Adult Programs at Your Location

From metamorphosis to migration, participants will discover the amazing life journey of the Monarch Butterfly. Topics discussed include monarch tagging and population tracking, their remarkable migration trip, habitat challenges faced by monarchs, and how you can help them in your own backyard or garden. The presenter brings an engaging PowerPoint presentation, as well as butterfly artifacts and displays to supplement the experience of this program. This program is best scheduled during spring and fall – the height of monarch migration. Note: This program is recommended for August-October. 

The beautiful Sugar Maple is the State Tree of Wisconsin for good reason. Reaching heights of over 60 feet and life spans over 200 year, these picturesque trees turn beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red in the fall. They also provide homes for many birds and other animals. All plants produce say via the process of photosynthesis. The sweet and tasty sap of the sugar maple was first tapped by Native Americans and later by European settlers. The climate and seasons of Wisconsin are perfect for this tree to thrive and every year, our state ranks among the very top producers of maple syrup. This program will highlight the entire process from sugar maple tree growth to an historical overview of sugaring in the state. We will provide a Power Point presentation, plus various artifacts that augment the discussion and, if supplies allow, offer a sweet taste of real maple syrup candy. Note: This program is recommended for January-March. 

Weather and climate are inextricably linked. A salient proverb is “Climate is what you expect, and weather is what you get.” Issues of global climate change have dropped upon our very doorstep in recent years: dramatic flooding, unchecked wildfire smoke drifting over, and very reduced severity of cold and snowfall in recent winters. Scientists look at these single events and try to determine if that signifies a longer-term change in climate. The more such occurrences, the stronger support for asserting “yes” to the question. Most scientists across the globe agree that climate change is real and is affecting the entire planet.

This illustrates the need for and value of long-term data collection: utilizing the vast scope of phenology websites and apps (such as ebird), to allow for local participation in global initiatives. Participating in these collections gives one the feeling of truly being involved and offering your local observations to the greater scientific community. In our presentation we will cover recent events, impacts seen locally, and how to be involved in research efforts.

This program explores the many facets of Wisconsin geology, with a special emphasis on our local topography. We will uncover the key concepts of recent glacial history and go back into the ancient past of the Silurian Period. We will also review rock, fossil, and mineral specimens, some of which have travelled hundreds of miles to reach us! Learn some of the important igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks found in Southeastern Wisconsin and understand some of our region’s fascinating geological changes. We will supplement our studies with a Power Point presentation and handouts.

Did you know that Wisconsin once had over 2 million acres of majestic wind-swept tallgrass prairie? Colorful and diverse, the original prairies of Wisconsin gave way to European settlement, farming and eventually cities. Former home to the American bison, prairie landscapes provide habitat for hawks, snakes, ground squirrels and badgers today. Resplendent in grasses and forbs (wildflowers), trees are generally kept at bay by grazing and seasonal fires. Prairie soils are rich in nutrients and many feet deep and can range from wet to dry. These soils provided great farmland, lending credence to our motto of “America’s Dairyland.” We will learn about some of the many species of plants and animals that live in prairies. These rare communities are home to sunflowers, bluestem grass and myriad bees and butterflies. We will also talk about how Native Americans lived with the prairie ecosystem. This program will have a Power Point presentation, plus some examples of plants and supplemented with animal mounts and artifacts.

Wisconsin is home to over 70 different mammal species. Discover the many unique adaptations and characteristics that make mammals special. This program focuses on local Wisconsin mammals, the habitats that they live in, and the physical and behavioral adaptations that help them survive. Participants view mounts of various species found in our area and enjoy a hands-on experience looking at furs, skulls, and feet. Along with artifacts, this program is complemented by an informative PowerPoint presentation.

The Lake Michigan shoreline attracts numerous waterfowl species throughout the year. This program explores the duck species that nest in our area, stopover during migration, or overwinter on Lake Michigan. Learners will delve into the size, shape, plumage patterns, and ecology of the dabbling and diving duck species most frequently observed here. Learn the key diagnostics and differences of the two groups, as well as individual species. Discover why each group is so well adapted to their habitat and to spending part or all of their year here locally. We will supplement our studies with visual displays, taxidermy, and handouts.

These crawling, slithering, and swimming creatures inhabit our local ponds, prairies, and gardens. Participants will learn some amazing adaptations these animals have developed in order to survive throughout our varied seasons. The focus is on native Wisconsin species and includes animal artifacts, plus several different species of live animals. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and even hold live animals such as a snake, toad, salamander, and turtle.