BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

Ecological Landscapes of Southeast Wisconsin - Day 5 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
2026-10-08 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
Ecological Landscapes of Southeast Wisconsin – Day 5 at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
New Format! Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training
The Bong Naturalist Association and the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit are joining forces to host this training highlighting two state properties. Our two friends’ organizations support the Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) – located in Kenosha County and the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, near the southwest corner of Waukesha County.
Participate in six sessions on public lands where you will gain essential resources, practical knowledge, and a strong community network to amplify your effectiveness as a dedicated land steward, inspiring educator, or active citizen scientist. Each session will include guest speakers, indoor instruction, and outdoor field experiences.
The first three days of training will be held at RBSRA and the second three days of training will be held at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. The two locations will provide a unique blend of habitats, species, and outdoor experiences that will fuel your interest in the natural world.

Schedule:

Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) – Molinaro Visitor Center

Monday, September 21st: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday, September 24th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Monday, September 28th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit – Forest Headquarters

Monday, October 5th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday, October 8th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Monday, October 12th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Click on the following link to be directed to the Ecological Landscapes of Southern Wisconsin/Wisconsin Master Naturalist portal. Note: Registration opens on 1/12/26.

https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/southeastwisconsin/
Notes:
Richard Bong State Recreation Area includes over 4,500 acres of remnant and restored prairies, savannas, oak woodlands, old field grasslands and wetlands. It is home to native and migratory birds, wildlife and fish and offers unique recreation opportunities such as dog training, model airplane flying, rocketry, falconry, and hunting.

Molinaro Visitor Center & Nature Explore Classroom Address: 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI 53139

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit covers more than 22,000 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands with rare birds and plants. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds throughout the state forest along with 30 additional miles of mountain biking trails and 4 campgrounds.

Forest Headquarters address: S91 W39091 Hwy 59 Eagle, WI 53119

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

Knee High Naturalist - October Program: Bats and Spiders!!!
2026-10-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – October Program: Bats and Spiders!!!
Thursday, October 8th
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 October, learn all bats and spiders! 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.

Ecological Landscapes of Southeast Wisconsin - Day 6 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
2026-10-12 08:30 - 16:30 | WI
Ecological Landscapes of Southeast Wisconsin – Day 6 at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
New Format! Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training
The Bong Naturalist Association and the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit are joining forces to host this training highlighting two state properties. Our two friends’ organizations support the Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) – located in Kenosha County and the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, near the southwest corner of Waukesha County.
Participate in six sessions on public lands where you will gain essential resources, practical knowledge, and a strong community network to amplify your effectiveness as a dedicated land steward, inspiring educator, or active citizen scientist. Each session will include guest speakers, indoor instruction, and outdoor field experiences.
The first three days of training will be held at RBSRA and the second three days of training will be held at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. The two locations will provide a unique blend of habitats, species, and outdoor experiences that will fuel your interest in the natural world.

Schedule:

Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA) – Molinaro Visitor Center

Monday, September 21st: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday, September 24th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Monday, September 28th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit – Forest Headquarters

Monday, October 5th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday, October 8th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Monday, October 12th: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Click on the following link to be directed to the Ecological Landscapes of Southern Wisconsin/Wisconsin Master Naturalist portal. Note: Registration opens on 1/12/26.

https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/southeastwisconsin/
Notes:
Richard Bong State Recreation Area includes over 4,500 acres of remnant and restored prairies, savannas, oak woodlands, old field grasslands and wetlands. It is home to native and migratory birds, wildlife and fish and offers unique recreation opportunities such as dog training, model airplane flying, rocketry, falconry, and hunting.

Molinaro Visitor Center & Nature Explore Classroom Address: 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI 53139

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit covers more than 22,000 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands with rare birds and plants. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds throughout the state forest along with 30 additional miles of mountain biking trails and 4 campgrounds.

Forest Headquarters address: S91 W39091 Hwy 59 Eagle, WI 53119

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

Astronomy Monthly Event: Night Sky at Bong!!!
2026-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy Tom Harper

Astronomy Monthly Event: Night Sky at Bong!!!
Saturday, October 17th
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Parking Lot F
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 cooler 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 rain, significant cloud cover, or extreme temperatures.

Photos courtesy Tom Harper

Knee High Naturalist - November Program: Turkey Tales!!!
2026-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Turkeys!

Knee High Naturalist – November Program: Turkey Tales!!!
Thursday, November 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 November, learn all turkeys! 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.
