LONG LAKE PROGRAMS

CAKES AT THE LAKE 2009

Dates	May 9, June 20, July 11, August 15 & September 12
Breakfast:	8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Program:	Starts at 10:00AM
Cost:	$6.50; children 5-12 are $3; and children 5 and under are free

Cakes at the Lake a tasty mix of old, new

by Marsha Stelzer

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy...And what’s easier when entertaining at the lake than to start with a bountiful breakfast at Hunt Hill followed by a free educational program. The summer kickoff for LLPA and Hunt Hill’s annual Cakes at the Lake series was Saturday, May 9. This year the kitchen opens for early birds at 8 a.m. and continues serving until the program begins at 10 a.m. Adult cost is $6.50; children 5-12 are $3; and children 5 and under are free. Each meal offers regular and seasonal specialty pancakes, breakfast meats, fruit, juice, milk, coffee and tea.

Date	Program	Presenter
May 9:	Love Those Loons	Lorna Wilson
June 20:	Angel the Bald Eagle
July 11:	Raptors and Reptiles	Chris Cold
August 15:	White Deer: Ghosts of the Forest	Jeff Richter, Photographer
September 12:	Wild Rice, A Great Provider	John Haack, UW-Extension Basin Educator

Love Those Loons

On May 9, Lorna Wilson presented Love Those Loons, the watershed’s wailing icons of ice-out, with data from LoonWatch at Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute. The common loon, with its standout, graphic black and white patterns, returned to the lakes Easter weekend. The beloved population seems stable, but is it? Bald eagles prey on loon chicks to feed their young; water traffic and wake waves cause nest abandonment each year; and lead fishing sinkers that loons may ingest will kill in short order. Participants learned all about loons and how to ensure their presence on Long Lake and elsewhere.
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Angel the Bald Eagle

On June 20, Angel the Bald Eagle travels from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha MN with her handler for a Father’ Day Weekend presentation. The well-known raptor ambassador will preen and snack, fan impressive wings and cast her piercing gaze around the room as people’s minds soar. Don’t be late for Close Encounters with Eagles, a favorite program.

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Raptors and Reptiles

July 11 brings Chris Cold, DNR wildlife specialist and educator, back to Cakes to share The State of the State’s Wildlife. Raptors and reptiles will accompany him as he reports the status of large and small game. Be prepared for surprises.

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White Deer: Ghosts of the Forest

On August 15, professional photographer Jeff Richter of Mercer presents on a group of amazing animals. This wildlife watcher has trailed white whitetails for a decade. Perhaps not true albinos, the deer are the subject of a recent book, “White Deer: Ghosts of the Forest,” a collaborative effort with author John Bates. In his Wisconsin wanderings Richter noted that the deer have cream-colored hooves and white noses but not the pink eyes said to be an albino standard. Whatever marker might be missing, Richter said since white deer are protected and cannot be hunted in WI and other states, the only shots one can take are with camera. Richter is a presenter that photographers will want to question afterward. Ghosts of the Forest images will awe all ages.

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Wild Rice, A Great Provider

September 12 is the last Cakes at the Lake and another don’t-miss program. UW-Extension Basin Educator John Haack closes the season with Wild Rice, a Great Provider. It includes a hands-on look at a plant with strong cultural significance. Haack will bring tools he uses for gathering this ancient food staple and demonstrate processing techniques. He also will cover wetland species that rely on wild rice. Of course, wild rice pancakes will be served. See you there!

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