We will start the day at Butler Lake, which is an interesting kettle lake, and the adjacent Parnell Esker, which is a remnant of an ancient under-ice river. Afterwards, we will traverse a portion of the Ice Age Trail and climb the 60-foot Parnell Tower for an amazing view for miles in every direction. Following lunch, we will hike a section of the Greenbush trails. Expect several miles of hiking over moderate, sometimes rocky, and undulating terrain. By the end of this field trip, you will come away with a greater understanding of our state’s unique geologic past.

The Prairie Enthusiasts is offering basic training for those interested in volunteering on prescribed fires. The program covers introductory fire ecology, fire behavior, crew roles, ignition and suppression techniques, and safety. This 1-day class is for people without previous experience or who want a refresher. This class is also appropriate for landowners wishing to learn more details about how and why prescribed burns are conducted.

Dive into the fascinating world of fall fungi! This workshop will explore the important role mushrooms play in our ecosystems. Starting with an indoor presentation, you will gain new insights into the life cycle, reproduction, and habitat range of the species we can find right here in Wisconsin. Afterwards, we’ll hit the trails to identify the Center’s resident mushrooms and examine some specimens under a microscope.

Why do wolves have sharp canines, deer have flat grinding molars and beavers have ever-growing incisors? Discover how an animal’s teeth reveal what and how it eats. This is a hands-on program where you can examine and touch real animal jaws and teeth to uncover the surprising clues hidden in every bite.

coming soon

Each month, one of our naturalists will present on a new nature topic. Join us to learn something new and socialize! This event is ideal for retirees looking for educational opportunities. Free coffee and pastries will be available for you to enjoy! This month's topic: Cures and Curses - plant use in folklore

During the colorful months of autumn, our eyes are drawn to the forest. We will hike the Woodland Loop and other forested areas to investigate and discuss recent patterns, such as variations in tree color intensity, recent temperature fluctuations, and seasonal rain events. We will also consider how animals are preparing for winter: some begin migrating or hibernating while others build reserves of fat or layers of fur.

Learn how staff and volunteers care for the land by observing current and past initiatives, focusing on stormwater management to prevent erosion and flooding, protect habitat, and improve water quality. You will get a sneak peek at upcoming stormwater management projects and gain overall insight into the Center’s future conservation plans. During the program we will also discuss how the property’s history still affects the land today, and everything it takes to restore and protect it.

Collecting, cleaning, and sowing the seeds of native plants is essential for the restoration and management of prairies and related natural communities. Each summer and fall, dozens of volunteers take part in this deeply satisfying activity at many Prairie Enthusiasts sites. This workshop will introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to how plants reproduce and will let everyone experience firsthand the joys of working with seeds. Family friendly and suitable for children.

The fall migratory season is winding down, but not all of our summer residents are out the door just yet! Join Schlitz Audubon to discover our late fall migrants and discuss why they might be sticking around. This field experience is ideal for beginning and seasoned birders alike. Build your skillset by learning how to locate and identify birds from our trails; we will focus on identification characteristics such as size, shape, color, pattern, behavior, song, and habitat preference. There will also be plenty of time to practice looking and listening for birds to get a better view without disturbing them.

Join Raptor Educators for an evening exploring the lives of an elusive nocturnal hunter: owls. This program, designed for adults, will include a night hike to locate and catch a glimpse of wild owls. Discussions of owl behavior and natural history will be complemented with visits from a few owls from our Raptor Program.

This month, we will be joined by Brittany Peters, a member of the Schlitz Audubon staff who has been bird banding for 7 years. She will lead a presentation about her experience banding birds. Registration is required.

Explore Horicon Wildlife Refuge, the premier wetland in the Midwest, during the beautiful fall season as countless migratory birds undertake their journeys south. We will discover this Wetland of International Importance by car and on foot. As the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, Horicon is home to over 260 bird species and other diverse wildlife. We’ll begin our day with a brief stop at Dodge County Ledge Park for a panoramic overview of the 32,000-acre marsh. Importantly, the geologic features preserved in this park set the necessary backdrop for the marsh’s existence. We’ll then head over to the Scenic Overlook on Palmatory Street. This site boasts numerous hiking trails, ponds, and wildlife viewing opportunities. After lunch at this location, we travel north for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Auto Tour. Throughout the day, we’ll have the opportunity to observe the adaptations and behaviors of the birds which depend on this important habitat for their survival.

Technology has made discovering, studying, and protecting birds more accessible. Free phone applications provide birders with convenient tools right in the palm of their hand, including a field guide, bird log, and even an interactive identification assistant. This seminar will provide an overview and step-by-step directions on how to use such applications, including Merlin Bird ID, Audubon, and eBird. Following an indoor presentation, participants will practice using these resources in the field during a guided birding hike. A cellular smart device is not required but recommended.

When you look at the stars, can you tell which ones are closer and which are farther away? Knowing the Sun’s neighbors and its place in space can help you see the night sky in 3D. Amateur astronomer Jim Hahn will introduce you to “The Sun’s Neighborhood” through an indoor presentation. Afterwards, we will head outside for views through the telescopes of Saturn, Uranus, and the Andromeda Galaxy.

Each month, one of our naturalists will present on a new nature topic. Join us to learn something new and socialize! This event is ideal for retirees looking for educational opportunities. Free coffee and pastries will be available for you to enjoy! This month's topic: Nature Journaling

November is a transitional time in the birding world across Wisconsin. Most of the neotropical migrants have made their way back to warmer wintering grounds far south of here. But many other species who reside further north for summer breeding season are on the move to locations along Lake Michigan, including Schlitz Audubon. Our lakeside geography and diverse habitat types make the Center an ideal wintering spot for these birds. During this guided hike, we’ll have the opportunity to observe Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows, Red and White-breasted Nuthatches, and much more.

This month, we are joined by Samantha Humes, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist and volunteer. She will present on the science behind window collisions and how community members can prevent them. Registration is required.

The Northern Kettle Moraine is renowned for its scenic beauty and impressive geologic features. We will traverse picturesque Dundee Mountain, the highest glacial kame in the region, and also a portion of the undulating Greenbush Trails segment. These are perfect examples of the landforms left behind over 10,000 years ago that are studied around the world today. Encounter a variety of habitats along the way and learn about the natural history of the region as well as ancient geology. Participants will be rewarded with fresh, clean air and stunning vistas. We’ll eat lunch at the picnic grounds near Long Lake.

During this hands-on workshop, discover how to identify dormant prairie species from their seed heads, seed pods, leaves, and even the smells of certain species. You will also learn how to properly and ethically collect and store seeds for future uses. After an indoor presentation, we will head outside for an opportunity to go off trail and harvest seeds. Please note that the off-trail portion of this program will include uneven terrain and thick vegetation.

This course provides essential skills to manage common injuries and illnesses that may occur in remote settings. Learn how to manage environmental hazards, improvise with limited resources, and make decisions about evacuation and extended care. Engage in classroom lectures and demonstrations, combined with realistic scenarios to integrate your learning.

Join Raptor Educators for an evening exploring the lives of an elusive nocturnal hunter: owls. This program, designed for adults, will include a night hike to locate and catch a glimpse of wild owls. Discussions of owl behavior and natural history will be complemented with visits from a few owls from our Raptor Program.

Mammals can be found across all of Wisconsin’s habitats. In this workshop, we will practice identification using real skulls and fur, along with a custom guide you can take home. After an indoor presentation and activities, our group will hike in search of the variety of mammals that are active along the trails. By the end, you will come away with an understanding of how to identify most Wisconsin mammals.

Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s East Side, Lake Park is a true gem of the Milwaukee County Park System. Aptly named, this beautiful park was designed in the late 1800’s by Frederick Law Olmstead, the “father” of American landscape architecture. The 138-acre parcel showcases picturesque views of Lake Michigan, ecologically fragile ravines, and the last remaining Indian Mound in Milwaukee. Winter is the perfect time for us to learn about the natural history of this incredible landscape as we look for birds and signs of other wildlife. We will venture to the lake itself to, hopefully, observe some early winter ducks on the water such as Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Scaup species.

Our program will see us hike down the 100-foot bluff to the Nipissing Terrace and finally to the water’s edge itself. We’ll investigate the rocks, minerals, and wildlife of this vast ecosystem. For those interested, we will also climb the 60-foot tower for an expansive overview of the lake. Learn about the glacial past and the even deeper geologic foundations underlying the lake, over 400 million years ago!

With Wisconsin’s summer migratory birds gone for the season, our winter residents are here to stay; each employs a variety of adaptations to survive harsh winters. Meet our Great Horned Owl, Zari, up close to learn about some of the earliest nesting raptors, discover how songbirds as small as the Black-capped Chickadee survive subzero temperatures, and dive further into the strategies and adaptations utilized by some of Wisconsin’s hardiest species.

As winter settles into Wisconsin, the chill it brings freezes and limits the open water available to the birds who use it for food and shelter. However, Lake Michigan provides a dynamic corridor and stopover habitat for our feathered friends. Join us in exploring the shores of one of our greatest resources and uncovering the birds who utilize it to survive the winter. This field experience is ideal for beginning and seasoned birders alike. Build your skillset by learning how to locate and identify avian insectivores from our trails; we will focus on identification characteristics such as size, shape, color, pattern, behavior, song, and habitat preference. There will also be plenty of time to practice looking and listening for birds to get a better view without disturbing them.

Superior Rivers Watershed Association is seeking volunteers to assist with spring and fall aquatic macroinvertebrate (bug) monitoring fieldwork. No experience necessary – all equipment and training provided! We will be hosting two training sessions leading up to the monitoring window: one is virtual and the other is in-person outdoors. Only one is required to participate in fieldwork. If this is your first time taking the training, we recommend attending the in-person training. The training sessions will teach you what you need to know about collecting aquatic invertebrates for our water quality monitoring program. The virtual session will consist of a Powerpoint with instructional videos and a Q&A with our volunteer coordinator. The in-person, outdoor sessions will be hands-on instruction in a stream.

A deep dive in Wisconsin’s Geology history by Academy Fellow Dr. Marcia Bjornerud.

Panel of Wisconsin experts discusses the latest research on social and informational hurdles to tackling some of the planet's most serious problems.

Learn more about the different types of glaciers that previously covered the region and the impacts of cyclical glaciation on regional climate and ecology

explores the story of the ancient sea that once covered the region and how the myriad of ancient landscapes are preserved in the rock record.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Forest Ecology Working Group, National Conservation Training Center, and Migratory Bird Program have developed a 12-part monthly lecture series to address the 50-year decline of 3 billion birds through partnerships, conservation science and forest management. The series tells a compelling story about forest bird population declines, partnership opportunities, and forest management actions that can support bird population recovery and sustainability.

Join our Master Naturalist guides for an online trek focused on learning and exploring the Great Lakes — places that make Wisconsin a great place to live, work or play. You’ll be able to learn at your own pace using online readings, videos, and supplemental activities to reinforce the key concepts. Instead of book chapters, the trek uses an online network of trails to deliver accessible and fact-based knowledge. Find more information and registration here:

These short videos will feature highlights of NRF’s popular field trips, webinars on interesting natural resource topics, and leaders sharing their favorite natural places. Look for a new video every #FieldTripFriday; you’ll also find a video archive on the NRF of Wisconsin Youtube channel.

The Lake Talks is a series of free, informal talks in communities along or near the Lake Michigan shoreline, addressing issues of relevance to those communities or the Great Lakes as a whole. Each event includes time for audience interaction and discussion

Hosted by Wisconsin Wetlands Association, the Wetland Coffee Break series will feature brief presentations about wetlands, the plants and animals that call them home, and the many natural benefits they provide to our communities.

Chris Swanston shares the science behind climate change adaptation strategies and the role of ecosystem carbon cycling.

The Wild Ones webinars promote native plants and landscaping.