Live Snake Encounter!
2023-11-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Snake Encounter!
Learn all about snakes and how they eat! Then watch as our education fox snake Mickey is fed a mouse! You will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes. Meet in the Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Accessible Hike - Vista Trail!!! (Updated Information)
2023-11-18 15:30 - 17:00 | Trailhead, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Accessible Hike – Vista Trail!!!
Enjoy the peacefulness of this accessible nature trail as you enter a beautiful hardwood forest and go past a small pond. Led by our Natural Resources Educator, you will learn about the unique features of this less-used area at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Individuals of limited mobility are encouraged to bring an all-terrain vehicle/adaptive equipment.
Meet at the Visa Parking Lot. (Take 142 West from the Visitors Center and turn right on County Road B; turn left into Vista parking lot.) Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Winter Greenery Class - Decorative Door Swags!
2023-12-02 08:30 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery Classes!
Sunday, December 2nd: Decorative Door Swags

Session 1: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Session 2: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Join us for our annual Winter Greenery Classes. Use natural greenery from the park to create beautiful door decorations, gnomes, porch pots and more!
There is a $20 class fee for the Decorative Door Swags classes.
Please email Emily, our Natural Resources Educator, at emily.jacobson@wisconsin.gov to determine availability for the session that you want to attend. If there is space available then you will receive a return call with additional information and requesting payment.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Winter Greenery Class - Porch Pots & Gnomes!
2023-12-09 08:30 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery Classes!
Saturday, December 9th: Porch Pots & Gnomes!

Session 3: 8:30 am – 10:00 am: Porch Pots

Session 4: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Gnomes

Join us for our annual Winter Greenery Classes. Use natural greenery from the park to create beautiful door decorations, gnomes, porch pots and more!
There is a $30 class fee for the Porch Pot and Gnomes greenery classes.
Please email Emily, our Natural Resources Educator, at emily.jacobson@wisconsin.gov to determine availability for the session that you want to attend. If there is space available then you will receive a return call with additional information and requesting payment.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!!!
2023-12-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

First Day Hike - Welcome 2024!!!
2024-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
First Day Hike – Welcome 2024!!!
Monday, January 1st!!
Kick off the new year and join us for our annual First Day Hike at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. We will likely hike the Green or Blue Trail but TBD based on the afternoon’s weather and trail conditions.

We will also have a campfire going so that you can warm up before and after the hike!
What a beautiful and refreshing way to start out the new year!
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Owl Prowl & Encounter!!!
2024-01-06 15:30 - 17:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Owl Prowl & Encounter!!!
Learn all about owls and what makes them special birds of prey!
Encounter two special owl ambassadors, who are cared for by master falconer, Ed Foster. Get a close look at these majestic creatures and engage in a question-and-answer session with Ed about the owls.
Enjoy a presentation by our Natural Resources Educator, Emily, and afterwards, head outside for a hike with Emily to listen for owl calls and maybe even spot on owl!

All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Registration Open Through July 8th!!
2024-01-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong –
Registration Open Through July 8th!!
BNA is proud to once again be a host site/training center for the Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program! The program is under the authority of the UW Extension System and training will be held at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA.)
Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Monday, July 8th and ending Thursday, July 18th (“Graduation Day”.) Presenters are top tier and experts in their respective fields. The course involves 40 hours of training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship.
Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year and eight hours of additional training.
For more information about the Master Naturalist program, please visit www.wimasternaturalist.org
Look for the program offered by the Bong Naturalist Association or click on “Bong Naturalist Association” below!
https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/bongnaturalistassociation2024/
Registration is open through July 8th. If you are unable to register online then please contact: info@wimasternaturalist.org.
For other questions, contact us at bongnaturalistassociaton@gmail.com

Knee High Naturalist: A Snowy Day!!
2024-01-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: A Snowy Day!!
Bring your 3 to 5-year-old to the park and learn about the special substance that falls from the sky in the winter!

How and why does snow fall?
How do animals use the snow to help them?

Explore together with your children! Please pre-register before Tuesday, January 9th, by calling 262-878-5613 and leaving the number and ages of the children that will be attending!
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome but please let us know to expect them. 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 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!!!
2024-01-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Snake Encounter!
Learn all about snakes and how they eat! Then watch as our education fox snake Mickey is fed a mouse! You will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes. Meet in the Auditorium.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Needle Felted Owl!!!
2024-01-24 11:30 - 13:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Needle Felted Owl!!
Bring a bag lunch (if you would like) and enjoy a fun craft at the park! Winter is the season when owls are nesting, so in honor of this season, we will needle felt cute owls out of wool.
Learn the needle felting technique using wool roving.
This class is designed for adults or youth 12 years and older accompanied by a helpful adult. Please pre-register for the class by calling 262-878-5613.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!!!
2024-01-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Snake Encounter!!!
Learn all about snakes and how they eat! Then watch as our education fox snake Mickey is fed a mouse! You will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes. Meet in the Auditorium.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!!!
2024-02-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Snake Encounter!!
Learn all about snakes and how they eat! Then watch as our education fox snake Mickey is fed a mouse! You will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes. Meet in the Auditorium.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Owl Babies!!!
2024-02-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Owl Babies!!

Bring your 3 to 5-year-old to the park and learn about these unique birds of prey!
Explore together with your children! Please pre-register before Tuesday, February 6th, by calling 262-878-5613 and leaving the number and ages of the children that will be attending!
Knee-high Naturalist is for 3 to 5-year-olds and a grown-up in their life. Siblings are welcome but please let us know to expect them. 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 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Return to Romance!!!
2024-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Return to Romance!!
Celebrate love with Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s annual Return to Romance! Bring a special someone who makes you feel loved and enjoy a winter hike, campfire, music and some tasty goodies!
This event will have both indoor and outdoor components, so please dress for the weather.
Meet in the Visitor Center. There is an event fee of $8 per person or $15 per couple.

Registration is required. Please call 262-878-5613.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Winter Tracks Hike!!!
2024-02-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Winter Tracks Hike!!!
Dress for the weather and head out into the winter wonderland that is Richard Bong State Recreation Area this month!
Observe the unique seasonal changes and watch for animal tracks!
Meet at the Visitor’s Center and be ready to be amazed by the wonders of RBSRA.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Full Moon Hike!!!
2024-02-24 16:30 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Full Moon Hike!!
Join us at dusk to discuss lunar cycles and enjoy a gorgeous sunset hike with our Natural Resources Educator. Meet at the Visitor Center and expect to hike about 2 miles. As we will be hiking at dusk, please plan for low light and possible weather conditions; we will have snowshoes available if the weather determines need.
All 2024 programs require a (2024) Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Aldo Leopold Day!!!
2024-03-02 13:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Aldo Leopold Day!!!
Please join RBSRA and the BNA as we celebrate the life and significant contributions of Aldo Leopold!!!
Date: March 2, 2024
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Aldo Leopold Day Events:
1 – 2 p.m.
Drop-In Leopold Crafts
► Miniature Leopold benches – Make your own miniature Aldo Leopold bench (Cost – $5/bench to cover materials)
► Nature journal workshop
► Nature sketching
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Guided Journal Hike
► Hike to observe like Aldo and Nina!
Practice nature journaling as we take a guided hike and discuss the
importance of the Leopold records.
Interested in ordering your own hand-crafted (full-sized) Aldo Leopold Bench for your home/garden? Please check the Home Page/BNA News tab with details and a link to the order form!
*Photo and quotes courtesy of the Aldo Leopold Foundation
and University of Wisconsin-Madison Archives
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalists: Who's Been Here?
2024-03-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Who’s Been Here?
Bring your 3-5 year old and enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration!
Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind for us to find!
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages, or any special circumstances, then please leave a message at 262-878-5609 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!!!
2024-03-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, March 16th
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 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
2024-03-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Saturday, March 16th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 7:30 pm – for a quarter moon observation! In addition to the quarter moon, we will be looking at stars and planets, if visible. Bring binoculars or take a peek through a telescope. Be sure to ask our knowledgeable volunteer, 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.

Image courtesy of Tom Harper!

Spring Equinox Hike!!!
2024-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Spring Equinox Hike!!!
Tuesday, March 19th
Enjoy the first crisp morning of Spring and celebrate the Equinox with a hike around Richard Bong State Recreation Area! Meet at the Visitor Center but be prepared to drive to another location in the park.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Safely Viewing the April 8th Solar Eclipse!!!
2024-03-23 12:30 - 13:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Safely Viewing the April 8th Solar Eclipse!!!
Learn where you can find good information about the April 8th Solar eclipse and how to safely watch the eclipse as it happens.
All ages welcome but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at Shelter 1.

For more information on the April 8th solar eclipse, please check out the 2024 Solar Eclipse website by clicking on the following link or copying the address and pasting it in your browser: https://eclipse2024.org/
For more information on the April 8th solar eclipse and additional upcoming solar/lunar events, please click on the timeandate.com link or copy and paste it in your browser at: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/usa/kenosha?iso=20240408

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Photo courtesy of timeandate.com

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-03-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, March 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 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Camp Cooking & Sunset Hike!!!
2024-03-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Camp Cooking & Sunset Hike!!!
Saturday, March 23rd
Meet to celebrate Sunrise Campground opening with some camp cooking and a sunset hike! First enjoy building a fire and preparing a delicious campfire dessert.
Then join us for a gorgeous sunset hike! If you stick around the fire after dark, maybe you can convince Emily, RBSRA’s Natural Resources Educator, to sing a few tunes!
Dress for the weather (think Spring!) and meet at the fire pit near Shelter 1.
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Drop-In Craft: Paper Making!!!
2024-03-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Drop-In Craft: Paper Making!!!
Saturday, March 30th
Drop-in event: Stop by the picnic tables, behind the Visitor Center, to learn how to make your own paper and create cute bookmarks and note paper!
All programs require a 2024 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Signs of Spring!!!
2024-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Signs of Spring!!!
Thursday, April 11th
Signs of Spring! Bring your 3 to 5 year old and enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration!
Learn about the signs of spring! Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages, or any special circumstances, then please leave a message at 262-878-5609 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!!!
2024-04-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, April 13th
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.
