Birds of Prey

This slide program introduces participants to the birds of prey in Wisconsin. It includes general characteristics of raptors, the various families found in Wisconsin, threats facing birds of prey, and conservation efforts. A live bird of prey may be available for this program for an additional fee. 

Bog Ecology 

Mysteries of the bog are revealed through this slide program. It’s a place filled with “black holes,” scraggly trees, and bouncing mats of moss. A visit to a local Bog may be available for an additional fee to go with this introductory program.

Challenge Activities 

Participants work cooperatively through a series of physical and mental challenges designed to increase confidence and self-esteem and to encourage teamwork and mutual group support. 

Exploring Energy 

Energy comes from a variety of sources, both renewable and nonrenewable. In this activity, participants will see how much they know about energy usage and energy supplies as they test their knowledge in Energy Jeopardy. 

Fish Adaptations and Habitats 

Participants will examine fish adaptations to understand the diversity of fish morphology and how it provides adaptive advantage for specific habitats. Participants will then design a “best habitat” for their fish species based on knowledge gained. 

Forest Measurements 

Join us at a nearby forest! Participants become foresters and discover the importance of inventorying the forest by measuring it. Develop skills using forestry tools, estimate wood volumes, and then make forest management decisions based on data. Option to meet a forester, depending on availability. 

Human Survival Skills 

In this hands‐on activity, participants will discuss what humans need to survive, what are the most important things to know in a survival situation, and what they should always have with them when they go out into the wild. They will then go outside and practice making shelters and/or making fires. 

Introduction to GPS 

Participants will be introduced to GPS technology and play the role of a forest researcher. Classroom and field portions teach participants how to use GPS, read a map, and record scientific data. 

Logging Days 

Watch out Paul Bunyan! After a glimpse at early logging camp life, participants swing into logging events such as cross- cut sawing, lighting a match with a small hatchet, and the tree cookie roll. 

Orienteering 

Participants combine classroom introduction with an orienteering field course designed to teach the basics of map and compass use. Classroom work introduces how to use a compass and read a map. Participants then use skills to complete an orienteering field course while investigating a nearby natural area. 

Reptiles and Amphibians 

Who’s slimy and who’s not? Participants take a close-up look at differences between reptiles and amphibians and learn more about different species found in Wisconsin. Participants will have an opportunity to observe up-close TFT’s own reptiles! 

Skulls, Skins and Bones 

Participants will identify animals by their skulls, skins, and bones. We will be looking at the structure and function of different parts of animals and what they can tell us about that animal. 

Snowshoeing 

Explore the outdoors in a new way! Participants will learn about the design of wooden snowshoes, then practice using them in the schoolyard or go for a snowshoe hike in the school forest. 

Tree Identification 

Participants will discuss unique characteristics of trees and use a dichotomous key to identify native Wisconsin tree species. 

Topic/Speaker

Description

July 7

Wisconsin’s State
Natural Areas

Jill Joswiak, WI Master Naturalist

Adventure awaits! Jill will explain what a state natural area is, where we can find them and what activities we can do in these tucked-away treasures of Wisconsin!

July 14

Campfire Cooking 

Vern Gentele, TFT Educator

Join us around the campfire to learn some tips, tricks, and fun ways to make your next meal outdoors! Taste-testing will definitely be a part of this program! (Program to take place around TFT’s bonfire ring)

July 21

Bison Reintroduction!

Ted Anchor, Executive Director, Northwoods Land Trust

Ted will cover his experiences establishing a herd of American bison. In 2016 the native grazers were added to the largest prairie planting in the US - TNC’s Kankakee Sands Preserve in Indiana. Ted will talk about managing the herd along with the how and why they were a necessary addition to the grasslands there.

July 28

Birds of Prey

Jenny Sadak, TFT Educator

Learn about adaptations, habitat, and the many species of these winged predators that live here in Wisconsin. This program comes with the unique opportunity to meet TFT’s live hawk!

Aug. 4

Mushrooms of the Northwoods

Anne Small, Northstate Mycological Club

Learn why fungi are vital in our Northwoods environment, as well as how to identify some of the favorite edibles and common poisonous species.  If time permits, we may go out on the Trees for Tomorrow grounds to see what mushrooms are growing there.