Audubon offers programs, field trips, activities, and workshops related to the environment.
SUMMER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Explore trails, farms, and nature areas in Fond du Lac County and City with members of Audubon. Tuesday evening events begin at 6:30 pm. Our foraging adventure with Chris Gavin is on Saturday at 10 am. 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 about these summer events, contact dianahbeck@gmail.com or 920-922-7931.
Julie Fitzpatrick Farm
June 3 • 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. Meet Julie’s herd of sheep and baby lambs. Experience 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
Foraging at Kay’s Ledge with Chris Gavin
Saturday, June 7 • 10 am until 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 by contacting Diana at 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 will be allowed.
Oakfield Ledge and Trail Marker Tree
June 17
Hike along the north end of the ledge to a trail marker tree. The walk will take about 20 minutes one way. Meet in the small parking lot on Cty Y just south of the water tower. Leaders – Karl McCarty (Oakfield history teacher), Dave Langholff, and Liz Roy
Greenway Arboretum
June 24
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
Powell Spring Conservancy
July 1 • W598 County Road K, Ripon
Walk the trails surrounding one of the largest springs feeding into Green Lake. Meet in the southwest corner of Menards parking lot at 5:45 pm for carpooling. Leader – Diana Beck (920-922-7931)
Holyland Donkey Haven
July 8 • W2082 Mueller Lane, Mt. Calvary
Holyland Donkey Haven is a 100% volunteer-operated, nonprofit donkey rescue and sanctuary. Holyland takes in unwanted, abused, and neglected donkeys as well as a few goats. Leader – Diana Beck
Eldorado Marsh
July 15
Hike along the dike through Eldorado Marsh and enjoy a birding opportunity. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Dike Road on the east side of the marsh. Leader – Lori Amend
Kiekhaefer Park
July 29 • 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
August 5
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
Lakeside Park West
August 12
Explore the trail and boardwalk with views of Lake Winnebago and Supple’s Marsh. Walk over the new bridge connecting east and west park land. Meet by the dog park. Leader – Lori Amend
Chimney Swift Roosting Watch
August 19
Meet on 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 afterward to socialize at Fat Joe’s Burgers/Brews, 15 W. Division. St. Leader – Diana Beck
Invasive Species Removals
April 12 to June 21. Find out how to help here.
The Marsh in Our Backyard – Eldorado (Presentation)
Wednesday, May 14, 7 pm, MPTC Room B141
James Christopoulos is the DNR wildlife biologist for Fond du Lac County/Property Manager for Eldorado Marsh and also manages the Glacial Habitat Restoration area (GHRA) lands in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties. In all, these encompass about 16,000 acres of mostly restored grasslands and wetlands. He will give us a general overview of the property and management at Eldorado Marsh.
Horicon Marsh Pontoon Boat Birding Adventure
Saturday, May 17, 6 pm, Heron Landing in Horicon
Over 290 species of birds live in or visit Horicon Marsh each year. Participants in this 2-hour evening narrated bird trip through the marsh will seek and identify some of them. Experienced and casual bird watchers will enjoy the quiet of the marsh on this early evening tour. Bring binoculars, bird book, insect repellent, and dress for the weather. Meet at 5 pm at the southeast corner of the Fleet Farm parking lot to form a carpool for the 35 minute drive to Blue Heron Landing in Horicon. Or meet the group at Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street in Horicon,
for a 6 pm departure.
The cost is $38 per person. To reserve a spot on the pontoon boat (limit of 16), a non-refundable deposit of $20 is required before April 15, with the balance due before departure. If we do not fill the boat, the remaining seats will be open to the public.
Signups with deposit will begin at our March events. Or call 920-922-7931 or email dianahbeck@gmail.com.
For more information on these events, call 920-922-7931 or email dianahbeck@gmail.com.
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)