Bong Naturalist Association

Knee High Naturalist - Dear Deer!!! (Now on Saturdays!)
2025-02-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – Dear Deer!!!

Saturday, February 15th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about deer! Enjoy a story, craft and hike with your Knee High Naturalist!
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages or any special circumstances, then please call 262-818-1712 and leave a message so that we can prepare to accommodate your group.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.
All programs require a 2025* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

*Park stickers may be purchased at the Entrance Station on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may also purchase your park sticker online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at one of the two RBSRA kiosks. Note: Display the receipt on your dashboard if you purchase your sticker online or from a kiosk until you are able to stop by the Entrance Station.

Return to Romance!!!
2025-02-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Return to Romance!!!
Saturday, February 8th
Come inside, have a seat and snack on a delicious assortment of locally made sweets and bakery items.
Warm your tummy as you enjoy a selection of warm beverages, and immerse yourself in music provided by a lineup of local musicians.
Join us in the atrium to have your picture taken inside a special picture frame with your Valentine at your side.

And be sure to go for a stroll down our candlelit wooded path and end up at our warm glowing campfire.

Please pre-register via the following link or QR code.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY1nzD00j4inx4RypkKrQ6DBRRgVi48YjBwiLZsFBp6tWx6w/viewform?usp=sf_link

All programs require a 2025* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
*Park stickers may be purchased at the Entrance Station on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may also purchase your park sticker online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at one of the two RBSRA kiosks. Note: Display the receipt on your dashboard if you purchase your sticker online or from a kiosk until you are able to stop by the Entrance Station.

Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
2025-01-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
Saturday, January 25th
Join us between 10 am – 2:00 pm to make fun friendship bracelets with unique chevron designs!
Practice creating your own clasp and try your hand at different designs! Learn a new skill and take home a special craft or two!
$5 class fee for supplies. To start your bracelet, please meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium between 10:00 and 1:00p.m. as it takes a good hour to complete your friendship bracelet.
All programs require a 2025* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
*Park stickers may be purchased at the Entrance Station on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may also purchase your park sticker online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at one of the two RBSRA kiosks. Note: Display the receipt on your dashboard if you purchase your sticker online or from a kiosk until you are able to stop by the Entrance Station.

Knee High Naturalist - Who's Here - Winter Tracks (Now on Saturdays!)
2025-01-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – Who’s Here – Winter Tracks!!!
Saturday, January 18th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about tracks! Enjoy a story, craft and hike with your Knee High Naturalist!
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages or any special circumstances, then please call 262-818-1712 and leave a message so that we can prepare to accommodate your group.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.
All programs require a 2025* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

*Park stickers may be purchased at the Entrance Station on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may also purchase your park sticker online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at one of the two RBSRA kiosks. Note: Display the receipt on your dashboard if you purchase your sticker online or from a kiosk until you are able to stop by the Entrance Station.

Birds of Prey Demonstration & Owl Prowl!!!
2025-01-11 15:00 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Eastern Screech Owl

Birds of Prey Demonstration & Owl Prowl!!!
Saturday, January 11th
Learn all about owls from our Natural Resources Educator, then meet some owls and birds of prey in person. A question and answer session will be held with their caregiver, a local falconer—Ed Foster.
Owl Babies – Great Horned Owl
Afterwards, head outside and search for owls on our beautiful trails. Owls commonly heard at RBSRA are the Great Horned Owl, the Eastern Screech Owl and the Norther Saw-whet Owl.

Program will be held in the Visitor Center Auditorium. Join us for an Owl Prowl, outside, following the program.
All programs require a 2025* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
*Park stickers may be purchased at the Entrance Station on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may also purchase your park sticker online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at one of the two RBSRA kiosks. Note: Display the receipt on your dashboard if you purchase your sticker online or from a kiosk until you are able to stop by the Entrance Station.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) First Day Hike!!!
2025-01-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
RBSRA First Day Hike!!!
Wednesday, January 1st
Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA)!
Join a large group hike or take a self-guided hike along the green trail (trail may change due to conditions) with a special send-off at noon and 1 p.m. by our Natural Resources Educator. Stop by the fire for a special First Day Hike sticker!
All programs require a 2025* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

*Park stickers may be purchased at the Entrance Station on January 1st or on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may also purchase your park sticker online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi or at one of the two RBSRA kiosks. Note: Display the receipt on your dashboard if you purchase your sticker online or from a kiosk until you are able to stop by the Entrance Station.

Winter Solstice Hike!!!
2024-12-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Winter Solstice Hike!!!
Saturday, December 21st
Meet at the Visitor Center and join the RBSRA Natural Resources Educator for a winter weather hike through the park in honor of the Winter Solstice!
Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Zentangle Ornament Craft!!!
2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Zentangle Ornament Craft!!!
Saturday, December 21st
Draw Zentangle “doodles” with marker on a large clear ornament. Turn these into a lovely holiday present to hang from the stand or for yourself to hook on your tree.
Materials and directions will be provided.
Please phone 262-818-1712 to register. There is a $10 for materials.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-12-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, December 14th
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery - Class #2: Swags & Wreaths
2024-12-07 11:30 - 13:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery Classes!
Saturday, December 7th: Swags & Wreaths

Class #1: 9:00 am – 11:00 am: Porch Pots

Class #2: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Swags & Wreaths

Join us for our annual Winter Greenery Classes. Use natural greenery from the park to create beautiful door decorations, porch pots and more!

There is a $35 fee for the Porch Pot greenery class and a fee of $25 for the Swags & Wreath class.
Please call Emily, our Natural Resources Educator, at 262-818-1712 or email her at emily.cole@wisconsin.gov to pre-register for the class(es) that you would like to attend.
*The Winter Greenery program is located at the Volunteer Shed. Turn North on the service road, across from the Entrance, and follow that to the Volunteer Shed located on Rhodes Road.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery - Class #1: Porch Pots!
2024-12-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery Classes!
Saturday, December 7th: Porch Pots

Class #1: 9:00 am – 11:00 am: Porch Pots

Class #2: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Swags & Wreaths

Join us for our annual Winter Greenery Classes. Use natural greenery from the park to create beautiful door decorations, porch pots and more!
There is a $35 fee for the Porch Pot greenery class and a fee of $25 for the Swags & Wreath class.
Please call Emily, our Natural Resources Educator, at 262-818-1712 or email her at emily.cole@wisconsin.gov to pre-register for the class(es) that you would like to attend.
*The Winter Greenery program is located at the Volunteer Shed. Turn North on the service road, across from the Entrance, and follow that to the Volunteer Shed located on Rhodes Road.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians
2024-11-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians
Saturday, November 23rd
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Corn Husk People
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Corn Husk People

Saturday, November 16th
Join us and have loads of fun making a special doll – boy or girl – using corn husks! Connect to the past and various cultures while crafting this unique item.
Learn how to create the basic form, then decorate using corn husk techniques.
This class is for adults and children ages 12 and older. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

There is no class fee!
Please register for this class by calling 262-818-1712.

Limited spaces are available.
Meet in the Visitors Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Bats!!!
2024-11-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Bats!!!

Thursday, November 14th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about bats!
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages, or any special circumstances, then please leave a message at 262-818-1712 so that we can prepare to accommodate your group.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Holiday Bow Making
2024-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Holiday Bow Making
Saturday, November 9th
Get ready for the holidays with this special bow making class! Learn to adorn your wreaths, packages, and more with holiday wired ribbons.
A $5 class fee for materials will be collected
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Eco-Halloween Hike
2024-10-26 17:00 - 20:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Eco-Halloween Hike
Saturday, October 26th
Join the park and the Bong Naturalist Association for our annual Eco-Halloween Hike!

There will be fun for the whole family, with a lighted trail with creative trick-or-treat stops that teach you about nature! Enjoy s’mores, cider, and more!
Wear a costume if you would like, but dress for the weather!

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Watercolor Class: Autumn Leaves!!
2024-10-23 11:30 - 13:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Watercolor Class: Autumn Leaves!!
Visit our park this month and create colorful leaf watercolor paintings inspired by the gorgeous fall colors at Richard Bong State Recreation Area!
Practice watercolor and printing methods to create frameable art!
All materials and supplies will be provided. There is no class fee for this event.
This event is recommended for adults and children ages 12 and older. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
This class will be led by Paula Touhey, a local artist whose work has been featured in the Lemon Street Gallery. Please sign up for this class by calling (262) 878-5602. Limited spots are available.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Groundwater Talk & Demo
2024-10-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Groundwater Talk & Demo
Saturday, October 19th
Learn about the importance of groundwater, and see a demo of how groundwater moves through the ecosystem.
Emily, RBSRA’s Natural Resources Educator, will demo the groundwater model, which shows a “slice” or cross-section representation of the Earth, allowing visitors to “see” how groundwater flows, it’s impact on water tables and it can even show the effects of pumping on the groundwater levels.
Meet at the Visitor Center.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Day: Star Gazing & Quarter Moon Observation!!!
2024-10-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Day: Star Gazing & Quarter Moon Observation!!!

Saturday, October 12th
Join Tom, BNA’s amazing volunteer astronomer, and Emily, RBSRA Natural Resources Educator at Lot F for a fantastic evening of celestial viewing and star gazing.
We will be looking at the quarter moon, stars and planets, if visible. Bring your binoculars or take a peek through a telescope. Be sure to ask Tom questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.

Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
Just a reminder to dress for being outside at night. Should there be 40% or more clouds then the event will be rescheduled.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Day: Solar Viewing
2024-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Day: Solar Viewing
Saturday, October 12th
Meet at the Parking Lot near Urban Pond/Shelter 2 for a chance to see the sun through a telescope! Join Tom, our amazing volunteer astronomer, to view solar activity through a special solar telescope.
**Tom and Emily, RBSRA Natural Resources Educator, will also be holding a Star Gazing event from 7-10 pm at Lot F. See more details on the Astronomy Day: Star Gazing event link: https://bongnaturalistassociation.org/event/astronomy-day-star-gazing/
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Bats!!!
2024-10-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Bats!!!

Thursday, October 10th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about bats!
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages, or any special circumstances, then please leave a message at 262-878-5602 so that we can prepare to accommodate your group.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome. Our goal is to provide environmental education through stories, crafts, hiking and playing outdoors.
We always plan to be outside, so please dress accordingly! Program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians
2024-10-05 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians
Saturday, October 5th

Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Meditation/Sensory Hike
2024-10-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Meditation/Sensory Hike
Saturday, October 5th
Meet at the Visitor Center and spend an hour in nature, bathing in forest light and seasonal change. Take a breather and connect with nature on this unique hike.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-09-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, September 28th
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Fall Seed Scatter!!!
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Fall Seed Scatter!!!
Saturday, September 28th
Meet our Natural Resources Educator, Emily, at the Visitor’s Center for a fun seed project!
Use mud and seeds to make “Seed Bombs” then, head out to launch native seeds into the prairie!
All ages welcome!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-09-24 16:30 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, September 24th

Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, September 24th! Please arrive at the RBSRA Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 4:30 pm to get your safety vest and other gear.
Please wear bright colors, apply tick protection, wear proper footwear and bring water!
For everyone’s safety, please do not bring children or pets.
This is open to anyone who wants to make Bong the best it can be!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance pass.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-09-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, September 21st
Learn all about our education ambassador reptiles and amphibians! Watch their feeding routine and learn all about the care of these special creatures.
If you are lucky and brave, you may even get to touch one of our education snakes!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
2024-09-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
Saturday, September 21st
Learn the basics to make a friendship bracelet from start to finish. Leave with a finished bracelet and the “know how” to make more for your friends!
There is a $5 class fee for materials and to support the Bong Naturalist Association.
This class is recommended for children 12 years old and older as well as adults.
Please pre-register by stopping at the Entrance Station or calling 262-878-5602.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Fall Seed Scatter!!!
2024-09-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Fall Seed Scatter!!!
Friday, September 20th
Meet our Natural Resources Educator, Emily, at the Visitor’s Center for a fun seed project!
Use mud and seeds to make “Seed Bombs” then, head out to launch native seeds into the prairie!
All ages welcome!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
