Chapters in Wisconsin

Nature Teaching Strategies for All Ages (Retreat + Course Combo!)

Instructor: Shannon Davis-Foust
Date/Time: May 27-29, 2026, 12 pm to 12 pm
Location: Lowenwood, Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin
Combined fee: $300 nonmembers/$255 members (includes lodging and meals)
Elective (6 hrs)
Description: Set in Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods, here is the perfect opportunity to enhance your connection with nature. This retreat/course combines various teaching strategies to cultivate a deeper understanding of the natural world and inspire stewardship practices. Inquiry-based learning practices and hands-on activities will strengthen observation skills. Learn how to guide engaging ethical conversations in the field of conservation.

Open to the public, this course counts for the Wild Ones Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program. You will receive a Project WILD book and be certified in Project WILD upon completion. Activities can be scaled up or down to suit different ages.

Time will be provided for exploring and relaxing. If you have never been to Lowenwood, it’s a must see!

Here is a slideshow providing more information about the retreat location and itinerary. Email [email protected] for more information.

Registration deadline: May 1, 2026

You do not need to be a Wild Ones member to take this course.

This class counts towards the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Pre-order forms are expected to be available in early March https://www.friendsofwehr.org/plantsale

Attend the plant sale! 

Join us for a guided walk around Urban Ecology Center's Riverside Park. Our walk will be led by Jeremy "Moose" Rappaport, who is a Wild Ones board member and the land manager at Riverside Park. He will focus on showing us the spring-blooming native plants at the park.

This program is free. It will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the conditions.

Walking tour with views of late spring ephemerals and various woodland forbs. The month is a transitional month dependent on Mother Nature but there are likely to be carpets of toad lilies, wild geranium, spring phlox and pussy toes among other special appearances. It is a paved campground trail with some additional wood chipped hiking trails with pleasant views of the adjacent wetland. Lisa Oddis will guide the tour. Gear needed- this is rain or shine, bug spray, hiking or mud boots are recommended. Family friendly event. This is a Waukesha County park so a daily or annual park pass is needed. If you are interested in carpooling, email [email protected] or visit Facebook. Park at Family Camp Ground