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NEWSLETTER OF THE ALDO LEOPOLD NATURE CENTER
ENGAGE
STOP BY ALNC TO
SEARCH FOR SIGNS
OF SPRING THIS
WEEKEND
In addition to our weekday
hours, ALNC is open every
Saturday and Sunday from
10 am – 2 pm!
Enjoy a virtual trip to outer
space in our Science On a
Sphere, hike our trails, see the
eco-sphere, share your discoveries in the Nina Leopold
Bradley Phenology Center
and more!
New themes are featured
in the exhibits each month.
Coming Up:
April: Green Living Month
May: From the Soil
June: Fishing Fun
July: World of Water
Remember, ALNC Members
receive FREE admission into
the interactive exhibits, in addition to valuable benefits all
year long!
Join today: visit us online at
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
or call 608-221-0404 x9.
EMPOWER
SPRING 2015
EDUCATE Why Nature Matters
With all the stressors of our fast-paced, digital lives, it’s a simple fact that a
walk outdoors, a green tree, or simply an open window letting in the spring
breeze can be remarkably restorative. Here at ALNC, we see the positive
effects of nature every day in our
employees, visitors and students.
The health benefits of spending time
outdoors in nature are especially
pronounced in children. Recent studies
by the American Academy of Pediatrics,
the American Medical Association, the
American Association of Ophthalmology,
and the American Public Health
Association indicate that children who
participate in outdoor programs —
like those offered at ALNC — experience
physical, emotional and cognitive benefits. Some of these benefits are physical
and noticable: lowered rates of depression, ADD/ADHD, and obesity, and
improvement in immune & cardiovascular health. Other proven benefits, like
improvement in classroom and academic performance and greater respect for
themselves, others, and the environment can be harder to observe, but are no
less critical to children’s health and wellbeing.
At the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, we are
creating an environmental legacy connecting future
generations to nature and the enjoyment there is to
be had exploring and learning outdoors. We are
so grateful for your support of this crucial effort,
and look forward to welcoming you back to nature
this summer!
For more information, supporting documentation, and nature play resources,
visit our website at: www.aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/why-nature-matters
PAGE #
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Terence Kelly/Chairman of the Board
Anne Ross/Vice President & Secretary
Charles Carpenter/Treasurer
Steve Books
Deborah Gilpin
Jim Hubing
Mary LaMar
Mark Miller
James Edward Mills
Peg Smelser
Trish Stevenson
Alfonso Zepeda-Capistrán
ADVISORY COUNCIL
William Cronon
Tony Earl
Estella Leopold
Curt Meine
Mike Nelson
Tia Nelson
PROGRAM STAFF
Bob Miller
President & Executive Director
Josh Bruecken
Facilities & Grounds Manager
Brenna Holzhauer
Director of Exhibits & Digital Curricula;
Nature Net Coordinator
Tracy Marks
Membership Manager
Deb McCue
Business Office Manager
Sierra Pope Muñoz
Director of Communications
Marlene Vadjunec
Vice President of Advancement
Kelley Van Egeren
Director of Development & Stewardship
Anna White
Rental & Event Coordinator
Virginia Wiggen
Nature Center Director
Nathan Zabel
Education Assistant
Creal Zearing
Program Coordinator
Education Staff:
Rica Bruinsma
Amy Callies
Jessi Claringbole
Doug Davis
Sue Denholm
Nancy Fonzen
Bev Fowler
Sherry Hershberger
Jefferson Hofmann
Shannon Howald
Alex Jeffers
Nicky Mondroski
Mariah Myers
Chuck Monzon
Kara Naramore
Katherine Owens
Betsy Parker
Erin Parker
Anne Pearce
Tom Pearce
Jeanine Ranzen
Brian Schneider
Emily Steinwehe
Shaina Stewart
Tara Von Dollen
Kathy Waldera
Courtney Woods
Nathan Zabel
Exhibit & Event Staff:
Ashley Goschey
Caitlin Schulze
Alex Jeffers
Ben Aerts
Lara Carlson
Jared Durlauf
PAGE 2
Dear Friends,
There is no better place to enjoy the natural awakenings
of spring in Wisconsin than the nature trails at the Aldo
Leopold Nature Center. Our faithful Sandhill Cranes
have returned from their winter migration, and their calls
can be heard echoing through the wetland and prairie in
chorus with the red-winged blackbirds and several species
of frogs. Painted turtles, Canada Geese and muskrats have
been spotted basking in sunny spots near the pond, and the
Kindergarten woodland is blanketed with bloodroot, trillium,
and other mid-season ephemeral wildflowers.
Each day from now until the end of the school year, hundreds of school children from all
over south central Wisconsin will discover these signs of the season and many others on
field trips to ALNC. Our unique programming integrates hands-on nature observations
in native wildlife habitats with high-tech lesson in our Climate Science Education Center,
providing a one-of-a-kind nature connection for students and their families and teachers.
There’s still plenty of learning and fun to be had at ALNC after the last school bell rings!
Our public programs, climate lectures, and adult and teacher workshops are a
great way to get re-introduced to nature year-round. Our popular Nature & Discovery
Summer Camps for ages 2-16 are right around the corner - these popular programs are
filling up fast, but there’s still time to register! Lace up your sneakers and hit the trails for
Run Wild in the Woods: a cross-country 10K/5K at our beautiful Black Earth campus.
And be sure to save the date for our annual fall fundraising gala, Pipers in the Prairie, on
September 26, 2015!
With sincere thanks,
BOB MILLER
PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALNC & Nature Net
Celebrate Earth Day 2015
Spring has sprung, and it’s a busy time for Nature Net and all of our partners.
Visit naturenet.com for links and details on the great programs coming up soon!
Every year, Nature Net and Aldo Leopold Nature Center contribute to the Earth Day
Classroom Fun Book, published by Madison Gas and Electric, which is full of fun activities,
great energy-saving tips and articles to encourage area school kids
to make sustainable choices now and in the future. Look for the Fun
Books at your area school, or at one of the Nature Net partner sites!
Plus, gear up for Nature Passport – kicking off in
early June. Explore amazing nature spaces around South Central Wisconsin all summer long, with this
popular family nature activity program!
SUMMER CAMPS...
It’s hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner! How will your child say they spent their summer break?
This year, give your youngster something to brag about by sending them on an
adventure at ALNC’s summer camps!
This year, Summer Camps run June 15 through August 28. There are more than
150 exciting and educational camp sessions for children ages 2-16 to choose
from, where your camper can try their hand at pioneering, muck in the marsh like
a muskrat, go on an archeological dig to uncover ALNC’s buried history and learn
to fish like Aldo Leopold! Several scheduling options are available, including half
day sessions, full day options, full week packages, and more. There are so many
great camps it’s hard to choose our favorites, but here is a sampling of the offerings on tap for this summer:
In the ‘Sprouts’ 4 year old section, try out PLANT-TASTIC!
Monday-Thursday, July 6-9, 1 pm to 4 pm: this camp is all about growing! We’ll
plant and water, make a plant print, take home a homemade Chia Pet, learn
how plants drink water, run through the sprinkler, dig in the dirt, and learn about
worms.
In the ‘Explorers’ 7-9 year old section, it’s GOODNESS SNAKES ALIVE! Friday,
August 21, 9 am to 12 noon: Snakes slither and slide, but they’re not slimy! Learn
to love our friends without feet by discovering where they live, what they eat and how they move. You’ll also delve
into the world of other reptiles and learn what makes them unique.
For our 13-16 year old campers, explore the KICKAPOO RIVER!
Monday-Friday July 27-31: The Kickapoo, known as the “crookedest river in the
world”, is a beautiful, 125 mile river that meanders through Wisconsin’s Driftless
region. This river system, one of the oldest in the state, features many unique rock
formations, wildlife to observe and places to explore. We’ll learn the basics of
canoeing, how to plan a trip, backcountry & camping skills as we adventure along
one of Wisconsin’s most scenic waterways. Return home with a sense of achievement, confidence and newly made friendships.
For a full program list, pricing, and registration details, please visit us on the
web at aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org or call (608) 221-0404 to request a paper
copy of the Summer Camp Guide.
Sessions fill up quickly, so don’t delay – register early to get your youngster
geared up for a summer they’ll never forget!
ALNC Members
save 10% and
get priority
registration
for on summer
camps!
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
From program partnerships to employee volunteer days, the support
ALNC receives from corporations, foundations and individuals is crucial for
continuing our mission. Visit aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/our-partners
for information and links to our partners!
PAGE
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3 #
PUBLIC PROGRAMS...
FAMILY PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Saturday, May 9
10 am - noon
Sunday, June 21
10 am - noon
WILDFLOWER WANDER
Bring your mother or other for this easy stroll to see
some of Wisconsin’s spectacular spring wildflowers.
May is an excellent time to view both early and late
spring flowers since their bloom times overlap and our
woodland areas are simply spectacular! Learn the
folklore behind names of the ephemeral wildflowers
and color & take home a field guide of your favorite
spring wildflowers. Moms, families, grandparents, plant
lovers - and even dads - are invited to join us on this
easy and enjoyable outing.
FAMILY FISHING FUN
Fishing was one of the activities most enjoyed by Aldo Leopold as a youngster; join us to
learn why in this introduction to angling! You’ll see examples of different types of rods
and reels, practice casting, learn how to tie basic fishing knots, and catch worms to use as
bait as you fish in our pond! Can you reel in the biggest bullhead or bluegill? Program
will be conducted outdoors, rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. All fishing
equipment will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.
Family Program Pricing: ALNC Members: $7/person or $25/family; Non-members: $8/person or $29/family
To register for Public Programs, visit aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org. For more information or to register by phone,
call 608-221-0404, x1.
WONDER BUGS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May 2015
9:30 am - 10:45 am
Introduce your toddler or preschool aged child to a safe
and wonderful natural world. This program is specifically
designed for children ages 2-5. Each week, we’ll explore a
different seasonal topic through hikes, outdoor exploration,
music, puppetry, songs, stories and more. Each session will
include a snack. An adult must accompany all children to
the program.
SMELLA THE MUSTELA
Tuesday, May 5 & Wednesday, May 6, 2015 (T,W or F)
Minks and pine martens and fishers, oh my. This family of critters will
catch you by surprise. So many games, crafts and fun you might think
you “stole” something. You can’t weasel your way out of this one-come
explore today!
LIZARD WIZARD
Tuesday, May 12 & Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Chameleons are lizards that can change color; it’s almost like magic! A
palette of games and activities will amaze you. Don’t dye this at home by
yourself, come join the fun. It’s a lizard of a different color!
WHOOP-THERE IT IS!
Tuesday, May 19 & Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Cranes we mean. Whooping or Sandhill, these long-legged birds are sure
to captivate you. Discover their amazing stories and come hear them for
yourself. It will be three-toes up for sure!
PAGE 4
CAMPING DAYS…
Tuesday, May 26 & Wednesday, May 27, 2015
…Are here again. Want to learn some tricks or feel like you have practiced
once before heading on your own adventure? Then join us today for a whirl
wind campout! Let’s roast this topic and top it with a chocolate bar.
NEAT-O MOSQUITO
Tuesday, June 3 & Wednesday, June 4, 2014
We won’t just scratch the surface today! There’s more than bites the eye with
games, songs, and crafts- oh my. Are you itchin’ to join us? Yes, yes, you
say!
PRICES FOR WONDER BUGS FOR ALL INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS:
$9/CHILD, ALNC MEMBERS SAVE 10%.
PACKAGE PRICE FOR ALL SPRING WONDER BUGS SESSIONS:
WEDNESDAYS (14 SESSIONS): $114 (MEMBERS SAVE 10%)
FOR REGISTRATION OR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ALDOLEOPOLDNATURECENTER.ORG
PUBLIC PROGRAMS...
WEEKEND EXHIBIT THEMES
APRIL 2015 – GREEN LIVING MONTH
Celebrate Earth Day and all things green with Green Living month at the Aldo
Leopold Nature Center! Learn about sustainable habits and actions we can all take to
make a difference in saving resources, reducing emissions, and having positive impacts
on the environment. View special shows and displays in the exhibit area, check out
our newly sprouting gardens and ecosystems, learn about alternative transportation
and renewable energy, take a tour of our building and grounds to explore our green
features, and participate in Green Living events and programs going on all month
long.
SPRING
PHENOLOGY
AT ALNC
What blooms will you
spot on your next visit
to ALNC?
MAY 2015 – FROM THE SOIL
This time of year, there are lots of new critters and plants emerging from – and
busy underneath – the spring soil. This month, learn about plants and flowers,
examine “compost critters,” and look for recent appearances in our vegetable beds,
greenhouse, and phenology garden. Then, hike our trails and see what you can find in
our prairie and woodlands! Go under the soil and around the globe in our awesome
theaters, and visit our exhibits to learn how climate change is impacting gardening
and farming in Wisconsin. Bring the whole family and start germinating ideas for your
own yards and gardens at home.
JUNE 2015 – FISHING FUN!
Plunge headfirst into this month’s programs and get hooked! Travel on a virtual tour
of Earth’s oceans, enjoy hands-on family fishing activities, visit our pond, learn about
lakes and rivers, and discover the connection between climate change and fishing,
here in Wisconsin and around the world. Plus, join us on Father’s Day for a special
Family Fishing Program – learn how to fish in ALNC’s pond, play the backyard bass
game, learn to tie basic knots, fish and more!
Stop by soon to explore
our prairie, wetland
and woodland for the
latest blooms and wildlife appearances.
ADULT WORKSHOPS
FLYING WILD WORKSHOP
Saturday May 2, 2014 - 10 am - 1:30 pm
Flying Wild, the newest program of the Council for Environmental Education,
introduces students in the upper elementary and middle school grades to bird
conservation. This occurs through a standards-based classroom activity guide and
through environmental stewardship projects. Flying WILD encourages schools and
nature centers to work closely with conservation organizations, community groups,
and businesses involved with birds to implement school bird festivals – events which
students take a leading role in teaching their classmates and community about
migratory birds.
ALNC Members & Non-Members: $28
BUILD YOUR OWN WOODEN CANOE PADDLE
Thursday, May 21 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday, May 30 10am-1pm @ ALNC Black Earth Campus
Wednesday, June 3 6:30-8:30pm
Sunday, June 7 1:00-3:00pm
Join local paddle maker and teacher, Jeff Bach,
for a series of sessions to learn to build your own
beautiful and functional bent-shaft paddle to take
home and out on the water. Throughout this series,
we will spend time laminating, gluing, sanding,
applying fiberglass and epoxy and learning basic
woodworking skills. Meeting over a series of
days allow time for epoxy and glue to dry. Each
participant will bring home a paddle as well as instructional materials.
ALNC Members & Non-Members: $200/participant + materials fee ($55-65)
Use the Phenology
Scavenger Hunt, available at the front desk,
to record your findings,
then enter your observations on our exhibit
touchscreens!
For more information or to register online for any of the above workshops, visit us at
http://aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/adult-classes or call 608-221-0404 x1.
PAGEPAGE
5
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EVENTS, YOUTH PROGRAMS & VOLUNTEERING...
SAVE THE DATE TO RUN WILD IN THE WOODS!
Saturday, June 27 is our 3rd annual 10k Run and 5K Run/Walk at the Black Earth Campus!
June 27th, 2015 • Registration at 9 am • Race at 10 am
Test your mettle on this challenging cross country course or amble along at
a leisurely pace as you enjoy spectacular scenery including, a beautiful
prairie, unique rock formations and gorgeous woodlands in the heart of the
Driftless Area.
• $35 ALNC members
• $40 non-members
• $50 non-members (includes ALNC membership)
• $20 youth (12-17)
SCOUT PROGRAMS - NEW OFFERINGS AND OLD FAVORITES!
ALNC has Girl Scout program offerings aligned with the recently revised Girl Scout USA Journeys, Legacy Badges
and Fun Badges, and offers Boy Scout programs and Overnight Scout programs at our Black Earth location.
Join us this year for our pre-scheduled programs or call 221-0404 x1
to schedule an individual program for your boy scouts, girl scouts or
other organized youth groups. For more information, to see a list of prescheduled program dates and topics, or to register online, visit www.
aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org, click on “Programs”, then “Youth Programs”,
then select “Girl Scouts”.
If you don’t see a program you’re looking for, call us to see if we can create
a tailored program for your troop! General topics are available ranging
from Pond Exploration during the warm months to Snowshoeing in the winter!
VOLUNTEER AT ALNC!
Land Steward Work Days are back for Spring & Summer with lots of work to do! Interested in helping restore and
maintain ALNC’s prairie, marsh and woodlands?
Join us one Saturday of every month to help control invasives, seed
with native plants, get dirty and have some fun! Volunteer work days will
focus mainly on land management projects and invasive species removal.
Work days may be cancelled due to inclement weather or planned
activities may be modified. Groups are encouraged to contact us and
coordinate with us to set a specific work date and schedule.
Adults and youth welcome.
Join us from 9:00-11:30am on Saturday, May 16 or Saturday, June 20
for a great day of outdoors tasks!
For inquiries about land steward volunteer workdays or if you would
like to make special arrangements for your volunteer group, please call
our Facilities Manager Josh at 608-221-0404 x8 or email jbruecken@
naturenet.com.
PAGE 6
SUPPORT THE NATURE CENTER...
Sponsor a Summer Camper through the Campfire
Fund!
For many disadvantaged and homeless youth, the opportunity to enjoy a carefree summer spent learning and playing outdoors is an impossible dream. The Aldo Leopold Nature
Center invites you to help give these children respite from the reality of their daily struggles and provide them a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to attend summer camp through
our Summer Camp Fund for Disadvantaged Youth or Campfire Fund For Homeless Youth.
Help give Dane County’s most deserving children a summer they will always remember,
and one that will provide them with a source of happiness and hope for their futures. It
costs $10 to send a child to a 2-hour camp session, $25 for a half day session, $120 for
one week of half day sessions, or $265 to send a child to full day camp for a week.
For information and to donate, visit www.aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/sponsor-a-camper, or call Kelley
Van Egeren at (608) 221-0404 x3. Thank you for making a difference in these children’s lives today!
Members Make a Difference!
ALDO LEOPOLD NATURE CENTER
MEMBERS MAKE IT POSSIBLE…
•
•
•
•
To provide innovative environmental education for all ages
To present high-tech, interactive Climate Change exhibits
To operate two innovative nature centers year-round
And to help foster admiration and respect for nature and encourage sustainability and stewardship of the land.
Your Membership helps us advance our efforts to connect our visitors with the natural world. With your renewed support, ALNC will
continue to provide innovative and hands-on programming – fostering
environmental awareness and empowering students to become healthy,
y dedicating a gift through your
Please consider renewing
confident community leaders and responsible land stewards.
estate plans to the Aldo Leopold
B
THE MEMBER ADVANTAGE
As an ALNC Member, not only do you support our efforts in connecting
students with the natural world and building a sustainable future, you
also receive valuable year-round benefits including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
12 months of FREE admission for immediate family to the Nature
Center’s interactive exhibits, open daily
10% discount on Gift Shop purchases, family programs and
summer camps, and advance registration on programs & camps
FREE admission to members-only events like Fall Fest
FREE rental of our year-round Family Trailside Backpack program
Subscription to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s newsletter
A New Member Welcome Kit full of nature goodies (must be
picked up at ALNC Monona)
your membership
or joining ALNC today!
Visit www.aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.
From all of us at
the Aldo Leopold
Nature Center, Thank you!
PAGEPAGE
7 #
330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI 53716
Connect With ALNC Online for Photos,
Videos, Program and Phenology
Updates and More!
Visit our website, “Like” us on
Facebook, Follow us on Twitter &
Instagram, ALNC’s
and find us
on Yelp!
Gift
Shop
Shop for a good cause: fun & unique nature-themed gifts you
and your family will love!
Aldo Leopold Nature Center has a gift shop open daily and for special events. Feel free to
shop any time during your visit, or purchase a gift
certificate for someone special.
Members receive a 10% discount!
Be sure to check out the new items! Just added
— Chala Handbags & Maple Syrup!
Where Learning is Natural!
The mission of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center is to provide innovative hands-on programs and interactive exhibits
for visitors of all ages which “...teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and enjoy what he
understands” in the spirit of famed Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold.
Exhibit & Gift Shop Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Trails open from dawn to dusk.
608-221-0404 - telephone
608-221-9095 - fax
www.aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
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