 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.  Fall is here, and that means it's time to get your pumpkins and apples! Luckily, finding a humble pumpkin patch, or a sweet-smelling orchard in Oz is not too difficult a task.
One of the best ways is to let the farmers come to you at one of the area's Farmers Markets. In Oz, there's one for almost every day of the week, and you're sure to find what you're looking for! Of course, if you're looking for a farm to visit, we have those, too: Cedar Creek Farm has just about every pumpkin hunting experience you could hope for: a kid's straw bale, a corn maze, and much more fall fun, close to home. Add in no admission fees and FREE Hay Wagon Rides, and they are THE place for affordable family fun. Cedar Creek Farm is located at 649 Hwy. 60 in Cedarburg. Appleland in Fredonia has apples, of course, and a stunning variety of them, at that, but they also have pumpkins to pick or already picked, and an assortment of jams, bakery, caramel apples, cider, and more in their market store. Free wagon rides on the weekends. Appleland is located at 4177 Highway 57 in Fredonia. Buechler Farms is one of the newest in Oz to offer a family fall experience. A petting zoo, corn maze, hayrides, and kiddie train are available, as well as pumpkins, gourds, and cider. The farm is located at 587 South Royal Ave in Belgium. Barthel's Fruit Farm in Mequon and Nieman's Orchards in Cedarburg are two of the most favorite places to go apple picking in Oz. Both farms offer pumpkins, pears, and a variety of other treats, as well. Barthel's is located at 12246 N Farmdale Rd. in Mequon, while Nieman's is located at 9932 Pioneer Rd. in Cedarburg. If you're willing to venture a bit out of Oz, there are a few places worth the trip: Spieker's Pumpkin Farm in Random Lake features a massive corn maze, hay rides, and an incredible variety of pumpkins and gourds, as well as a petting zoo, and more. Find it at N1181 Hwy. 57 in Random Lake. Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm and Market in West Bend has quite the exotic petting zoo, and a haunted corn field, a totally unstaged and hair-raising adventure through 8 plus creepy houses and 3/4 miles of narrow trails in tall, dense corn, on narrow confined trails. Not exactly family fun with young children, but possibly a great outing with your teenagers or adult friends. Find Meadowbrook at 2970 Mile View Road in West Bend. Happy picking!!  The Summit Players, a group of Marquette Alumni, in last season's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."  By Mary Boyle
Most of the area theatre companies take a break over the summer months, when everyone would rather be outdoors and soaking up the sun, but there are a few whose season only coincides with Wisconsin's warmest months, and they bring their performances outdoors, with an almost exclusive focus on the most famous of playwrights: William Shakespeare. Now entering their third season, the Summit Players are a group of mainly Marquette Alumni who are determined to make Shakespeare accessible to families by performing for free at State Parks throughout Wisconsin. This year, the production is the hilarious Comedy of Errors, and if last season is any indication, they will have the audiences in stitches. Their plays use the original language, but they are edited for time, and to be as family-friendly as possible, while still retaining the brilliance that the Bard intended. They even offer a pre-show workshop that is perfect for school-aged kids. The Players will be just north of Oz at Kohler-Andrae State Park on Saturday, July 29th. The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., and the show is at 7; note that you will need a vehicle admission sticker to get into the park. To see the Summit Players full schedule and learn more, go to: www.summitplayerstheatre.com/ Optimist Theatre in Milwaukee has been doing Shakespeare in the Park in Milwaukee since 2010, and they return this season with Much Ado About Nothing. This year the production has been moved from its old home at Kadish Park to the Marcus Center's outdoor stage, the Peck Pavilion, as part of the Center's Live at the Peck Pavilion Series. With seating, a roof overhead, and the ability to purchase food and drink on site, this new location is sure to be a big hit. The production opens for a preview the evening of Thursday, July 6th, and opening night is Friday, July 7th. All performances begin at 8 p.m., with the exception of a noon matinee on July 18th. Performances are free, and it is recommended to arrive no later than a half hour before the performance to claim your seats. The final performance is Saturday, July 22nd. To see the full schedule and learn more about Optimist Theatre, please visit: http://www.optimisttheatre.org If you are willing to travel, one of the best outdoor theatre experiences in Wisconsin is in Spring Green at the American Players Theatre. APT has multiple productions, both modern and classic, throughout the summer on two different outdoor stages, but they never fail to perform at least one of Shakespeare's plays. This year, APT has selected two by the Bard: A Midsummer Night's Dream and Pericles: Prince of Tyre. APT is an incredibly unique theatre experience, and a trip to the Driftless Area is always a treat. To learn more about APT's complete season, including free concerts, go to: https://americanplayers.org/ As the Bard, himself, wrote: "All the world's a stage." His work certainly has traveled the world, and stood the test of time. Find out why at a stage near you this summer.   By Marjie Tomter
It is finally spring and planning is in full force for this year’s Treasures of Oz event. This year it is all about Ozaukee waters and how they come together in “The Watershed.” We will be looking at smart planning tools to protect our waters, what’s swimming around, what allows water to return to the aquifer, and how we can interact in ways that keep our waters healthy. By the end of the tour, visitors will know what their watershed is all about, which one they live in, how they can improve their watershed, and actually have an idea of how the waters come together throughout the entire county. One of the most spectacular watershed features in Ozaukee is the Cedarburg Bog, and this year you can walk into the Bog on the UW Field Station Boardwalk. This was developed for science education and research and is rarely open to the public, but on June 17th it will be, and you can explore it with naturalists, like Kate Redmond, who really know and love the Bog and are excited to share it with you. Lake Michigan is part of the tour, this time at Harrington Beach State Park. Park staff will show you some of the recent changes to the park. You can learn about water safety with the staff from the Kettle Moraine Feith Family YMCA, and Wisconsin Coastal Management will get you in on some of the wonderful work they are doing to protect the waters of our lake. Ozaukee Planning and Parks staff will be your hosts at the west side of Tendick Park, where they will focus on the new prairie that was planted thanks to the generosity of Pheasants Forever. Don’t you wonder how prairie plants fit into the watershed and why Pheasants Forever is “into” prairies? Think “soils” and “aquifer” and “habitat.” Docents will show you the new Kestral and Bluebird nesting boxes. Perhaps you would like to help out by monitoring those nests? The Treasures of Oz 2017 Eco-Tour is pleased to introduce an exciting watershed-based planning tool developed by the Mequon Partners in Preservation for the City of Mequon, which can become a model for other communities. That will be at Spirit Lake Nature Preserve, OWLT’s newest Ozaukee preserve located just off Bonniwell Road between the river and Green Bay Road. Treasures would not be complete with a Critters component. Yes, there will be birding components: there will be dragonfly walks at Forest Beach, and we will showcase the latest in smart gardens - Bug Hotels - to support pollinators and other 6-legged garden helpers. Jeanne Lord will present one of her engaging talks at 10:30 am at Forest Beach with her Raptors of Pine View. Randy Hetzel will be there all day with his diverse crew of critters - the kind you rarely see in your neighborhoods. Our Ozaukee County game warden will be out at Ehlers park, along with experts from the Ozaukee Fish Passage Program. Fish? They will be there as well. The Celebration at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve not only offers lots of great exhibits and presentations, but also some good food (this year with the Blue Cow Creperie) and music (old-time rock & roll/bluegrass from Steve and Friends), as well as a fun silent auction; it is also the place to trade passport stamps for raffle tickets. Treasures 2017 is a cross between an eco-tour and a science expo. You can go just for the joy of experiencing 6 beautiful and diverse natural areas, or go to learn about the workings of the watershed through up close, real-life experience and interaction with top science docents. Go for both! This event is always a great opportunity for birding, photography, finding new recreational opportunities, and simply enjoying some of the best natural treasures in Oz. For more information and passports, visit http://treasuresofoz.org  Barrel Races on Cedar Creek at the 2014 Winter Festival in downtown Cedarburg. The 2017 Winter Festival promises to be a warm one, which can be a bit of a problem when it comes to such traditional events as ice carving along main street and bed races on a frozen creek, but it certainly won't be the first time warm temperatures have foiled some of the Festival's best laid plans; luckily, there is so much to do, the event is successful each year, regardless of what Mother Nature throws at it. This year's theme is Mardi Gras, so masks and beads will abound. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 18th, when the ice carvers will begin work on their blocks of ice, located along Washington Avenue, in front of participating businesses. Stroll main street, where local businesses often have their own events and specials, and a host of artisans, food vendors, and other attractions, such as wagon and camel rides, are scattered from Cedar Creek Park to Cedar Creek Settlement. Follow the Parade at 1 p.m. to the Bed and Barrel Races. Make sure to stop in the Community Center for the Chili Contest from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and, while you're there, make and take a project with the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts and check out the Upstairs Marketplace. If live music is your thing, stop into the Cedarburg Cultural Center for their Cool Notes Musical Talent Competition from 1:30-5 p.m. New this year is the grand opening of the Cedarburg History Museum, Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce & The Cedarburg Visitors Center during Winter Festival! Doors will be open Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 12- 4 p.m. Cedarburg’s newest treasure houses the former General Store Museum, the Rappold-Dobberpuhl historic photograph collection, as well as a current exhibit on historic toys. During Winter Festival, guests can enjoy complimentary, local Cedar Crest ice cream in the old-fashioned ice cream parlor. On Saturday night, Cool Brew & Tunes returns from 7-9 p.m. at the Community Center with the Dueling Pianos, Craft Beer Tasting, and Appetizers from local restaurants. Tickets are $30 per person, and you must be 21 to attend. On Sunday, start the festival with a Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:30 at the Community Center, and then head off to the Egg Hunt at 10:30, Dog Weight Pull between 10 and 4, and the 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament in the Community Center from 2-4 p.m. This will be the Winter Festival's 43rd year, and each year it seems to grow a little bit bigger; whether it's your first time to the Festival, or your 43rd, you're sure to experience something new. For more information, call 262-377-9620 or 888-894-4001, or visit the Festivals of Cedarburg website at http://www.cedarburgfestival.org/winter-festival or their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsOfCedarburg/.  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. Riveredge Nature Center expands Family Nature Clubs to Bring Outdoors Directly to Communities9/7/2016  By Matt Gaboury
Outdoor families are happier families, a new study from the University of Illinois shows. Spending time in nature as a family has numerous health, behavioral, and bonding benefits, but finding time to get outside together can be tough, and knowing what to do once there can be even tougher. That's why Riveredge Nature Center is starting brand new Family Nature Clubs in Ozaukee, Washington, and Sheboygan Counties. Family Nature Clubs meet once a month, and are organized by experienced leaders who take charge of coordinating activities for the group. They will introduce families to new natural areas in their own communities, and provide families a dedicated time each month to focus on connecting with each other and their communities. The expansion of the clubs follows a successful pilot year at Riveredge Nature Center. "We have made the conscious effort to expand family nature clubs throughout Southeastern Wisconsin in order to meet families where they are. By providing a loose structure and guidance of a naturalist, we hope to help parents build confidence taking their children outdoors, while inspiring the whole family to seek out the natural spaces in their very own backyard. Nature is all around us, sometimes we just need a little help to experience it," Cassie Bauer, Family and Community Programs Manager at Riveredge explains. Clubs start in September. The Ozaukee County chapter's first meeting is at the Feith Family YMCA in Port Washington on September 8th from 6 to 7:30 PM, the Washington County club meets at the West Bend School District Outdoor Classroom on September 15th from 6 to 7:30 PM, the Riveredge club meets for it's second year at the nature center starting September 20th from 5:30 to 7 PM, and the Sheboygan County chapter meets at Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan on September 27th from 5 to 6:30 PM. More details, the full club schedule, and information on RSVPing can be found at riveredgenaturecenter.org/family-nature-clubs/. 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/   A sneak peek of the new Mequon Cafe Hollander Water makes civilization. People need water to survive, of course, but in the Midwest, Native Americans and, later, European settlers used the rivers and lakes as roads - roads that were far easier to travel through than thick forests. The communities of Ozaukee exist, mainly, because of two bodies of water: Lake Michigan, and the Milwaukee River.
The Milwaukee River begins in Fond du Lac County (there are three branches, but they all begin there). It becomes a significant river just north of Kewaskum, flows through West Bend, and eventually makes its way into Ozaukee county via Newburg, where it crosses County Y right near Riveredge Nature Center. It makes its way north, though the quaint little village of Waubeka, runs along the west side of Fredonia, and proceeds south through downtown Saukville. Most Ozaukeeans meet the Milwaukee River as they pass over it on Highway 60 in downtown Grafton. Just a little ways south of Lakefield Road, Cedar Creek, which runs through downtown Cedarburg, becomes one with the Milwaukee River, and it continues south through Thiensville and Mequon. It winds its way, 104 miles in total, eventually reaching the city that its name inspired, merging with the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers, and entering Lake Michigan just south of the Summerfest grounds. Nearly every community in Ozaukee County, besides the communities of Port Washington and Belgium, are a part of the Milwaukee River Basin, which means we are partially responsible for the health of the Milwaukee River. Luckily, there is a great organization working hard to make it easy to do our part: Milwaukee Riverkeeper. There organization has a number of events coming up that you may want to take part in. From Friday, May 20th to Sunday, May 22nd, Milwaukee Riverkeeper is one of Lowland Grand Cafes’ featured charities for their Cafe Hollander Mequon Grand Opening Benefit! When you dine at Cafe Hollander Mequon for brunch, lunch or dinner Friday, May 20 - Sunday, May 22, 2016, all food and Van Steenberge bier sales will go directly to Milwaukee Riverkeeper and two other charities. Help train Cafe Hollander Mequon's staff and sample their menu, while helping the Milwaukee River - who knew it could be so easy? In keeping with the beer theme, on Sunday, June 5, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, join Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Lakefront Brewery for Barrels and Beer, an afternoon of decorating your own rain barrels, while sampling some of Lakefront's finest, all while enjoying a relaxing riverfront view. For just $30, you get a 60 gallon, blue barrel and all of the supplies you need. Register early, as supplies are limited. If you love getting outdoors - and especially on the water - Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Clear Water Outdoor has a series of summer Paddle Tours led by a Milwaukee Riverkeeper staff member: Monday, June 27, 2016 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Fish & Fish Habitat) Monday, July 25, 2016 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (River Health Advocacy) Monday, August 29, 2016 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Water Quality) You might also be interested in the 11th Annual Milky Moonlight Paddle on Monday, July 18th, from 6:15-9:30. This is an urban river adventure that is not to be missed! Bring your canoe/kayak, paddles, pdf's, and a light - drinks and sandwiches will be provided - and float down the Milwaukee River to where it meets Lake Michigan! Find out more about these great events, and others, at www.MilwaukeeRiverkeeper.org, and learn more about how you can help the Milwaukee River! |
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