Join us on a hike to experience the vernal, or spring, equinox, which marks the beginning of astronomical spring in the northern hemisphere. This day is celebrated across many cultures as a time for renewal and rebirth, and it represents the continued lengthening of days and return of light that...
Come learn about the sugar maple, Wisconsin’s State Tree. The presentation will cover the significance of the sugar maple and its tasty sap, from its history with Native Americans and European settlers, its ecology and what about Wisconsin’s climate makes it perfect for growing here, and why our state ranks among the top producers of maple syrup. This Adult program is FREE with...
Adults, Birding Academy, Free with Membership, Guided Hikes
We welcome all those interested in birding for a guided bird walk on the third Saturday of the month. We’ll search for fall migrants among the Center’s varied habitats. This is a great opportunity for new birders to learn and practice bird identification. Wisconsin Master Naturalist volunteers will be your...
Adults, Early Childhood, Families, Wheelchair Accessible
Join our Environmental Educators during the sweetest season of the year, Maple Sugar Time! Learn how to tell a maple tree apart from other species, practice tapping a log with one of our hand drills, and discover how the sap is turned into syrup! We’ll have a variety of activities...
Families, Free with Membership, Wheelchair Accessible, Raptors
Join us in the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to meet one or two birds from our Raptor Program! We will talk about the specific skills, traits, and adaptations that are unique to that bird. Scheduled to appear: Baron von Screech (Eastern Screech Owl) and Sky Walker (Red-tailed Hawk)....
Adults, Birding Academy, Guided Hikes
March can be an exciting time for birding at the Center. We are fortunate to have many birds who remain throughout the year, plus some interesting early migrants returning from their winter homes in the south. Year-round birds we may see include Nuthatches, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Chickadees. Early spring...
Families, Free with Membership, Wheelchair Accessible, Guided Hikes
On Sunday afternoons volunteer Nature Ambassadors educate visitors by introducing them to our reptile and amphibian ambassadors, offering guided hikes, and sharing knowledge of our ecosystems. Stop by the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to find out which activities our Nature Ambassadors are offering on this day. Free with...
Families, Free with Membership, Wheelchair Accessible, Raptors
Join us in the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to meet one or two birds from our Raptor Program! We will talk about the specific skills, traits, and adaptations that are unique to that bird. Scheduled to appear: Saxon (American Kestrel) and Loki (American Crow). Our Raptor Program educates...
Children are never too young to learn about and enjoy nature’s wonders. Join a Nature School Early Childhood Educator for a sensory-rich morning of nature exploration. We will meet indoors for a story and sensory play time, then head outside for a guided hike on the trails. This program is...
Children are never too young to learn about and enjoy nature’s wonders. Join a Nature School Early Childhood Educator for a sensory-rich morning of nature exploration. We will meet indoors for a story and sensory play time, then head outside for a guided hike on the trails. This program is...
Join Early Childhood Educator Allie Furru in nurturing a sense of wonder in nature with your little one. We will meet indoors in the Nuthatch classroom or in one of our specially designed outdoor classrooms to explore, play, and create art. Be prepared for your child to get a little...
Families, Free with Membership, Wheelchair Accessible, Raptors
Join us in the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to meet one or two birds from our Raptor Program! We will talk about the specific skills, traits, and adaptations that are unique to that bird. Scheduled to appear: Nicco (Broad-winged Hawk) and Otis (Peregrine Falcon). Our Raptor Program educates...
Get ready for some springtime fun! Join Environmental Educators Cassie Rincon and Jim Thielke as we play summer camp games and take a stroll down to the Lake Michigan beach. Experience the joy of summer camp in just one program! The refreshing spring weather will be perfect for making lasting...
Families, Free with Membership, Guided Hikes, Wheelchair Accessible
On Sunday afternoons volunteer Nature Ambassadors educate visitors by introducing them to our reptile and amphibian ambassadors, offering guided hikes, and sharing knowledge of our ecosystems. Stop by the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to find out which activities our Nature Ambassadors are offering on this day. Free with...
Families, Free with Membership, Raptors, Wheelchair Accessible
Join us in the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to meet one or two birds from our Raptor Program! We will talk about the specific skills, traits, and adaptations that are unique to that bird. Scheduled to appear: Sky Walker (Red-tailed Hawk) and Atlas (Red-shouldered Hawk). Our Raptor Program...
Tree identification is an important tool for understanding a forest's health. The diversity and abundance of certain trees can tell us what actions need to be taken to maintain a healthy ecosystem. In this workshop, you’ll learn strategies that help with identifying different kinds of trees we find living around...
Which bird is the fastest? Which has silent flight? Join us for an interactive comparison of falcons, hawks, and owls. This engaging and informative experience for all ages features live birds from our Raptor Program. This all-ages program is FREE, but registration is required. Learn more and register.
Wednesdays, April 1 – May 6 This six-part series will feature eight excellent exercises developed by Professor Cheng Man Ching to improve balance and flexibility, reduce stress, and generate well-being in body and mind. Each class will include a warm-up, basic training exercises, instruction, and review of previous material. This...
Adults, Families, Guided Hikes
RAIN DATE: April 2 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Wisconsin is warming up again and the outdoors are springing back to life. Enjoy a night hike guided by the light of the first full moon of the season and learn about our native nighttime wildlife. Begin with a view...
Families, Free with Membership, Raptors, Wheelchair Accessible
Did you know that you can help conserve birds without being a professional scientist? Whether you’re watching birds at your feeders, monitoring nests, or simply sharing your sightings, it’s all citizen science! Join us to celebrate Earth Day all month long by learning about some of the Citizen Science projects...
Families, Free with Membership, Guided Hikes, Wheelchair Accessible
On Sunday afternoons volunteer Nature Ambassadors provide education by introducing visitors to our reptile and amphibian ambassadors, offering guided hikes, and sharing knowledge of our ecosystems. Stop in the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to find out which activities our Nature Ambassadors are offering on this day. Free with...
Families, Free with Membership, Raptors, Wheelchair Accessible
Join us in the Great Hall of our Visitor Center to meet one or two birds from our Raptor Program! We will talk about the specific skills, traits, and adaptations that are unique to that bird. Our Raptor Program educates about raptor ecology, conservation, and these birds’ important roles in...
Children are never too young to learn about and enjoy nature’s wonders. Join Nature School Early Childhood Educator Jade Ratliff for a sensory-rich morning of nature exploration. We will meet indoors for a story and sensory play time, then head outside for a guided hike on the trails. This program...
Adults, Birding Academy, Clubs, Free with Membership
Join Environmental Educator Laine Cotteleer and Dan Panetti, former owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon , in search of American Woodcocks to witness the male’s spectacular aerial displays. We’ll traverse the western meadows and select grassy hotspots to locate these elusive aerialists. Few other birds in our region have such a unique...