Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
July - December 2008 Programs






Flying V's Nature Storytime
November 7, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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.

Getting Ready for Winter Exploring Nature Program
November 8, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 5 and 12 years.

An Evening with Nature
Creating Winter Wreaths
November 13, 1:00 - 3:30 pm OR 6:30 - 9:00 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Jackie Scharfenberg, Forest Naturalist Using a variety of natural materials, we will create two beautiful wreaths that will enhance your home's winter decor. To register for a session, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by November 8. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 12 years. A small donation to cover the material costs would be greatly appreciated.

Gobbling Turkeys Nature Storytime
November 21, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 5, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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
TBA
December 11, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 12 years.

Gifts with a Natural Touch Exploring Nature Program
December 13, 9:30 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 11 to ensure that we have plenty of supplies. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

Clever Crows Nature Storytime
December 19, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 19, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Wednesday)
Zillmer Trails (located off of 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/groups with children over the age of 6 years.

Previous programs:
Long Jumpers: Frogs Nature Storytime
July 4, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Able to leap over a lily pad in a single bound! A tongue faster than a fly! It's, it's, it's a frog! Learn some truly amazing facts about these long jumpers. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

So Many Legs! Exploring Nature Program
July 5, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
6, 8, 14, 20, 100+ Why so many legs? As we sweep, poke and dig through the fields and forests, we'll uncover what creatures have so many legs and try to figure out why. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

Alien Attack Drop In at the Beach
July 5, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
July 6, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
We're being invaded not by outer space aliens, but by alien plants and animals. Uncover what foreign species are taking over our native communities and what can be done to help control their spread. You will have a chance to make several unique crafts including a smashed-plant bandanna. Bring your own bandanna or purchase one that day for a small fee. 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
July 5, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off of 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.

Climb a Kame Outdoor Adventure
July 10, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center and Dundee Mountain (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Join us as we climb Dundee Mountain to gain a better understanding of how the glaciers created kames, eskers, moraines, kettles and outwash plains. The trail is one and half miles long and it does require hiking up and down a steep hill. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. We will meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center and then car pool the three miles to the Summit Trail on Dundee Mountain. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years.

What's that Fluttering By? Junior Forest Explorers
July 11, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Feathered or clubbed antennae? Wings held vertically or horizontally? Now which is it - a moth or a butterfly? Come spend the morning as we will unravel the mysteries of butterflies and moths. This fun-filled program is for all 6 to 12 year old explorers.

Learn to Kayak Exploring Nature Program
July 12, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
This is the perfect program for people who have never kayaked and would like to learn. Join Jen Sazasma, an American Canoe Association instructor, to learn the tricks and fun of kayaking. We will kayak around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by July 10. Class limit is 8 people without equipment for each session. No experience is necessary. The program is best for people over the age of 10 years. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled.

Hurray for Herps! Drop In at the Beach
July 12, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Many snakes, turtles, frogs, toads and salamanders make Wisconsin their home. Meet a few of these wondrous creatures up close and learn about their unique adaptations. 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.

Wisconsin Turtles
July 12, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Randy Hetzel, Naturalist Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of turtles. Learn the unique adaptations of these remarkable reptiles and what habitat requirements they need to survive. You may even have the opportunity to meet some live turtles. This program is best for adults and children over the age of 8 years.

Fascinating Fish Drop In at the Beach
July 13, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
How do fish swim? How do they breathe under water? How do they eat? Come find the answers to these questions and much more as we wade through the world of Wisconsin fishes. 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.

Fluffy, Puffy Clouds Nature Storytime
July 18, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Lay back and watch the clouds float by. Come learn how these fluffy, puffy clouds are formed and what may fall from them. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Venture Into the Night Hike
July 18, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm (Friday)
Long Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
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 sounds.

Fishing Fun Exploring Nature Program
July 19, 9:30 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Experienced anglers will share their knowledge on how to bait a hook, cast a line and reel in fish. If you're lucky, you may even learn to clean the fish you catch. Bring your fishing gear, if you have some. A limited number of rods and reels will be available and bait is provided. People over the age of 16 will need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish.

Birds of a Feather Drop In at the Beach
July 19, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
July 20, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Have you ever wanted to fly? Drop in to learn about the unique adaptations birds possess that help them to fly and survive in a great variety of habitats. 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.

Gray Wolves: The True Story
July 19, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Jerry Sanders, Board Member of the International Wolf Center Wisconsin has been a historic home for gray wolves. Come delve into the amazing lives these incredible animals lead. We also learn how they are recovering after being extirpated from the state and what the next steps will be in sustaining a healthy population of gray wolves in the Great Lakes region. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 8 years.

An Ice Age Sunset Outdoor Adventure
July 24, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (Thursday)
Parnell Tower Parking Lot (located off of Hwy U west of Hwy A about 8 miles north of Dundee)
We will hike our way to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to catch a beautiful Ice Age Sunset. Along the way we will explore the surrounding woods and learn of the area's glacial legacy. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. This adventure is for people over the age of 12 years.

It's a Bird! It's a. . . Junior Forest Explorers
July 25, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
What's that red bird? Join us we discover a birder's tricks to identifying birds by their habitats, behaviors, calls and color patterns. Bring binoculars if you have a pair. This fun-filled program is for all 6 to 12 year old explorers.

Ice Age at the Beach Exploring Nature Program
July 26, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off of 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 5 and 12 years.

Nature Printing Drop In at the Beach
July 26, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Let your artistic energies flow! Using objects from nature, we will print lovely designs on cloth or note cards. Bring a T-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. 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.

Birds of the Kettle Moraine
July 26, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Bill Volkert, Naturalist, Horicon Wildlife Area More than 230 species of birds have been identified in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Join Bill Volkert as he shares insights on how to identify them, and where and when to find them in the Northern Unit. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years.

Old-time Nature Skills, Games and Crafts
July 27, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Sunday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
Take a step back in time to enjoy some old-time fun. Come play outdoor/nature games like graces, sack races and pin-the-tail on the turkey. Try your hand at some nature crafts that would make your great-grandparents proud such as kites and leather treasure pouches. You will also be able to test your skills at archery, tracking and cross-cut sawing. Join us for an old-fashioned day of outdoor nature fun. In the event of threatening weather, this event will be canceled.

Pee-yew Skunk! Nature Storytime
August 1, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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.

Venture Into the Night Hike
August 1, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm (Friday)
Zillmer Trailhead (located off of Hwy SS between Hwy G and Hwy 67 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 birds of the night.

Nature Up Close Exploring Nature Program
August 2, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Have you ever wondered how the world looks to an ant? Equipped with magnifiers, we'll see just how an ant views the world and gain a whole new perspective of nature. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

Outdoor Cooking Drop In at the Beach
August 2, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach (located off of Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect)
August 3, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Long Lake Recreation Area North Beach (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
Brush up on your outdoor cooking skills or learn a new technique. The naturalists will be baking cakes, toasting pudgy pies, and whipping up some other tasty treats. You'll be surprised at how easy cooking in the outdoors can be. We'll also cover fire building and safety. 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.

Wisconsin Outdoor Hazards
August 2, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Jackie Scharfenberg, Forest Naturalist Beware! Prepare! Many hazards can be found in the great outdoors of Wisconsin. Jackie will share how to become aware of the more common outdoor hazards and how to prepare yourself for sensational, safe nature adventures. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years.

Eight Legs and Silk Exploring Nature Program
September 6, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Spiders are found in almost every environment on earth. Unravel some cool facts about these eight-legged silk spinners. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

An Evening With Nature
Meet the Resource Managers of the Kettle Moraine
September 11, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Learn what's in the works for the coming year and beyond for the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. Resource managers will provide insights into the issues surrounding the multitude of recreational uses in the forest and the management of its fish and wildlife populations. They will also give updates on future development projects and proposed timber sales. The evening will begin with an open house at 6:30 pm. At 7:00 a short program will be presented followed by a time for questions and comments from the audience.

Animals of Darkness Exploring Nature Program
September 13, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 5 and 12 years.

Chattering Chipmunks Nature Storytime
September 19, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 20, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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 5 and 12 years.

Adapted for Survival Exploring Nature Program
September 27, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Each animal has its own special features or adaptations to help it survive. We'll uncover the more unique adaptations of the animals living in the Kettle Moraine. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

Trees of Many Colors Nature Storytime
October 3, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of 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.

Tree Art Exploring Nature Program
October 4, 9:30 am - 11:30 am (Saturday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Come celebrate the wonders of the forest by creating some tree art. We will be doing leaf printing, nut stamping, paper making and more. For leaf printing bring a T-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

An Evening With Nature
Plight of the Polar Ice Caps
October 9, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Thursday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
Presenter: Kevin Koski, NASA Solar System Ambassador Are the polar ice caps really melting? If they are, how much have they shrunk? What role does global climate change play? Come learn the answers to these questions and discover what tools NASA is using to monitor the polar ice caps. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over 12 years old.

Finding Your Way Exploring Nature Program
October 11, 9:30 am - 11:00 am (Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off of 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 people over the age of 8 years old.

Going Batty Nature Storytime
October 17, 9:30 am - 10:30 am (Friday)
Ice Age Visitor Center (located off of Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee)
We'll enter a bat's world to learn about these nighttime bug eaters and why they are our batty friends. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults.

Halloween Nature Hikes
October 17 and 18, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Long Lake Recreation Area (located off of Division Road north of Hwy F near Dundee)
The creatures of the night are awake and waiting to tell you their stories! Join us for a fun-filled stroll through the dark autumn woods to meet some animal characters of the dark including a spotted salamander, a striped skunk, a gray treefrog and a little brown bat. This is not a scary hike and is appropriate for those over 5 years of age. Groups leave every 6 minutes. The last hike leaves at 8:30 pm. Each hike lasts about one hour. 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.