WSST Comeback Conf. Field Trips

WSST Field Trips for the Comeback Conference

April 7, 2022 1:00-3:00 PM FT 4 - Granite Peak Ski Area & Rib Mountain State Park

All times include travel. Bus will leave at the time listed, so arrive a few minutes early. Limit 30 unless otherwise listed. Thursday, April 7 9:45 - Noon FT 1 - Woodson Art Museum, Limit 30

Take a behind the scenes tour of Granite Peak Ski Area. Learn how snow-making can be affected by many factors and the chemistry behind the process. We will tour the facility and get an up close and personal look at the operations that make a ski resort work!

Come visit an amazing art museum in an historic mansion with complimentary modern additions in Wausau’s east hill Historic District. Leigh Yawkey Woodson was the wife of a turn of the 19th century Wausau businessman who collected art with connections to nature. She and her family were friends with Owen J. Gromme, the well known artist of “Birds of Wisconsin” who encouraged Mrs. Woodson’s daughter to create a museum of her mother’s extensive collection of nature art, including many of his bird paintings. The museum opened in 1975 and has annually hosted the nationally known show “Birds in Art” for over 40 years. In addition to this event, the museum has developed highly creative STEAM activities for schools in central Wisconsin and has regular traveling exhibits of a wide range of artistic products. During our time in Wausau it will be hosting an exhibition of early 20th century glass objects. If the weather is nice, stroll the lovely sculpture garden.

FT 2 - Northcentral Technical College Robotics Tour

Tour Northcentral Technical College to learn more about the NTC campus and the robotics they use in their labs. This tour will feature robotics in the manufacturing programs such as the electromechanical/automation and welding labs, along with a trip out to the Agriculture Center to see the different robotics that help with daily chores such as the robotic milker, the robotic calf feeding system, and much more. Friday, April 8 10:30am - 1:30 PM FT 5 - Stoney Acres Farm & Microbrew

Stoney Acres is not just a farm, it's a farmomenon! Visit a 3rd generation family farm that is as dynamic a farm as exists. Tour the microbrewery, renewable energy systems, certified organic CSA farm, and maple syrup operations. Relax with an Athens Light or Bock Joy while enjoying a couple slices of pizza from the woodfired brick oven. Pizza night at Stoney Acres has been featured on Wisconsin Foodie and draws folks from around the state every weekend between April and November! This field trip includes one beverage and pizza for lunch.

Friday, April 8 9 AM - Noon FT 6 - Dells of the Eau Claire River & Ice Age Trail, Limit 30

Thursday, April 7 12:45-4:30 OR 2-4:30 PM FT 3 - School Forest Tour (s) and Sawmill Demonstration

Visit a place where precambrian hard rock geology meets pleistocene glacial deposits. One of the more striking small parks in central Wisconsin, visitors will see the Eau Claire river wind its way through ancient meta-volcanic rocks in a series of rapids and falls. Walk along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to note how the signature Wisconsin Glacier interacted with the ancient rocks. Amazing vistas, great photo opportunities. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking clothing! NOTE: No restroom on site as our trip will be a preseason visit.

Did you know that the Wisconsin School Forest program was the first in the nation? Established in 1928 as part of the Community Forest Law, there are over 400 school forests! Tour two Central Wisconsin School forests with near daily programming for their K-8 students. Twin Oaks School Forest of DC Everest, established in 1979 and the Wausau School Forest established in 1942. Tour the grounds, lodge, museum, special exhibits, and a demonstration of Wausau School District’s portable Wood Mizer sawmill used in their high school Career and Technical Education courses. Come gather ideas for your school forest! Friday, April 8 12:45 - 2:45 PM FT 7 - Biomass Cogeneration Plant @ Domtar Rothschild Mill, limit 20

Tour this renewable energy plant that burns clean wood waste from saw/lumber/paper mills, forest residue, and right-of-way clearnings to power generators that supply up to 50 MW electricity to the Domtar paper mill and some local residential areas.