“You always can tell what a bird does eat when you look at its beak and you look at its feet.” Students will learn “how birds make a living” with hands-on activities. We’ll examine study mounts before exploring the land with binoculars in search of resident bird species.

What is energy? Where does it come from? Students will answer these questions as they investigate different forms and sources of energy. We’ll learn about energy transfer through food chains and how renewable resources help with energy conservation.

The Earth is constantly changing and scientists have made observations of these changes over many years. Students will learn the difference between short-term changes such as weather and seasons, and long-term changes such as climate and animal adaptations. We’ll visit “The Children’s Shack” to observe changes in people’s lifestyles and record our observations to create our own records to study.

Aldo Leopold wrote: “When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” During this program, we will define, compare and contrast types of communities found at the Nature Center. The pond, marsh, prairie and woodland are options for seasonal habitat exploration. Pond dipping included when possible.

Find out about the science behind climate and how and why our climate is changing. Through interactive investigations, experiments and activities, students will learn the concepts behind the carbon cycle, greenhouse effect and other scientific phenomenon that contribute to climate change. We will then innovate and create solutions that reduce these effects. Adapts well to a longer program.

Take a trip back in time to see how Native Americans lived long ago. A hands-on timeline will demonstrate what foods and tools they depended on and how these changed over time. Students will hike up the drumlin to view Native American mounds and question what they are, how they were made and why they are here. Adapts well to a longer program.

Learn about the glaciers that formed the landscape of Wisconsin and what formations they made along the way. Students will hike a glacial drumlin to see the work of glaciers first-hand, observe a model glacier at work and learn how the earth’s glaciers of today are changing. Come away with an understanding of how powerful glaciers really are, and how they influenced human settlement in Wisconsin and their role in a global ecosystem.

This program begins indoors where students are introduced to a variety of maps. After instruction on how to use components of the map, students will venture forth, with maps in hand, to find the “nature treasures” hidden on our grounds. Use of a compass is optional. Adapts well to a longer program.

As they learn about the Leopold family’s legacy and how Aldo’s land ethic influences conservation efforts even today, students will hike the woods, prairie, and pond areas surrounding the Nature Center and spend time in the Children’s Shack. Partake in some of Aldo Leopold’s favorite past-times such as bird watching, tree identification, or land restoration. We’ll record our observations in the Nina Leopold Bradley Phenology Center. This program combines well with Nature Journaling.

Aligned with 4th grade curricula objectives, but adaptable for grades K-5.
This program is only offered for three weeks in March in 2019 (March 11th-29th). Students will learn basic tree identification, try tools used to “tap a tree,” taste sap, learn the science of sap flow and watch it cook down to syrup during the boiling process. We will teach the history of maple syrup making from the Native Americans to the present—and taste the final product! Adapts easily to a longer program.

If you were a frog, how far could you leap? How can we estimate the height of a tree? Ever guess how old a tree is? Naturalists will lead students in a number of math-in-nature activities with the help of measuring tools, formulas, games, and observation skills.

Aldo Leopold’s fame can be largely attributed to his skill as a nature writer. In Leopold fashion, students will begin by heightening their observational skills. Students will be given the opportunity to sketch from nature and practice descriptive writing in journals. Students may bring their own journals or use the Nature Center’s simple journal page. This program combines well with Leopold’s Life and Legacy.

Recommended for 4th grade and up.
Students will learn the parts of a compass, how to hold it and use it properly. Pacing will be demonstrated as a valuable skill for estimating distance. ALNC’s orienteering courses provide the opportunity to test students’ skills and  learn the techniques necessary to build an orienteering course.

Anyone could find themselves in a situation where they need to use survival skills. Not only must we respect natural forces but also learn what nature provides to help us survive. Students will learn how to dress appropriately, pack a survival kit and work cooperatively to develop a strategy when faced with a crisis situation. Outdoors, the students work in teams to build a fire, boil water and make a debris shelter. Partners well with Snowshoe Science.

There’s always something new happening at the Nature Center! Students will learn to observe how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes while enjoying the best of each season.

• Fall – Sunny prairie flowers, sticky seeds, migrating birds, scurrying squirrels and falling leaves
• Winter – Animal tracks, snow crystals, tree skeletons, hardy birds, burrowing mammals
• Spring – Woodland wildflowers, bursting tree buds, chorusing frogs, returning birds, emerging insects

Offered January through mid-March; conditions permitting.
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy winter and stay healthy! After introducing the history of snowshoeing and learning about various styles, each student will be given a pair of snowshoes and we’ll head out across the snow covered prairie to learn basic snowshoeing skills and techniques. Along our hike, we’ll stop and observe weather, tracks, watch for winter birds and other seasonal highlights. Sit ski available for students with physical disabilities, giving them an opportunity to get outside and explore the snow packed trails alongside their classmates!

Students will observe and compare organisms through examination of study mounts and a pond dip to learn the adaptations of animals in different habitats. We’ll categorize animals through careful observation of physical characteristics. On a hike through the woodland and prairie, students will also discuss seed structure function, and dispersal.

Wisconsin’s rich cultural history comes to life! Students will experience a variety of activities related to early sustainable living including games and household chores like fetching water, churning butter, washing laundry and grinding grain. Adapts well to a longer program.

Follow water through the water cycle and investigate the impacts of evaporation and condensation on earth’s weather, using Science on a Sphere. Students will get their hands wet as they explore the pond and discover the connection between water quality and aquatic life. We’ll also experiment how water moves through different types of soil.

How do animals survive the winter? Come and discover which animals hibernate and which ones stay to endure the rigors of the season. Students will hike the grounds to learn about the ecological importance of snow cover and even ice on ponds! We’ll also look for signs of the animals that stay all winter. Partners well with Snowshoe Science.

What is considered a wetland and how do we know? Students will visit marsh and pond habitats, comparing and contrasting their characteristics. This program includes pond dipping, wetland study mounts, and a hike to the marsh to observe wildlife while discussing the benefits of wetlands.