5 minute read
Outdoor Opportunities: No Experience Needed
Zach Wood
Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Looking to spend more time enjoying Wisconsin’s abundant natural resources but not exactly sure where or how to start?
Join the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin on one of their beginner-friendly field trips to learn more about critical conservation efforts across Wisconsin and experience some of our state’s finest wild places.
These trips offer unique opportunities to explore some of Wisconsin’s best natural areas on foot, by bicycle or by boat. All trips are led by experienced naturalists, including from the DNR, who share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors as participants enjoy up-close experiences with the natural world.
Like the DNR, the Natural Resources Foundation is committed to expanding access to Wisconsin’s outdoors for all. A number of field trips are fully wheelchair accessible. The foundation also has launched a carpooling program for getting to and from trip sites and is working to plan more trips accessible by bus.
Additionally, several trips provide needed equipment such as kayaks and paddles, meaning participants don’t need to own expensive equipment to give a new outdoor hobby a try!
The Natural Resources Foundation typically offers more than 250 field trips each year. Here are just a few of the trips planned in 2025 that are perfect for beginners.
Spring Frog Chorus At The Ridges Sanctuary / May 2
Twilight inspires a frog chorus at The Ridges Sanctuary! After a short indoor program to learn about Door County frogs, hike into The Ridges to listen for them outdoors. Ages 8+ Limit 20. Trail: 1 mile, boardwalks and beach; Baileys Harbor, Door County. Cost: $23 adult, $13 youth.
Introduction To Field Sketching / June 21
Let nature be your artistic inspiration. Immerse yourself in the beautiful setting of Ledge View Nature Center to hone your sketching skills and visually record your discoveries. Limit 20. Trail: 1 mile, choice of trail options; Two Rivers, Manitowoc County. Cost: $28 adult, $18 youth.
Tips And Tricks For Waterfowl ID / Nov. 8
Discover how private landowners' restoration efforts on 40-plus acres of prairie and oak savanna provide critical habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, and witness biologists electroshock for fish in a restored trout stream. This field trip doubles as a fundraiser for the Mecan River Watershed Fund. Ages 10+ Limit 90. Trail: 1.5 miles, mowed trails, optional off-trail; Dakota, Marquette County. Cost: $38 adult, $28 youth.
Trout Streams And Butterflies / May 31
Learn the basics of foraging for wild food in southern Wisconsin, then hike Festge County Park with a focus on identifying edible plants and learning their specific uses. Choose a season: spring, summer or autumn. Ages 8+ Limit 25. Trail: 1 mile, easy, flat, wide trail; Cross Plains, Dane County. Cost: $28 adult, $18 youth.
Introduction To Foraging / May 31, July 26 And Oct. 4
Learn the basics of foraging for wild food in southern Wisconsin, then hike Festge County Park with a focus on identifying edible plants and learning their specific uses. Choose a season: spring, summer or autumn. Ages 8+ Limit 25. Trail: 1 mile, easy, flat, wide trail; Cross Plains, Dane County. Cost: $28 adult, $18 youth.
Mukwonago River: Native Mussels / Aug. 16
Wade in the cool waters of the Mukwonago River to search for one of our state’s most diverse yet hidden treasures: freshwater mussels (clams). Learn about Wisconsin’s native mussels species, their life cycles and contributions to the history of Wisconsin. Ages 5+ Limit 25. Trail: 0.5 miles, short walk, wading in river; Mukwonago, Waukesha County. Cost: $18 adult, $8 youth.
Let's Talk Turtles Of Wisconsin / June 25 And June 26
Enjoy a sunset walk through a variety of wetland habitats to look for basking turtles. Then venture inside to see native turtles up close and hear a presentation about all 11 species found in Wisconsin. Ages 8+ Limit 35. Trail: 1 mile, ADA-accessible, paved; Franklin, Milwaukee County. Cost: $23 adult, $13 youth.
Bumble Bees At UW Arboretum / June 25
Wisconsin is home to 20 bumble bee species, including the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee. Hear an indoor presentation about bees before heading outside to identify bees in the field. Limit 20. Trail: 0.5 miles, level, paved, mowed grass; Madison, Dane County. Cost: $23 adults only.
Hands-On Mineral And Fossil Collecting / Aug. 16
Learn about rocks, minerals and fossils as you collect your own specimens from a local quarry. Then head over to the Earthaven Museum to tour their collection of more than 10,000 geologic specimens. Ages 8+ Limit 25. Trail: 0.5 miles, easy; Lena, Oconto County. Cost: $23 adult, $13 youth.
Learn More
Registration for Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin field trips will begin soon. Membership is required to sign up, with member levels starting at $35. Cost of field trips varies by event. For details, visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin's website.
