Registration Information

• Please register Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (877) 543-2085. Payment arrangements must be made at time of reservations.

• 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!

• Most programs have limited space available, so please call or email to make your reservation early.

• Unless otherwise noted, all programs meet on site at the Center.

• Members have the privilege of preregistering by charging program fees to their account. However, for programs that have waiting lists, members may be required to pay before the day of the program.

• Preregistered participants must cancel at least 48 hours in advance in order to receive a program fee refund.

• Most programs require a minimum number of participants in order to hold the program.

W, 2 Brown Bag: Basket Making -- Adult
12-1 p.m. Join local artisan Frances Whitfield as she shows her basket creations and the raw materials used to construct them. As all baskets are created with materials from our incredible forests, Frances will also address good stewardship of our forest resources. Held at the Mercer Public Library. Donations appreciated.

Th, 10 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge: Using Livestock Guarding Dogs to Prevent Wolf Depredations --Adult
5 – 7:30 p.m. Join TWA coordinator Anna Cellar as she presents her Master’s research using livestock guarding dogs as a non-lethal control tool to prevent wolf depredations. Working with livestock producers in the Western UP, she placed Great Pyrenees on cattle farms to test the dogs’ effectiveness at reducing depredations. Her research demonstrated a positive, proactive approach to depredations that benefits both the wolves and the livestock producers. Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and mingling prior to this evening’s presentation. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $12 member $15 non-member.

S, 12 Wolf Tracking with Telemetry -- Adult
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn the skill of radio tracking with Timber Wolf Alliance coordinator Anna Cellar as we locate a local wolf pack through radio telemetry. Background on the history and biology of wolves, and the tools used to study these captivating animals will be provided before we head out into the field. Transportation provided. Pack a lunch. Preregistration required. $15 members $18 nonmembers Register by 12/11.

S, 19 Annual Christmas Bird Count – Minocqua Area -- Adult/Family
Join the Discovery Center Bird Club in this citizen science activity focused on monitoring the abundance of our local winter resident bird species. Participate by joining a group that spends part of the day outdoors visiting local birding hotspots to count all birds that are seen and/or heard. Citizens who live in the count area can also participate at home by simply counting the birds that visit your feeders that day. Please call Zach Wilson, Center Naturalist, for more information.

Su, 20 Annual Christmas Bird Count – Manitowish Waters Area -- Adult/Family
See description above. Please call Zach Wilson, Center Naturalist, for more information.

S, 26 Sleigh Rides -- Family
2 – 5 p.m. Bundle up and enjoy a festive horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wooded grounds of the Center. Then head indoors to warm up with hot cocoa, coffee & cider. Donations welcome. Sponsored by the Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce.

M, 28 Dog Sled Express -- Adult/Family
Meet the fun-loving dogs of Two Moons Kennel for an afternoon on the snow. Learn about the sport of dog sledding and test out the experience for yourself! This fun activity is perfect for families and folks of all ages!
1-2:30 p.m. Registration is limited to 10 people to guarantee a hands-on experience. Registered participants will have the chance to learn the sport and the enjoy rides around the grounds. $15 member $18 non-member
2:30 – 4 p.m. This session is open to all. All participants will enjoy demonstrations and then names will be drawn to determine who will ride. $3 per person.

T, 29 Van Vliet Hemlocks Old Growth Snowshoe -- Family
9:30 a.m. -12 p.m. Come along with naturalist Zach Wilson as he explores the Van Vliet Hemlocks, a rare old-growth remnant of hemlock-hardwood forest. He’ll lead the group to a porcupine den and explore the animal tracks and sign found along the way. Moderate Level. Bring appropriate footwear for the winter conditions. Transportation provided. Snowshoe rental available for $5 a pair or bring your own. Preregistration required. $12 member $15 non-member

W, 30 Guided Snowshoe at Statehouse Lake -- Adult/Family
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Develop your wildlife tracking skills. Learn to identify animal signs by looking at patterns, measuring tracks, and counting toes. Join Center staff for a guided winter ecology snowshoe hike and exploration of this winter wonderland. Meet at the Discovery Center . $5 per person. Snowshoe rental available for $5/pair.

W, 30 Discover Winter Kids Program -- Youth 6 and up
2-3:30 p.m. Naturalist Licia Johnson will lead us on a hunt for the mysterious clues that animals leave behind. We will begin inside learning about clues critters leave behind, followed by a short discovery snowshoe hike outside. Upon returning, we will do a craft and have a snack. Please dress accordingly. We will use snowshoes if the weather permits (included or bring your own). Pre-registration is suggested. $8 Member $10 Non-member

W, 6 Brown Bag: Tracks, Scat and Animal Sign -- Adult/Family
12-1 p.m. Was that a wolf or a coyote that crossed the trail? What critter just climbed the tree? Learn the basics of animal sign and how to distinguish tracks and scat. An overview of common Wisconsin wildlife along with a hands-on look at pelts and skulls will be presented. Held at the Minocqua Public Library. Donations Appreciated.

S, 9 Dog Sled Express -- Adult/Family
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet the fun-loving dogs of Two Moons Kennel for an afternoon on the snow. Learn about the sport of dog sledding and test out the experience for yourself! This fun activity is perfect for families and folks of all ages! Preregistration required. $15 member $18 non-member.

Th, 14 Nibbles ‘N Knowledge: Walking with Bears -- Adult
5– 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this one… DNR Wildlife biologist Pat Beringer presents his research with black bears. Pat worked with bear biologist Lynn Rogers on his unique black bear study in Northern Minnesota . Pat “walked with the bears” collecting data on their habits and gaining amazing insights into their behavior. Join us in this unique black bear story. Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and mingling prior to the evening’s program. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $12 member $15 non-member

S, 16 Wolf Tracking -- Adult
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us as we travel deep into wolf territory for a snow-tracking excursion. Learn about the movements, size, and habitat use of wolf packs as we discover the sign they leave behind. We will explore the behavior of a wolf pack and learn the myths and truths associated with this fascinating animal. $12 member $15 non-member. Register by 1/15

W, 20 Guided Snowshoe at Statehouse Lake -- Adult/Family
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Develop your wildlife tracking skills. Learn to identify animal signs by looking at patterns, measuring tracks, and counting toes. Join Center staff for a guided winter ecology snowshoe hike and exploration of this winter wonderland. Meet at the Discovery Center . $5 per person. Snowshoe rental available for $5/pair.

S-Su 23-24 Porcupine Mountain, X-country Skiing and Snowshoe Overnight -- Adult/Family
S 8:30 a.m.- Su 3 p.m. Join us as we explore Michigan ’s Porcupine Mountain Wilderness Area for an overnight adventure at a rustic cabin nestled in the woods. The bunkhouse style cabin has a wood stove for heat with room to sleep 8 participants. We will be spending the day snowshoeing and skiing throughout the many groomed trails which wander through old growth forest and cross beautiful frozen rivers. Transportation and meals provided. Leaving 8:30 a.m. on Saturday returning by 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Call for more details. Preregistration required. $100.00 per person. Register by 1/14.

S, 30 Guided Moonlight Snowshoe -- Family
8:30-10 p.m. Journey into the night under the captivating glow of the full moon on this leisurely snowshoe walk. Learn about the habits of nocturnal animals and maybe hear an owl or coyote while you travel through the snow-covered silence of the moonlit forest. Preregistration Appreciated. $5 per person. Snowshoe rental available for $5/pair.

W, 3 Brown Bag: Citizen Science Monitoring: Exploring the World of American Marten -- Adult/Family
12-1 p.m. Join naturalist Zach Wilson as he explains his ongoing research on the state endangered American marten. Zach will discuss his important American marten monitoring project and teach participants how tracking plays a vital role in attaining data. Held at the Boulder Junction Public Library. Donations appreciated.

S, 6 Waterfalls in the Winter-Time -- Adult
9 a.m.-4 p.m. We’ve been there in spring, summer, and fall, so now let’s go in winter. Join us as we snowshoe in to the many waterfalls in Northern Iron County . Due to snow covered roads this trip is rated moderate to strenuous. Snowshoes will be needed. Bring your own or rent them from the Discovery Center for $5 per pair. Transportation provided. Preregistration required. $30 member $35 nonmember

Th, 11 Nibbles ‘N Knowledge: Lake Superior Meteorite Impact -- Adult
5– 7:30 p.m. This program is sure to be a “blast!” Northland College Professor Tom Fitz presents new research on a large meteorite impact in the Lake Superior Region millions of years ago that completely changed the earth. Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and mingling prior to the evening’s program. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $12 member $15 non-member.

S, 13 Ice Fishing 101 -- Adult/Family
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Curious what all those little shanties are doing out on the lake after the water freezes? Looking for an outdoor activity you can share with your family and friends during the short days of the northwoods winter? If the answer is yes, ice-fishing could be for you. Spend a few hours with the Discovery Center staff learning about our local fish species and basic techniques used to catch them through the ice! $5 members $8 non-members

T, 16 Bayfield Ice Caves Trip -- Adult/Family
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The ice caves are described as “an enchanting fairyland scene of frozen waterfalls and chambers filled with uncounted thousands of delicate icicles.” Provided safe conditions, we will travel to the mainland caves (3 mile round-trip hike across frozen Lake Superior ). If conditions are unfavorable, our alternative plan will be to experience the ice caves from a different perspective; we will look down on them from above. A 10:30 am Bayfield brunch will start the day’s event with a stopover at a local coffee/tea shop to warm up afterward. Transportation provided; food costs not included. Moderate to Strenuous rating (highly dependent on weather conditions). Preregistration required. $40 member $50 non-member. Register by 2/15.

Th, 18 Citizen Science Monitoring: Exploring the World of the American Marten -- Adult/Family
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spend a day in the field as citizen science monitors trying to locate an elusive American marten. Through use of radio telemetry, track and explore the movements of this endangered species. Discussion of marten ecology, and exploration of marten habitat will accompany this engaging program. Transportation provided, pack a lunch. Snowshoe rental available for $5 a pair, or bring your own. Preregistration required. $15 member $18 non-member $12 youth under 16. Register by 2/17.

S, 20 Just for Kids: Winter Scene Investigation (WSI) -- Youth
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join a Discovery Center naturalist and become part of the WSI team! We will begin our day inside, learning about the clues animals leave behind in winter. We will then venture out into the frosty forest on snowshoes to do some real investigating. After our hike, we will be stamping animal tracks on reusable canvas totes! Fun for kids of all ages! Snowshoe rental included or bring your own. Pre-registration is suggested. $8 Member $10 Non-member

W, 24 Guided Snowshoe at Statehouse Lake -- Adult/Family
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Develop your wildlife tracking skills. Learn to identify animal signs by looking at patterns, measuring tracks, and counting toes. Join Center staff for a guided winter ecology snowshoe hike and exploration of this winter wonderland. Meet at the Discovery Center . $5 per person. Snowshoe rental available for $5/pair.

S, 27 Bayfield Ice Caves Trip -- Adult/Family
Please see description above. Register by 2/26.

Th, 4 Brown Bag “Understanding Black Bears” -- Adult/Family
12-1 p.m. Ah, spring is on the way! That means that some critters of the Northwoods are starting to wake up from a long winter sleep. Join naturalist Licia Johnson as she talks about the ecology, life cycles, and habits of these large omnivores. Held at the Winchester Public Library. Donations welcome.

S, 6 Free Guided Snowshoe -- Adult/Family
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join a Discovery Center naturalist on a free guided snowshoe hike. Develop your wildlife tracking skills. Learn to identify animal signs by looking at patterns, measuring tracks, and counting toes. Join Center staff for a guided winter ecology snowshoe hike and exploration of this winter wonderland. Meet at the Fallison Lake Nature Trail located off Hwy N near Sayner. Donations appreciated. Snowshoe rental available for $5/pair.

Th, 11 Nibbles ’n Knowledge: Twentieth Century Huck Finn Adventure – Rafting down the Mississippi River -- Adult
5-7:30 p.m. Jason Holmes, a Mercer native, built a 14 X 28 foot raft and floated it from the St. Croix River in Minnesota down to the bayou near New Orleans in the summer of 2000. Come join us as this Twentieth Century Huck Finn adventurer retells the stories of crossing locks, surviving the intense summer heat, meeting unique river characters, and near death experiences with giant barges as he traveled down the mighty Mississippi . Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and mingling prior to the evening’s program. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $12 member $15 non-member.

S, 13 Winter Beaver Trapping and Beaver Ecology -- Adult/Family
9 a.m.- 12 p . m. Retired wildlife biologist and long-time trapper Jeff Wilson will lead participants on a snowshoe hike to an area beaver lodge to check his underwater traps. Beaver trapping has been an important part of Wisconsin ’s heritage and Jeff will demonstrate the importance of sustainable trapping. Following the hike will be a demonstration on how to properly skin a beaver. Preregistration required. $12 member, $15 non-member

W, 17 Green Day -- Youth/Family
10-11:30 a.m. Go “Green” this spring break at the Discovery Center ! Join our naturalists in a variety of earth-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, recycled paper making and decorating a reusable canvas tote! Pre-registration is suggested. $8 Member $10 Non-member

S, 20 Maple Sugaring -- Adult/Family
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Discovery Center naturalists as we show you the joys of maple sugarin’! We will teach you how to tap the trees, collect and boil down the sap and make it table ready. You will learn everything you need to know so you can make your own maple syrup at home! And of course there will be sampling of some maple goodies! Preregistration appreciated. $8 Member $10 Non-member

W, 24 Turkey Hunting Education -- Adult/Family
6-9 p.m. Join WI DNR biologists for their Turkey Education Clinics. Instruction includes the history, biology, habits and physical characteristics of Wisconsin turkeys. How to hunt turkeys, safety while hunting, and the hunting regulations are explained. Hunting equipment will be displayed and demonstrated. Turkey calling is also demonstrated. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $15 per person

S, 27 Lil’ Pups Children’s Program -- Youth
10-11:30 a.m. In April, wolves will begin to have their pups. Bring in your “pups” to learn about these amazing animals. Kids can find their own wolf pack based on scent, try their luck at “catching” prey on the wheel of wolves, and make their own wolf track plaster casts. Preregistration Appreciated. $5 member, $8 non-member

M, 29 Saw-Whet Owl Banding -- Adult/Family
8-10 p.m. 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.

W, 7 Brown Bag: Frogs and Toads of Wisconsin -- Adult/Family
12-1 p.m. Spring is here, bringing with it the songs of Wisconsin ’s amphibians. Join Discovery Center naturalists as we explore the 12 frog and toad species found in Wisconsin and the critical survey work done to monitor the health of the frog and toad species and their habitat. Held at the Presque Isle Community Library. Donations welcome.

Th, 8 Nibbles ’n Knowledge: The Wild and Wooly Yukon- A NOLS Adventure -- Adult
5-7:30 p.m. Journey along with Joe Panci, teacher/naturalist with Trees For Tomorrow Natural Resource Specialty School, as he recounts stories and adventures from a 30 day National Outdoor Leadership School wilderness backpacking and whitewater canoeing field experience in the rugged backcountry of the Yukon Territory . Start your night with complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and mingling prior to the evening’s program. Held at the Manitowish Waters Community Center . $12 member $15 non-member

S, 10 Owl Monitoring -- Adult/Family
8-10 p.m. Who’s Whoo-ing in the Northwoods? We will explore the vocalizations of our local owls, and then complete a portion of our Western Great Lakes Region Owl Monitoring route, listening for these birds of the night. Learn how you can become a citizen scientist and participate in this great project! Preregistration Required. $12 members, $15 non-member

S, 17 International Crane Count -- Adult/Family
5:30 -8 a.m. Join in the annual count and search for Sandhill Cranes. Early in the morning, counters listen for and count individual and mating pairs of these amazing birds. Beginners are welcome to join in; training provided. Please contact Zach Wilson, Field Trip Coordinator for the Bird Club, for more details.

S, 17 Mighty Marsh Birds ~ Sandhill Cranes of Powell Marsh -- Adult/Family
12 – 2 p.m. 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. Donations welcome.

S, 24 Manitowish River Spring Thaw Canoe/Kayak -- Adult/Family
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Join a Discovery Center naturalist as we explore the back waters of the Manitowish River . Your naturalist will enlighten you on the cultural and natural history of the river, while observing spring migrating birds and other wildlife. Weather and ice permitting! Canoe and kayak rentals available for an additional charge. Pre-registration required. $20 member $25 non-member, $15 youth 16 and under. Register by 4/22

W, 28 Walleye Watch -- Adult/Family
7-9 p.m. Ever wonder where the fish go to spawn in the spring? Well, here’s your chance to find out. This trip will take you to some of the best places in the state to view walleye at peak spawn. Shine your light down on thousands of walleye eyes just inches away. Meet at the Discovery Center. Preregistration Required. $12 members, $15 non-members