BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

Winter Tracks Hike!!!
2024-02-17 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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.

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.

Live Snake Encounter!!!
2024-02-03 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!!!
2024-01-27 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.

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!!!
2024-01-13 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Live Snake Encounter!!!
2023-12-16 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 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.

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.

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.

Live Snake Encounter!
2023-11-18 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-11-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-11-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-10-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-10-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-09-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

Corn Husk Dolls!
2023-11-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Corn Husk Dolls!
Join us and have loads of fun making a special doll using corn husks! Connect to the past and various cultures while crafting this unique item.
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 262-332-1574.

Limited spaces are available; you will receive a phone call confirming your spot if there is one available.
Meet in the Visitors Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Ready for Winter
2023-11-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Learn about animals that migrate or hibernate and those that are active in the winter!

Registration required: Please call (262) 878-5609 at least 48 hours in advance.
We ask that you please call to cancel if you cannot come.

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.

Halloween Hike!
2023-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Halloween Hike!!
Join Richard Bong State Recreation Area and our Naturalist Association for an evening filled with a candlelight hike, s’mores, trick-or-treating and nature exploration!
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.

iNaturalist and Seek Apps & Exploration!
2023-10-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
iNaturalist and Seek Apps & Exploration!
Learn to use the free iNaturalist and Seek applications to identify your observations of the natural world and upload them to the scientific community for further identification, confirmation and study.
Then head outside, explore the park and give the apps a try!
Meet in the Auditorium, but dress for the weather. Be sure to bring your smart phone or tablet!
All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Falling Leaves!
2023-10-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee-High Naturalist: Falling Leaves!
What makes leaves useful? Ask and answer questions about leaves as you enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

Registration is not required but helps to give us an idea of how many to expect. Please call (262) 332-1574 and leave us a message if you plan to attend.

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.

Adopt A Highway - Additional Date Scheduled!
2023-10-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Our last September date was rained out!
Please join us for our newly scheduled last Adopt a Highway of the season on Tuesday, October 3rd. Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 5:00 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. Need service point….NO PROBLEM…we can sign you off.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!
2023-09-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Snake Encounter!
At Richard Bong SRA for the Wolf Lake Trail Run (WLTR) or simply enjoying the park for the day?
Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center at 11:00 a.m. to 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.

Wolf Lake Trail Run - Register Online or at the Park on Race Day!!!
2023-09-30 09:00 - 13:00 | Beach, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansaville, WI, 53139, United States
Registration is Open!
Register online (link below) or at RBSRA on Saturday morning!
23rd ANNUAL WOLF LAKE TRAIL RUN/HIKE
DATE: Saturday, September 30, 2023
TIME: 9:00 a.m. (Sharp)
PACKET PICK-UP and RACE DAY REGISTRATION: 7:45 – 8:30 A.M.
FREE PARK ADMISSION
Custom designed long-sleeve race shirt, raffles, music, refreshments.
Course Descriptions:
5KRun/Hike: Course begins and ends near the beach. Route traverses hills, grasslands and woodlands.
1 Mile Hike: Course begins and ends near the beach.
Please note: Dogs are not allowed in this event due to regulations at beach, shelters, and picnic areas.
Registration Fee:
Adult Registration (Age 18 and over) – $30
Youth Registration (Age 17 and below) – $18
Available shirt sizes Adult S M L XL 2XL (Add $2) Youth M L
Sorry…No Refunds
Early Registration ends on September 15th. Late Registration is September 16th through 30th.
Same Day Walk-In Registrations accepted From 7:45AM to 8:30AM.
There is a $7 surcharge for Late and Same Day Walk-In Registrations to cover postage to mail a T-shirt to you 7-10 days after the event.
Click on this link to register for the 2023 Wolf Lake Trail Run: https://thebongnaturalistassociation.redpodium.com/wolf-lake-trail-runhike-2023
SPONSORS WANTED – Click on this link for more information. https://1drv.ms/b/s!AqFVD_0BC6quhHH3xd6tUUr2weV_?e=mjWMvv
All proceeds benefit our park projects and programs. Hosted by the Bong Naturalist Association.

Fall Migration eBird Hike!
2023-09-26 17:30 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Fall Migration eBird Hike!!
Spend an evening in the park learning about helpful birding apps like Merlin and eBird. Discover how to unleash your inner citizen scientist by tracking the birds you see while you hike and uploading your data for scientist to study.
Then, give it all a try by hiking with our Natural Resources Educator while practicing our bird identification and eBird application skills together!
All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the Visitor Center and dress for weather.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
