Chapters in Wisconsin

Identifying Bugs in the Wild 
Instructor: Dr. Paul Whitaker
Format: Blended 3-part course
Dates/Times: virtual Monday, June 15, 2026, 7-8 pm, virtual Wednesday, June 17, 7-8 pm, and in person Saturday, June 20, 12-4 pm
Location: UW Stevens Point
Elective (6 hours)
Description: The overall goal of this course is to help you feel better equipped to identify insects associated with plants and to understand plant-insect interactions. You’ll need to spend some time outside of class to complete a modest collection of insect specimens and/or photographs. The virtual sessions will cover basic entomology content, including insect body structure, life stages, life cycles, and ecology. They will also give an overview of diversity of insects associated with land plants and introduce the insect (or photograph) collection project. Weather permitting, the in-person class will begin with an insect walk on the UWSP campus, allowing you to practice various insect collecting techniques. In the lab, we’ll use a variety of live and preserved insects to practice insect rearing and identification.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the first day of the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

What does it take to plant and care for a native planting? Are you new to native plants? 

Native plants are sold as a low maintenance option but sometimes, they don't feel low maintenance. Let's talk about what the type of work it takes to install, maintain and grow habitat in your yard.

Butterflies of Wisconsin: Ecology, Identification, and Conservation
Instructor: Dr. Skye Bruce
Format: Blended 2-part course
Dates/Times:
Virtual Saturday, June 20, 2026, 6-8 pm
In person Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12-2 pm
Location: UW Madison Arboretum
Elective (4 hours)
Description: This course offers a comprehensive exploration into the science of Wisconsin’s native butterflies, focusing on their identification, ecology, and conservation. Through detailed study, participants will delve into the intricate life cycles of butterfly species and the critical role of host plants in their development and survival. The curriculum is designed to equip learners with the skills to identify key butterfly species and understand the selection and cultivation of appropriate host plants, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna in local ecosystems. Additionally, the course addresses the pressing threats to native butterfly populations and their habitats, from habitat loss to climate change, and discusses scientific strategies for conservation and population support. By combining fieldwork with classroom learning, participants will gain practical and theoretical knowledge, preparing them to contribute effectively to conservation efforts and promote biodiversity within their communities. Recommended book: Butterflies of the North Woods by Larry Weber.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Come explore the wild side with us!  Join us for a morning walk celebrating native plants, natural landscapes, and the beauty of the outdoors. Enjoy a welcoming Wild Ones community event designed to inspire curiosity, connection, and time in nature.

·       Join us for a scavenger hunt to find wild things!

·       Learn more about our native plants, how to identify them and how they support pollinators.

·       Learn more about our bird habitat, bluebird, purple martin houses, and turtle nesting areas. 

·       Join us for some snacks and conversation too.

·       All are welcome! Bring your friends!

Reservations appreciated

The Buzz in Your Garden: Bumble Bees of Wisconsin Ecology, Identification and Conservation
Instructors: Judy Cardin and Susan Carpenter
Format: In person
Dates/Times: Saturday, July 11, 9:30 am-4:00 pm (half hour lunch on your own; bring a packed lunch)
Location: UW Arboretum Madison
Elective (6 hours)
Description: Our charming and peaceful pollinators need your help. Half of Wisconsin’s bumble bees species are threatened. This course shows how each of us can make a difference. Learn what is causing bee population declines, and how to support their native habitat and flower needs. Along the garden path we will learn to identify many of Wisconsin’s 20 bumble bee species. Participants will delve into the life cycles of bumble bees, and flower/bee mutualism resulting from the evolved phenologies of bumble bees and the native flowers they visit for nectar and pollen. We will also explore nesting and hibernation habitat needs, and life inside the bumble bee nest. The curriculum, a combination of classroom and field time, is designed to equip learners with the skills to identify Wisconsin bumble bee species, and the female, male and queen castes of species. We will take an in-depth look at floral and habitat needs of the endangered Rusty patched bumble bee to understand the selection and cultivation of appropriate native flowers and habitat. Additionally, the course addresses the threats to native bumble bee populations and their habitats, including habitat loss, disease, pesticides and climate change. Recommended book: Bumble Bees of North America by Paul Williams et al.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

See all of our course offerings this year.