In Touch with Nature—Drop In!!!
2024-08-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Beach, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansaville, WI, 53139, United States
In Touch with Nature—Drop In!!!
Friday, August 9th
While visiting the beach, drop in and visit our Naturalist Station to practice using your senses to observe nature!
Look for the green “Nature Program” flag!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-08-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, August 10th
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.

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
2024-08-17 20:30 - 22:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Saturday, August 17th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 8:30 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!

Nature Explorer Family Club: Habitats are Hip!!!
2024-08-20 10:00 - 23:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Habitats are Hip!!!

Tuesday, August 20th
How would you become invisible in our own backyard?
Come think like an animal and discover the critters hiding in plan sight! Find out which species are on the prowl, which are clever in the way they escape and how all the living things around us are connected.
Nature Explore Family Club is for children ages 5-10 accompanied by an adult (or car pool group with one adult) to enjoy outdoor experiences. Siblings are welcome to attend.
Meet behind the Visitor Center in Gathering Area 2 of the NEC.
Registration is required. Please call (262) 878-5609 and leave the participating children(s) name, ages, and the program date.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-08-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, August 20th
Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, August 20th! Please arrive at the RBSRA 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!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Sunset Hike!!!
2024-08-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Sunset Hike
Friday, August 23rd

Join our Natural Resources Educator on a beautiful sunset hike!
Meet at the Visitor Center, but be prepared to drive to a different location!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-08-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, August 24th
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.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-08-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, August 27th
Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, August 27th! Please arrive at the RBSRA 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!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance pass.

Champion Tree Trail Hike!!!
2024-08-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Champion Tree Trail Hike!!!
Saturday, August 31
Join us for a guided hike to historic Rhodes Road and the beautiful Champion Tree trail!

Learn about the the history of Richard Bong State Recreation Area as well as the Bald Cypress Champion Tree (native to Louisiana) and the other unique trees along the trail including the black walnut, ginkgo, honey locust and Kentucky coffee tree!
Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee

Solar Observation!!!
2024-08-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Observation!!!
Saturday, August 31

Drop in and see the Sun through special telescopes which are designed with solar filters to let you safely look at the Sun and learn about our special star!
Tom, our very knowledgeable volunteer, will share his special telescopes and answer any questions that you may have.
See if you can notice sunspots or maybe even solar flares!

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear!

**Meet near Shelter 2, in the Urban Pond parking lot, near the entrance to the Nature Explore Classroom (NEC.)
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily

Scavenger Hunt!!!
2024-09-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Scavenger Hunt!!!
Friday, September 6th
Stop by the Visitor Center during our open hours (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) to pick up a scavenger hunt!
Enjoy the nature walk and be on the lookout for some unique nature finds.
Bring back the scavenger hunt for a prize!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Turkey Tales!!!
2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Turkey Tales!!!

Thursday, September 12th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old and enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration!
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.
Please pre-register by calling 262-332-1574. We ask that you also call to cancel if you are not able to 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.

International Observe the Moon Celebration!!!
2024-09-14 13:00 - 23:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy of NASA

International Observe the Moon Celebration!!!

Saturday: September 14th

Join RBSRA and the BNA for a day and night of lunar-related events and activities as we come together to celebrate our connection to the Moon!!
Courtesy of NASA

RBSRA/BNA Activities:

Afternoon Program at the Visitor Center – 1-2:30 PM
Join our Natural Resources Educator, Emily Cole, and Tom Harper, our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, to learn about the moon, stars, planets and solar systems of our universe.
Enjoy videos on How the Moon Orbits the Earth and a 5-minute video of NASA footage from the LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter,) which has been orbiting the Moon and sending back close up images for years.
-1pm video Showing
-2 pm video Showing
Enjoy Moon activities, treats, and information! See how high you would be able to jump on the moon, learn about moon phases, and take a walk through the solar system!

Evening Program at Parking Lot F – 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Join Tom Harper and Emily Cole as we view the night sky. Tom will talk about the Moon’s features that are visible with the unaided eye and as well as what to expect to see as the Waxing Gibbous Moon shines brightly in the night sky.
Courtesy Tom Harper

5 PM How to Use a Telescope for Observing the Night Sky – Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn how to set up and use it to observe the night sky.
6 PM Watch the moon rise and observe it through binoculars or a telescope. And, as the night gets dark we will see stars, planets, and maybe a galaxy or two.

We will have some equipment set up, but feel free to bring your own binoculars and telescopes as well!

For additional information:
Courtesy of NASA

Click on the NASA International Observe the Moon Night website link at: https://science.nasa.gov/moon/observe-the-moon-night/

Courtesy of NASA

Make a Moon Observation Journal – Download the journal from the above website and Observe the Moon each night for 30 days. Write down the date, time and draw the Moon as you see it. https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/12/moon-observation-journal/?site=observe%20the%20moon

Courtesy of NASA

Want to save/download a map of the Moon? Click on the following NASA link at: https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/443/2024-moon-maps-for-international-observe-the-moon-night/

While walk-in visitors are always welcome, if you know that you will be joining us then please register how many people in your group will attend each session so that we can better plan and to ensure a good experience for you:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6YspsPFqWP32Vc3959Txa6NPFUMywO5soRYozOtXjI_JJlg/viewform?usp=sf_link

We look forward to seeing you at this amazing event!!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-09-17 16:30 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, September 17th

Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, September 17th! 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.

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.

Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
2024-09-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-21 13:00 - 15:00 | 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
2024-10-05 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
