Adult, Family and Group Education

Adult Programs

Woodland Dunes often presents workshops and educational series for adults in our community. These programs are listed in the upcoming events section of our website. Most of our special events such as Owl Fest, Butterfly Fest and Bird Breakfast include hikes and presentations geared for our adult visitors.

Teacher Naturalists

A special group of volunteers called Teacher Naturalists help facilitate our school programs. Joining this group is the best way to learn more about the natural world and give back to your community. Training sessions are held on each specific program the teacher naturalist will facilitate. Teacher Naturalists are also invited to participate in a special series of natural history programs and field trips offered exclusively to this group of volunteers. To learn more about the program please contact the nature center at (920)793-4007.

Rent a Naturalist

Looking for a special excursion for your group or family?  You can rent one of our naturalists for $25/hour to lead you along one of Woodland Dune’s trails.  Explore prairie, marsh, woodland or forest with someone who can give you information and tell you stories about things you see.

Scout and Youth Groups

Contact us to set-up a specialized program for your group or to get information on where to explore.  Exploring the preserve on your own is free, however donations are appreciated and suggested for non-members.  Rent-a-naturalist rates will apply to any group with 10 or less participants that would like a program from our staff.  Groups over 10 will be charged a fee for each individual participant depending on program length and content.  Please check our Citizen Science Monitoring page to find great opportunities for your group to get involved in research projects!

Birthday Parties

With advanced notice birthday parties can be held at the facility.  During regular business hours, a fee of $50 per hour is charged.  Off hours the facility can be rented for $75 an hour. The rent-a-naturalist fee of $25 an hour applies for any educational activities you would like our staff to provide.

Adventure Backpacks

During regular business hours, an indoor learning station and related outdoor activities are available for you and your family.  The theme of the learning table and backpack change seasonally.  In winter, learn about tracking and go on a hike to look for bird  nests and animal tracks; in summer help us with a monarch caterpillar survey, in spring learn about and look for amphibians – record your data to help us monitor populations at the preserve.  In autumn, explore Conifer Trail, play I – Spy and learn about the plants and animals living in the forest.  All activities are easy to do and all the equipment needed is in the backpack.  The adventure backpacks are free to use, just talk to a nature center employee when you arrive.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure  seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers,  called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is  enjoyed by people from all age groups who have a strong sense of community and support  for the natural environment.  To get started go to www.geocaching.com, enter the Two Rivers zip code 54241 and you will find information on all the geocaches in the area. Woodland Dunes currently has 6 geocaches located along our trails. When geocaching all trail guidelines still apply – all caches are accessible from our current trail system, without venturing into protected areas.

Indoor Exhibits and Live Animals

During regular business hours indoor exhibits ranging from geology to animal skulls are available to view.  We also have a variety of live animals.  Shelly, the Wood Turtle and Susan, the Bull Snake are always popular with our visitors. 

Citizen Science Monitoring

Please see the citizen science page for more opportunities to learn about the world around you.  Woodland Dunes is involved in a number of on-going research projects great for individuals and families.

Little Wings: Children’s Natural Play Area

Little Wings was created in honor and memory of Helen Dicke Krivacek, a foundational member and  long time volunteer at Woodland Dunes.  This natural play area is located in the front of the nature center building and is open from dawn till dusk.  Access to indoor bathrooms is available during regular business hours; an outdoor bathroom is available on site May – October.  Benches and a raised deck are available for parents and chaperones to relax as children explore.  Supervision is not provided, please be responsible and keep track of your children while using this facility.

• This natural play ground features all natural play opportunities.
  Frog Pond: A small running river with shallow ponds and stepping stones will keep your children occupied as they search for water critters and splash in the pools. 
  
  
• Fort Building Area: A portion of the play area has mature trees and fort building materials to tempt budding architects.
  
  
• Art Area: An art table filled with natural objects allows for creative play and design.  
  
  
• Wind Garden and Tree Circle: Wind created music and movement among our tree circle create a relaxing atmosphere.  
  
  
• Prairie Maze: Kids can scurry through the maze like a mouse, hide quietly among the flowers or create their own adventure along the prairie path.
  
  
• Bird Sanctuary: An area with bird feeders and baths allows for kids to observe and watch wildlife.
  
  
• Grassy Knoll: Climb to the top of the hill and roll down, or for the brave, crawl through the tunnel and find where it leads.
  
  
• Climbing Tree: Children can safely climb into the Mulberry tree look-out, thick low branches allow for further climbing opportunities for the more adventurous.
  
  
• Sand Pit:  Dig and play in the soft sand pit, search for buried fossils, petrified wood and smooth rocks, but please leave them for others to enjoy.