BNA | Bong Naturalist Association

Bats & Bullfrogs Hike!!! (New Event)
2025-07-12 20:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bats & Bullfrogs Hike!!! (New Event)
Saturday, July 12th
8:45 – 10:00 pm
Meet at the Visitor Center and join us for this new event at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA.)
Be prepared to hike around 3 miles. Learn to listen for frogs and other nighttime creatures.
Learn how biologists study bat echolocation and practice some acoustic monitoring.

Note: Red flashlights, long pants, and bug spray are recommended, some red flashlights will be available to borrow.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Butterfly Hike!!!
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Photo Courtesy of Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter

Butterfly Hike!!!
Saturday, July 12th
Enjoy a butterfly walk in the park with one of our knowledgeable butterfly volunteers! Stroll through the park and practice identifying some of the incredible butterflies that utilize Richard Bong SRA’s beautiful prairies and woodlands.

Meet at the Visitor Center, but be prepared to drive to another location, and remember to bring a water bottle. Plan to hike around 2-3 miles.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
2025-07-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!

Tuesday, July 8th

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, July 8th! 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.

Night Sky Observation (9 - 11 pm) - Event Canceled; to be Rescheduled
2025-07-05 21:00 - 23:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy Tom Harper

Event Canceled & will be Rescheduled. Thank you
Night Sky Observation (9 – 11 pm)
Saturday, July 5th
Join us on Saturday, July 5th, 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.

This afternoon we viewed sun spots and solar flares, through Tom’s special solar telescopes.
In the evening, join us to discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky using your own 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.

Solar Observation (1 - 3 pm) & Night Sky Observation (9 - 11 pm) - Event Canceled; to be Rescheduled
2025-07-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Event Canceled & will be Rescheduled. Thank you
Solar Observation (1 – 3 pm) & Night Sky Observation (9 – 11 pm)

Join us on Saturday, July 5th, 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).
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!!!
2025-07-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, July 5th
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.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Social Bonfire!!!
2025-07-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Social Bonfire!!!
Friday, July 4th
Meet at the fire ring near Shelter 1 for a fun bonfire in the park! Meet other campers, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a beautiful evening filled with conversation and music!
Meet at 7:30 p.m. to help build the fire. Marshmallows will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks. Families welcome!
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Dark Skies & Light Pollution!!!
2025-06-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Dark Skies & Light Pollution!
Saturday, June 21sr
A program on enjoying dark skies and the effects light pollution has on living things.
Courtesy International Dark Sky Association
Information will be available on how to find and enjoy dark skies, what you can do about light pollution, safety at night, and what can be done to reduce pollution.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.

Additional information may be found on the International Dark Sky Association website at: https://darksky.org/
Courtesy International Dark Sky Association
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Birdbath Mosaic Craft!!!
2025-06-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Birdbath Mosaic Craft!!!
Saturday, June 21st
Enjoy a creative morning at the park with the ancient art of mosaic making!
Create a birdbath using a terracotta base and pieces of broken plates to create a beautifully unique design.
This class is recommended for adults and accompanied children ages 12 and up. Limited space is available.
Meet at the Volunteer Shed (go north on Rhodes Road).
Class fees benefit the Bong Naturalist Association.
Class fee: $15
To Register: Please click on the following link: Note: The link is currently being updated. Thanks for your patience. You may register using the QR code below.
or use the QR code below:
QR – Mosaic Birdbath – 6-21-25

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

Bats of Wisconsin!!!
2025-06-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bats of Wisconsin!!!
Friday, June 20th
Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium for a 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.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
2025-06-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!

Tuesday, June 17th

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, June 17th! 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.

Butterfly Walk!!!
2025-06-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter

Butterfly Walk!
Saturday, June 14th
Take a walk through the park and learn to identify the beautiful flying creatures that surround us!
Our BNA volunteer butterfly citizen scientist, Diane Price, will teach you about the special species found here at the park, host plants and trees, and butterfly food sources!
Meet behind the Visitor Center. Be prepared to hike.
If there is rain, hike will be held June 15, at the same time.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2025-06-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, June 14th

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

Shakespeare in the Park - Love's Labour's Lost Performance at 7:00
2025-06-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Amphitheater, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Shakespeare in the Park – Love’s Labour’s Lost
Performance – 7:00 pm
Join us for opening night of the Summit Players free, stripped down fast-paced production of Love’s Labour’s Lost!
Bring the whole family and enjoy our annual Shakespeare in the Park with the Summit Players! Amphitheater seating fills up quickly so 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:

The King of Navarre and his three companions, Berowne, Dumaine and Longaville, commit themselves to three years of hard study with no distractions. To further their committment, the King declares that no woman will be allowed within a mile of the court. When a French Princess arrives with her three attendants, the men immediately regret their oath in this fun and satisfying summer Shakespeare show.
For additional information on the Summit Players please check out their website at: http://www.summitplayerstheater.com

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

Shakespeare in the Park: Love's Labour's Lost Workshop at 5:30 & Performance at 7:00
2025-06-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Amphitheater, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Shakespeare in the Park: Love’s Labour’s Lost – Workshop
Workshop – 5:30 pm & Performance – 7:00 pm
Bring the whole family along for our annual Shakespeare in the Park with Summit Players!
Be sue to come early and enjoy a unique outdoor workshop prior to the Summit Player’s performance of Love’s Labour’s Lost! 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 starts 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:

The King of Navarre and his three companions, Berowne, Dumaine and Longaville, commit themselves to three years of hard study with no distractions. To further their committment, the King declares that no woman will be allowed within a mile of the court. When a French Princess arrives with her three attendants, the men immediately regret their oath in this fun and satisfying summer Shakespeare show.
​All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist – Wiggly Worms!!!
2025-06-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – Wiggly Worms!!!
Thursday, June 12th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about wiggly worms. 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 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.

All programs require a 2025 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Bong Bicycle Tour!!!
2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bong Bicycle Tour!!!
Saturday, June 7th
Take a bicycle tour of the park with a few of our volunteers! Experience the park in a unique way and make some friends along the way.
After the tour, stop back at the Visitor Center (or Shelter 1) for water & a snack and enjoy a presentation on the History of Richard Bong State Recreation Area with our Natural Resources Educator!
Be prepared to bike around 10 miles. Also please be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, too.
Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot, and be ready to ride at 10 a.m
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
2025-06-03 17:30 - 19:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!

Tuesday, June 3rd

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, June 3rd! 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.

Birdbath Mosaic Craft!!!
2025-05-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Birdbath Mosaic Craft!!!
Saturday, May 31st
Enjoy a creative morning at the park with the ancient art of mosaic making!
Create a birdbath using a terracotta base and pieces of broken plates to create a beautifully unique design.
This class is recommended for adults and accompanied children ages 12 and up. Limited space is available.
Meet at the Volunteer Shed (go north on Rhodes Road).
Class fees benefit the Bong Naturalist Association.
Class fee: $15
To Register: https://forms.gle/yjGzsZUVuKbjmWbB8 or use the QR code below.

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

Sunrise with the Sandhills!!!
2025-05-31 05:00 - 06:30 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Sunrise with the Sandhills!!!

Saturday, May 31st
Meet at Parking Lot F and the Observation tower early in the morning to watch the sunrise and the Sandhill Cranes! Enjoy light refreshments, the Sandhills and other birds!
The observation tower, overlooking the nature refuge, is the perfect spot to watch the sedge of Sandhill Cranes as they stretch their wings and prepare to take off!
Please feel free to bring your own scopes and binoculars! We will also have some for you to borrow.
Please RSVP via the QR code or link below:
https://forms.gle/37NRYPA8qvPc2Qgx7
QR – Sunrise with the Sandhills
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2025-05-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, May 24th
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.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
2025-05-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!

Tuesday, May 20th

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, May 20th! 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! Long pants are recommended.
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 – Busy Bees = Flower Pollinators!!! Now on Saturday!
2025-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist – Busy Bees = Flower Pollinators!!!
Saturday, May 17th
Bring your 3 to 5 year old, enjoy a morning of child-centered nature exploration and learn all about how our busy bees are hard at work pollinating your flowers. 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 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.

All programs require a 2025 Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2025-05-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, May 10th

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

Bubbles, Breezes & Pebbles!!!
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Shelter #3, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Bubbles, Breezes & Pebbles!!!
Saturday, May 10th
Drop in to enjoy the spring weather by flying a kite, dancing with a bubble wand, and/or painting friendship rocks!
Kites can be checked out for 30 minutes or purchased for $10. Limited quantities are available.
Feel free to bring your own kites as well! All other supplies are provided and free!
Meet at Shelter 3.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Adopt a Highway with the BNA
2025-05-06 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway with the BNA!!!
Tuesday, May 6th

Make a difference while enjoying a social evening by joining the BNA for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, May 6th! 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! Long pants are recommended.
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.

Astronomy Day!!! Night Sky Observation (7-10 pm)
2025-05-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Day!!!
Saturday, May 3rd
Solar Observation 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Night Sky Observation 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.
This afternoon we viewed sun spots and solar flares. This evening discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky!

2:00 – 4:00 pm
Solar Observation and Telescope Clinic

Meet in the Nature Explore Classroom Parking Lot (Near Shelter 2)

7:00 – 10:00 pm
Night Sky and Telescope Clinic

Meet in Parking Lot F

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

Astronomy Day!!! Solar Observation (2-4 pm) & Night Sky Observation (7-10 pm)
2025-05-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Astronomy Day!!!
Saturday, May 3rd
Solar Observation and Telescope Clinic 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Night Sky Observation 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Celebrate the both the sun and night sky at Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s Astronomy Day! Bring your telescope or binoculars and learn how to focus and calibrate. View sun spots, solar flares, and in the evening discover the wonders of the ever changing night sky!

2:00 – 4:00 pm
Solar Observation and Telescope Clinic

Meet in the Nature Explore Classroom Parking Lot (Near Shelter 2)

7:00 – 10:00 pm
Night Sky and Telescope Clinic

Meet in Parking Lot F

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

Adopt A Highway!!!
2025-04-29 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!

Tuesday, April 29th

Please join us for Adopt a Highway on Tuesday, April 29th! 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.

Breakfast with the Cranes!!! A New Event at RBSRA!
2025-04-26 05:00 - 07:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Breakfast with the Cranes!!! A New Event at RBSRA!
Saturday, April 26th
Bring your own beverage, and meet at Parking Lot F and the Observation tower early in the morning to watch the Sandhill Cranes!

The observation tower, overlooking the nature refuge, is the perfect spot to watch the sedge of Sandhill Cranes as they stretch their wings and prepare to take off!

Come join us for our first Breakfast with the Cranes and enjoy baked breakfast treats and the Sandhill show!
Please feel free to bring your own scopes and binoculars! We will also have some for you to borrow.
Just a reminder that all events require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.
