 Everything's Sweeter During Maple Sugarin' Season
Wisconsin winters can be long and that last stretch of waiting for spring can be even longer. Luckily, there's something we like to call "the fifth season" to help fill the gap- maple sugarin'! With over 40 years of history and around 400 maple trees tapped each year, Riveredge has maple sugarin' in it's blood. Maple sugarin' is a time to celebrate the changing of the seasons, teach about the wonders of the forest and trees around us, and experience the pure magic of turning a byproduct of nature into a delicious treat. Whether this is your first season or your 20th, we hope you'll join us for a season of fun, community, and appreciation for the wonder of nature! Some of the season highlights include:
LEARN MORE AT OUR BRAND NEW MAPLE SUGARIN' PAGE
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 Andy Larsen, Riveredge's first Executive Director and naturalist, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017. Riveredge Nature Center Andy Larsen, Riveredge's first Executive Director and naturalist, passed away on Friday, September 22, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. It is no stretch to say that Riveredge, as we know it today, would not exist without the immense sacrifice, passion, and devotion of Andy and his family. Beginning his time at Riveredge just one year after it was founded by daring dreamers from the Whitefish Bay Garden Club in 1968, everything you see at Riveredge today can be traced directly to the work of Andy and the dedicated group of volunteers he inspired and led. From time spent walking along railroad tracks throughout southern Wisconsin in order to collect remanent prairie seed used to establish the prairies at Riveredge, to pioneering the inquiry-based education style that still is used today at Riveredge, to engaging the curiosity of children and adult learners alike, his legacy will forever continue in every living thing on this land, and in every person that comes to be awed, renewed, and inspired by those living things. Andy's motivating drive was inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation for our planet in those around him. He succeeded mightily; hundreds of thousands of people have developed a closer relationship to the natural world because of his life and his work. A public celebration of life will occur on Saturday, November 18th from 1 – 5 p.m. at Mequon Nature Preserve. All memorial gifts received by Riveredge for Andy will be placed in a designated fund to financially support full and partial school field trip scholarships. This will allow countless classes of children the opportunity to engage their curiosity about the natural world on the Riveredge land Andy so loved. Many of the schools most in need of this financial assistance come from urban locations, yet the funds will also be available to schools from any geographic region. If you would like to donate in memory of Andy, please contact Riveredge Nature Center at (262) 375-2715.  Winter break can be a tough time for parents, whether it's needing to take off work to keep an eye on the kids, or even just finding enough activities to keep them entertained for a whole week with no school. Riveredge Nature Center looks to help solve both problems by offering a special Winter Camp from December 27th to December 29th. Led by experienced Riveredge staff, winter camp will open up Riveredge's 379 acres to a plethora of winter activities and allow students to spend their break having fun and staying active. "Many of our campers have experienced our fantastic summer camp and are looking for something new. Winter camp offers many of the same games and activities but with the addition of plenty of campfires, campfire cooking, and of course snowshoes," explained Steff Merten, Riveredge Adventure Education Manager. Camp options include a half day camp for youth ages 4 to 5 and a full day option for campers ages 6 to 12, as well as an optional overnight stay at the end of camp. Parents are encouraged to register their campers as soon as possible, as spots are limited and may fill. For those still unsure, Merten offered her top reason parents should sign their children up. "Winter camp is a great way for kids to stay engaged in the natural world while being unplugged. Kids get to explore and try new things while building relationships, what could possibly be better?" For more information and to register, interested families can visit www.riveredgenaturecenter.org. About Riveredge Nature Center For nearly fifty years, Riveredge Nature Center has been a pioneer in engaging people with the natural world. Its 379 acres of restored wild Wisconsin ecosystems, 10 miles of trails for adventuring, and a legacy of hundreds of thousands of kids transformed by a deeply intimate interaction with nature are a testament to Riveredge's passion for this cause. That passion continues today through the building of a movement to bring the great outdoors to families, schools and neighborhoods.  If you want to get outdoors this summer, but you need a plan to help you do it, then Riveredge can help. This beautiful Nature Center in Newburg has events going on all summer long for all ages. Here is the lineup for June: Program Title: Weekend Wild Things Program Date: Saturday, 6/11/2016, 9:30-11:30 am Description: Come join the Riveredge Nature Center’s new, once monthly Saturday land stewardship group, “The Weekend Wild Things”. Are you interested in getting involved with land stewardship at Riveredge? Can’t make it to Habitat Healers because of school or work? We now have a weekend option! Program Title: Permaculture Gardening at Woodland Harvest: What, Why, How? Program Date: Saturday, 6/11/2016, 10-11:30 am Description: Come see the Woodland Harvest Permaculture Garden and take a tour through our 4-acre sustainable garden! Learn what permaculture gardening is, why Riveredge has committed to this style of agriculture, and how it is managed for long-term food production. Specifically, the program will include subjects in permaculture design, soil and water management, crop rotations, managing free-range animals, and an overall tour of the garden. This is an educational hands-on experience will help you manage your own garden at home and expand your knowledge of sustainable agriculture! Program Title: Herb Walk with Kyle Denton Program Date: Sat., 6/11/2016, 10:00-12:00 Description: Join professional herbalist Kyle Denton to learn the medicinal virtues of plants found at Riveredge and throughout the state. Kyle is a professional herbalist trained in the traditions of Western Herbalism as well as Ayurveda, a system of healing from India from which yoga comes. Walks start at the Visitor Center and will take place rain or shine the second Saturday of the month. Program Title: Riveredge Kids Cooking Series: 4th of July Favorites Program Date: Saturday, 6/11/2016, 10:00-11:30am Description: This program will be feast for your mind and your appetite! Create delicious, easy-to-make recipes for beginner chefs and harvest fresh ingredients from the Children’s Organic Garden. This session’s menu will focus on eating a rainbow, summer smoothies, and a 4th of July parfait. Each beginner chef will decorate their own apron. Please be prepared to share any food allergies your child may have. Pre-registration required. Program Title: Color Your World Weeklong Plein Air Art Camp Program Date: Mon-Fri, June 13- 17: 9 am – 12 pm, various locations Description: Join us for a colorful art expedition through the streets of Cedarburg, the trails and ponds of Riveredge Nature Center and more! Instructors will take youth through an artful exploration of a variety of natural environments culminating with a free entry into the CCC’s Youth “Plein Air” art contest, which runs June 10-20. Art campers will learn skills geared for creative outdoor work including lighting, perspective, shading, landscapes, architectural elements and more. Campers should dress according to the weather each day. Sunscreen and/or insect repellent are recommended. Program Title: Open Tree Climb Program Date: Monday, 6/13/2016, 5-7pm Description: Explore Riveredge at a new elevation! Our new Tree Climbing programs are meant for youth and adults, age 7 and above, with little to no tree climbing skills. Ascend ropes and explore the world way above your feet. We make it safe and easy! All equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (T-shirt and long pants recommended), closed toe shoes (hard soles recommended), and an adventurous spirit. Pre-registration is highly recommended. The tree climbing programs often fill quickly. There is a minimum of 6 climbers and a maximum of 16. Program Title: Phenology Finders Program Date: Friday, 6/17/2016, 1-2:30 pm Description: Join us on this afternoon hike as we head out on the trails to find signs of the seasons. Track the first blooms of the prairie plants on our prairie phenology trail, explore our wetlands for reptiles, and hike along the Milwaukee River to hear and see birds in their summer homes. Program Title: Unwind in the Woods Program Date: Friday, 6/17/2016, 5-8pm Description: Venture into the woods, prairies and wetlands of Riveredge on a journey of self-discovery. Connect with the rhythms of the land, with your inner artist, naturalist, poet and child. We’ll naturalize, botanize, and create a reflection of the places we visit around the sanctuary. Bring a journal, camera or notebook as well as your water bottle and hat. You are welcome to visit our new labyrinth before or after the program. Please pre-register at least 24 hours in advance. Program Title: Walking the Labyrinth Program Date: Friday, 6/17/2016, 6:30-9 pm Description: Come and experience Riveredge’s newly created labyrinth, lighted by the full moon and firelight, this is the perfect chance for you to experience meditation in motion. Labyrinths are structures that help to facilitate inner peace and reflection. Participants are fee to come and go anytime throughout the program time. Upon arrival to Riveredge, participants should come to the Main Building to register. Program Title: Children's Library Adventure Time: Marsh Music by Marianne Berkes Program Date: Saturday, 6/18/2016, 10:00-11:30am Description: Meet in the Children’s Library and venture to Frog Haven Pond to hear the story Marsh Music. Follow your guide as you listen and search for toads, frogs and polliwogs! Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Program Title: Open Tree Climb Program Date: Saturday, 6/18/2016, 1-3pm Description: Explore Riveredge at a new elevation! Our new Tree Climbing programs are meant for youth and adults, age 7 and above, with little to no tree climbing skills. Ascend ropes and explore the world way above your feet. We make it safe and easy! All equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (T-shirt and long pants recommended), closed toe shoes (hard soles recommended), and an adventurous spirit. Pre-registration is highly recommended. The tree climbing programs often fill quickly. There is a minimum of 6 climbers and a maximum of 16. Program Title: Father’s Day Fly Fishing for Beginners Program Date: Sun, 6/19/2016, 12:30-3:30pm Description: This is an opportunity for fathers and their children to learn something new together on this special day. It also makes a great gift for a dad. We will supply all the equipment. Class size is limited to 12. Program Title: Open Tree Climb Program Date: Tuesday, 6/21/2016, 3-5pm Description: Explore Riveredge at a new elevation! Our new Tree Climbing programs are meant for youth and adults, age 7 and above, with little to no tree climbing skills. Ascend ropes and explore the world way above your feet. We make it safe and easy! All equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (T-shirt and long pants recommended), closed toe shoes (hard soles recommended), and an adventurous spirit. Pre-registration is highly recommended. The tree climbing programs often fill quickly. There is a minimum of 6 climbers and a maximum of 16. Program Title: Little Explorers Play Group Program Date: Thursday, 6/23/2016, 10:00-11:30am Description: Let's gather in the Natural Play Area and share the wonder of nature through outdoor play. We will also venture into forests, fields, ponds and more. Nature sensory bins for babies and exploration tools for older children will be available. Indoor activities will be planned in case of inclement weather. Program Title: Night Hunting for Moths Program Date: Friday, 6/24/2016, 7-12am (overnight camping available Description: Learn about the rarity of our night-time forest inhabitants first hand with local lepitopterist, Randy Powers of Prairie Future Seed Co. We will review the identification and ecology of moths, and then travel to a series of riverside light boxes at twilight, and again at dusk. At each of 6 light boxes there will be ample opportunity for photography, identification, and questions. Families are welcome, and overnight camping is available. Please come early enough to set-up your tents in the light. Program Title: SAWW Chainsaw Training - Level 1 Program Date: Saturday, 6/25/2016, 8am-5pm Description: Part one of a four level series through the Safety and Woods Working training program (SAWW). Participants in Level 1 training will spend time both outside and in the classroom, practicing techniques to operate chainsaws safely, comfortably, and productively. Topics include: personal protective equipment (PPE) body mechanics, chainsaw safety features, the chain and the cutter tooth, reactive forces, planning and executing tree felling, limbing, and bucking, introductory bore cutting and open face felling. Hands-on training gives participants the opportunity to fell at least one tree. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment; helmets are mandatory. Program Title: Butterfly Bonanza Program Date: Sat., 6/25/2016, 8:30 review – 9:00-3:00 Count Description: Learn to identify and document butterflies while participating in the annual Butterfly Count. Contribute to over 25 years of research about the butterflies that call this area their home. Wear walking shoes and pack a bag lunch if you’re staying for the day. Adults and children ages 12 & up with a parent are welcome. Join us for all or part of the day. Program Title: Water Adventures: Tubing the Milwaukee River Program Date: Saturday, 6/25/2016, 10:00-11:30am Description: Hop on an inner tube and float down the Milwaukee River with a Riveredge Naturalist. Discover the diversity of living things that make their home in the river. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that can get wet. Bring a lifejacket and inner tube if you have them. Children must be at least 7 years old and accompanied by an adult. Participants should be able to hike approximately 1 mile. Pre-registration is required. Please indicate whether you will be bringing your own inner tubes and lifejackets or using RNC’s. Program Title: River Valley Bike Ride Program Date: Sunday, 6/26/2016, Description: Oh, Wisconsin. Pedal along the shore of Lake Michigan, ride down bustling small town roads and quiet country lanes, and experience majestic forests, prairies, and pastures. With seven great routes from 8 miles to 100, there's opportunities for riders of every age and experience level to celebrate just what makes the Badger state so special and to help us raise funds to get families active outdoors! Program Title: Parent or Grand Parent/Child Trek: River Rambling Program Date: Monday, 6/27/2016, 10am-12pm Description: Join a naturalist and step into the Milwaukee River! We’ll explore this wonderful, watery, world and seek out the creatures that call the river home. Bring your favorite wading shoes (old sneakers work best), a towel and a change of clothes. Expect to get wet! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic after the program. Program Title: Photo Club Program Date: Tues., 6/28/2016, 7:00-8:30pm Description: Are you looking for a friendly group of photo hobbyists who enjoy both shooting and sharing their photos? This Photo Club brings together those who enjoy photography and wish to take better pictures through practice. Meetings are free and open to the public, and you'll be welcomed as a photographer, regardless of your skill level. They are informal and include time for "shop talk" and networking with other members. Bring any pictures you want to share (prints, album, or digital files on a USB flash drive). You do not need to bring your camera equipment or a computer. Program Title: Open Tree Climb Program Date: Thursday, 6/30/2016, 1-3pm Description: Explore Riveredge at a new elevation! Our new Tree Climbing programs are meant for youth and adults, age 7 and above, with little to no tree climbing skills. Ascend ropes and explore the world way above your feet. We make it safe and easy! All equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (T-shirt and long pants recommended), closed toe shoes (hard soles recommended), and an adventurous spirit. Riveredge is located at 4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville, WI 53080. Call (262) 375-2715, or find out more at their website: http://riveredgenaturecenter.org/  The best cure for cabin fever is to get outdoors, and one of the best places to do it is at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg. Riveredge has numerous outdoor (and indoor) activities for all ages. Here's a sampling of upcoming events to attend:
Weekend Wild Things February 13, 9:30 to 11:30 AMCome join the Riveredge Nature Center’s new, once monthlySaturday land stewardship group, “The Weekend Wild Things”. This month we will be out on the land gathering the supplies to make spiles for Maple Sugarin’. Come help us find the perfect sumac to make this necessary tool. We will also be gathering sumac berries for our educational programs. We will teach you what you need to know and some cool sumac facts, just bring yourselves and warm clothes.Snacks, Sumac Berry ‘Lemonade’ and Sumac Berry Tea will be available! Family Nature Club: Evening Snowshoe February 16, 6 PM to 7:30 PM An evening snowshoe by moonlight! We provide the snowshoes and the guide; you provide the sense of adventure! Flashlights welcome, please dress for the weather.Everyone is welcome at this community minded, nature based club specifically sprouted for families! The Riveredge Family Nature Club invites families urban and rural, single and mixed, extended or simply friends who feel like family to join them on adventures, discoveries, and field trips in nature throughout Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties. Science for Everyone: Freshwater- A Crisis In the Making With Dr. Norm Lasca February 16, 7 PM to 8:30 PM Less than 3% of the Earth’s water is fresh water: 70% is in glaciers, about 30% is in groundwater and less than 1% is in lakes, and rivers. By 2025, two thirds of the world’s population will suffer from water shortages. In the meantime, we are wasting and polluting our finite supply of water while adding 85+ million people a year; all of us need water! Nature Detectives: Snowflakes! February 20, 10 AM - 11:30 AM Have you ever looked at snowflakes up close? Are there really no two alike? Find out at Riveredge where we will create a snowflake ID key and find out more about the snow all around you. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, check out the Riveredge website at: http://riveredgenaturecenter.org/ |
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