BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

Astronomy Observation: Solar Viewing (1 - 3 pm) & Star Gazing (6 - 9 pm) - Cancelled Due to Weather
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy Tom Harpe
Event Cancelled: Mother Nature Rained on our Parade!
Astronomy Observation:
Solar Viewing (1 – 3 pm) & Star Gazing (6- 9 pm)
Saturday, October 25th
Join us on Saturday, October 25th, to celebrate the sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area!
Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn from Tom Harper, our volunteer astronomer, how to focus and calibrate.

View sun spots and solar flares, through Tom’s special solar telescopes in the afternoon and, in the evening, discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky using your own or the powerful telescope that Tom sets up!

1-3 p.m. Solar Observation
Meet in the Nature Explore Classroom Parking Lot (Near Shelter 2).
7 – 10 p.m. Night Sky
Meet in Parking Lot F
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Observation!!! Star Gazing 6:00 - 9:00 pm - Event Cancelled Due to Weather
2025-10-25 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy Tom Harper
Event Cancelled: Mother Nature Rained on our Parade!
Astronomy Observation!!!
Saturday, October 25th
Solar Observation 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Star Gazing 6:00 – 9:00 pm
We celebrated the sun earlier today – now let’s celebrate the night sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s Astronomy Day!
Photo Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night
Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn how to focus and calibrate or take a peak through one of Tom’s, our resident volunteer astronomer, telescopes.
This afternoon we viewed sun spots and solar flares. This evening discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky!

Meet in Parking Lot F

Courtesy Tom Harper

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Happy Halloween!
2025-10-31 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | WI
Bong Naturalist Association (BNA) and Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) wish you all a very Happy Halloween!

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2025-11-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, November 1st
Learn all about reptiles and amphibians and meet a few special animal ambassadors up close!
Learn about each animals’ unique feeding habits and watch them in action!
Meet in the Visitor’s Center Auditorium.
Just a reminder that all programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Make Your Own Seed Paper!!!
2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Make Your Own Seed Paper!!!
Saturday, November 8th
Drop in between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon to discover the process of paper making.
Melody Orban, our volunteer Master Gardner, will show you how to make a variety of projects including paper embedded with seeds. This amazing seed paper will sprout and can even be planted!
Melody will lead you through all the steps to make paper from pulp. Learn techniques for including botanicals and seeds in your paper. Your finished projects can be used as gifts or tags.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Getting Ready for Winter
2025-11-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Getting Ready for Winter
Thursday, November 13th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about how the wonderful wildlife gets ready for our cold winter months! 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, if necessary, 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 dress accordingly – but in the event of bad weather, the Knee High Naturalist Program will be held in the Visitor Center.
Our program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Fall Seed Scatter!!!
2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Fall Seed Scatter!!!
Saturday, November 15th
Meet our Natural Resources Educator, Emily, at the Visitor’s Center for a fun seed project! This seasonal craft and hike is perfect for all ages!
We will start by studying native seeds while creating seed balls to scatter.
Then we will head out on a hike and spread seeds as we go!
Be prepared to get a bit dirty!!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Schlitz Audubon Presents: Eagles & Friends
2025-11-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy Schlitz Audubon website

Schlitz Audubon Presents: Eagles & Friends
Sunday, November 23th
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Please join the Schlitz Audubon educators for a special interactive program on eagles.
This is an engaging and informative experience for all ages!
BNA is able to offer this special program through receipt of the 2025 Kenosha Community Foundation, Creativity by Kids, grant award as well as through BNA funding. BNA extends our deepest appreciation to the Kenosha Community Foundation for this generous grant award.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Happy Thanksgiving from the BNA!!!
2025-11-27 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Thursday, November 27th
The Bong Naturalist Association (BNA) and the staff of Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) extend our best wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

Astronomy Observation: Solar Viewing (1 - 3 pm) & Star Gazing (5- 8 pm) - Cancelled Due to Weather!
2025-11-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy Tom Harper

Due to Saturday’s weather conditions, this is event has been cancelled. Thanks so much for your understanding!
Astronomy Observation:
Solar Viewing (1 – 3 pm) & Star Gazing (5- 8 pm)
Saturday, November 29th

Join us on Saturday, November 29th, to celebrate the sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area!

Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn from Tom Harper, our volunteer astronomer, how to focus and calibrate.
View sun spots and solar flares, through Tom’s special solar telescopes in the afternoon.
Photo Courtesy NASA

In the evening, discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky using your own or the powerful telescope that Tom sets up!
1-3 p.m. Solar Observation
Meet in the Nature Explore Classroom Parking Lot (Near Shelter 2).
5 – 8 p.m. Night Sky
Meet in Parking Lot F
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Observation: Star Gazing (5- 8 pm) - Cancelled Due to Weather!
2025-11-29 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy Tom Harper

Due to Saturday’s weather conditions, this is event has been cancelled. Thanks so much for your understanding!
Astronomy Observation:
Star Gazing (5- 8 pm)
Saturday, November 29th
Join us on Saturday, November 29th, to celebrate the sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area!
Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn from Tom Harper, our volunteer astronomer, how to focus and calibrate.
Photo Courtesy NASA

This afternoon we viewed sun spots and solar flares, through Tom’s special solar telescopes in the afternoon.
This evening, join us in the discovery of the wonders of the ever changing night sky using your own or the powerful telescope that Tom sets up!
5 – 8 p.m. Night Sky
Meet in Parking Lot F
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

BNA/RBSRA's Annual Winter Greenery Classes!!! 9:00 am - Swags/Wreaths & 11:30 am - Porch Pots
2025-12-06 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
BNA/RBSRA’s Annual Winter Greenery Classes!!!
Saturday, December 6th
9:00 am – Swags & Wreaths

Class #1: 9:00 am – 11:00 am: Swags & Wreaths
Class #2: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Porch Pots

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 email Emily, our Natural Resources Educator, 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.

BNA/RBSRA's Annual Winter Greenery Classes!!! 9:00 am - Swags/Wreaths & 11:30 am - Porch Pots
2025-12-06 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
RBSRA Annual Winter Greenery Classes!
Saturday, December 6th: Porch Pots

Class #1: 9:00 am – 11:00 am: Swags & Wreaths
Class #2: 11:30 am – 1:30 am: Porch Pots

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 email Emily, our Natural Resources Educator, 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.

First Day of 2026 Hike at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA)
2026-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
First Day of 2026 Hike at RBSRA
Thursday, January 1st
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Ring in the new year at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) with a celebratory annual First Day hike around the green trail.
Join the RBSRA/DNR Educator for a group hike along the green trail (trail may change due to conditions.)
Stop by the fire for a visit, popcorn and baked goods. Hot apple cider and hot chocolate as well as smores will be available for a small charge. Concessions are provided by the Bong Naturalist Association (BNA) and all proceeds go towards supporting RBSRA programs, events and park improvements.

All programs require a 2026* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

*Purchasing Park Stickers: Entrance Station December Saturday & Sunday hours are 7:30 am – 3:30 pm though 12/28/25; ES weekday hours vary during this season.
Park stickers may also be purchased at the Visitor Center, which is open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am – 3:30 pm.
In addition, you may purchase your park sticker online at https://shop.wi.gov/dnrparkspasses 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/Visitor Center to pick up your sticker.

Knee High Naturalist: Wonders of Winter!!!
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Wonders of Winter!!!
Thursday, January 15th
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about the wonders of winter! 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 email the RBSRA/DNR Educator Emily Cole at emily.cole@wisconsin.gov 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 dress accordingly – but in the event of bad weather, the Knee High Naturalist Program will be held in the Visitor Center.
Our program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Just a reminder that all events require a 2026* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

*Purchasing Park Stickers:
Entrance Station hours vary – January hours: Saturdays & Sundays from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Park stickers may also be purchased at the Visitor Center, which is open on Saturdays from 10 am – 3:00 pm.
In addition, you may purchase your park sticker online at https://shop.wi.gov/dnrparkspasses 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/Visitor Center to pick up your sticker.

Knit & Crochet Clinic
2026-01-24 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knit & Crochet Clinic
Saturday, January 24th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring your questions and any problems you’re having with a project. Maybe you will even learn a new stitch or technique! This class is great for beginners and those of all ability levels. Walk in after 10 a.m. and join us!
This class is suggested for ages 8 and older if accompanied by an adult.
All programs require a 2026* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
*Purchasing Park Stickers:
Entrance Station hours vary – January hours: Saturdays & Sundays from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Park stickers may also be purchased at the Visitor Center, which is open on Saturdays from 10 am – 3:00 pm.
In addition, you may purchase your park sticker online at https://shop.wi.gov/dnrparkspasses 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/Visitor Center to pick up your sticker.

Return to Romance & Candlelight Hike
2026-02-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Return to Romance & Candlelight Hike
Saturday, February 7th
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Mark your calendars for BNA’s annual Return to Romance event! There will be sweets to eat, warm beverages to comfort your tummy, a gentle nature stroll in the park, a glowing campfire outside, soft music inside performed by local amateur musicians, and lots of friends of Bong to be with. (Click on flyer to enlarge.)
Space is limited so please register early.

You can register by clicking on the following link – https://forms.gle/qAgbA8z7WiGRhu2c6
or via the following QR code:

Return to Romance is not only a fun thing to do, but the funds raised go back into the Park making it a better place for everyone.
Just a reminder that all events require a 2026* Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

*Purchasing Park Stickers:
Entrance Station hours vary – January hours: Saturdays & Sundays from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.
In addition, you may purchase your park sticker online at https://shop.wi.gov/dnrparkspasses 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/Visitor Center to pick up your sticker.

Knee High Naturalist - February Program: Owl Babies!!!
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Owl Babies – Great Horned Owl

Knee High Naturalist – February Program: Owl Babies!!!
Thursday, February 12th
10:00 – 11:30 am
Each month the BNA offers a program for 3 to 5 year old Knee High Naturalists. Enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and, in February, learn all about owl babies! Enjoy a story, craft and hike with your Knee High Naturalist!
Photo: Perseus – Barred Owl – Schlitz Audubon
Meet at Shelter 1. If you have a large group, varied ages or any special circumstances, then please email the RBSRA/DNR Educator Emily Cole at emily.cole@wisconsin.gov 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.
BNA’s Knee High Naturalist is a recurring program 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 dress accordingly – but in the event of bad weather, the Knee High Naturalist Program will be held in the Visitor Center.
Our program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Special Event: Moon & Mercury at Sunset!!! Event Just Added!
2026-02-18 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Graphic Courtesy of the “Almanac” website

Astronomy Special Event: Moon & Mercury at Sunset!!!
Wednesday, February 18th
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Location: Parking Lot F

Shortly after sunset at 5:30PM on Feb. 18th we will be able to see* the planets Mercury and Saturn very near the 1 day old Moon which will be a thin crescent. We might even catch a quick look at Venus as it follows the Sun.
Photo Courtesy Tom Harper
Join the BNA’s volunteer astronomer, Tom, to view Mercury & the Moon. Bring your own telescope/binoculars or view this beautiful site through Tom’s powerful telescope. We will also have binoculars on hand to see this event close up!
Fun Facts:

The planets Venus and Mercury are both closer to the Sun than the Earth making them a challenge to see most of the time.
That also means that this event will end quickly as they set within a hour of the Sun.

Photo Courtesy Tom Harper
Notes:

To enable better viewing of the night sky, we ask that all white lights be turned off and any other forms of light (including cell phones) be kept to a minimum. Please use the dark mode when possible.
Carpooling, to minimize light, is encouraged.
Dress warm! This event takes place outside. Please dress for cold temps and with multiple layers of clothing for warmth. Temperatures drop quickly at sunset.

*This event may be cancelled because of inclement weather which includes snow, rain, significant cloud cover, or extreme temperatures.

All programs require a current Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Moon – Mercury graphic courtesy of the “Almanac” website.

Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
2026-02-28 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
Saturday, February 28th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join us between 10:00 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 current Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Special Event: See a Total Lunar Eclipse!!! Note: Event Cancelled Due to Expected Cloud Cover!
2026-03-03 02:30 - 07:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Graphic Courtesy of NASA Science website

Note: Event Cancelled Due to Expected Cloud Cover!
Astronomy Special Event: See a Total Lunar Eclipse and Learn How and Why They Happen!!!
Tuesday, March 3rd
2:30 am – 7:00 am
Location: RBSRA Parking Lot F

Please join our BNA volunteer astronomer, Tom Harper, and experts associated with Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow for this fun and interesting early morning event: one that we do not get to see very often!

On March 3rd from 2:30 am until sunrise we will be able to watch a total Lunar eclipse.* From 2:30 to 5:00 am the Moon will slowly darken as it is covered by the Earth’s shadow.
For the next hour it will remain dark as it passes behind the Earth then begins to come out of the shadow just as the sun is rising and the Moon is setting.
For additional information on the lunar eclipse: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2026-march-3

Photo Courtesy of Tom Harper
Notes:

This takes place at Richard Bong State Recreational Area (RBSRA) – parking lot F. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QWhf22Tif8eRDojU7
To enable better viewing of the night sky we ask that all white lights be turned off and any other forms of light (including cell phones) be kept to a minimum. Please use dark mode when possible.
Carpooling is encouraged to minimize light.
Dress warm!! This event is outside. Dress for cold temperatures with multiple layers of clothing for warmth as temperatures drop quickly at night.

*This event may be cancelled because of inclement weather which includes snow, rain, significant cloud cover, or extreme temperatures.
This event is co-sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association and the Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow. Our thanks to Hawthorn Hollow for making this an extra special event!
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist - March Program: Fox and Friends!!!
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – March Program: Fox and Friends!!!
Thursday, March 12th
10:00 – 11:30 am
Each month the BNA offers a program for 3 to 5 year old Knee High Naturalists. Enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and, in March, learn all about foxes and their friends! 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 email the RBSRA/DNR Educator Emily Cole at emily.cole@wisconsin.gov 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.
BNA’s Knee High Naturalist is a recurring program 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 dress accordingly – but in the event of bad weather, the Knee High Naturalist Program will be held in the Visitor Center.
Our program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spring Equinox Hike!!!
2026-03-20 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo credit: Farmer’s Almanac website

Spring Equinox Hike!!!
Friday, March 20th
9:30—11:30 a.m.

Join us in celebration of the Spring Equinox with a hike at Richard Bong State Recreation Area! Bring a nature journal or just enjoy the natural beauty and crisp weather in this unique seasonal time!
Meet at the Visitor Center.

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Photo/graphic credit: “Farmer’s Almanac” website

Nature Journal & Sketch
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Journal & Sketch
Saturday, March 28th
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Take the chance to slow down and observe nature.
Record your observations in your own way!
Whether your forte is words or art, you can find the perfect way to capture a unique moment at the park!
Please bring your own supplies or use some of ours.
Meet at the Visitor Center.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Monthly Event: Night Sky at Bong!!!
2026-03-28 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo credit – 1st Qtr: science.nasa.gov website

Astronomy Monthly Event: Night Sky at Bong!!!
Saturday, March 28th
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Come out to Bong where the skies are dark and the night sky will fill you with awe and wonder. See planets, stars, clusters, maybe even a galaxy.
Photo Courtesy Tom Harper
Learn about the night sky, from our BNA volunteer astronomer, Tom Harper – what’s there and how it affects us.
Hear the stories of our ancestors that saw these tiny lights in the sky and told stories of how they came to be there.
Our astronomers will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to show these wonders and answer questions. If you have a telescope bring it along. We can help with questions as time allows.

This event happens monthly on the Saturday nearest the first quarter Moon as the weather allows at the Richard Bong State Recreational Area (RBSRA) parking lot F. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QWhf22Tif8eRDojU7

A current state park sticker for each vehicle is required and carpooling is encouraged.
Notes:

To enable better viewing of the night sky we ask that all white lights be turned off and any other forms of light including cell phones be kept to a minimum and use dark mode when possible.
Please note that this event is outside and weather dependent. Dress for cold temperatures with multiple layers of clothing for warmth as temperatures drop quickly at night. This event may be cancelled because of inclement weather which includes snow, rain, significant cloud cover, or extreme temperatures.

Photo credit – 1st Quarter Moon: science.nasa.gov website

Knee High Naturalist - April Program: Cranes and Egrets!!!
2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – April Program: Cranes and Egrets!!!
Thursday, April 9th
10:00 – 11:30 am
Each month the BNA offers a program for 3 to 5 year old Knee High Naturalists. Enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and, in April, learn all about cranes and egrets! 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 email the BNA at bongnaturalistassociation@gmail.com 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.
BNA’s Knee High Naturalist is a recurring program 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 dress accordingly – but in the event of bad weather, the Knee High Naturalist Program will be held in the Visitor Center.
Our program will always occur, but sometimes the topic will change due to weather issues.

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knit & Crochet Clinic!!!
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knit & Crochet Clinic!!!
Saturday, April 11th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring your questions and any problems you’re having with a project. Maybe you will even learn a new stitch or technique! This class is great for beginners and those of all ability levels.
Walk in after 10 a.m. and join us!
This class is suggested for ages 8 and older if accompanied by an adult.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Nature Journal & Sketch
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Journal & Sketch
Saturday, April 18th
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Take the chance to slow down and observe nature.
Record your observations in your own way!
Whether your forte is words or art, you can find the perfect way to capture a unique moment at the park!
Please bring your own supplies or use some of ours.
Meet at the Visitor Center.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Earth Day 2026 Event!!!
2026-04-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Earth Day 2026 Event!!!
Wednesday, April 22nd
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Visitor’s Center

Join us for an afternoon of Earth Day crafts and a hike as we celebrate Earth Day’s 56th anniversary!
Founded on April 22, 1970 by Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson, the late U.S. Senator and Governor of Wisconsin, Earth Day is now celebrated world wide!
Stop by the Visitor Center and join RBSRA and the BNA as we have fun while learning about our precious planet making Earth Day crafts. Then join us for a guided hike on one of RBSRA’s many trails and learn about the unique eco-systems at the park.

Earth Day Crafts
1 – 2 p.m.
Learn about the Earth’s place in the universe and our role in protecting the special planet, we call home. Create Earth Day crafts using recycled materials. Bring your own recycled supplies or use some of ours.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

Earth Day Hike
2:30 – 4 p.m.
Hike the park and celebrate Earth! Meet at the visitor center, but be prepared to travel to another hike location.

Location TBD by trail conditions.

Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Join the Bong Naturalist Association & Capturing Kenosha for Beautiful Bird Photography!!!
2026-04-25 06:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Join the Bong Naturalist Association and Capturing Kenosha to Photograph Birds and Other Wildlife at Bong!!!
Saturday, April 25th
6:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Bong Naturalist Association (BNA) and Capturing Kenosha are joining forces on April 25th starting at 6:00 am to capture, through photography, the beauty of Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Meet at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot – 6:00 am – for a short introduction to the park and our partner groups. Then away you go, your cameras in hand!
Wear your boots and camo clothing to get closer to the waterfowl.

A 6:00 am start is the best time to photograph birds and wildlife; however, you can stop by the park any time during the day.
Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center and enjoy our Astronomy Day activities: 1-3 pm solar; 7-10:30 pm – Lot F – for a Stargazing & Telescope Clinic. https://bongnaturalistassociation.org/event/spring-astronomy-day-solar-observation-and-activities-100-300-pm-star-gazing-and-telescope-assistance-600-1000-pm/

Capturing Kenosha is accepting photos for consideration in their next year’s fundraising calendar. At Bong there are quite a few waterfowl hunting blinds, not currently reserved, available to use on a first come basis.
Come and join the BNA & Capturing Kenosha – enjoy the outdoors, photograph wildlife, and (If you want) raise funds and awareness for charitable causes in Kenosha County through Capturing Kenosha.

Learn more about the BNA and Capturing Kenosha by clicking on these links to our respective web pages.
BNA: https://bongnaturalistassociation.org/
Capturing Kenosha: https://www.capturingkenosha.com/

The Bong Naturalist Association (BNA) is Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s (RBSRA) official state Friends volunteer group. We support the park in many ways.
Capturing Kenosha is a community of passionate photographers and local citizens dedicated to preserving and celebrating what makes Kenosha special. Through their creative vision and collaborative spirit, they turn snapshots into support for meaningful projects such as the restoration of our beloved North Pier Lighthouse, the Hoy Audubon bird box program, and raising funds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace to work toward ensuring every child has a bed to sleep on in our community!

Always as a reminder. You will need to purchase a state park entrance sticker/pass to be admitted to the park.
