soon by contacting the Reserve. Check out Monica's latest exhibit of her art work, now showing in the KVR Visitor Center lobby.