For more information, email info_fbr@yahoo.com, Message via Facebook or contact Steve at 715-284-2087.

As part of the 2026 Festival in the Park, the Friends of the Black River will hold the annual Paddle in the Park on the kids’ fishing pond in the Lunda Community Park in Black River Falls, Saturday, July 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event gives youngsters of all ages the chance to try kayaking and paddle boarding. Kayaks, paddle boards and safety gear will be provided. A freewill donation will be accepted toward the continued maintenance of the community park.

For more information, email to info_fbr@yahoo.com or via Messenger on the FBR Facebook page.

The Friends of the Black River will hold its annual spring wildflower guided hike Saturday, May 9, starting at 10 a.m. Those interested in carpooling or caravaning to the trail head should meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot. The parking lot is located at 120 N. Water Street, Black River Falls. There’s no charge to take part in the hike.

Those not able to participate in the guided walk may do a hike-on-your-own along the trail starting May 7 and running until May 12. To access the trail head, take State Highway 54 E. to Mission Road, turning left on to Mission Road. Travel to Pettibone Pass and turn left; continue to W8969 Pettibone Pass.

For more information, contact Jeff Polzin at 715-896-5534, email info_fbr@yahoo.com or message on the FBR Facebook page.

In Jackson County, volunteers are asked to meet at Castle Mound State Park Saturday, April 25, at 8 a.m. to receive assignments. The park is located on State Highway 12 east of Black River Falls. Admission to the park will be waived for cleanup volunteers. A lunch for volunteers will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m.

In Clark County, volunteers are asked to meet at Listeman Park at 1402 Lloyd St., Neillsville, at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 25. Appreciation lunch will be provided at 11 a.m. Contact Dan Moore at 715-937-5097 or go to the chapter’s Facebook for more information.

The Friends of the Black River Jackson County will conduct its spring cleanup along County Highway K Tuesday, April 28. Volunteers are needed to clean up along a two-mile stretch of the highway twice a year as part of the Wisconsin’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteers are asked to meet at the intersection of County Highway K and State Highway 54 East at 8:30 a.m. to be assigned a stretch of the highway.

Bags, vests and grabbers and some gloves will be available at the Jackson County and Highway K cleanups.

To volunteer or for more information, call Steve at 715-284-2087 or Jeff at 715 896-5534, email info_fbr@yahoo.com or via Messenger on the FBR Facebook page.

The two films to be shown are “Our Great National Parks,” featuring national parks located around the world, and the second will be the “Spirit of the Driftless,” the third documentary celebrating the Driftless Region.

Social time begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments served and movie showing begins at 6:30 p.m. A donation of $10 per person for adults is suggested.

For more information, email info_fbr@yahoo.com or via Messenger on FBR’s Facebook page.

The 50-minute documentary, staring Steven Marking portraying Will Dilg, was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in 2024. Dilg was the driving force for the refuge’s creation. Dilg’s extraordinary national crusade also resulted created the Izaak Walton League.

More information can be obtained by emailing info-fbr@yahoo.com or via Messenger on the Friends of the Black River Facebook page.

The Friends of the Black River is looking for volunteers to help with the group’s annual river cleanup. The cleanup will be held Saturday, Aug. 23. Volunteers are asked to meet at Al Young Park in Black River Falls at 8 a.m. to be assigned a section of the river. Al Young Park is located at the south end of South First Street.

 Volunteers may choose to help by paddling the river or patrolling along the shoreline. Those wanting to paddle are asked to contact FBR President Steve Rake so enough canoes will be available. Volunteers wanting to use their own canoes are asked to let cleanup organizers know about the choice by contacting Rake at 715-284-2087, via Messenger on the FBR Facebook page or emailing info_fbr@yahoo.com.

In appreciation for helping with the cleanup, volunteers will be provided a lunch at noon at Al Young Park.

Please RSVP to Rake by August 21 so organizers can get a count for the lunch.  More information is also available by emailing info_fbr@yahoo.com.

For more information, email info_fbr@yahoo.com, Message via Facebook or contact Steve at 715-284-2087.

Those wanting to meet at trail head can do so by traveling east on State Highway 54 to Mission Road, turning left on to Mission Road. Travel to Pettibone Pass and turn left. Continue to W8969 Pettibone Pass.

Those not able to participate in the guided walk may do a hike-on-your-own along the trail starting May 7 and running until May 12.

For more information, contact Jeff Polzin at 715-896-5534 or email info_fbr@yahoo.com.