Bong Naturalist Association

Family Club: Animal Signs!
2023-07-06 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Live Snake Encounter
2023-07-01 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Adopt a Highway
2023-06-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Come one, come all!
June 27th 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 Bong the best it can be.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter
2023-06-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago), 2023-05-27 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Detroit) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
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.

Native Bee Presentation with Jennifer Lazewski, Executive Director WI Society for Ornithology
2023-06-24 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Native Bee Presentation!
BNA is very pleased that Jennifer Lazewski, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology will be presenting a program on Native Bees. Jennifer is well versed in native bees and in addition to her Executive Director position, Jennifer is also a Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, Community Science Trainer and Volunteer, Vice-President of Wild Ones – Wehr Chapter as well as a past associate attorney. Jennifer is very eager to share her vast knowledge on bees with you!
Learn about the amazing bees native to our area. Learn how to identify bees and what plants these special creatures need to survive.
This program will have an indoor presentation followed by an outdoor walk to search for bees and bee plants.
This class is suggested for ages 10 and older, all children should be accompanied by an adult.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Family Club
2023-06-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Please join us for our first Family Club of the season!
Your Very Own Story: Go for a walk in nature. Look for a place that catches your attention. Use your imagination and what you know about nature to create a story.
Meet at Gathering 1 in the Nature Explore Classroom.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt A Highway
2023-06-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Join us for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, June 13th! 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.

Observe the Night Sky
2023-06-10 21:00 - 22:30, 2023-05-20 20:30 - 22:30, 2023-05-06 20:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Open Astronomy Tonight!
Get the chance to look through special telescopes and binoculars at the incredible night sky.
Bring your own telescope or binoculars and learn how to use them or take a peek through the special equipment brought by our volunteer astronomer, Tom!
If the skies are clear you are welcome to come see the night sky! 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 fee.

Solar Viewing
2023-06-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-06-03 13:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Viewing Today!
Come 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!
**Parking Lot by Shelter 2 and the NEC entrance.

Haiku Hike
2023-06-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Join us to write some haiku poems. Walk the nature trail and read the poems that are posted. Share your own poems with others.
All ages welcome!
Meet at the picnic tables near Gathering 1 of the Nature Explore Classroom.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Mosaic Bird Bath Craft
2023-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Make a bird bath using a terra cotta plant saucer and broken plates. All materials will be supplied. Make your own design; a design book will be available to view for ideas.
**Meet in BNA Volunteer Shed (North of 142 on Rhodes Road)
Class Fee: $15
Please pre-register by calling (262) 878-5609.
This class is recommended for adults or children ages 12 and older accompanied by an adult.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Shakespeare in the Park: MacBeth
2023-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #3, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Shakespeare in the Park – MacBeth!
Join us for opening night of the Summit Players free, stripped down fast-paced production of MacBeth! www.summitplayerstheater.com
Be sure to bring your own lawn chair.
The performance (at 7:00 p.m.) and workshop (at 5:00 p.m.) are offered free of charge to all visitors.
The MacBeth Story: Three witches visit brave warrior Macbeth with a vision of the future: he will be crowned king of Scotland. Determined to do whatever it takes to make this prophecy come true, he embarks on a ruthless quest for power. A web of secrets, trickery and danger entangles Macbeth, his wife Lady Macbeth, his rival Macduff and countless others as he claws his way to the top. Six actors play all the parts in this spooky, free, all-ages play.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
Shakespeare in the Park – MacBeth

Shakespeare in the Park: MacBeth Workshop
2023-06-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #3, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
MacBeth Workshop!
Come early and enjoy a unique outdoor workshop prior to the Summit Player’s performance of MacBeth! Join us for a fun, play-specific educational workshop on Shakespearean history, language and characters.
These workshops are specifically built for children ages 8 and up, but younger children and “fun adults” can still have plenty of fun and learn things they never knew about Shakespeare!
The workshop at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
The performance and workshop are offered free of charge to all visitors.
Park admission is required.
The MacBeth Story: Three witches visit brave warrior Macbeth with a vision of the future: he will be crowned king of Scotland. Determined to do whatever it takes to make this prophecy come true, he embarks on a ruthless quest for power. A web of secrets, trickery and danger entangles Macbeth, his wife Lady Macbeth, his rival Macduff and countless others as he claws his way to the top. Six actors play all the parts in this spooky, free, all-ages play.

Knee-High Naturalist: Turtle Tales
2023-06-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Blanding’s Turtle Crossing
Bring your 3 to 5-year-old and discover turtle fun! What do turtles eat and where do they live? Learn about their shells and eggs!

Registration: 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.

Observe the Night Sky!
2023-06-03 21:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

Nature Faire!
2023-06-03 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Faire is back!!
Join Richard Bong State Recreation Area for our Nature Faire!
When: Saturday, June 3rd from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Shelter 1

Nature Crafts: Crescent wreath, seed paper, plant markers,
kindness rocks
iNaturalist Training: Learn how to use this special app to get the
most out of your encounters with nature.
Bake Sale: Purchase some tasty, home-made treats and help
support the Bong Naturalist Association.
Solar Viewing:
Located in the parking lot near the NEC entrance (by Urban Pond)
1-4 p.m.
Use a special telescope to observe the sun!
Nature Explore Classroom:

Pollinator Hunt: Search for fake pollinators hidden around the
NEC. Can you find all of the bees, bats, and butterflies we hid?
Animal Yoga: Try out some of the animal yoga poses that are
posted in the climbing and crawling area of the NEC.
Movin’ to the Music: Head to the music and movement area for
an instrumental jam session and dance party!
Beach Party: Pretend you are at the beach with the fun beach
elements added to the our sand box play area!
Nature Art Areas: use the extra art supplies provided in the Nature
Art Areas to make leaf rubbings and nature drawings.
Live Snake Encounter: Experience the special opportunity to
touch our education snakes and learn about what makes them
such unique and amazing creatures. Find us in Gathering Area
2 of the NEC from 10-10:45 a.m. and again from 12-1 p.m.
Visitor Center Solarium
Book Sale: Support the Bong Naturalist Association and find a
good book to read. Take your book out into nature and find a good
spot to enjoy it!
Nature Explore Classroom Art Celebration – 11 a.m.
Gather near the NEC Entrance Gate at Gathering Area 1 for the
special celebration of the unique tin art pieces made by our
volunteer Terry!

This will be day filled with exciting nature activities, including live reptile encounters, crafts, and a fishing clinic.
This is also the DNR Free Weekend, so entrance to the park is free!
Meet at Shelter 1.

Spoon Spinners Craft
2023-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Class 2: Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Could not attend the earlier class? We are offering a second session!
Make a spinner to hang from a tree or a Shepard’s crook in your garden. All materials and tools will be provided. There is a $12 class fee for your first spinner, and you can make more for an additional fee of $6 each.
**Meet at the BNA Volunteer Shed north of Hwy 142 on Rhodes Road. There are no restrooms available at this location.
This class is suggested for ages 10 and older Children should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited.
Registration is required: (262) 878-5609 Please RSVP by May 17th.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spoon Spinners Craft
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Class 1: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Make a spinner to hang from a tree or a Shepard’s crook in your garden. All materials and tools will be provided. There is a $12 class fee for your first spinner, and you can make more for an additional fee of $6 each.
**Meet at the BNA Volunteer Shed north of Hwy 142 on Rhodes Road. There are no restrooms available at this location.
This class is suggested for ages 10 and older Children should be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited.
Registration is required: (262) 878-5609 Please RSVP by May 17th.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Spring Flowers Watercolors
2023-05-17 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Paint note cards or small paintings of spring flowers. Materials are all provided. Learn watercolor techniques and create something unique!
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
There is no class fee for this event, but please reserve your spot by calling (262) 878-5609. This class is suggested for ages 12 and older.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Snake Encounter!
2023-05-13 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States

Terrific Turtles
2023-05-13 13:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Meet our two education turtles and learn about what makes these awesome creatures so special!
Then, see these reptiles in action! Watch our painted turtle and snapping turtle feeding.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Bird Migration Hike
2023-05-13 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Vista Picnic Area, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Experience the astonishment of migration. Bring your binoculars (or use ours) and we’ll look and listen for newly arrived birds, especially the warblers. The trail may be wet.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee-High Naturalist: Fantastic Flowers
2023-05-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Discover the joy of flowers! We will plant seeds in containers, that will eventually help beautify our Nature Explore Classroom.

Registration: 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
2023-05-09 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Come one, come all!
May 9th at 5:00 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 Bong the best it can be!
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
