Gardening for a Concert: Creating Concert Halls for Nature’s Music from Parks to Your Backyard From bird songs in the spring and summer to an evening chorus of crickets and katydids in later summer into fall, we can invite and welcome nature’s chorus into our yards and gardens. A large park may have a full-sized…

Pollinators come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Learn about all the different types of pollinators we have around and learn about all the things they provide for us. You may be able to get up close to some of our well-known pollinator friends.   Environmental Investigators is geared for ages 8-12. This family friendly…

Join us for the launch of a new 3-7 year old program! In this session of Nature Explorers, we will focus on what wild means and where to find it. Wildlife is everywhere, but sometimes we need to look harder. Learn about adaptations like camouflage while making new observations about the world around you.  …

The beauty and unique behaviors of dragonflies, damselflies & hummingbirds are incredibly interesting and useful, especially in the home garden habitat. Join in on this program to learn more about these charming and helpful creatures including their natural history and ideas for how to attract them to your yards & gardens.

If you build it, they will come, the wildlife that is! Let The Wilderness Center help get you started on the right track in your backyard. Providing you with simple yet impactful changes to your yard and landscape that benefit the local wildlife and ecosystem. Discover how small adjustments can create thriving habitats for birds,…

Meet Mac & Tami! The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) were selected by wilderness supporters, like you! as animal mascots for The Wilderness Center. When we see chipmunks in our own backyards, we’re reminded of the acres of beautiful land that TWC’s maintains and protects to support wildlife. The spotted salamander…

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dive into the world beneath the surface and go pond dipping with The Wilderness Center. Get hands-on with nets and bug trays as we identify and learn about these fascinating creatures, and how they help our freshwater ecosystems. Please be prepared to get muddy and wet.

All ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Take a free hike with The Wilderness Center and learn about the diverse array of wildflowers. We will explore what spring ephemerals are still in bloom and learn about what these flowers do for the ecosystem. These are short-lived species that bloom from mid-March…

All ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Join a TWC naturalist for a free morning bird walk on the trails and grounds of The Wilderness Center! We will explore our woodland, prairie, and aquatic habitats looking for warblers and other migratory species. All birding levels are welcome. Binoculars are available to…

Come join us to celebrate Earth Day and commemorate all of our Tree of Life Tributes by helping us plant trees! On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10am. Check-in at our front desk in our Interpretive Building.