Join us in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day! Explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods with a variety of guided hikes and tours, bird watching expeditions, bird banding demonstrations, and interactive workshops during the 20th Annual Northwoods Bird and Wildlife Festival.

Schedule:

If you wish to attend one of the field trips, you must register for it ahead of time. Space is limited for certain field trips, so secure your spot before it’s too late!

Friday, May 9th
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7-8:30am – Field Trip: Northwoods Flora, Birds and Buds at MECCA Trails (please register for this program separately)

Join Discovery Center Naturalist Licia as we explore the wonderful trails of MECCA near the Little Turtle Flowage for signs of spring - including early bird arrivals and spring flowers and plants!

10:30-2:00pm – Birding paddle on the Manitowish River

Join Discovery Center Naturalists Jenna and Hannah for a leisurely birding paddle on the Manitowish River. We'll look for birds that prefer riverine habiats such as great blue herons, bald eagles, kingfishers, and so many more! Canoes, paddles, and PFDs will be provided. Registered participants should meet at NLDC where we will carpool to the put-in location.

5-6pm – Welcome reception with appetizers, desserts, and cash bar

Join us in kicking off the 20th Annual Northwoods Bird and Wildlife Festival with light appetizers, desserts, and a cash bar before the evening presentation in the NLDC Main Lodge. This social hour will also feature an informational table highlighting the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Beth Feind, NHALSF Property Manager, and Eric Margenau, Wildlife Habitat Specialist from the American Bird Conservancy will be present to talk about the NHALSF and birding habitat.

6-7pm – Presentation: Creating Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Habitat with Ashley Strabel of the Ruffed Grouse Society

If you're interested in the ecological components that makes great habitat for birds like the American woodcock, ruffed grouse, golden-winged warblers, and many others, this presentation is for you. We will explore the ecological needs of bird species which are dependent on young forest ecosystems. Various management activities will also be shared to provide guidance on how to create habitat for early successional species.

Admission
$30.00 - Youth under 18
$40.00 - Volunteer (must sign up through iVolunteer website)
$60.00 - Member
$70.00 - Non-member

Registration opens February 7 and closes May 2.

Click Here for Register