BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

Astronomy Observation!!! Star Gazing: 8:00 - 10:00 pm
2025-08-30 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Observation!!!
Saturday, August 30th
Solar Observation 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Star Gazing 8:00 – 10:00 pm
We celebrated the sun earlier today – now let’s celebrate the night sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s Astronomy Day! 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.
Courtesy Tom Harper
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

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

Night Sky Observation!!!
2025-08-30 21:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy Tom Harper

Night Sky Observation!!!
Saturday, August 30th
Join us on Saturday, August 30th, 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.
Discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky using your own telescope or the powerful telescope that Tom sets up!
Photo Courtesy NASA
9– 11 p.m. Night Sky
Meet in Parking Lot F
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2025-09-06 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, September 6th
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.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
2025-09-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!

Tuesday, September 9th

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, September 9th! Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 5:30 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. Need service points….NO PROBLEM…we can sign you off.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Crawling & Hopping Insects
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Thursday, September 11th
Knee High Naturalist: Crawling & Hopping Insects
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about crawling and hopping insects! 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.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, September 13th
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.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
2025-09-23 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!

Tuesday, September 23rd

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for our last scheduled 2025 Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, September 23rd! Please arrive at the Bong Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 5:30 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.
Note: if October weather is favorable then please check back to see if any additional Adopt a Highway dates have been added!
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.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Astronomy Observation: Solar Viewing (1 - 3 pm) & Star Gazing (7 - 10 pm)
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Observation:
Solar Viewing (1 – 3 pm) & Star Gazing (7 – 10 pm)
Saturday, September 27th
Join us on Saturday, September 27th, 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: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
2025-09-27 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Observation!!!
Saturday, September 27th
Solar Observation 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Star Gazing 7:00 – 10:00 pm
We celebrated the sun earlier today – now let’s celebrate the night sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s Astronomy Day! 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.
Courtesy Tom Harper
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

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

NASA’S International Observe the Moon Day & Night!!! Solar Viewing: 1-3 pm; Observe the Moon Clinic and Viewing: 5:30 - 9:00 pm
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night

NASA’S International Observe the Moon Day & Night!!!

News Flash: RBSRA is a host site for NASA’s annual International Observe the Moon Celebration!
Please 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!!

1-3 p.m. Solar Viewing—Parking Lot near Shelter 2
5:30 p.m. Telescope Set Up—Parking Lot F
6:30-9 p.m. Astronomy Viewing—Parking Lot F

RBSRA/BNA Activities:

Afternoon Program – Shelter 2; 1-3:00 PM
Join our Natural Resources Educator, Emily Cole, and Tom Harper, our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, for an afternoon of solar viewing as well as to learn about the moon, stars, planets and solar systems of our universe.
Enjoy Moon-related activities and information including a scale model hike of the solar system!
Courtesy Tom Harper

Evening Program at Parking – Lot F; 5:30 PM – 9:00 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 NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night

5:30 PM Start – How to Use a Telescope for Observing the Night Sky Clinic – Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn how to set up and use it to observe the night sky.
6:30 PM Start – 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 NASA International Observe the Moon Night information:
Photo Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

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

Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

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

Photo Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

Want to save/download a map of the Moon? Click on the following NASA link at: https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/443/2025-moon-maps-for-international-observe-the-moon-night/?site=observe%20the%20moon

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

NASA’S International Observe the Moon Night!!! Moon Clinic & Observation: 5:30 - 9:00 pm
2025-10-04 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

NASA’S International Observe the Moon Day & Night!!!

News Flash: RBSRA is a host site for NASA’s annual International Observe the Moon Celebration!
Please 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!!

1-3 p.m. Solar Viewing—Parking Lot near Shelter 2
5:30 p.m. Telescope Set Up—Parking Lot F
6:30-9 p.m. Astronomy Viewing—Parking Lot F

RBSRA/BNA Activities:

Photo Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night
Afternoon Program – Shelter 2; 1-3:00 PM
Join our Natural Resources Educator, Emily Cole, and Tom Harper, our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, for an afternoon of solar viewing as well as to learn about the moon, stars, planets and solar systems of our universe.
Enjoy Moon-related activities and information including a scale model hike of the solar system!

Courtesy Tom Harper

Evening Program at Parking – Lot F; 5:30 PM – 9:00 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 NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night

5:30 PM Start – How to Use a Telescope for Observing the Night Sky Clinic – Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn how to set up and use it to observe the night sky.
6:30 PM Start – 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 NASA International Observe the Moon Night information:
Photo Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

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

Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

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

Photo Courtesy NASA International Observe the Moon Night

Want to save/download a map of the Moon? Click on the following NASA link at: https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/443/2025-moon-maps-for-international-observe-the-moon-night/?site=observe%20the%20moon

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

Knee High Naturalist: Squirrel Safari
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy Wisconsin DNR

Knee High Naturalist: Squirrel Safari
Thursday, October 9th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about squirrels! 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.

Halloween Hike!!!
2025-10-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Halloween Hike!
Saturday, October 18th
Celebrate Halloween at the park with a lighted hike! Costumes welcome!

Enjoy time around the bonfire, concessions including s’mores and warm drinks, and a scavenger hunt with prizes!
Meet at Shelter 1.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Bats of Wisconsin!!!
2025-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bats of Wisconsin!!!
Friday, October 24th
Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium for an encore presentation about Wisconsin Bats, from a WI Bat Ambassador and DNR Natural Resources Educator.
After the presentation, you are invited to join in a short acoustic bat monitoring hike!
If you plan to hike, please bring a flashlight or headlamp—red light preferred.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

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://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi 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
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 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

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
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 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
