Work, Play, Earth Day! Returns to Copper Falls State Park
May 2 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Work, Play, Earth Day! Returns to Copper Falls State Park
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Copper Falls State Park—Celebrate Earth Day with a rewarding blend of service, learning, and outdoor enjoyment at Work, Play, Earth Day! on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Hosted by the Friends of Copper Falls State Park in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this annual event invites volunteers of all ages to lend a hand while enjoying the beauty of one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks.
Volunteers will receive free park admission and are asked to gather at the Picnic Pavilion for a 9:00 a.m. orientation, where participants can choose from a variety of outdoor projects. Activities will take place rain or shine and may include cleaning the nature cabin and concessions area, raking, clearing windfall, and planting trees and shrubs.
Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring work gloves, a water bottle, bug spray, and tools such as leaf rakes or leaf blowers if available. For the safety and comfort of all volunteers, pets are not permitted during work activities.
At noon, volunteers will enjoy a chili and sandwich lunch, along with door prizes and a special thank-you—free tree seedlings to take home and plant.
Build a Bluebird Nest Box
From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., visitors are invited to take part in a hands-on Bluebird Nest Box Building Activity at the Historic Picnic Pavilion. This family-friendly program offers a meaningful way to support local wildlife while learning about one of North America’s most beloved songbirds.
All materials and tools will be provided, and each participant will assemble a complete cedar nest box mounted on a steel pole—ready to install at home. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, making this a great opportunity for families to work together and learn about conservation.
Copper Falls State Park is home to an established bluebird trail, currently featuring approximately 15 monitored nest boxes throughout the park. This program marks the second season of monitoring, and early results are encouraging, with successful nesting observed among bluebirds, chickadees, and tree swallows.
A suggested donation of $10 or an annual membership to the Friends group is appreciated to help support ongoing conservation efforts and expand the bluebird trail.
A Day to Give Back—and Enjoy
After volunteering or participating in the workshop, guests are encouraged to explore the park’s waterfalls, trails, and spring wildflowers.
“Work, Play, Earth Day! is a wonderful way to give back to the park while connecting with others who care about this special place,” organizers note. “Whether you come to help, learn, or simply enjoy the day, there’s something for everyone.”
For more information, call 715-274-5123. or visit the website of Friends of Copper Falls State Park Calendar: https://sites.google.com/friendsofcopperfallssp.org/focfsp/calendar
⬥ FREE park entry for volunteers, meet at Picnic Pavilion
⬥ 9 A.M. Orientation – Choose volunteer tasks RAIN or SHINE
Dress for work & weather: bring gloves, bug spray, water bottle, leaf rake,
leaf blower, long sleeves, no pets, please.
Tasks include cleaning (nature cabin & concessions), raking, windfall pickup, planting trees/shrubs, etc.
⬥ NOON – Chili and Sandwich Lunch
⬥ Door Prizes
⬥ FREE tree seedlings for volunteers⬥ View scenic waterfalls and wildflowers; call 715-274-5123 for info. Stay for Bluebird Nesting Box Building Activity 1-4pm.
