a gift to the community: a free season of guided activities at the discovery center

Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

CONNECT • DISCOVER • EXPLORE

Naturally Inspiring and Enriching Livesthrough Meaningful Connections among Nature, People and Community

DiscoveryCenter.net877-543-2085

North LakelandDiscovery Center

WINTER & SPRING2012-2013 PROGRAMS

2 NORTH LAKELAND DISCOVERY CENTER WINTER & SPRING 2012-2013 PROGRAMS 3

Discover Us!The North Lakeland Discovery Center is a non-pro�t organization dedicated to connecting people to nature. Our location in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is beautifully remote, surrounded by water and forests, and yet accessible to visitors.

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Trails12 miles of classic style groomed ski trails, with routes for snowshoeing and hiking.

Warming CenterWarm up in our of�ce with hot chocolate, coffee and bathroom/changing facilities.

Nature NookLive animals, displays of furs, skulls and a new child-friendly activity each month.

Saturday at the Nook

One Saturday a month we highlight a different project or local resource in our nook. Stop by and explore the self-led activities with a take-home craft.

Saturdays, December 22, January 19, February 16, March 23, April 27

9 AM – 4 PM

Director’s Sit and Shares

Join Discovery Center Executive Director Sarah Johnson for readings and discussions, accompanied by coffee, cider and hot teas. We’ll read passages from in�uential writers. Selections serve as discussion points for celebrating nature and the interrelations with people.

Optional fresh air snowshoe follows.

Wednesdays, December 19, January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17

10 – 11 AM

Library Brown Bag Series

Each month we visit one of our great local libraries for a lunchtime discussion on a variety of fascinating topics.

12 – 1 PM

AIS of the Northwoods

NLDC Waters Specialist Anne Kretschmann discusses Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and how you can help.

Boulder Junction Library.

Wednesday, December 5

Animal Tracks

NLDC Naturalist Licia Johnson discusses how to distinguish Northwoods creatures’ tracks.

Mercer Public Library.

Wednesday, January 2

Photography: Capturing Nature

NLDC Assistant Director Katie Simonsen reviews the basics of capturing the beauty of the Northwoods with your camera.

Minocqua Public Library.

Wednesday, February 6

Frogs and Toads

NLDC Naturalist Licia Johnson talks about the frogs and toads of Wisconsin.

Manitowish Waters Frank B. Koller Library.

Wednesday, March 6

Northwoods Lakes

NLDC Director Sarah Johnson talks about a keystone monitoring project on lake levels.

Presque Isle Community Library.

Wednesday, April 3Find us on Facebook and Twitter.Just search for North Lakeland Discovery Centeror follow the links on our website.

Program Information

• Registration can be made by calling (877) 543-2085 or online at www.DiscoveryCenter.net

• Programs are free of charge and meet at the Discovery Center unless otherwise noted.

• Cancellation must be made two days in advance.

Get Involved

• Become a Member • Support our Mission • Register for a Program • Volunteer

Call today, or visit our website for details.

CONNECT

Discover a Gem in the Northwoods


Natural Ornaments Making

During your “Marvel in Manitowish” adventures, drop in and create a seasonal ornament out of natural materials. The keepsake is yours to treasure for years to come and to remember your time in the Northwoods!

Thursday, December 27

1 – 5 PM

FAMILy PROGRAMS FAMILy PROGRAMS

Family Play Days

As part of “Marvel in Manitowish,” we will host a number of free drop-in activities including GPS snowshoe, winter scavenger hunts, and animal tracking stations.

Friday, December 28

Saturday, December 29

10 AM – 2 PM

“Kid-Friendly” Soups and Chili Bar

During your winter adventures, stop by the Discovery Center and warm up with hot soups and delicious chili! Hot cider, teas, coffee and cornbread, too.

Friday, December 28


11 AM – 2 PM

Saturday at the Nook – Always Open

One Saturday a month we highlight a different project or local resource in our nook. Staff-led family learning program includes discussion, hands-on learning and take-home craft.

Saturdays, December 22, January 19, February 16, March 23, April 27

9:30 – 10:30 AM

Make your Own Bat Roosting House

Create a bat roosting house (bigger than your average bat “house”) and learn how to make a better habitat for bats in your backyard. All materials included. *Advance registration by 4/25 required.

Saturday, April 27

1 – 3 PM

Sleigh Rides!

Enjoy the beauty of the Discovery Center by horse-drawn sleigh! Sponsored by the Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce, it’s a great way to get out and spend time with your family surrounded by the splendor of the season!


2 – 5 PM

Winter Family Photos

Come to the Discovery Center and get your family’s keepsake photo taken in the beautiful Northwoods setting.


1 – 4:30 PM

*Want to register or learn more? Call 1-877-543-2085 or visit DiscoveryCenter.net today!

Marvel in Manitowish

Join us the week between Christmas and New Year’s as we celebrate the joys of the season with our neighbors! Check out the Manitowish Waters Chamber website for even more great events!


Workshop: Digital Photography 101

This three-part workshop provides a deeper understanding of your camera and how to take great images. *Advance registration by 1/14 required.

5:30 – 7 PM

Part 1: Photography Basics

What is F-stop, shutter speed, ISO settings? We’ll discuss what they are and how to use them.

Tuesday, January 15

Part 2: Camera Lenses and Settings

Wide angle, macro, telephoto and zoom lenses; how to choose and use. Get comfortable with common settings on your camera.

Tuesday, January 22

Part 3: Digital Editing

Explore cropping, white balance, and histograms and how to use basic editing software to create your best pictures yet!

Tuesday, January 29

Workshop: Leopold’s Legacy

Aldo Leopold’s legacy continues through his articulation of a “land ethic,” the idea that as humans we have a moral responsibility to the natural world. *Advance registration by 3/1 required.

5 – 6:30 PM

Part 1: Greenfire Film

Tuesday, March 5

Part 2: The Land Ethic

Tuesday, March 12

Part 3: Ethics in Action

Tuesday, March 19

Workshop: Land Management in the Northwoods

Responsible land management is a concern of many land owners. In this three-part series we discuss the balance of ecological and human needs on your property and how some simple management strategies will help you achieve short and long-term goals for your property. *Advance registration by 4/9 required.

5 – 6:30 PM

Part 1: Wildlife

Tuesday, April 16

Part 2: Woods

Wednesday, April 17

Part 3: Water

Thursday, April 18

ADULT WORKSHOPS

Nibbles ‘n Knowledge

An evening of delicious nibbles and expanding your knowledge. Cash bar and complimentary appetizers from 5 – 6 PM, program from 6 – 7 PM. *Advance registration by the day prior required.

Held at Camp Jorn YMCA.

First Annual Triva Night!

Test your knowledge on topics related to nature, the Northwoods, and the Discovery Center. Prizes awarded to individuals and teams in a variety of categories!

Thursday, January 10

Wolves of Isle Royale

The Timber Wolf Alliance leads a program on the wolf-moose/predator-prey relationship on the Lake Superior island, Isle Royale. Following disease, low reproduction and a 2011 over-winter tragedy, wolf populations are the lowest they’ve ever been (9) and they are at risk of extirpation.

Thursday, February 7

Big Cats of Wisconsin

Cougars in Wisconsin? This month we welcome Eric Anderson, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the UW-Stevens Point. His topic, “Big Cats: Fact, Fiction and Future,” will educate on the rumors, sightings and mistaken identity of the big cats of Wisconsin.

Thursday, March 14

The Night Sky

The wonder of the starry night comes alive with Frank Kovac, creator of the Kovac planetarium near Monico, WI. He discusses the in�nitely interesting topic of astronomy and how it relates to our location in the universe.

Thursday, April 11

February Films

Celebrate some of the great environmental films. Viewing of the film followed by facilitated discussion on the themes, philosophies and what it means for our everyday lives.

4:30 – 6:30 PM

Lords of Nature

“Lords of Nature” is an engaging story of science discovering the great carnivores as revitalizing forces of nature and society learning tolerance for the beasts they had once banished.

Tuesday, February 12

Silent Spring

This fascinating documentary highlights Rachel Carson’s poetic and seminal work “Silent Spring.” The book was widely credited with spurring the movement questioning pesticides in our environment, and Carson’s personal story is equally poignant.


An Inconvenient Truth

“With the fate of our planet arguably hanging in the balance, “An Inconvenient Truth” may prove to be one of the most important and prescient documentaries of all time.”


ADULT LEARNING SERIES

Find us on Facebook and Twitter.Just search for North Lakeland Discovery Centeror follow the links on our website.

Northern Cruise2.8 miles

2.5 miles

.5 mile

.7 mile

2.6 miles

3.2 miles

North Lakeland Discovery CenterManitowish Waters, Wisconsin

(877) 543-2085

Hiking • Biking • XC Skiing • Snowshoeing

H I G H W A Y 5 1

Statehouse Lake Loop

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Trail Map

(Outer Perimeter 4.32 miles)Trail distance begins and ends at Trail Head

Northern Cruise 2.8 miles

Statehouse Lake Loop 2.5 miles

Little Bit Longer Loop .7 mile

Lookout 2.6 miles

Big River 3.2 miles

Bog Boardwalk .4 mile

Snowshoe Loop 1.0 mile

T R A I L D I S T A N C E S

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Self guided nature trail begins at our lakeside amphitheater.

INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

Trail Marker0Trail Direction

Trail Hazard

Wetland

Snowmobile Crossing

L E G E N D


December 2012

3 Bird Club Meeting and Talk, p. 155 Library Brown Bag Series, p. 36 Bird Count Training, p. 1511 Lookin’ for Lichen, p. 1415 Christmas Bird Count, p. 1519 Director’s Sit and Share, 322 Christmas Bird Count, p. 1522 Nature Nook, p. 3, 527 Natural Ornaments, p. 427 Sleigh Rides, p. 427 Winter Family Photos, p. 428 Moonlit Snowshoe, p. 1028-29 Family Play Days, p. 528-29 Soups and Chili Bar, p. 529 Snowshoe Statehouse Lake, p. 10

January 2013

2 Library Brown Bag Series, p. 37 Bird Club Meeting and Talk, p. 1510 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge, p. 712 Lookin’ for Lichen, p. 1412 Van Vliet Snowshoe, p. 1115 Photography Part 1, p. 616 Director’s Sit and Share, p. 319 Waterfalls in Winter, p. 1219 Nature Nook, p. 3, 522 Photography Part 2, p. 626 Moonlit Snowshoe, p. 1029 Photography Part 3, p. 6

February 2013

2 Bay�eld Ice Caves, p. 124 Bird Club Meeting and Talk, p. 156 Library Brown Bag Series, p. 37 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge, p. 712 February Film Series: Lords of Nature, p. 716 Owl Prowl, p. 1116 Nature Nook, p. 3, 516 Great Backyard Bird Count, p. 1519 February Film Series: Silent Spring, p. 720 Director’s Sit and Share, p. 321 Lookin’ for Lichen, p. 1423 Moonlit Snowshoe, p. 1026 February Film Series: Inconvenient Truth, p. 7

March 2013

4 Bird Club Meeting and Talk, p. 155 Leopold’s Legacy Part 1, p. 66 Library Brown Bag Series, p. 39 Porcupine Den Tour, p. 1112 Leopold’s Legacy Part 2, p. 614 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge, p. 716 Lookin’ for Lichen, p. 1419 Leopold’s Legacy Part 3, p. 620 Director’s Sit and Share, p. 323 Nature Nook, p. 3, 523 Salamander Project, p. 14

April 2013

1 Bird Club Meeting and Talk, p. 153 Library Brown Bag Series, p. 3 11 Nibbles ‘n Knowledge, p. 713 Crane Count, p. 1513 Waterfall “Thaw” Tour, p. 1316 Early Bird Hike, p. 1116 Bat Monitor Training, p. 1416 Land Management: Part 1, p. 617 Land Management: Part 2, p. 617 Director’s Sit and Share, p. 318 Land Management: Part 3, p. 620 Van Vliet Spring Hike, p. 1323 Early Bird Hike, p. 1123 Bat Monitor Training, p. 1427 Nature Nook, p. 3, 527 Bat Roosting House, p. 5, 1430 Early Bird Hike, p. 11Frog Foray, call for more information

Quick Reference Calendar

Want to register or learn more? Call 1-877-543-2085

or visit www.DiscoveryCenter.net today!


HIKES AND SNOWSHOES

Moonlit Snowshoe

Travel among the trees and shadows during this wonderful adventure along Discovery Center trails at night! Naturalist Licia Johnson guides you while observing the world in a different light. This program is for adults and children 7 and older. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration required.

Friday, December 28

Saturday, January 26

Saturday, February 23

6:30 – 8 PM

Snowshoe Statehouse Lake

Explore the beauty of the Northwoods on snowshoe! Naturalist Licia Johnson guides you along the Statehouse Lake Trail as we search for animal signs and delight in the wonders of the season. This program is for adults and children 5 and older. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration required.


2 – 3 PM

HIKES AND SNOWSHOES

Van Vliet Snowshoe Hike

Explore the beauty of the Van Vliet Hemlocks, one of the largest old growth hemlock forest sites in the state. Meet at the East Van Vliet trail head at 1 PM, or carpool from the Discovery Center (meet at the Discovery Center at 12:30 PM). This program is for adults and children 7 and older. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration by 1/10 required.


1 – 3 PM

Snowshoe for Swans

Swans can be a common sight in the area depending on conditions. Naturalist Licia Johnson leads a snowshoe adventure to search for these beautiful birds and explore the wonder of trails in winter. The program will take 2 hours and cover 2 miles. This program is for adults and children 7 and older. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration by 1/25 required.


1 – 3 PM

Owl Prowl

Learn about breeding owls in our region and familiarize yourself with their calls. A brief indoor discussion followed by evening hike. This program is for adults and children 7 and older. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration required.


7 – 9 PM

Porcupine Den Tour

Naturalist Licia Johnson leads a snowshoe adventure through beautiful forests while looking for sign of porcupine. This program is for adults and children 7 and older. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration required.

Saturday, March 9

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Early Bird Hikes

Early morning hikes for all levels. Bring binoculars and good hiking shoes. *Pre-registration not required.

Tuesdays, April 16, 23, 30

6:30 – 8 AM*Want to register or learn more? Call 1-877-543-2085 or visit www.DiscoveryCenter.net today!

View the Trail Map on the previous page!


Waterfalls in Winter Tour

Snowshoe by some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern Iron County at a time of year many seldom experience. Conditions can make this a strenuous outing. Pack a lunch and bring water to drink. Limited registration. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration by 1/16 required.


10 AM – 3 PM

Bayfield Ice Caves

There are two possible trips:

1. The Upland trail and 2. The Lake trail.

Pack a lunch and bring water to drink. Limited registration. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration by the week prior required.


8:30 AM – 5 PM

**Date Subject to Change

Waterfall “Thaw” Tour

Visit some of the wonderful waterfalls in Northern Iron County as they come out of their winter shells. Conditions can make this a strenuous outing. Pack a lunch and bring water to drink. Limited registration. Snowshoe rentals available. *Advance registration by 4/11 required.

Saturday, April 13

10 AM – 3 PM

State Natural Area Series: Van Vliet Hemlocks

Wisconsin’s State Natural Area (SNA) program was created to protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Explore �rsthand one of these properties, the Van Vliet Hemlocks, and welcome spring to the Northwoods. Meet at the East Van Vliet trail head at 9:30 AM, or carpool from the Discovery Center (meet at the Discovery Center at 9 AM). *Advance registration by 4/18 required.

Saturday, April 20

9:30 – 11:30 AM

TRIPS AND TOURS TRIPS AND TOURS

View the Trail Map on page 9!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter.Just search for North Lakeland Discovery Centeror follow the links on our website.


RESEARCH AND MONITORING

*Want to register or learn more? Call 1-877-543-2085 or visit www.DiscoveryCenter.net today!

Christmas Bird Count ID Refresher

The 113th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is December 14, 2012 to January 5, 2013. The longest running Citizen Science survey in the world, CBC provides critical data on population trends.

We will review the CBC protocol and provide a refresher on common bird identi�cation.


9 – 10:30 AM

Christmas Bird Counts

Join the Discovery Center Bird Club in this wonderful citizen science activity focused on monitoring the abundance of our winter resident bird species. Call for details and available times. Training provided.

Saturday, December 15 – Minocqua Area

Saturday, December 22 – Manitowish Waters Area

Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy – and it helps the birds.


Crane Count Training

The Annual Midwest Crane Count is one of the largest citizen-based wildlife surveys in the world. One of the primary purposes of the Crane Count is to monitor the abundance and distribution of cranes in the upper Midwest. We review study protocols and crane identi�cation.

Friday, April 12

10 – 11 AM

International Crane Count

The Annual Midwest Crane Count is one of the largest citizen-based wildlife surveys in the world. One of the primary purposes of the Crane Count is to monitor the abundance and distribution of cranes in the upper Midwest. Open participation.

Saturday, April 13

Lookin’ for Lichen

This is the pilot year for our Northwoods Lichen study. Once a month head out on the trails of the Discovery Center to survey the abundance of our local lichen. Ecologist Katie Simonsen discusses the general biology of lichen and the study protocol. It’s a hike and research wrapped into one grand adventure.

Tuesday, December 11


Thursday, February 21

Saturday, March 16

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Salamander Project

We provide training on a statewide monitoring project. Learn about ephemeral ponds, salamander life cycles and why their populations are studied. Make a salamander trap and carry out the survey in your backyard. This program is for adults and children 7 and older. *Advance registration required.

Saturday, March 23

10 AM – 12 PM

Northwoods Bat Monitor Training

Bats in Wisconsin are under threat of white nose syndrome. Learn how to be part of our Acoustic Bat Monitoring team and conduct surveys on your lake or property. *Advance registration required.

Tuesday, April 16

Tuesday, April 23

5 – 7 PM

Bird Club

The Bird Club welcomes all birdwatchers, from casual observers to expert identi�ers. Join us for presentations, workshops, �eld trips and projects relating to bird conservation and habitat improvement. Call for more information.

First Monday of each month 6 – 7 PM

Make your Own Bat Roosting House

Create a bat roosting house (bigger than your average bat “house”) and learn how to make a better habitat for bats in your backyard. All materials included. *Advance registration by 4/25 required.

Saturday, April 27

1 – 3 PM

Frog Foray

Learn about spring peepers and other Northwoods frogs. Head out with Naturalist Licia Johnson to listen to their calls. This program is for adults and children aged 5 and older.

Exact date of this program depends on the season.

Saturday, April – TBD

Early Evening

BIRD COUNTS

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a gift to the community: a free season of guided activities at the discovery center

Documents

koller library

northwoods of wisconsin

mercer public library

minocqua public library

manitowish waters frank

boulder junction library

nature nooklive animals

presque isle community