BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

Social Bonfire!
2023-08-18 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Social Bonfire: 8-9:30 p.m.
All ages are welcome! Bring musical instruments and funny stories to help enjoy a relaxing social bonfire.
If the crowd is interested, we may have a sing-along portion of the night, possibly starting with fun songs for kids, and moving into more relaxing music from past legends such as John Denver, the Eagles, and The Beatles. Meet at the fire pit near Shelter 1.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Nature Explorer Family Club: Colors in the World!
2023-08-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Colors in the World!
Bring your 5 to 10-year-old. Let’s discover how many colors you can find in nature and why these colors are important!
Meet behind the Visitor Center in Gathering Area 2 of the NEC.
Registration Preferred, 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.

Live Snake Encounter!
2023-08-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-08-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-29 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-22 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.

Pond Peeking!
2023-08-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Join us for Pond Peeking!
Prepare to get your feet wet as you catch, observe,
and release amphibians and aquatic macro-invertebrates.
Let’s learn to catch and identify frogs, dragonfly larvae, and other unique aquatic life!
All ages welcome!
Meet near Urban Pond and Shelter 2.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Incredible Insects
2023-08-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
What makes an insect and insect? Let’s look for grasshoppers and ladybugs and more together!

Registration preferred: 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.

Adopt a Highway - New Date Added!
2023-08-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Due to the extreme heat and air quality alerts resulting from the Canadian forest fires, DNR/BNA has canceled several Adopt a Highway events.
We are adding dates including Tuesday, August 8th, at 5:30 pm. While safety vests will be provided please also wear bright colors; apply tick protection; wear proper footwear: and bring water! For everyone’s safety, please do not bring children or pets.
Meet at the Visitors Center parking lot on time to get your gear and divide into groups. This is open to anyone who wants to make Richard Bong the best it can be.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Observe the Night Sky!!
2023-08-05 21:00 - 22:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Open Astronomy Tonight!
If the skies are clear, drop in to observe the incredible night sky using special telescopes and binoculars.
Bring your own telescope or binoculars and learn how to use them or take a peek through the special equipment brought by our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, Tom! Be sure to ask questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
Sessions start approximately 30 minutes after sunset and usually last for 1 – 2 hours.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance

Solar Viewing Today!
2023-08-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Viewing Today!
Drop in and see the Sun through special telescopes which are designed to safely look at the Sun and learn about our 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!
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear!
**Meet 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 entrance

Reptile Drop-In!
2023-08-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Beach, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansaville, WI, 53139, United States
Reptile Drop-In
Drop by the beachfront to learn about our amazing and unique reptiles! Meet a few of our education reptiles and learn about the adaptations they use to survive in the wild!
Meet near the beachfront, look for the “Nature Program” flag.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Nature Explorer Family Club: What is Beautiful to You?
2023-08-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: What is Beautiful to You?
Bring your 5 to 10-year old.
Take a hike through nature and look for beautiful things! Enjoy everything around you and pay close attention to unique and interesting nature!
Meet behind the Visitor Center in Gathering Area 2 of the NEC. Registration Preferred, 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.

Social Bonfire!
2023-07-28 20:00 - 21:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Social Bonfire!
All ages are welcome!
Bring musical instruments and funny stories to help enjoy a relaxing social bonfire.
If the crowd is interested, we may have a sing-along portion of the night, possibly starting with fun songs for kids, and moving into more relaxing music from past legends such as John Denver, the Eagles, and The Beatles.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance

Observe the Night Sky ~ Canceled ~
2023-07-22 21:00 - 22:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Observe the Night Sky is canceled tonight. Please continue to check our calendar for future Night Sky dates! Thank you.

Open Astronomy Tonight!
If the skies are clear, drop in to observe the incredible night sky using special telescopes and binoculars.
Bring your own telescope or binoculars and learn how to use them or take a peek through the special equipment brought by our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, Tom! Be sure to ask questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
Sessions start approximately 30 minutes after sunset and usually last for 1 – 2 hours.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance

Spiritual Currents Performance
2023-07-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Amphitheater, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Please join us for a magical evening with Ryan Meisel as he presents his beautiful Spiritual Currents performance.
Blending jazz with sounds of indigenous music from around the globe, it blurs the lines between performance, meditation, and soulful exploration. It honors the spiritual connection to the earth and nature.
The presentation will be held in the Bong amphitheater, followed by a drum workshop for young and old. Consider bringing a folding lawn chair in case there is a large attendance.
Attendance is free, but a park sticker or daily pass is required.
The “Spiritual Currents” program is made possible with the generous funding provided by the Kenosha Community Foundation’s CBK grant, which we received through efforts made by the BNA.

Solar Viewing ~ Canceled ~
2023-07-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Viewing is canceled today! Please continue to check our calendar for future Solar Viewing dates! Thank you.

Drop in and see the Sun through special telescopes which are designed to safely look at the Sun and learn about our 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!
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear!
**Meet 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 entrance

How to Stay Found: Using a Compass!
2023-07-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
How to Stay Found: Using a Compass!
Please join us to learn how to use a compass to “stay found!” We will then head outside to practice your new skills by playing fun compass games.
Best for ages 8 and up.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Family Club: Clouds!
2023-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Family Club: Clouds!

Bring your 5 to 10-year-old and enjoy time outside together – experience nature while describing what you can see in a cloud?

Use your imagination to tell stories about the clouds!
Learn about the power of relaxation!

Meet behind the Visitor Center in Gathering Area 2 of the NEC.
Registration Required: (262) 878-5601
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway
2023-07-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Join us for Adopt a Highway on July 18th. Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 5:30pm 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 points….NO PROBLEM…we can sign you off.

Live Snake Encounter
2023-07-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

"Craft-pitizer"
2023-07-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
“Craft-pitizer!”
Open to all!
Bring a craft project you are working on or bring one you need help with!
Bring an appetizer to pass and enjoy lunch while being creative!
Please bring a dish to pass as well as your own plate, dinnerware, and beverage. Also please make sure you are prepared to pack out all garbage per our park rules.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.

Fantastic Froggers
2023-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Shelter #3, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Fantastic Froggers!
Prepare to get your feet wet as you catch, observe and release amphibians and other water creatures!
All ages welcome!
Meet near the beach at Shelter 3.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Long Skinny Snakes
2023-07-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee-High Naturalist: Long Skinny Snakes
Bring your 3 to 5-year old and encounter amazing snakes! We will learn about snakes and how they eat, watch the garter snake eat some worms, and get the chance to touch some special education snakes!

Register by calling (262) 878-5609.
We ask that you please call to cancel if you cannot come.

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.
Programs are free, but you need a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or pay the daily park entrance fee.

Observe the Night Sky!
2023-07-08 21:00 - 22:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Observe the Night Sky!
Open Astronomy Tonight!
If the skies are clear, drop in to observe the incredible night sky using special telescopes and binoculars.
Bring your own telescope or binoculars and learn how to use them or take a peek through the special equipment brought by our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, Tom! Be sure to ask questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
Sessions start approximately 30 minutes after sunset and usually last for 1 – 2 hours.
Meet at Parking Lot F near the observation tower.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance

Solar Viewing
2023-07-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Viewing Today!
Drop in and see the Sun through special telescopes designed to safely look at the Sun and learn about our star.
See if you can notice sunspots or maybe even solar flares!
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear!
**Meet 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 entrance fee.

Nature Necklaces Craft
2023-07-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Drop by Shelter 1 and look around to find unique items in nature to place in a special nature necklace. Alternatively, use some of our collected options!
Enjoy your discoveries and take home your unique creation!
There will be a freewill donation option to cover class costs for this program.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Family Club: Animal Signs!
2023-07-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Family Club: Animal Signs!
Bring your 5 to 10-year-old. Take a hike
through nature and look for signs of life!

What animals walked here before you did?
What were they doing?

Discover secrets of the animal world on this exciting
adventure!
Meet behind the Visitor Center in Gathering Area 2 of the NEC.
Registration Required: (262) 878-5601
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Homestead Day with Historian, Tim Mutterer, as John Rhodes
2023-07-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Homestead Day with Local Historian, Tim Mutterer, Portraying John Rhodes
We are excited to present local historian, Tim Mutterer, as he portrays John Rhodes, a member of the first European family to settle on this property and the reason that Richard Bong SRA is home to Wisconsin’s Bald Cypress Champion Tree!
Schedule of Events:
1-2 p.m. Champion Tree Trail Hike: Meet at Shelter 1 but
be prepared to drive.
1-3 p.m. Homestead Games: Meet at Shelter 1 for
checkers, dominoes, graces, and more!
3 p.m. Presentation of John Rhodes: Meet at the
Amphitheater. Local historian and reenactor, Tim Mutterer,
will portray John Rhodes and the reason the Bald Cypress
was planted here.
Enjoy a guided hike at 1:00 p.m. on our Champion Tree Trail to see the Bald Cypress Champion Tree (native to Louisiana) as well as other trees, planted by the Rhodes family, including black walnut, ginkgo, honey locust and a Kentucky coffee tree! At 3:00 p.m. step back in time with our guest speaker and local historian, Tim Mutterer, and learn about the Rhodes family – where they originated from and more about their life in what was initially Wisconsin Territory.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
