COVID UPDATE
November 2022
To keep our staff and other visitors safe, we ask that you and your family are healthy and free of any symptoms of illness to enter the Nature Center building.
The property and trail system remains open until 11:00 PM. Before using the trail system, please be sure you follow the following guidelines and policies:
- Smoking and/or vaping is not allowed in the Conservancy Zone
- Pets are not allowed anywhere on the property
- Familiarize yourself with other property policies. Signs are posted at most trailheads. Some of those policies include:
- Please stay on the trails, except to safely step aside to allow other visitors to pass
- No collecting of wildflowers or other natural items
- No littering. Please use the garbage and recycling bins responsibly
- Neither bikes nor skateboards are allowed on the trail system
Please stay safe and do your part to control the spread of COVID and influenza.
BUILDING
What are the Nature Center hours?
The Nature Center is open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday – Friday and 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. on Saturday. The Nature Center is closed on major Holidays.
Is there a fee to enter the Nature Center or to utilize the trails?
No. There is no entrance fee to enter the Nature Center building or to use the trails. Donations are very much appreciated and needed to help maintain trails and enhance the Nature Center.
Do you rent out the Nature Center building and Pavilion for meetings or parties?
Yes. The Nature Center building can be rented out for various events such as company/organization meetings, holiday parties, family reunions, birthday parties, along with bridal and baby showers. A full kitchen is available and we can accommodate up to 150 people. The Pavilion is available for rent from May through the end of September. For more information and availability, please call the Nature Center building at 920-766-4733 or email at thousandisland@kaukauna-wi.org
How can I become a volunteer?
To become a volunteer at 1000 Islands you must first complete an application form and go through a background check. 1000 Islands also welcomes anyone who needs to complete community service hours. Call the Nature Center’s Director at 920-759-5673 for more information and to see if you could complete your community service hours at 1000 Islands.
Do you rent snowshoes or cross-country skis?
We only have snowshoes available to rent out. They can be rented and used on our trails or they can be taken off-site for a weekend. We only have the traditional snowshoes with a hardwood frame. Youth and adult sizes are available.
TRAILS
What are the 1000 Islands trial hours?
The trails are open daily/365 days a year until 11:00 PM.
Can I ride my bike on the trails?
No. Bikes and other pedal-powered vehicles are not allowed on the trails. The only exception is on the Valley Trail between Hwy Z and Hwy Q/Hillcrest Dr. in the Upper Woods. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Pets are not allowed on the trails, in the picnic and park area or inside the Nature Center. Only service dogs on a leash are allowed. For dog-friendly parks and trails in Kaukauna, please visit the City’s website.
How do I stay safe on the trails?
To stay safe it is best to stay on the designated trails. The Conservancy Zone has an array of invasive plants such as poison ivy. Depending on the time of year, mosquitos and ticks are in the woods. It is best to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and consider treating your skin and clothing with a repellent to keep the mosquitos and ticks away. Always remember to check yourself for ticks after hiking in the woods or walking through tall grass and brush.
Is the Nature Center and trails handicap accessible?
Yes. The Nature Center is fully accessible and we do have a portion of the trail system that is barrier-free. A wheelchair and walker are available for use and are located in the Nature Center building lobby.
1000 Islands Trail Map (PDF)
Conservancy Zone Guidelines (PDF)
Is smoking or vaping permitted?
No. Per the 1000 Island Environmental Center Policy 2.030, there is no smoking, vaping, or other tobacco use within the Nature Center building or outside by the entrances, in the pavilion and picnic area, and on trails of the Conservancy Zone.
WILDLIFE
Do you take in injured and orphaned wildlife?
No. 1000 Islands does not have a rehabilitation license to take in injured or orphaned animals. Here is a link to Local Wildlife Rehabilitation Resources.
When and How to Rescue a Mammal
Can I feed the wildlife at 1000 Islands?
No. Per City Ordinance No. 1578 there is to be no feeding of waterfowl on any City property. Feeding other wildlife is also discouraged. Animals accustomed to people lose their fear of people and can become reliant on humans for food or become aggressive.
When are the Bald Eagles at 1000 Islands?
Bald Eagles can be seen year-round at 1000 Islands, but we see an increased number each winter when the lakes and rivers freeze over up north and they migrate south where food is more plentiful. December through February is an ideal time to visit 1000 Islands for a better chance at seeing Bald Eagles.