BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

WI Explorer Book Program - New Event!!!
2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
WI Explorer Book Program – New Event!!!
July 13th
Join together with other kids and our Natural Resources Educator to complete your WI Explorer Book Program!

Patches will be earned at the end of the Program!!

This is a new event at RBSRA. Join our Educator, Emily, as she introduces the newly updated WI Explorer Books and works with the kids to earn their patches.
This event is meant for kids ages 6-8 and an adult family member. Please meet at the Visitor Center.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Over in the Meadow (Animals)!!!
2024-07-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Over in the Meadow (Animals)!!!

Thursday, July 11th
Learn about the animals that live and rely on the meadows for shelter. 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.

2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Day 3!
2024-07-11 08:30 - 16:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Day 3!
BNA is proud to once again be a host site/training center for the Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program! The program is under the authority of the UW Extension System and training will be held at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA.)
Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Monday, July 8th and ending Thursday, July 18th (“Last Day Celebration”.) Presenters are top tier and experts in their respective fields. The course involves 40 hours of training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship.
Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year and eight hours of additional training.
For more information about the Master Naturalist program, please visit www.wimasternaturalist.org
Look for the program offered by the Bong Naturalist Association or click on “Bong Naturalist Association” below! (The class is currently full but be sure to place your name on the waiting list in case a spot opens up.)

https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/bongnaturalistassociation2024/

Nature Explorer Family Club: Branching Out!!!
2024-07-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Branching Out!!!

Tuesday, July 9th
Tall trees, short trees, fallen trees and snags – each one plays an important part in the forest ecosystem! Join us and learn about our amazing trees.
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.

2024 Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training at Bong - Day 2!
2024-07-09 08:30 - 16:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Day 2!
BNA is proud to once again be a host site/training center for the Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program! The program is under the authority of the UW Extension System and training will be held at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA.)
Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Monday, July 8th and ending Thursday, July 18th (“Last Day Celebration”.) Presenters are top tier and experts in their respective fields. The course involves 40 hours of training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship.
Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year and eight hours of additional training.
For more information about the Master Naturalist program, please visit www.wimasternaturalist.org
Look for the program offered by the Bong Naturalist Association or click on “Bong Naturalist Association” below! (The class is currently full but be sure to place your name on the waiting list in case a spot opens up.)

https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/bongnaturalistassociation2024/

2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Starts Today!
2024-07-08 08:30 - 16:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Starts Today!
BNA is proud to once again be a host site/training center for the Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program! The program is under the authority of the UW Extension System and training will be held at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA.)
Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Monday, July 8th and ending Thursday, July 18th (“Last Day Celebration”.) Presenters are top tier and experts in their respective fields. The course involves 40 hours of training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship.
Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year and eight hours of additional training.
For more information about the Master Naturalist program, please visit www.wimasternaturalist.org
Look for the program offered by the Bong Naturalist Association or click on “Bong Naturalist Association” below! (The class is currently full but be sure to place your name on the waiting list in case a spot opens up.)

https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/bongnaturalistassociation2024/

Social Bonfire!!!
2024-07-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Social Bonfire!!!
Saturday, July 6th
Join us at the firepit near Shelter 1 as we celebrate the Independence Day holiday weekend. Learn campfire skills and enjoy a relaxing bonfire with guitar music, sweet treats, and good conversation.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-06-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, June 29th

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.

Macro-invertebrate Pond Study!!!
2024-06-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Macro-invertebrate Pond Study!!!
Saturday, June 29th
Meet by Shelter 2 to study the unique creatures that we can see with our eyes but often forget about! We’ll have microscopes and magnifying glasses available so that we can get a closer look at these special creatures.
Let’s see what we can scoop!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Nature Explorer Family Club: Backbone not Required!!!
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Backbone not Required!!!

Tuesday, June 25
What do insects, spiders, snails and centipedes have in common? They’ve got no spine!!
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 register by visiting the RBSRA Entrance Station, calling 262-878-5601* or e-mailing: emily.cole@wisconsin.gov Please leave the participating children(s) name, ages, and the program date.
*alternative phone number: 262-878-5609
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Plant for the Pollinators!!!
2024-06-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Plant for the Pollinators!!!
Learn which plants are best for pollinators and try your hand at making your own pollinator friendly creation!
Meet behind the Visitor Center.
There is a $5 fee for this class.
Please pre-register for this class – as space is limited – by calling the RBSRA Entrance Station at (262) 878-5601.* You may also email emily.cole@wisconsin.gov.
*alternate number: 262-878-5609
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Solstice Pollinator Hike!!!
2024-06-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solstice Pollinator Hike!!!
Thursday, June 20th
Learn to love the BEES, and other special pollinators! Help us celebrate the summer solstice by working on your pollinator identification.

Meet at the Visitor Center.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Father's Day Hike!!!
2024-06-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Father’s Day Hike!!!
Saturday, June 16th
Bring your father, or someone who makes you feel at home, and come on out to the park for a special Father’s Day Hike!
Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive to a second location.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
2024-06-15 21:00 - 22:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Saturday, June 15th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 9:00 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!

Make a Mosaic Birdbath!!
2024-06-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Make a Mosaic Birdbath!
Saturday, June 15th
Make a bird bath using pieces of broken pottery and grout! All supplies will be provided. Be creative and make your own design or check in the with coordinators for ideas.
**Meet in BNA Volunteer Shed down Rhodes Road (service road north of the park.)
Class Fee: $10

Please register by calling the RBSRA Entrance Station at (262) 878-5601.* You may also email emily.cole@wisconsin.gov.
*alternate number: 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 - A Midsummer Night's Dream - Performance!!!
2024-06-14 19:00 - 21:30 | Amphitheater, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Shakespeare in the Park – A Midsummer Night’s Dream!!!

Join us for opening night of the Summit Players free, stripped down fast-paced production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! www.summitplayerstheater.com
Be sure to bring your own lawn chair.
The performance (at 7:00 p.m.) and workshop (at 5:30 p.m.) are offered free of charge to all visitors.

The Story:

Bringing it back to where it all begin, The Summit Players are hitting the road this summer with the show that launched the company, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
​Kings, queens, fairies, lovers, and sprites all collide in an enchanted forest one midsummer night proving that “the course of true love never did run smooth.” One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies takes us on a beguiling odyssey full of mistaken identities, misguided passions, love potions, and magic spells.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Workshop!!
2024-06-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Amphitheater, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Workshop
Come early and enjoy a unique outdoor workshop prior to the Summit Player’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! 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.

The Story:

Bringing it back to where it all begin, The Summit Players are hitting the road this summer with the show that launched the company, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
​Kings, queens, fairies, lovers, and sprites all collide in an enchanted forest one midsummer night proving that “the course of true love never did run smooth.” One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies takes us on a beguiling odyssey full of mistaken identities, misguided passions, love potions, and magic spells.

All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Rocks!!!
2024-06-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Rocks!!!

Thursday, June 13th
Learn about the rocks around us and how they came to be here. 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.

Nature Explorer Family Club: Planting and Creating Signs!!!
2024-06-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Planting & Creating Signs!!!

Tuesday, June 11th
Plants beans, create plant signs and learn to care for plants in the RBSRA Nature Explore Classroom (NEC.) Bring this new knowledge and understanding home with you and assist in your family’s garden.
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.
Please register by visiting the RBSRA Entrance Station, calling 262-878-5601* or e-mailing: emily.cole@wisconsin.gov Please leave the participating children(s) name, ages, and the program date.
*alternative phone number: 262-878-5609
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Plant-It or Pick-It!
2024-06-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Plant-It or Pick-It!
Saturday, June 8th
Learn about native and invasive plant species that can be found at the
park, then get outside to plant and pick!

Try your hand at identifying and removing some invasives!
All ages welcome.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-06-04 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, June 4th
Please join us for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, June 4th! Please arrive at the Bong 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.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-06-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, June 1st

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.

Homestead Days
2024-06-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Homestead Days
Join us for a day celebrating homesteading through the decades! Dress up like an original Brighton settler, play games, and create a nature journal!
Meet at 10 a.m. for a historical hike down Rhodes Road to the Champion Tree Trail! Learn about the first settlers in the area.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Memorial Day Hike!!!
2024-05-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Vista Picnic Area, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Memorial Day Hike!!!
Monday, May 27th
Join us for an afternoon spring hike on Memorial Day! Meet at the Vista Trailhead and prepare to learn about the unique history of the area.
Enjoy the peacefulness of this less-used nature trail as our Natural Resources Educator takes you on a guided hike. The Visa Trail enters a beautiful hardwood forest and goes past a small pond. This is also an excellent birding area for woodland species.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-05-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, May 25th
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.

Peace Poles & Kindness Rocks!!!
2024-05-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Peace Poles & Kindness Rocks!!!
Meet behind the Visitor Center to paint peace poles and special kindness rocks! Put your creative cap on and leave your mark at the park!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Sunset Campground Opens!!
2024-05-23 08:00 - 22:00 | WI
Sunset Campground Opens!!!
Thursday, May 23rd
As of Thursday, May 23rd, all RBSRA campgrounds will be open!!
Firewood is sold year-round at the Molinaro Visitor Center/Headquarters parking lot through a firewood vending machine which is open 24/7. You can pay with any major credit card or debit card, but sorry, not by cash.
For RBSRA camping rules, maps of Sunrise Campground and Sunset Campground and additional information on our accessible cabin, please click on the following link: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/richardbong/recreation/camping

All sites – including RBSRA’s accessible cabin, must be reserved via the DNR Camping Reservations system at: https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com/
Stop by the Visitor Center on Saturdays at 2:00 pm for our Live Snake Encounter! Watch as our education fax snake, Mickey, is fed a mouse. You may even get a chance to touch/hold our education snakes.
Other events are listed on the Calendar of Events tab on this website, our Bong Naturalist Association FaceBook page and on the DNR/RBSRA calendar
Entrance into RBSRA and all Wisconsin state parks requires a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-05-21 05:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, May 21st
Please join us for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, May 21st! Please arrive at the Bong 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. 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.

Kids to the Park Day: Kite Fly!!!
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Shelter #3, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Kids to the Park Day: Kite Fly!
Saturday, May 18th
Meet at Shelter 3 to make your own kite or purchase a pre-made kite! Enjoy the weather and see if you can get your kite to fly!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Make a Mosaic Birdbath!!!
2024-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Make a Mosaic Birdbath!!!
Saturday, May 18th
Make a bird bath using pieces of broken pottery and grout! All supplies will be supplied. Be creative and make your own design or check in the with coordinators for ideas.
**Meet in BNA Volunteer Shed down Rhodes Road (service road north of the park.)
Class Fee: $10
Please register by calling (262) 878-5600.
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.
