Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary

Photographs wanted: more info


Nature Programs
2011


Link: Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Summer 2011 Program

Fall 2011 program


Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Public Programs
Fall 2011



An Evening with Nature
Soaring Vultures
October 13, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenters: Lisa Hartman and Mike Mossman
In the fall large flocks of vultures gather to head south for the winter. Join us as we uncover the fascinating features these birds have to fulfill their roles as a member of nature’s clean up crew. You may even get to meet a live vulture. This program is most appropriate for people more than 10 years old.

Halloween Nature Hikes
October 14 and 15, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Come one! Come all! The astonishing forest menagerie is at the Northern Unit! Watch the high-flying antics of the Tree-top Gliders! Marvel at the amazing stealth of Preying Mantis! Meet a 75 year old snapping turtle! This is not a scary hike and is best for those more than 5 years of age. Groups leave every six minutes. The last hour-long hike leaves at 8:30 pm. While waiting for your hike, enjoy playing some fun-filled games, making a craft to take home, or snacking by the glow of a campfire. In the event of severe weather, the event will be canceled for that night.

Pee-yew Skunk! Nature Storytime
October 21, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
What's black and white and smelled all over? A skunk! Join us as we uncover some cool truths about skunks. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Creatures of the Night Exploring Nature Program
October 22, 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Whooo's awake during the hours of darkness? Join us as we delve into the world of nocturnal animals. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

Flying V's Nature Storytime
November 4, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
What's that flying V in the sky? Is it a plane? No, it's a flock of geese! Learn about these noisy big birds as they fly south for the winter. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Create a Winter Wreath
November 10 (Thursday)
Session 1: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm OR Session 2: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Using a variety of natural materials, we will create a beautiful evergreen wreath and swag that will enhance your home's winter decor. To register for session one or session two, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by November 8. Space is limited. This program is best for people more than 12 years old. A $5.00/person material fee will be charged.

Getting Ready for Winter Exploring Nature Program
November 12, 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
The chill of winter is in the air. Discover how the world of nature prepares for the hardships of the season. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

Gobbling Turkeys Nature Storytime
November 18, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Let's talk turkey! Come in and strut your stuff as we learn about the wild turkey - our big, beautiful woodland bird. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Now That the Days are Colder Nature Storytime
December 2, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Bundle up; it's cold outside. Join us as we discover what the animals do to survive the cold days of winter. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

An Evening with Nature
Kettle Moraine as a Mythical/Sacred Landscape
December 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Herman Bender
American Septen History Company
Is there a mythical/sacred connection between the Kettle Moraine and the Black Hills of South Dakota? Discover how the Lakota and Cheyenne perceive the Black Hills as a spiritual and real world reflection of the night sky, and how the Kettle Moraine may be an even more ancient embodiment of these same traditions. This program is most appropriate for people more than 10 years old.

Gifts with a Natural Touch Exploring Nature Program
December 10, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
We'll use inspirations and materials from nature to make several crafts including nature print cards, sun catchers and winter wreaths. To register call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by December 8 to ensure that we have plenty of supplies. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

Clever Crows Nature Storytime
December 16, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Crows are big, black birds that are always making noise. We'll try to figure out what these clever crows may be talking about. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Winter Solstice Night Hike
December 16, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Friday)
Zillmer Trail Head (located off Hwy SS between Hwy G and Hwy 67 near New Prospect)
Gather around the fire as we share some traditions of the longest night of the year. We will then travel through the dark woods to discover what animals are awake and braving the cold of a winter night. This program is best for families with children more than 6 years old.



Previous programs

Prairie Life Outdoor Adventure
August 25, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee) and Jersey Flats
At one time prairies covered much of the southern half of Wisconsin. Journey through the tall grasses to unearth what plants and animals call these remarkable communities home. We will meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center, then car pool three miles to the Jersey Flats. This adventure is for people more than 12 years old.

Saturday Morning Nature Sleuths
August 27, 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to unravel some mysteries of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of three age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.

Wings of Colorful Scales Drop In at the Beach
August 27, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
August 28, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
On wings of colorful scales, butterflies flutter through the daylight while moths float through the night. You will be amazed at the lives these incredible insects lead. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.

Family Concert with Randy Peterson
August 27, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Randy's catchy original songs have universal appeal that invite audience participation and spotlight a variety of musical styles – from folk to rock, to reggae, to polka. This is an outdoor concert, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Ice Age Visitor Center. This program is great for all ages from preschoolers through grandparents.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Public Programs
September – December 2011



Ladybugs Everywhere Nature Storytime
September 2, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Ladybugs are friendly beetles that are a help to gardeners and farmers. Find out what these tiny insects do that is of such importance to all of us. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Journey into Darkness Night Hike
September 2, 8:00 pm - 9:45 pm (Friday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
As the sun sets and the light fades from the sky, the day animals retire and a new group of animals awakens. We will explore the world of the crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) and nocturnal (active at night) animals. Bring your bug spray and sense of adventure. The theme for this hike is night lights. This night hike is best for families/groups with children at least 5 years old.

Saturday Morning Nature Sleuths
September 3, 10:00 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Picnic Shelters at Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect) and Long Lake Recreation Area (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Calling all youth to unravel some mysteries of nature by participating in the Wisconsin Explorers program! The program involves completing a required number of engaging nature activities in one of 3 age appropriate books (ages 3-5; ages 6-8; and ages 9+) to earn a very cool patch. Get expert help from a naturalist who will work with youth on activities from one of the first four topic areas of the books.

Get Outdoors! Family Play Day
September 3, 1:00 pm - 4:00 (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
September 4, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of nature and outdoor fun! Try your hand at tracking animals, honing your fishing skills, taking the eco-explorer challenge, matching young critters with their parents, and creating original nature art. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children.

Meet the Ranger
September 3, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Have you ever wondered what a forest ranger’s job actually involves? Then come learn more about what they do and the tools they use as part of their duties. Everyone is invited to stop in to meet one the Northern Unit’s law enforcement rangers.

Deep Night Sky Objects Evening Event
September 3, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Kevin Koski, NASA Solar System Ambassador
What objects lie beyond our solar system? What are a nebula, an “M” object, and globular cluster? Join Kevin as he describes these and other extraordinary deep sky objects. Weather permitting, we’ll head outside after the presentation to get a closer look at these wonders of the night sky. This program is most appropriate for people more than 8 years old.

Summer Star Gazing Evening Event
September 3, 8:45 pm - 10:45 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Look through a telescope or binoculars to bring into focus the wonders of the night sky. With the help of experienced night sky observers from the Northern Cross Science Foundation, spy distant planets, dumb-bell nebulas, globular clusters and so much more. The program will be held only if the skies are clear. This program is best for anyone more than 8 years old. Drop in any time and stay as long as you like.

An Evening with Nature
Magnificent Birds of Prey
September 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Barb Harvey, Raptor Rehabilitator
Barb Harvey and her special guests, several live birds of prey, will share insights into the world of these amazing sky hunters. She will cover some of their unique adaptations, habitat needs and threats to their survival. This program is most appropriate for people more than 10 years old.

Ice Age at the Beach Exploring Nature Program
September 10, 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
The glaciers have returned to Mauthe Lake! Discover how the glaciers created kames, eskers, kettles, and moraines through fun hands-on activities. Be prepared to get a little wet. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

Chattering Chipmunks Nature Storytime
September 16, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
With cheeks filled with nuts, chipmunks are a comical sight. Uncover what these "chatter boxes" do with all those gathered nuts and seeds. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Sensational Seeds Exploring Nature Program
September 17, 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
From as tiny as a dust fleck to larger than a softball, seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Learn how seeds help plants to grow and thrive. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

What’s Beneath Your Feet? Exploring Nature Program
September 24, 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Watch your step! A whole world exists just under our feet. Help us unearth the creatures that live down under the leaves, the grass and the soil. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

Winged Mammals: Bats Exploring Nature Program
October 1, 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Steeped in myth, bats often get an undeserved bad rap. Learn some truly astounding facts about bats and maybe gain a new appreciation for them. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

Trees of Many Colors Nature Storytime
October 7, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Red, orange, and yellow leaves twirling in the wind are a sure sign of autumn. Learn why our tall, tall trees lose their leaves before winter. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Finding Your Way Exploring Nature Program
October 8, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Would you like to venture off the beaten path, but don't feel comfortable leaving the familiar trail behind? Then join us to learn how to use an orienteering compass, determine your pace and keep yourself from becoming lost. This program is best for families/groups with children more than 8 years old.