The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is proud to offer quality program activities, aligned with Wisconsin Academic Standards, designed to provide relevance for multi-cultural audiences.
Programs were produced, in part, through a grant from the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board and the Wisconsin
Coastal Management Program. Topics range from: * Wildlife Habitats * Settlement * Watersheds
* Civic Action & Stewardship * Anishinaabeg (Lake Superior Native People).
Plan your Fall 2010 Field Trips!
For the best experience, we suggest a 6:1 student to chaperone ratio for our programs.
We offer educational programming for the following age groups:
Teachers,
of educational events!
Download the 2010 Youth Education Brochure. Click 
for free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files
Puppet Theater Show Click here for an Adobe PDF file of this program.
Group size minimum of 25 children
The Center's Puppet Theater Shows focus on different natural resource topics of the Lake Superior region. The goal of the Puppet Theater program is to engage children in interactive learning about the natural world around them.Superior Animals The skunk, Pepe Le Peu, introduces children to each animal friend. A particular favorite to students is the bald eagle puppet. Actual “gasps” and “wows” can be heard from children as the eagle puppet soars up into the sky. This interactive show involves the students to look, listen, and learn from the animals that live and thrive in the habitats around the Center. A perfect compliment to this puppet show is Woodland Wonderland or Habitat Hunting education programs. Click link to see program descriptions.
Smokey & His Forest Friends Developed to celebrate Smokey’s birthday, this show features Smokey and his forest friends who share the story of how Smokey became the world’s fire prevention bear.
Puppet Theater Workshop Students can participate in workshops to learn the art of puppetry. This is a hands-on training where children become the puppeteers! Participants learn how to bring their puppets to life. Students rehearse and later perform a show before a live audience!
World of Wonder Programs Click here for an Adobe PDF file of this program.
Children ages Birth to 5 years welcome with an adult; Length: 1 hour; Cost: Free.
Hosted by the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Join us the first Tuesday each month November 2009 to May 2010 for learning opportunities that explore the world around us. Program times are 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. These programs are interactive and based on the needs of the age group. For reservations or information call 715-685-2640 or to e-mail click here.November 3, 2009 - "World of Raptors"
Learn about these beautiful birds and their adaptations. Meet Gaia, an American Kestrel and a very special Center celebrity.
December 1, 2009 - "Anishinabe Traditions and Dance"
Learn about Anishinabe (Ojibwa) culture, listen to traditional stories, and learn the first steps of Native traditional dance with a tribal elder.
January 5, 2010 - "Bird Buffet"
Who’s at the feeder? Learn what kinds of birds stay in Northern Wisconsin all winter and how they survive. Make a tasty treat for the birds that can be placed outside at the Center or at home.
February 2, 2010 - "What’s Under the Ice?"
A wetland is a habitat and a special home for many critters. Explore what is active under the ice. Enjoy a fun make-and-take project!
March 2, 2010 - "Winter Tracking"
Bring your snow gear we're going outdoors! We’ll find tracks around the Center. Warm up with an indoor track printing activity and take home a print of your favorite animal track.
April 6, 2010 - "Who’s Waking Up?"
Do black bears sleep all winter long? Listen to the story, Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson. Join us as we play inside a bear’s “den”, touch and feel real bear fur, and learn more about black bears in hibernation.
May 4, 2010 - "Moving Day"
Spring is here! Learn about some of the birds that are returning to our Wisconsin Northwoods. Find out about nest building and how you can help birds. Build a bird house for your yard for birds to move into! ^Top
Lake Superior Stewardship ProgramsGrades: K-3, Length: 2 hrs, Group size: Max. 60 students; Cost: Free. For information or reservations please call Susan Nelson at 715-685-2644 or to e-mail
click here.
Woodland Wonderland
Students will become aware of life on the forest floor and forest plant and animal diversity, while learning how people work together to make and keep forests healthy for wildlife and for us. Other experiential activities will include a forest walk and culminating craft made of natural materials to reinforce learning. Issues: Invasive Species; Loss of Biodiversity. Vision: Becoming stewards of our forests.
Ask Smokey—To Burn, or Not to Burn
Burning trash in burn barrels and campfires must become a practice of the past. We now know that open burning of chemical and petroleum-based waste releases toxins that seriously harm people and the environment. Through engaging activities with Smokey Bear and friends, students will learn about the kind of pollutants given off during the burning of common household waste and the types of human health problems caused. Students will then enjoy a lively forest walk, looking for Smokey’s animal friends. Smokey will visit with students to reinforce program concepts. Issues: Dioxins, PCBs, Formaldehyde (from our own backyards and campfires!) Visions: Clean air, water, and forests; healthy people.
Habitat Hunting
Students discover the diversity of native plants of the northern forest, meadow, and wetland habitats, while becoming aware of the negative impacts of invasive, non-native plants. A discovery walk through forest, wetland, and meadow habitats with a hands-on stewardship activity motive further learning and appreciation of plant, animal and habitat diversity. Issues: Invasive, non-native plants, loss of diversity. Vision: Native plants and animals, healthy habitats. ^Top
Lake Superior Stewardship Programs
Grades: 3-4, Length: 3 hrs, Group size: Max. 60 students; Cost: Free.
For information or reservations please call Susan Nelson at 715-685-2644 or to e-mail click here.Anishinaabeg: Native People of Lake Superior Forests
Learning about honored traditions of hunting, fishing, gathering, and making all things needed from the earth provides the background students need to begin to understand treaty rights on ceded lands. Through videos, artifacts, crafts, foods, and Ojibwa language, students will gain cultural awareness and understand the importance of learning and living respectfully with the earth and with each other. Issue: Lack of knowledge about tribal treaty rights on ceded lands. Vision: People living respectfully with the earth and each other; passing on healthy forests to future generations.
European Immigration and Lake Superior Region Resources
Voyageurs, fishermen, loggers, miners — lured by seemingly endless resources. Railroads and ships — delivering lumber and iron ore to a growing country, bringing people from the east and from across the ocean — some hoping to farm the cutover -- all looking for a new life. Students study this rich cultural history and diversity while pondering impacts on native people and resources. Issue: Long term impacts from short-sighted resource use. Vision: Learning from the past in order to better plan for the future. ^Top
Lake Superior Stewardship Programs
Grades: 5-6, Length: 3-4 hrs, Group size: Max. 30 students; Cost: Free.
For information or reservations please call Susan Nelson at 715-685-2644 or to e-mail click here.Habitat Rehab
Much of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center property is like many other northern rural acres — cleared of valuable trees a century ago, drained, and left in a worn-out, low-value, weedy state. What can we do to heal the land? Students will learn first hand how timber-quality trees, wetlands, and native plants can be returned to the land, increasing wildlife habitat and diversity, value to people, and benefits to streams, estuaries, and Lake Superior itself. Students will also be asked to participate in a habitat rehabilitation project and should come dressed for outdoor learning and work (old long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sneakers! Issues: Habitat impairment, invasive species. Vision: Healing the land, healthy habitats. ^Top
Watershed Warriors
Grades: 7-12, Length: part or full day, Group size: Max. 24 students; Cost: Free.
For information or reservations please call Sarah Traaholt at 715-685-2672 or to e-mail click here.Students learn how to protect our forests and waters through research, monitoring, and educating others. They will become knowledgeable about one or more of the following issues and gain the skills and inspiration needed to serve as a “watershed warrior”. This program is most effective when integrated with classroom and/or community goals. Issues: Invasive species, toxins, habitat impairment. Visions: Citizen action, environmental restoration. ^Top
Lake Superior Estuary Ed-Ventures
Minimum age: 12 years, Length: 2.5 hrs, Group size: 6-12 participants; Cost: $12.00 each.
Offered: June-September; Advance registration required, availability of this program is limited. For reservations or information contact Sarah Traaholt at 715-685-2672 or to e-mail click here.On-the-water explorations using safe, stable, double-seated kayaks to experience the ecology of Lake Superior’s “freshwater estuaries”. Learn how the region’s geology, culture and history have shaped these unique coastal wetlands and what it being done today to restore and protect them. Most programs are conducted on sheltered Fish Creek estuary and may be customized to meet special interests. No previous experience necessary. All equipment provided. (Signed health forms and waivers required and will be provided with pre-trip orientation packet) Issues: Watershed health, coastal wetland restoration, awareness of freshwater estuaries. Vision: Appreciation, protection and rehabilitation of freshwater estuaries. ^Top
Center Video Presentations and Traveling Exhibits
Offered: Varies; Cost: Free.
The Center hosts a variety of engaging video shows and traveling exhibits throughout the year, which are also integrated into educational program offerings for groups. For information please call Susan Nelson at 715-685-2644 or to e-mail click here.
New 2nd Floor Exhibits!
Lure of the North:
Resorts of Northern Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Society
Enjoy historic images from the Wisconsin Historical Society's collections. This exhibit features pieces from the Born Photographic Collection taken during the 1930’s and 1940’s by Ashland resident and jeweler, Allan Born.
Our Shared Planet
A Journey Through Nature To Creativity
Exhibit features the amazing wood sculptures of wildlife artist Jim Ramsdell, along with beautiful photographic images blended with reflective quotes, specialized lighting, ambient nature sounds, and meditative music. These exhibits are accessible and free to the public. For more information contact Susan Nelson or Linda Mittlestadt at 715-685-9983.
History Center Programs
The Wisconsin Historical Society operates a History (research) Center and Archives on the 2nd floor of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Come celebrate the north woods' culture and history! The History Center and Archives hosts community-based learning programs dedicated to exploring the Region's cultural and historical resources through discussion, display and live presentations. Most programs are offered free to the public. To access information about the History Center & Archives, visit their Web site. For more information on the History Center's educational programs, please contact Linda Mittlestadt at 715-685-2649 or to e-mail click here.
Science Sundays at the Center Programs Click here for an Adobe PDF file of this program.
Zoology: The Study of Animals and Animal Life.November 8, 2009; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Where do animals go in the winter so they don’t freeze? Join us for a puppet show that helps find winter homes for all the animals. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. All ages.
Geology: The Study of Rocks and Minerals.
December 13, 2009; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where did the rocks and minerals found in Wisconsin come from? Use magnifying lenses, microscopes and simple chemical tests to identify rocks and minerals. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades 3 & up.
Botany: The Study of Plants.
January 10, 2010; 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
What do honey, dyes, perfume, toothpaste and baseball bats have in common? Use magnifying lenses, microscopes, chromatography, and simple chemical tests to investigate the insides of plants, flowers, seeds, and fruit. Be ready to paint with flowers! Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades 3 & up.
Paleontology: The Study of Ancient Life (Dinosaurs).
February 14, 2010; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Can you tell the difference between a dinosaur bone and a cow bone? Touch real T-Rex and other dinosaur bones borrowed from the Geology Department of the Milwaukee Public Museum. Class size is limited; please contact Dr. Mary Gruhl to register for this special program by calling 715-373-2703. Make a dino cast to take home and be part of a dino dig. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades K - 4.
Meteorology: The Science that Deals with Weather.
March 14, 2010; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Could you have predicted the weather that sunk the Edmond Fitzgerald? Learn how to predict the weather in Northern Wisconsin with the help of a local meteorologist. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades 4 & up.
Film Technology: The Study of Applying Science to Film.
April 11, 2010; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
What makes a film a blockbuster? As part of the April Film Festival at the Center, this program explores the technology behind the making of film. Participants evaluate a film featured in the Festival and produce a short film. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades 6 & up.
Astronomy; Telescopes on the Tower.
May 8, 2010; 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy star gazing from the Center's tower. Climb to the Center tower to look through powerful telescopes at Northern Wisconsin skies. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades 4 & up.
Astronomy: The Study of Stars and Planets.
May 9, 2010; 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Public Sky Lab, experience the Northern Skies. Fee: $1.00 suggested donation for materials. Grades 4 & up.
Learn About Your Land 2010 Click here for an Adobe PDF file of this program.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin ProgramMarch 2, 2010; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.First in a series, learn the history of the basin area, from a regional perspective on the landscapes. Learn about your land and how it fits in the landscape especially surrounding vegetative cover, water resources, soils, etc. Computer resources are available for use to map your land. Go home with a map/aerial photo of your land. This series of six weekly classes are offered Tuesday evenings March 2nd - April 13th, 2010 (no session on March 30). Contact: Ruth Oppedahl, Lake Superior Basin Educator, University of Wisconsin Extension 715-685-2676 or to e-mail
click here.
What’s Best for You and Your Woods
March 9, 2010; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin Program
Session two explores how a management plan can help you meet your goals for your land, whether it’s to improve wildlife habitat, provide firewood, increase forest health, or meet other goals for your land. Meet a woodland owner.
Options for Forest Management
March 16, 2010; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin Program
This third session addresses the Lake Superior Basin's interesting variety of forest types ranging from boreal forest, to sand barrens, to balsam fir/birch woods. What type of forest stands do you have? Are you looking at maintaining or changing the composition? How will climate change affect our choice of trees for planting? What invasive species are affecting your woods? Explore the variety of forest management options and their outcomes.
Planting Trees
March 23, 2010; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin Program
This fourth session explores the what, how, why, when, and where of tree planting for success. How do the soils, aspect, and other features of your land determine success in tree planting? Where do you get trees? How do you plant them? Tree survival techniques are discussed. Includes information on native-landscaping plants for your cabin or home.
Making Your Woodland Attractive to Wildlife
April 6, 2010; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin Program
This fifth session explores the elements wildlife needs to thrive in your woods. This class covers general woodland techniques for improving habitat. Activities covered include: providing large mature trees for nut and acorn production and roosting, leaving den trees, periodic thinning for browse and nesting, and providing brushy areas for cover. Explore how you can help benefit wildlife.
Resources for Woodland Owners
April 13, 2010; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin Program
This sixth and last session introduces the people, programs, and organizations that can help you with your woodland. Learn about sources of cost-share funds for tree planting and other activities; the Managed Forest Law Program; conservation set-aside payment programs; permanent land protection; inter-generational transfer workshops; and landowner associations and organizations that can help support your woodland activities.
Snow Tracking Carnivores & Other MammalsNovember 6, 2010; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.A workshop for individuals interested in participating in the Wisconsin Volunteer Carnivore Tracking Program. This volunteer program is used to help estimate abundance of gray wolves and other forest carnivores within the state. Participants are trained on the identification of tracks of most medium and large land mammals in the state, and tested in their ability to identify 25 state mammals by tracks. The workshop covers methods of measuring tracks, use of forms, and methods for conducting surveys. People just interested in learning more about animal tracking are also accepted into the class but space will be limited; preference given to individuals planning to conduct track surveys. Fee $15.00 per person, includes lunch and light refreshments. To register and get more details, please call Monica Van Cleve at 715-685-2643.
Snowshoeing on Center Trails
Offered: Winter; Cost: Free.
Looking for a fun winter activity? Try snowshoeing on the Center trail systems! For reservations or information contact Rose Haveri at 715-685-9983 or to e-mail click here.
Special Events at the Center
Offered: Annually; Cost: Free; Fee for Nature & Birding Festival.
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center hosts special events throughout the year to celebrate the Region's natural, cultural, and historic resources. For more information, please contact Susan Nelson at 715-685-2644 or to e-mail click here. ^Top
