(NAPSA)—Glacial terrain, sandstone cliffs, wildlife sanctuar- ies and isolated picturesque river- ways. Not a remote region of the world, though it might feel likeit, but a sampling of Wisconsin’s hidden national treasures travelers to the state are beginningto discover. Visitors to Wisconsin are set- ting their sites on the state’s national treasures in search of a mentally and physically recharging weekend and the chance to enjoy nature’s magnificence. The state is filled with National Parks and Forests and other federally designated areas where tranquil waters await paddlers, serene forests beckon hikers and scenic bywaysoffer unique opportunities for the curious explorer. A cooperative effort of more than 100 organizations and the Endangered Resource Program resulted in the creation of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail, a mapped auto-trail dividing the state into five wildlife viewing regions. Consisting of National forest sites, State Natural Areas and nature centers, the — Wisconsin is home to a variety of natural treasures, including wildlife refuges, forests and sandstone cliffs. the Ice Age Trail, National Scenic Trail and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offer hikers dense stands of pine and hardwoods, hundreds of lakes and rivers and scenic vistas from atop glacially molded terrain. Considered one of the nation’s best glacial imprints, the Ice Age Trail is a 1,200-mile tour of Wisconsin’s glacial history and one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the country. Black trails lead nature travelers to all bears, white-tail deer and ruffed state’s premier wildlife venues. Located along the Lake Superior shoreline, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is known worldwide for its breathtaking sandstonecliffs and accessible sea caves. A chain of 21 islands along Wisconsin’s northern tip, the Apostle Islands’ stunningrock formations and six historic lighthouses are considered among the wildlife hikers will encounter manner of mammal found in the finest in the nation. For those seeking the fresh scent of pine and the chance to explore the state’s glacial history, grouse are a sampling of the while traversing the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Aimed at preserving the area’s natural resources, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, North Country National Scenic Trail and Great River Road National Scenic Byway provide countless outdoor recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenery. Offering wildlife watching and unparallelled beauty, many of the treasure’s hiking trails can be enjoyed year-round. The Horicon Marsh, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge and Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge are three distinctive areas offering sanctuary to a variety of wildlife. The largest cattail marsh of its type in the U.S., the Horicon Marsh is home to more than 265 species of birds, including egrets, blue heron and sandhill cranes, as well as deer, coyote, fox and mink. Visitors to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge can spot geese, ducks and more than 220 other bird species, wolves, porcupines, bears and badgers as well as view the training groundsfor the Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project. The 6,200-acre Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is a well-populated resting area for migrating ducks, geese and American White pelicans. For information on Wisconsin’s national treasures and other outdoor activities, visitors can call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism at 1-800-432-TRIP/8747 or visit travelwisconsin.com.
