Fond du Lac Area Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Audubon) offers programs, field trips, activities, and workshops related to the environment.
BIRD & NATURE ALLIANCE SUMMER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Explore area trails, farms, and nature areas in Fond du Lac County and City with members of Bird & Nature Alliance. Tuesday evening events begin at 6:30 pm (with the exception of August 25 and 29). Wear good walking shoes, bring insect repellent, and binoculars if available. The adventures will last an hour to an hour and a half. Canceled if raining. For more information, contact dianahbeck@gmail.com or 920-922-7931.
Julie Fitzpatrick Farm
June 2, N5849 Hillcrest Road
The farm is located just west of Fond du Lac. We will see Julie’s prairie restoration and management for grassland birds and pollinators. Encounter Julie’s herd of sheep and baby lambs and see a demonstration of her border collies herding the sheep. Meet her horses and learn how rotational grazing practices are implemented on the farm. Leader – Margie Winter
Shaginappi County Park
June 9, W3220 Velvet Beach Road
Visit this natural area of wetlands, lakeshore, woods, and prairie. Drive north on Hwy 151 to just north of Pipe, turn left on Velvet Beach Road. Continue about 1/2 mile and turn into a parking lot on the left. Leaders – Kerry and Dave Sehloff
Heckrodt Wetlands Reserve
June 16, 1305 Plank Road, Menasha
Explore some of the three miles of trails through the 91 acres featuring forested wetland, prairie meadow, and shoreline cattail marsh. Meet at the west side of Kohls’ parking lot at 5:45 pm to carpool or meet at 6:30 on-site. Leader – Diana Beck
RAINDATE—Heckrodt Wetlands Reserve, June 23
Greenway Arboretum
June 30, 55 West Pioneer Road
Discover over two miles of beautiful nature trails along the Fond du Lac River on 24.5 acres in town. Meet at the west side of the parking lot at the south Pick’n Save store at 55 West Pioneer Road. Leader – Evelyn McLean-Cowan
Hobbs Woods
July 7, N4145 Hickory Road
Parson’s Creek carves some large ravines through the 60-acre park. Leader – Lori Amend
Lakeside Park West & Marsh
July 14, Howard Litscher Drive
Meet by the dog park. Explore the trail and boardwalk with views of Lake Winnebago and Supple’s Marsh. Walk over the new bridge connecting the east and west park land. Leader – Lori Amend
Kiekhaefer Park
July 21, W4235 Kiekhaefer Parkway
This park of 120 acres has wonderful trails through hilly, wooded terrain and is part of the Niagara
Escarpment. Leader – Diana Beck
Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum
July 28, 400 University Drive
Walk on a guided tour through some of the 37.5 acres at the Fond du Lac County Campus. Meet in the east parking lot, 400 University Dr. Leader – Margie Winter
Marsh Haven
August 4, W10145 State Road 49, Waupun
Visit this beautiful wildlife and educational facility on the Horicon Marsh. Drive south on Hwy 151, then travel east on Hwy 49 for 21/2 miles. To
carpool, meet at the southwest corner of the Fleet Farm parking lot at 6:00 pm. Leader – Liz Roy
Laudolff Ledge Conservation Area
August 11, N9141 Hwy 151
(Four miles north of WH and turn right into parking lot at N9141.) This 24.6-acre parcel contains 965 linear feet of wooded Niagara Escarpment with ledgerock ranging from 45 – 60 feet in height as well as 18 acres of former cropland, which is being restored to its native, original habitat of tall mesic prairie. Leader – Diana Beck
Shady Lady Acres Flower Farm
August 18, N6823 Giebel Road, Eldorado
The flower field is in the white fence near the blue shipping container. Meet Jessica Jaber, Marine veteran and owner of Shady Lady Acres. Wander through rows of vibrant, farm-fresh blooms, and learn about sustainably grown flowers without shortcuts or mass transportation. Bouquets for purchase. Leader – Kathleen Stetter
Chimney Swift Roosting Count
August 25, South Brooke Street, just south of Western Avenue
Watch the Metal Link chimney starting at 7:45 pm until about 8:10. Bring a lawn chair and binoculars. Join us afterwards to socialize at Fat Joe’s Burgers/Brews, 15 W. Division Street. Leader – Diana Beck
Foraging Class with Chris Gavin at Kay’s Ledge
Saturday August 29, 10 am – noon, N7836 County Hwy WH
Take a “plant walk” with a focus on ethnobotany where Chris will discuss the plants we will encounter and the basics of identifying, harvesting, and enjoying the abundance of wild foods. You may be encouraged to nibble on safe, raw foods. Chris Gavin is a Wisconsin Master Naturalist, Scout leader, and owner of Eagle Outdoor Skills, a business connecting people to the natural world through wild foods, traditional skills, and ecological knowledge. Limited to 20 people. Reserve your spot: 920-922-7931 or email dianahbeck@gmail.com. Drive east on Cty WH, up the ledge .9 miles from the Hwy 151 bypass to the entrance on the west side. Watch for Audubon signs by the road. No dogs allowed.
Explore Local Trails with Your Family
We encourage you and your families to explore some of the beautiful trails in our area on your own and with your families.
• Kiekhaefer Park
• Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum
• Peebles Trail
• Greenway Arboretum
• Hobbs Woods
• Shaginappi Park
• Eisenbahn State Trail
• Archer Thomas Olsen Trail at Lakeside Park West
• Mascoutin Valley State Trail (Rosendale)
• Northwoods (Rosendale)
• Riggs Park (Ripon)