Registration Information

• Advance registration for all programs is strongly advised. Walk-in participants are not necessarily assured a spot, as many programs fill in advance. To ensure you get to participate in the program of choice PREREGISTER!
• Family Rates are available for certain programs this year. This rate will be $2 per child under 16 when accompanied by full fee paying adult(s) (unless noted otherwise).
• A Sibling Discount ($10 off) will be available for Adventure Club programs.
• NEW this year we are offering Super-memberships for weekly returning participants to our youth series programs. Supermembers can sign up at a discounted rate and will receive a number of other perks. The rate for a Discover Your World Supermember is only $55.00, and an Adventure Club Supermember rate is only $220.00. Please contact the Discovery Center for more details.
• Most programs have limited space available, so please call or email to make your reservation early.
• Please register Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (877) 543-2085. You may also register by emailing at least 3 days in advance at register@discoverycenter.net. Payment arrangements must be made at time of reservations.
• Unless otherwise noted, all programs meet onsite at the Discovery Center.

Program Series

Nibbles ‘N Knowledge: Educational and entertaining speakers lead a monthly series aimed at discussing conservation and nature-related topics; as well as light-hearted, adventure travel, and poetic presentations. Evenings start with appetizers and a cash bar at 5 p.m., and are followed by the night’s featured speaker at 6pm. $12 / member, $15 / non-member

Discover Your World: Morning explorations, adventures, and fun-filled activities for 5 – 10 year olds every Monday, June18th – August 13th (rain or shine!) from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Adult accompaniment required for children under 5. $8 member $10 non-member. Pre-registration appreciated; snacks and juice/water provided.

Adventure Club: All day adventures for 11 – 4 year olds every Tuesday, June 19th – August 14th (rain date Thursday of the same week) from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We request parents/guardians kindly drop off and pick up youth at designated times. Pre-registration required. Snacks, water, and equipment provided unless otherwise notes. Participants need to pack lunches. $30 member $35 non-member. $10 off Sibling Discount.

Join the owls, Naturalist Zach Wilson, and Master Bird Bander Bruce Bacon for a late-night search for owls. With a little luck and the right weather, participants will have the opportunity to band and view these tiny, palm sized owls. $15 member $18 non-member; Family Rate available.

With more than 1,000 lakes surrounding it, the town of Presque Isle lives up to it’s meaning - ‘Almost an Island’, from the French. This small Northwoods town has an impressive history going back over 300 years. Members of The Presque Isle Heritage Society will share stories of the histories of local lakes, particularly Carlin Lake, referring to a recently-published book. Upon conclusion of the program, join a guided tour of the historical Heritage Cottage Museum. Held at the Presque Isle Community Library. Donations welcome.

They’re back! Join WDNR Wildlife Biologist, Laine Stowell, as he discusses Wisconsin elk ecology and his research surrounding northern Wisconsin’s elk population. Begin your night with appetizers and a cash bar and 5 p.m., and follow it up with this evenings engaging program. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center. $12 member $15 non-member.

Join in the annual count and search for Sandhill Cranes. These amazing birds are sought after early in the morning, as counters listen for and count individual and mating pairs. Beginners welcome to join in; training provided. Please contact Zach Wilson, Field Trip Coordinator for the Bird Club, for more details.

What is that large stork-like bird flying over Wisconsin's marshes? Chances are it’s a Sandhill Crane if its legs and neck are outstretched to the front and back. Join Center naturalist Zach Wilson for an afternoon of bird watching at Powell Marsh and learn about these unique wetland birds. Please meet at the Powell Marsh main visitor parking lot. $8 member $10 non-member; Family Rate available.

Witness the mating ritual of the male woodcock, also known as the “timberdoodle”. Learn all about this amazing bird, and join in for a walk in search of this unique behavior. The males spiral upwards to a height of 200+ feet, and in less than a minute, spiral back down to earth, zig-zagging while making a musical, chirping sound. A wonderful family program! $12 member $15 non-member; Family Rate available.

Bat Chat

5/3 Birch Bark Box Creations
9 a.m. – Noon Join artist, Frances Whitfield, for a hands-on birch bark box building workshop. Transform ordinary pieces of birch bark into a work of art. Your finished project will be a cylindrical box with a lid. $12 member $15 non-member; an additional $7 materials fee required. Register by 5/1.

W, 5/7 Brown Bag: Off the Mat Yoga: Yogic tools to enhance your outdoors experience (Adult)
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Join yoga instructor, Terry Simeone from Land O’ Lakes, for an introductory class appropriate for any age or level of experience. Learn some of the fundamental principles of yoga that can be done to enhance any of your activities, especially those outdoor adventures we look forward to once summer returns. We’ll explore movements that increase flexibility and stability in the body, breathing techniques to increase vitality and focus, and relaxation tools that reduce stress. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow free movement and bring a mat or blanket to lie on. Held at the Manitowish Waters Library. Donations welcome.

Th, 5/8 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge: River of Life: A Documentary of Survival (Adult)
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. River of Life is an exhilarating story of a group of women whohave faced death and understand how precious life is. Candid and revealing, this beautifully-realized documentary film chronicles the experiences of the ‘Paddlers Abreast’ team as they struggle towards the finish line of the world’s longest annual canoe and kayak race on the Yukon River . Set against the stunning backdrop of Canada's north, this film combines lively footage of the race with touching and humorous interviews with the women; all breast cancer survivors, their families, and other paddlers. Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and mingling prior to the evening presentation. This evenings event is FREE to the public; donations appreciated.

S, 5/10 The Big Mouth Bash (Adult)
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Red Crown Lodge. Come and enjoy "Big Food, Big Drinks & Big Music" with our friends and neighbors from adjoining communities as we celebrate Spring in the Northwoods. Event includes: live music; hors d’oeuvres; wine and beer tastings; home-made desserts; fire-side stories; art exhibit, great raffle & door prizes; and giveaways for all! A cooperative offering by Red Crown Lodge, MAVWACC and The Discovery Center, the event is co- sponsored by Howard Young Medical Center, Marshfield Clinic, Miller Beer of the Northwoods; Minocqua Brewing Co; Rynder's Design/Build; Schmidt-Haus Realty; and South Shore Brewery. Tickets are $ 35 in advance or $40 at the door. All proceeds will benefit The Discovery Center.

M-W, 5/12 – 5/14 Volunteer Helping Hands Day (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We could use your help…join us in readying the Center for a fun, active summer that’s filled with programs and newness! We’ll be raking, cleaning, setting up bird feeders, and doing some general maintenance.

M, 5/12 Spring Fishing in the Northwoods
7:00 p.m. Stop by the Center for this family-oriented workshop and learn about the right fishing techniques for catching spring bass, walleye, panfish, and even northern pike. Experienced local fishing guide, Bob Bertch, will show and discuss tackle and lure selections used for optimal fishing results. There will even be a few prizes for the kids in attendance! Donations appreciated.

F-S, 5/16 – 5/17 2008 Birding Festival (Adult, Family)
6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hosted by the DiscoveryCenter Bird Club, the DiscoveryCenter, and in partnership with the Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce; join us for the 4 th annual Birding Festival. Explore the wonders of birding in Wisconsin’s Northwoods during peak migration. Great Lakes area ornithological experts offer programs and trips aimed at improving birding skills and knowledge, and understanding habitat and conservation measures. This year’s featured speaker is Joan Garland, Education Director of the International Crane Foundation. Her program will discuss the Whooping Crane reintroduction project and her experiences traveling alongside these majestic birds. Pre-register by May 11 for discount rate and canvas tote bag. $35 member $40 non-member $20 student and youth under 18.

Su, 5/25 Membership Social (Adult)
4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Our annual “FUNraiser” is one of our most popular events. Join us for the fun and fund-filled two and a half hours that launches our summer season. Catered by Skyview Lodge and Supper Club and featuring new vintages from Dennis Kohl of Trig’s Cellar 70, the evening is an opportunity to renew Discovery Center friendships and to support the Center by bidding on an array of silent auction items donated by our area’s businesses and artists. Or take a chance at our overflowing raffle table. The event is open to DiscoveryCenter members and the general public . $15 person

T, 5/27 Bog Beauties: Orchids of the Northwoods (Adult)
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Northern Wisconsin bogs are very unique ecosystems that contain a variety of fascinating plants. On this guided hike, participants will take a close look at the specially adapted vegetation, paying close attention to the rare and impressive orchids found in our Northwoods bogs. $10 member $12 non-member $8 youth 16 and under.

W, 5/28 Garden Club Gathering (Adult)
5:00 p.m. Are you looking to improve your green thumb, or are you just interested in learning more about gardening in general? If so, please join us for the Center’s first organized gathering of local gardeners interested in starting a club that will work towards promoting the development of gardening, community beautification and natural resource conservation in northern WI. Stick around after the meeting to help us prepare the existing Discovery Center ’s garden beds for future spring plantings. Come with an open mind, fresh ideas, and a willingness to get a little dirty.

S, 5/31 Waterfall and Geology Tour (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join Discovery Center naturalists as we tour a number of waterfalls at their most intense (after thaw). Bring along a few extra dollars for a lunch stop along the way. Transportation provided; easy rating. $20 member $25 non-member.

T, 6/3 - 7/? An Overview of Wood & Canvas Canoe Restoration (Adult)
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Restoring a canoe is a special art. The Discovery Center has a beautiful cedar/canvas Old Town war canoe in need of restoration, and we are looking for volunteers to help restore it. Dave Osborn, an expert in canoe restoration, will be leading a series of hands-on workshops dealing with the entire process of canvas canoe construction and restoration. Join him in stripping and repairing the Center’s twenty-five foot canoe that, once completed, will be used in Discovery Center programs. The workshops will be held on consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning June 3 rd. Donations appreciated to cover snacks and beverages.

W, 6/4 Protecting Your Northwoods Property (Adult)
4:00– 5:30 p.m. Since 2001, the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) has worked with private landowners to permanently protect over 3,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and shorelands in the heart of northern Wisconsin's lake country.  Executive Director Bryan Pierce will present the flexible, voluntary conservation options available through NWLT that landowners can use to permanently protect their family lands.  Tools such as land protection agreements, or conservation easements, can provide significant income and estate tax benefits, while also ensuring the land will remain conserved for future generations.  A free "Landowner's Guide to Protecting Your Northwoods Property" will be provided to all participants. Donations welcome.

W, 6/5 Nature Journaling (Family)
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Let your love for nature and the outdoors shine through the pages. Create your own beautifully decorated journal that you can use to capture your observations of the natural world. Some decorating materials provided, feel free to bring your own. Please come prepared to spend time outside journaling. Ages 8 + welcome. $8 member $10 non-member. Register by 6/9.

M, 6/9 You Bought a Lake Map …Now What? (Adult)
7:00 p.m.This free fishing seminar, led by experienced local fishing guide Erv Keller, will teach participants most everything they need to know about lake maps. Learn why it is important to have a good map, how to read the map and make it work for you, and how to tell the difference between structure and cover. Feel free to bring your own maps for discussion after the seminar. Donations welcome.

W, 6/11 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

Th, 6/11 Gardening for Monarch Butterflies (Family)
1:00 p.m. Bring on the butterflies! A butterfly garden is an easy way to attract butterflies to your yard and to contribute towards their conservation. Learn the benefits of a butterfly garden, which plants and flowers to include, and how to maintain one at your home. Come join staff and volunteers as we recreate a portion of the Center’s garden into a monarch waystation. Please come prepared to work outside in the garden. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

Th, 6/12 Birds and Birch (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join state ecologist Colleen Matula and WDNR wildlife ecologist Linda Winn, for an all day birding excursion. The tour will start at the birding hot spot, Powell Marsh, where we can view waterfowl, cranes and the arrival of marsh warblers. We will then travel to an upland forest nearby to learn about the importance of birch and forest ecology. There we will harvest some birch bark and bring it back to the Center where we will create unique birch crafts. We will be outdoors most of the day so please dress appropriately. Transportation provided; pack a lunch. $30 member $35 non-member.

Th, 6/12 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge: The Soldiers of Poverty: A Tribute to the Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. (Adult)
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. They were called the forgotten generation until they volunteered to make a difference! The Discovery Center welcomes author Mary Schueller for a presentation entitled, The Soldiers of Poverty: A Tribute to the Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. During this program we will honor the men who transformed the cut-over of Wisconsin into the Chequemegon-Nicolet National Forest and visit some of the park sites they developed that are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and mingling prior to this evening’s entertaining presentation. $12 member $15 non-member.

F, 6/13 Birding on the Bear River (Adult)
12:00 – 5:00p.m. Grab your binoculars and hop in a canoe or kayak for an afternoon paddle along the Bear River. This wild and winding river provides abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and some fantastic birding. Transportation provided. Canoe and kayak rentals are available; additional rental rates apply. $18 member $22 non-member $15 youth 16 and under.

M, 6/16 Discover Your World: Fishy Fun (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30a.m . Join us for a water full day of fishy fun! We will explore what lives underwater with our scaly friends using an underwater camera. Test your casting skills and maybe even catch a live fish. Plenty of games and crafts to make a fishy fun morning! 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 6/17 Adventure Club: Canoeing the Mighty Manitowish (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Join us for this all-day paddle on the mighty Manitowish River . Along the way we will search for wildlife and stop for a picnic lunch and a few games. Transportation and canoes provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

Th, 6/19 White Deer Tour (Adult)
5:00 p.m. Join naturalist Zach Wilson for a closer look into the world of Northern Wisconsin’s white deer. Begin by learning about what makes these creatures stand apart from their brown-colored counterparts. Then, travel to an area that has one of the highest populations of white dear in the state. Don’t forget your cameras! Transportation included. $15 member $18 non-member.

F, 6/20 Kids Kayak Day (Youth)
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. A great opportunity for kids to get comfortable with kayaking through games and activities. All equipment provided by Chequamegon Adventure Company. $20 person – ages 8+ welcome.

M, 6/23 Discover Your World: What’s for dinner? (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30a.m . Nature can be very dangerous at times! Whether an animal is a predator or a prey, everything is at risk of becoming another animal’s dinner. We will look at how other animals obtain their food, and see how they are all connected by a food web. Discover how animals work to stay alive in the wild. We will test your own observation skills through a variety of games and activities. 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 6/24 Adventure Club: Fishing Tournament (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Try your hand at catching a variety of different fish. We’ll stop by several different lakes where you can catch anything from Bass to Bluegills. Prizes will be awarded in this catch and release competition. Please bring your own fishing gear if available. Transportation provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

W, 6/25 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

W, 6/25 Sunset Canoe on Plunkett Lake (Adult)
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Explore beautiful Plunkett Lake by the colors of the setting sun. Listen for sounds of dusk activity as you enjoy this peaceful evening paddle. Transportation provided. Canoe and kayak rentals are available; additional rental rates apply. $12 member $15 non-member.

Th, 6/26 Animal Autographs (Family)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30a.m. Which animals have left their mark on nature? Become nature detectives and hunt down animal clues around the nature center -- from tracks to feathers and fur. You’ll also get to take home your own animal autograph. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

F, 6/27 Heron Rookery Trip (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Discovery Center staff will lead participants to a unique and impressive bird habitat and breeding grounds – a Great Blue Heron rookery located in nearby Iron County . We will bird along the 1 mile moderate hike to the rookery so be sure to bring your binoculars. Transportation provided. $15 member $18 non-member.

S, 6/28 Just Tri It Triathlon Adult, Family, (Youth over 13)
9:00 a.m. Race starts. 300-yard swim; 10km mountain bike; and 5km trail run. Check-in same day (limited) registration from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. and racer orientation at 8:30 a.m. Pre-register to assure your spot, to claim your complimentary t-shirt and to receive a discount rate. Great raffle prizes and lots of positive, fun competition. $30 person, $55 team of two, $80 team of three by June 20 th.

T, 7/1 TurtleRiver Paddle (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join us for a guided paddling tour of the Turtle River. This intimate river is the headwaters of the impressive Turtle Flambeau Flowage and it provides a scenic tour for paddlers. Transportation provided. Canoe and kayak rentals are available; additional rental rates apply. $18 member $22 non-member $15 youth 16 and under.

W, 7/2 Understanding Black Bears (Family)
7:00 p.m. Wisconsin has a thriving black bear population and it is possible that you may catch a glimpse of one in WI Northwoods! This engaging program will take you into the world of WI’s second largest mammal. Learn all about bear biology, natural history, habitat, and food requirements. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

M, 7/7 Discover Your World: Good Stewards Day (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30a.m . Let’s give back to Mother Nature by lending her a hand. Learn what it means to be a good environmental steward. Join us for several games and activities that focus on sustaining our natural resources and our environment for future generations. 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 7/8 Adventure Club: Lake Superior Jaunt (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Beach-combing, waterfalls, wading & more at our magical Great Lake ! Transportation provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

W, 7/9 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

W, 7/9 Logging History (Family)
6:00 p.m. Join local logging historian Paul Brenner for a trip through WI’s rich logging history. His famous slide show will take you on an illustrative journey back to the 1800’s when the logging industry reshaped WI’s northern landscape. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

Th, 7/10 Magnificent Monarchs (Family)
1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Explore the world of one of the most familiar sights of summer; the Monarch Butterfly. Learn about their life cycles and their impressive migrations. Check out some live specimens and create a monarch inspired craft. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

F, 7/11 Sailing Lessons (Youth, Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Learn the basics of sailing with experienced sailing instructors. Sunfish boats provided or feel free to bring your own. $20 person – ages 8+ welcome

M, 7/14 Discover Your World: MEGA Mammals of WI (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Lions and Wolves and Bears oh my! Stop by the Center and learn all about Wisconsin’s large mammals. Play interactive games and find out if you have what it takes to survive in the wild! Will you live to tell the “tail”? 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 7/15 Adventure Club: Biking, Hiking, and NatureCenter Excursion (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. BYO bikes, hiking boots, and swimsuits too! We’ll hit the scenic trails of the Northern Highlands State Forest and find some good swimming holes along the way. We will also take time to explore the Forest ’s Nature Center . Transportation provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

W, 7/16 Wild Edibles Hike (Adult)
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. WDNR Forest Ecologist, Colleen Matula and author of Wild Tastes of Nature Irv Rueger, join forces to offer an experience filled with fascinating information on plants’ current and historical uses. Tasty wild edibles accompany! $12 member $15 non-member $8 youth 16 and under.

Th, 7/17 Owls of the Northwoods (Family)
7:00p.m. Join us for a voyage through the mysterious world of Wisconsin ’s owls. Learn about the unique adaptations and lives of these night hunters of the Northwoods. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

F, 7/18 Birding and Botany at Powell Marsh (Adult)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Join Discovery Center naturalist, Zach Wilson, for a guided tour of Powell Marsh focusing on bird and plant identification. This 4,096 acre wildlife area is one of the most exceptional shore birding locations in the Northwoods. Powell Marsh also contains different wetland types, animal communities, and varied plant life. Transportation provided. $15 member $18 non-member.

F, 7/18 Citizen Science Monitoring: Examining the Quality of Your Surrounding Water Bodies (Family)
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Are you concerned about the future of our lakes? If so, this workshop will teach you how to become a citizen science monitor and help protect our local bodies of water. Learn different sampling techniques to collect water chemistry data. We will also take a look at the critters that live in the water to help us determine the quality of the water. Donations welcome.

Su, 7/20 Discovery Center Dinner & Derby (Adult)
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.  The event that’s become a runaway favorite! Join us for the third annual Run for the Northwoods Wild Roses, an indoor gallop for glory and glamorous giveaways.  The evening is both rollicking and elegant, featuring a sit-down dinner catered by Pine Barons and wines donated by Trig’s Cellar 70.  Fortunately for our cleaning staff, the horses aren’t real, but they’re ever so cleverly decorated by the owners who pony up for them.  Owners and spectators alike can make wagers (real ones! $5 apiece) for a cornucopia of giveaways. For more information on buying a horse for the evening and winning a grand prize, visit www.discoverycenter.net/events. Tickets are $35 each and are limited, so reserve yours early.

M, 7/21 Discover Your World: The Scoop on Poop (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Come and learn about nature’s “yuckies”, from owl pellets to bear scat. After learning all about how animals digest food, we’ll make some yummy scat treats to eat ourselves. 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 7/22 Adventure Club: River Tubing & Campfire Cookout (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and tubing down the Manitowish River . We’ll stop for some game breaks and a campfire cookout. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

7/23 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

Th, 7/24 Nature Journaling (Family)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Let your love for nature and the outdoors shine through the pages. Create your own beautifully decorated journal that you can use to capture your observations of the natural world. Some decorating materials provided, feel free to bring your own. Please come prepared to spend time outside journaling. Ages 8 + welcome. $8 member $10 non-member. Register by 7/22.

F, 7/25 Songbird Banding (Family)
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Join naturalist Zach Wilson for a unique birding experience. Participants will learn the importance of banding as a research tool, witness the process from capture to release, and experience up-close encounters with some of the Northwood’s most amazing residents. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

F, 7/25 Kids Kayak Day (Youth)
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. A great opportunity for kids to get comfortable with kayaking through games and activities. All equipment provided by Chequamegon Adventure Company. $20 person – 8+ welcome.

M, 7/28 Discover Your World: Nature Detectives (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. What secrets of nature can we find in a drop of pond water; inside a flower; under a rock? Join us as we investigate the hidden ways of nature around us. As nature detectives we’ll search for evidence of life and clues to understanding the relationships among plants and animals. 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 7/29 Adventure Club: Mountain and Waterfall Explorations (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Whoever said WI is flat hasn’t visited the most northern regions of our state! Put on your hiking boots for a day of exploring tall peaks and impressive falls. Don’t forget your water bottle! Transportation provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

W, 7/30 “Caterpillar Hunter” (Family)
10:30 a.m. The Discovery Center is hosting the area libraries’ summer reading series themed play, “Caterpillar Hunter”. The performance, sponsored by Boulder Junction Public Library, Koller Memorial Library, Presque Isle Public Library, and the Winchester Public Library, is held in the Center’s outdoor amphitheatre overlooking Statehouse Lake. This unique setting brings a whole new light to the actors and the play. The actor group “Traveling Lantern” will perform the production…open to all ages. Donations appreciated.

Th, 7/31 Fisher Mentor Day (Youth)
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Children, ages 7-13, are invited to join the area’s best guides and fishermen and women. Participants meet at The Center, pair up with their guide for the day, head out for a couple hours of fishing and meet back at The Center for a traditional shore lunch. Registration required by 7/28; transportation provided. Event sponsored by Team Retreat. Donations appreciated.

F, 8/1 Sailing Lessons Youth, (Adult)
9:00 – 12:00 p.m. Learn the basics of sailing with experienced sailing instructors. Sunfish boats provided or feel free to bring your own. $20 person – ages 8+ welcome.

M, 8/4 Discover Your World: Where Did I Come From?   (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m . Imagine starting life with a pocket of food attached to your body, or having to drill your way through a hard shell on your first full day of life. What if you were surrounded by thousands of other eggs, or had to dig your way to the earth’s surface to start your life? Plants and animals enter the world in all different forms. Through games and a discovery hike, we’ll explore the many shapes that form the beginning of life, from spores and seeds in plants to eggs and live birth in animals.  5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 8/5 Adventure Club: Turtle Flambeau Flowage Wildlife Boating Tour (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Join us for a wildlife watching tour along the peaceful waters of the beautiful Turtle Flambeau Flowage. We will stop and explore various islands along the flowage throughout the day. Transportation provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

W, 8/6 Wolf Ecology (Family)
6:00 p.m. Learning about wolves is the first step to better understanding and accepting these animals as part of our Northwoods environment. Join WDNR Biologist Ron Schultz, as he discusses the wolf monitoring project here in WI. Learn the myths and truths associated with this fascinating animal and gain a better understanding of wolf behavior. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

Th, 8/7 Bog Ecology Hike (Family)
10:00 a.m. Come out and explore the bogs’ of the Discovery Center from our new bog boardwalk! On this guided hike you will learn about the fascinating plants that are specially adapted to live in this unique Northwoods ecosystem and about the animals that also call it home. $10 member $12 non-member $8 youth 16 and under.

F, 8/8 Art in Motion: Origami and You (Family)
2:00 p.m. Shape your world with creative movement and the art of paper making and folding. The easy step by step process of making simple sculptures out of paper derived from wood and other natural materials is guided along with clear instructions. Movement in space celebrates the link between yoga & tai chi with the natural world of plants, animals and the elements essential for life. The benefits of these exercises lend flexibility / strength, coordination and confidence in recreating this unity in paper creations as well as daily life. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

M, 8/11 Discover Your World: Warm and Fuzzy (Youth)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. What adaptations do Wisconsin mammals have that help them survive? We will look at skulls, skins, furs, and other adaptations that help wildlife survive. Activities and crafts will also help us learn about animal survival strategies. 5 – 10 year olds. $8 member $10 non-member.

T, 8/12 Adventure Club: Outdoor Survival Skills (Youth)
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Spend the day in a beautiful old growth forest learning about outdoor survival skills and strategies. Getting lost and found, fire making and cooking and building tools are a few of the hands-on skills you’ll be learning. Transportation provided; pack a lunch. 11 – 14 year olds. $30 member $35 non-member.

W, 8/13 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

Th, 8/14 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge: Notorious Northwoods Gangsters (Adult)
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Back in the 1920s and 1930s, some of Chicago ’s most notorious gangsters flocked to beautiful Vilas County to relax and recreate. With them came many stories and infamous events like the 1934 Dillinger shoot-out at the nearby Little Bohemia restaurant. Join us for an entertaining evening of gangster stories and unique memorabilia. Start your night with appetizers and a cash bar and follow it up with this evening’s engaging event. $12 member $15 non-member.

M, 8/18 Animal Sounds: Identifying the Unknown (Family)
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Join us on an auditory adventure. Discover all the amazing, wild, & wacky sounds our backwoods friends can muster up. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available

T, 8/19 Wolf Howling (Family)
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Travel deep into wolf territory for an evening howling survey. Learn the general wolf ecology, the current status of wolves in WI and the fascinating ways in which wolves communicate. Transportation provided. $15 member $18 non-member $12 youth 16 and under

W, 8/20 Monarch Tagging and Monitoring (Family)
1:00 p.m. If you’re a butterfly lover this is a program you don’t want to miss! Start off by learning about the history and life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. Then we will go outside and try to collect and tag real live Monarchs using small identification stickers issued by Monarch Watch. Monarch Watch mini-kits, which include everything you’ll need to tag and monitor our flying friends from home, will be available for participants to take home and use. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

W, 8/20 Revealing the Night Sky (Family)
7:00 p.m. To spend some time learning about the "Universe", it's size, objects, and beauty is to leave oneself filled with awe and wonder. Come join retired airline pilot, artist, and amateur astronomer Lloyd Giles as he shares his interest in the subject of astronomy. The program will include a slide presentation showing the beauty of deep sky objects found in the night sky. $8 member $10 non-member $5 youth 16 and under; Family Rate available.

T, 8/26 MooseLake and Pines Old Growth Hike (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join us for an ecologically-focused hike at a beautiful, remote old-growth site. Old growth forest stands are magical, unique areas in Wisconsin’s Northwoods that many find inspiration in and amongst. Transportation provided. $15 member $18 non-member.

T, 8/26 Volunteer Recognition Party (Adult)
4:30 – 7:00 p.m. The Discovery Center staff understands the value of our volunteers and we want to honor them. We invite all volunteers to an evening party dedicated to celebrating them. A good time is guaranteed!

W, 8/27 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

F, 8/29 Wolf Howling (Family)
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Travel deep into wolf territory for an evening howling survey. Learn the general wolf ecology, the current status of wolves in WI and the fascinating ways in which wolves communicate. Transportation provided. $15 member $18 non-member $12 youth 16 and under

S, 8/30 Wild Rice/Wild Lakes (Adult)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join naturalist John Bates for a unique paddling experience. Canoeing or kayaking through a dense stand of wild rice feels very much like walking through a tall grass prairie. The grasses (wild rice is a grass, too) may reach so high that one can become lost among them. We’ll show you how the Ojibwe gathered rice (though this is not a collecting trip), and we’ll likely kick-up a host of birds that know a free lunch when they see one. We will paddle Aurora Lake , a 94-acre, 4-feet-deep, undeveloped lake designated as a state natural area. The lake is wild rice literally from end-to-end, and appears from the boat landing more like a grassland than a lake. $20 member $24 non-member $18 youth 16 and under.

F, 9/5 Wildlife Pontoon Cruise (Adult)
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Join us for a wildlife watching tour along the quiet waters of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Complimentary appetizers and transportation provided; BYO beverages. $25 member $30 non-member

T, 9/9 Mushroom Identification Hike (Adult)
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Members of the North State Mycological Society will bring their expertise and passion for “fleshy fungi”. Botanist Cora Mollen and fellow society members will be on hand to answer questions and lead forays into the woods to help participants become familiar with Northwoods’ mushrooms. Donations appreciated.

T, 9/9 Wolf Howling (Family)
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Travel deep into wolf territory for an evening howling survey. Learn the general wolf ecology, the current status of wolves in WI and the fascinating ways in which wolves communicate. Transportation provided. $15 member $18 non-member $12 youth 16 and under

W, 9/10 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

Th, 9/11 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge: Energy Alternatives (Adult)
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Today it’s hard to turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper and not find a story about global energy consumption and the future energy demands of our world. Jim Brown of Nicolet College in Rhinelander, leads a program on energy conservation and renewable energy options. He will focus on the performance of solar and wind energy systems at the Nicolet College Renewable Energy Center and share renewable energy system mockups. Complimentary appetizers, cash bar and mingling accompany the evening presentation. $12 member $15 non-member.

W, 9/17 Forming Friendships and Fun Times; Let’s Start a Club (Adult)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Do you have a favorite outdoors or nature related hobby or past-time that you wish you could enjoy with others? Join us for an informal evening of brainstorming, socializing, and good company. The Discovery Center would love to serve as a host organization for any mission consistent club, so stop in and let’s see what develops. Light snacks will be provided; feel free to bring a finger food to pass during this casual evening’s event.

W, 9/24 Free Guided Nature Hike (Family)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Discovery Center wants to help you discover the sites and sounds of the great Northwoods. Join us for our FREE monthly guided nature walk along our interpretive trail. Explore our lake, bog and forest habitats with the hike leaders. Learn about the local geography, and the plants and animals of this region on this easy, leisurely stroll.

Su, 9/28 Fall Colors/Old Growth Hike (Adult)
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Autumn in the Northwoods means cool temperatures, north winds, migrating birds, no mosquitoes, and glorious trees that “all but cry with color” (Edna St. Vincent Millay). Join naturalist John Bates on a guided hike through the 561-acre Plum Lake/Star Lake State Natural Area to a peninsula jutting into Plum Lake . Along the way, we’ll view hemlocks, sugar maples, and yellow birch that are over 200 years old. Round-trip is about 5 miles – moderate to strenuous rating. Transportation provided; please pack a lunch - we’ll eat lunch along the trail. $30 member $35 non-member. Register by 9/24.

Th, 10/9 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge: Wisconsin Cougars: Their History, Status, and Potential Future (Adult)
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Last year Dr. Eric Anderson, Professor of Wildlife at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point , shared his findings from his cougar research project. This fall he has agreed to return and share with us his new up-to-date research on the presence and status of cougars in Wisconsin . Start your night with appetizers and a cash bar at 5 p.m. , and follow it up with this evening’s eye opening program. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $12 member $15 non-member.