2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Final Training Day & Last Day Celebration!
2024-07-18 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong – Final Training Day & Last Day Celebration!

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/

Compass Introduction!!!
2024-07-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Compass Introduction!!!
Friday, July 19th
Learn the basics of using a compass and try a few orienteering games!

Learn to set a bearing and use your compass to find various directions.

This activity is recommended for kids ages 8 and older and adults. Kids attending must have an accompanying adult. Meet at the Visitor Center.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Ryan Meisel: Spiritual Currents!!!
2024-07-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Amphitheater, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Ryan Meisel: Spiritual Currents!!!
Please join us for a magical evening with Ryan Meisel as he continues his 2024 Wisconsin state park tour at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Ryan will perform music from his newest recordings, feature new instruments, and perform original music by world renown traditional flute artists. Upon completion of the performance Ryan will be leading a drum circle for guests of the event to participate in.

Music and storytelling in a relaxed setting creates an enjoyable experience for all. Ryan Meisel’s Spiritual Currents blends Indigenous world music with his background in jazz. It honors his spiritual connection to nature and cultures from around the world.

Ryan performs Native American flutes, saxophones, and indigenous woodwinds (East Indian Bansuri, Lithuanian Skuduciai & Birbyne, Irish flutes & whistles, Slovakian Fujara, and Andean Pan Pipes).
The presentation will be held in the Bong amphitheater, followed by a drum workshop for young and old. Consider bringing a folding lawn chair in case there is a large attendance.
Attendance is free, but a Wisconsin State Park annual sticker or daily pass is required.

Observe the Night Sky! Event Just Added!!
2024-07-20 20:30 - 22:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Observe the Night Sky! Event just Added!!

Saturday, July 20th
Open Astronomy Tonight!
If the skies are clear, drop in to observe the incredible night sky using special telescopes and binoculars.
Bring your own telescope or binoculars and learn how to use them or take a peek through the special equipment brought by our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, Tom! Be sure to ask questions about the stars, planets, and solar systems of our universe.
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

Nature Explorer Family Club: Buzz and Flutter!
2024-07-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Buzz and Flutter!

Tuesday, July 23rd
From moths and butterflies to bees and wasps. Join us to learn about the science – and the dancing – involved in pollinating!
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.

Pond Study!!!
2024-07-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Pond Study!!!
Saturday, July 27th
Meet at Shelter 2 to study the unique creatures that we can see with our eyes but often forget about!
We will 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!
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-07-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, July 27th

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.

Adopt A Highway
2024-07-30 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, July 30th
Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, July 30th! Please arrive at the RBSRA 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

Pond Study!!!
2024-08-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Pond Study!!!
Friday, August 2nd
Meet at the Urban Pond (Near Shelter 2) and join our Natural Resources Educator 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.

Social Bonfire!!!
2024-08-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Shelter #1, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Social Bonfire!!!
Saturday, August 3rd
All ages are welcome!
Join our Natural Resources Educator for this beautiful summer evening social bonfire.
Learn campfire skills and enjoy a relaxing bonfire with guitar music, musical instruments that you bring and good conversation. Meet at Shelter 1.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Nature Explorer Family Club: Enchanted by Plants!!!
2024-08-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Enchanted by Plants!!!

Tuesday, August 6th
Turning sun into sugar is tricky business, but it is a full-time job for the ground plants, mosses and ferns around us! Discover how the plants at our feet become a source of water, shelter, foor or in some cases – delicious teas and medicines!
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.

Knee High Naturalist: Fish-It's a Fishy Day!!!
2024-08-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Fish-It’s a Fishy Day!!!

Thursday, August 8th
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.

In Touch with Nature—Drop In!!!
2024-08-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Beach, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansaville, WI, 53139, United States
In Touch with Nature—Drop In!!!
Friday, August 9th
While visiting the beach, drop in and visit our Naturalist Station to practice using your senses to observe nature!
Look for the green “Nature Program” flag!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-08-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, August 10th
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.

Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
2024-08-17 20:30 - 22:00 | Lot F, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Quarter Moon, Stars & Planets Observation!!!
Saturday, August 17th
Meet a half hour after sunset – at 8:30 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!

Nature Explorer Family Club: Habitats are Hip!!!
2024-08-20 10:00 - 23:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Nature Explorer Family Club: Habitats are Hip!!!

Tuesday, August 20th
How would you become invisible in our own backyard?
Come think like an animal and discover the critters hiding in plan sight! Find out which species are on the prowl, which are clever in the way they escape and how all the living things around us are connected.
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.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-08-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, August 20th
Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, August 20th! Please arrive at the RBSRA 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.

Sunset Hike!!!
2024-08-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Sunset Hike
Friday, August 23rd

Join our Natural Resources Educator on a beautiful sunset hike!
Meet at the Visitor Center, but be prepared to drive to a different location!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-08-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, August 24th
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.

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-08-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, August 27th
Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, August 27th! Please arrive at the RBSRA 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 pass.

Champion Tree Trail Hike!!!
2024-08-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Champion Tree Trail Hike!!!
Saturday, August 31
Join us for a guided hike to historic Rhodes Road and the beautiful Champion Tree trail!

Learn about the the history of Richard Bong State Recreation Area as well as the Bald Cypress Champion Tree (native to Louisiana) and the other unique trees along the trail including the black walnut, ginkgo, honey locust and Kentucky coffee tree!
Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee

Solar Observation!!!
2024-08-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Shelter #2, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Solar Observation!!!
Saturday, August 31

Drop in and see the Sun through special telescopes which are designed with solar filters to let you safely look at the Sun and learn about our special star!
Tom, our very knowledgeable volunteer, will share his special telescopes and answer any questions that you may have.
See if you can notice sunspots or maybe even solar flares!

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. if the Sun is out and skies are clear!

**Meet near Shelter 2, in the Urban Pond parking lot, near the entrance to the Nature Explore Classroom (NEC.)
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily

Scavenger Hunt!!!
2024-09-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Scavenger Hunt!!!
Friday, September 6th
Stop by the Visitor Center during our open hours (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) to pick up a scavenger hunt!
Enjoy the nature walk and be on the lookout for some unique nature finds.
Bring back the scavenger hunt for a prize!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Knee High Naturalist: Turkey Tales!!!
2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Nature Explore Classroom, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Knee High Naturalist: Turkey Tales!!!

Thursday, September 12th
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.

International Observe the Moon Celebration!!!
2024-09-14 13:00 - 23:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Courtesy of NASA

International Observe the Moon Celebration!!!

Saturday: September 14th

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!!
Courtesy of NASA

RBSRA/BNA Activities:

Afternoon Program at the Visitor Center – 1-2:30 PM
Join our Natural Resources Educator, Emily Cole, and Tom Harper, our knowledgeable volunteer astronomer, to learn about the moon, stars, planets and solar systems of our universe.
Enjoy videos on How the Moon Orbits the Earth and a 5-minute video of NASA footage from the LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter,) which has been orbiting the Moon and sending back close up images for years.
-1pm video Showing
-2 pm video Showing
Enjoy Moon activities, treats, and information! See how high you would be able to jump on the moon, learn about moon phases, and take a walk through the solar system!

Evening Program at Parking Lot F – 5:00 PM – 11:00 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 Tom Harper

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

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

Courtesy of NASA

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

Courtesy of NASA

Want to save/download a map of the Moon? Click on the following NASA link at: https://moon.nasa.gov/resources/443/2024-moon-maps-for-international-observe-the-moon-night/

While walk-in visitors are always welcome, if you know that you will be joining us then please register how many people in your group will attend each session so that we can better plan and to ensure a good experience for you:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6YspsPFqWP32Vc3959Txa6NPFUMywO5soRYozOtXjI_JJlg/viewform?usp=sf_link

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

Adopt a Highway!!!
2024-09-17 16:30 - 18:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Adopt a Highway!!!
Tuesday, September 17th

Please join us for Adopt A Highway on Tuesday, September 17th! Please arrive at the RBSRA Visitor Center parking lot promptly at 4:30 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!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance pass.

Fall Seed Scatter!!!
2024-09-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Fall Seed Scatter!!!
Friday, September 20th
Meet our Natural Resources Educator, Emily, at the Visitor’s Center for a fun seed project!
Use mud and seeds to make “Seed Bombs” then, head out to launch native seeds into the prairie!
All ages welcome!
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
2024-09-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Friendship Bracelet Fun!!!
Saturday, September 21st
Learn the basics to make a friendship bracelet from start to finish. Leave with a finished bracelet and the “know how” to make more for your friends!
There is a $5 class fee for materials and to support the Bong Naturalist Association.
This class is recommended for children 12 years old and older as well as adults.
Please pre-register by stopping at the Entrance Station or calling 262-878-5602.
All programs require a Wisconsin State Park entrance sticker or daily entrance fee.

Live Animal Encounter - Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
2024-09-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Visitor Center, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI, 53139, United States
Live Animal Encounter – Reptiles & Amphibians!!!
Saturday, September 21st
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.
