THE LAND. - Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

September & October 2014 · www.sanc.org
Reaching Out
By Tom Finley
Director of Education
Here at the Schlitz Audubon Nature
Center, we feel honored to provide
meaningful, hands-on educational opportunities to students from age two to
one hundred and two. On-site school
programs have been the backbone of
our educational mission for more than
40 years. There really is no substitute
for a visit here to see our little spot of
Milwaukee’s Northwoods. Yet not every
teacher who wishes to bring their class
to us is able to.
T H E L A N D.
By Marc White Land Manager
That’s my answer when I’m asked what I like most about my new role as
Land Manager for Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. I don’t just mean the
stuff that oozes up between my toes. I mean the Land as defined by Aldo
Leopold and Mel Ellis - the Land with a capital L that includes the soils,
air, water, flora and fauna as well as the people - all of the things and
interactions that define a place.
Here at Schlitz Audubon the Land includes wonderful examples of Lake Michigan
Beach, Dune, Terrace, Bluff and Ravine as well as Forest, Meadow, Prairie, Marsh and
Pond communities. Unfortunately, due to the broad
scale degradation and fragmentation of the surroundIt remains of the ing landscape, together with the influx of a broad
range of invasive species and the impending impacts of
highest importance climate change, management of these communities by
benign neglect is no longer a regenerative option.
“
that the birds, insects,
A land management plan is needed to ensure the longterm health of the Land. Over the past few months it’s
strong voice in the been my pleasure to take some time and listen closely
in each of these communities as I work to define the
decisions that affect best path forward for the Land. Although the species in
their home.” these communities can’t (or generally don’t) walk into
my office to express their needs, it remains of the highest importance that the birds, insects and the soils have
a strong voice in the decisions that affect their home. As the land management plan
takes shape, I’ve also been relying heavily on our staff and an extremely knowledgeable
and dedicated corps of Volunteer Land Stewards – people that share a deep understanding and long-term relationship with this very special place.
and the soils have a
Considerations like distance, increasing
demands on classroom time management, and rising costs of transportation
are a few of the challenges that teachers face when planning their field trip
experiences.
Continued on page 3
I’ve been reading the history, written on the Land by people and natural forces that
came before me and I’ve been working closely with our stewardship team to find and
control small, isolated infestations of our most aggressively invasive species. It could
be the heat or the hum of the mosquitoes, but I’ve noticed that as we work together, in
the quiet moments, if I listen very closely, I can hear the sound of generations to come
finding joy in the experience of the Land.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
414-352-2880 • www.sanc.org
Open 7 Days a Week • 9:00am - 5:00pm
Adults $6, Children $4 (12 and under) • Free Admission to Members
Join us on Social Media!
From the Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
Tim Gerend
President
Margarete Harvey
Past President
John S. McGregor
Interim Treasurer
Nick Pabst
Secretary
Jane B. Bell
VP-Development
John Grunau
VP-Governance
Jill Pedigo Hall
Human Resources
Board
Flavio P. Almeida
John E. ‘Jack’ Gebhardt
Chad D. Johnson
Kevin J. Kane
Meg Kinney
Amy Kocourek
Cynthia Palmersheim
Justin K. Patrick
Lena M. Patton
Sanderson ‘Andy’ S. Read
Benjamin F. Rikkers
Jeff Thurston
Carol Wolcott
Past Presidents
John H. Kopmeier, Jr.
Philip R. Smith
Dennis L. Fisher
Terrence K. Knudsen
Thomas J. McCutcheon
Thomas B. Fitzgerald
Randolph H. Dean
Stephen F. Geimer
Thomas J. Drought
David K. Hoover
John S. McGregor
Honorary Directors
Polly H. Van Dyke
Edwin P. Wiley
Director Emeritus
Dorothy K. Vallier
(1910-2013)
Rooted in the Community
By Nathan Smallwood Executive Director
The Center recently reached a
historic new agreement with the
National Audubon Society, our
partner and legal owner of the
property. This agreement provides
the Center greater self-determination and authority, while
strengthening our alliance with
one of the leading conservation
organizations. What is our relationship with National Audubon?
A little history to explain:
In 1971 Dory Koppmeier Vallier,
with a few other persistent souls,
persuaded the Schlitz Foundation
to donate our unique parcel of
land for purposes of a nature center. Vallier approached National
Audubon Society to operate the
Center. Audubon accepted the
land conditional on a $1 million
Audubon representative Susan Lunden and Board President, Tim Gerend signing the new
fund to build and operate a cenoperating agreement.
ter, which Dory provided. Joseph
Recently, under leadership of current board presiUihlein and his friend John
dent Tim Gerend, and past board presidents John
Cleaver pledged another $450,000 for capital improvements. Cleaver also donated a 40 acre parcel McGregor, Margarete Harvey, and others too
on the Milwaukee River south of Brown Deer Rd. numerous to mention, the board signed a new
operating agreement with National Audubon,
This is how National Audubon came to own the
effective July 1. After decades of negotiation, this
property and the Center’s original endowment
agreement forges a new era of mutual support
from Dory.
and shared interests in conservation and nature
education.
In 1975, Friends of Schlitz Audubon Nature
Center was formed to raise funds to support the
While National Audubon is still legal owner of
Center’s growing programming and operations.
the property, all operations are under local manIn 1982, the Friends board became the Center’s
agement and the staff members are now locally
primary governing body. Under remarkable local
employed. The Center will control its own destiny,
leadership and community support, the Center
but will work closely with our partner, National
prospered and grew to be one the largest and
Audubon. Soon you will see an increased presmost innovative nature centers in the Audubon
ence of National Audubon on signage, literature,
network.
and elsewhere at the Center. We are proud of
this association. National Audubon is part of the
The Center was then, and remains today,
Center’s heritage, its past and its future.
fully funded by our community.
Yet the agreement between National Audubon
and the local organization had many mutually dissatisfying aspects, hindering a positive,
reinforcing relationship that supports each others’
missions.
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Center Focus • September & October 2014
But let’s always remember that the community
and local supporters are what make this Center
an important and unique Wisconsin destination.
Thank you for your continued support. Together
we can celebrate this wonderful milestone, which
benefits this community we call home.
Notes From Nature
Reaching Out... Continued from page 1
Additionally, some teachers are looking
for that special enhancement to established curricula – something unique that
will help drive home specific themes, presented by a respected source. That’s where
outreach education comes into play.
Often called assemblies, such programs
are a mix of information and audience
engagement that last roughly an hour and
can be presented to large numbers of students by just one naturalist. When I first
arrived at the Center in 2001, longtime
friend and colleague David Stokes left behind a legacy of entertaining educational
programs that could be taken into area
schools.Tough shoes to fill!
Yet I was confident in my background of
natural and physical science and knew we
had staff experts like Jim Hyatt (herpetology) and Diane Visty (raptors) who could
offer programs available nowhere else.
As time passed, and as he evolved on his
path to focus on adult education, one of
the great impacts my predecessor Don
Quintenz left with me (I know, tough
shoes to fill again!), was the freedom
to follow my teaching passions. Thus, I
created programs traversing the spectrum
of weather, space, geology, plant and
animal biology, and even the Wisconsin
history I love so much. Fast forwarding
to the present finds us offering more than
150 outreach programs each school year
on more than 30 different topics. You’ll
notice these programs are far more than
“edutainment” – they offer substantive
curriculum based support for the subjects
teachers are required to impart, and for
which their students are tested on.
It’s a genuine privilege and something of a
badge of honor that area schools value the
Center’s outreach education opportunities. So, don’t be surprised if you run into
Dr. Thunderhead or the Great Shellini at
your local school: it just our way of bringing the nature center to your classroom.
Please visit the education
page of www.sanc.org
to download our
2014/2015 education
program booklet.
Join us for Doors Open Milwaukee
DO
DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE
DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE
HISTORIC MILWAUKEE, INC. PRESENTS
MKE
Sunday, September 21
We are a Children & Family Passport Site!
Check www.doorsopenmilwaukee.org
or www.sanc.org for details.
DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE
DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE, Historic Milwaukee’s annual event, opens
the doors to over 100 of our area’s special buildings free to the public.
These buildings hold hidden treasures and special stories - all sites are
of historic, architectural, cultural, or commercial interest.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is pleased to be participating in this
event, showcasing our Gold LEED certified Environmental Learning
Center and a number of our other features. On Sunday, September 21,
take a 15-minute guided tour of the building at 10 or 11am, or explore on your own anytime of the day. Other drop-in activities include
meeting some of our Birds of Prey or reptiles in the Great Hall, feeding
our snapping turtle Emerson, or hiking our trails. Visit our website for
schedules for our Raptor Program and Guided Trail Hikes.
Courtesy of Doors Open Milwaukee / James Conway photo
Center Focus • September & October 2014
3
Development Updates
2013/2014 Preschool Families Thank Teachers
With “Little House”
By Debby Fulton Director of Development
As the 2013/2014 preschool year came to a close many of the parents were interested in thanking the teachers for an incredible year
with their children. Sarah Langerman, preschool mom and dedicated friend of the Center, asked the teachers what they could use
to help improve the children’s experiences.
After learning this, Sarah went to work and sent a letter to parents
explaining the project and the dollars that were needed in order
to prepare the play space, and design and build the structure. We
are happy to report that the goal of $4,500 was not only met but
surpassed. The families raised just over $12,000, allowing the
“Little House” project to become a reality along with additional
funds which will be used for upgrades to the project, and other
items to enhance the play spaces.
What an amazing gift the 2013/2014 preschool parents have given
to our dedicated teachers and staff. We can’t thank them enough
for this special gift and allowing us the privilege to teach their
children. THANK YOU!!
Each and every gift makes a difference. We encourage all of you to
support Schlitz Audubon in any way you can. The “Little House”
project is a perfect example of the impact families can have on improving and enhancing children’s experiences here at the Center.
New “Little House” in the preschool play space behind the Center.
To learn more about supporting Schlitz Audubon,
contact Debby Fulton at [email protected] or
414 352-2880 x152
Experience Autumn at Schlitz Audubon
By Corinne Palmer Schlitz Audubon Naturalist
When the days and nights become equal in length, the many changes at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center provide visitors a unique experience to see all the plants and animals preparing for winter. The
Tamarack trees in the front of the property start to turn a beautiful
bright golden color, the frogs and turtles at Mystery Lake begin to
bury themselves into the mud, and Wooly Bear Caterpillars can be
found crossing the front sidewalk in search of a place to hibernate.
Deer antler rubbings can be seen on trees along the paved trail to
the Sugar Shack and also by the Cedar trees that lead to Boardwalk
Pond. Colder days may wither some of our plants, but our beautiful blue and purple Gentians continue to bloom at Gentian Pond.
Fall migration season for our winged friends at the Center is not to
be missed. Blue winged-teals depart from teal pond, and the wood
ducks leave from Mystery Lake. Don’t forget your binoculars as
you take the paved trail down to the beach to see the peak migration of all of our waterfowl, including the copper headed black and
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white Canvasbacks. Search for smaller birds in the forest as you
come back up the paved trail - dark-eyed Juncos have just started
arriving for the winter.
Center Focus • September & October 2014
Early Childhood News
Professional Development for our Teachers Enhances the
Development of Your Children
By Elise Hansen Preschool Director
In July, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center sponsored
the opening day of a weeklong workshop with Claire
Warden, Educational Consultant and CEO of Mindstretchers of Scotland. Claire is an internationally
recognized expert in the field of early childhood education, especially children’s connection to the natural
world. Our teachers were inspired by her often-humorous observations and insightful research into children’s
development. The workshop was hosted by UW-Milwaukee, Childcare & Family Resources, UW-Madison and Wisconsin Nature Action Collaborative for
Chldren, which we are active participants of.
In addition to learning from Claire, our preschool staff
members were able to share ideas with the other 87
conference participants, explaining our daily routines
and learning opportunities that utilize a seasonal approach to nature curriculum.
Collette Jarvela-Kuhnen, Schlitz Audubon Nature
Center Preschool Teacher, said that it was great to hear
that our nature curriculum approach is so in line with
what Claire teaches as best practices in early childhood
development and education. This affirmation that we
are doing things right at the SANC Preschool is important for both our teachers and families to hear. It is a
good reminder of their belief that children who have an
early understanding and appreciation for living things
in the natural world are likely to have more respect and
care for the environment, all living things and natural
resources throughout their lives.
In addition to affirmations, the opportunity for teachers
to receive professional development training can also
be incredibly motivating, At another such opportunity in August, Nature Preschool representatives will
participate in the Nature Preschool Conference track
at the Association of Nature Center Administrators
Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Here they will
present a collection of annual student learning portfolio
samples, sharing our knowledge and experiences. Those
attending will also from the success of other nationally-recognized nature preschools from across the county.
We look forward to the new school year where we can
put some new insights into practice to enhance our
children’s experiences here.
Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool teachers help lead activities with Claire Warden, pictured left in top photo.
Center Focus • September & October 2014
5
News From the Raptors
Introducing Our New Peregrine Falcon, Cutright
By Diane Visty Raptor Manager
Say ‘Hello!’ to Cutright, our new male peregrine falcon! He was hatched in captivity 12
years ago, raised and trained to be a falconer’s
bird. Falconry is the sport of hunting with
falcons and hawks to put food on the table.
Cutright excels at speed, able to dive at over
200 mph. He hunts on the wing and loves
to bring home duck for dinner. Recently
retired from the chase, he is enjoying a more
sedentary life as a feathered ambassador here
at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
Our falcon is named Cutright in honor of
Noel Cutright, local ornithologist and friend
of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, who
passed away last November. Noel Cutright
worked for We Energies for 29 years as a
senior terrestrial ecologist where he led
the company’s efforts in reintroducing
peregrines in Wisconsin. He was also a big
supporter of our Birds of Prey program,
securing the first significant contribution
toward our raptor building and helped bring
the first peregrine falcon into our program.
We thought it was fitting to name our new
peregrine falcon after Noel Cutright.
Peregrine falcons are an endangered species
in our state. Native to Wisconsin, they
became extirpated by the 1960’s due to
chemicals in the environment like DDT
which thinned their egg shells, causing them
to fail. In 1987, a reintroduction program
was started with the release of 14 young
falcons. Presently, there are approximately 30
successful nests each year.
Cutright displays characteristics mostly of
Peale’s Peregrine which are found along the
northwest Pacific coast cliffs. He is very dark
in color, large and blocky for a male.
Cutright had a lot to learn when he moved
to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Although
he’s worked closely with humans his entire
life, there are many new faces and species
for him to get used to in our mews. From
the moment Cutright arrived, we’ve strived
to make every experience a positive one for
him. Even asking him to step onto a trainers’
glove can take patience. With every step
he takes, we reward his progress using a
training principle called positive reinforcement. Just like when you ask a dog to sit and
reward that behavior with a treat, we reward
Cutright with a tasty piece of quail for any
behavior we find desirable. With patience
and positivity, we are creating trusting
relationships between Cutright and his new
trainers.
A transition from a life of falconry to one
of education can be a scary thing for a
bird, but Cutright is taking it in stride. He
enjoys his daily baths and perching high
on his rock piles to survey his new mew.
Make sure to visit him on Xtreme Raptor
Day, Saturday, November 8.
Our 7th Annual Xtreme Raptor Day is sure to be a whoot!
Saturday, November 8, 2014 9:00am – 4:00pm
Adults: $10 Children: $5
6
Meet our new peregrine falcon,
Cutright, in person. Head out to the
amphitheatre, which will be bustling
with activity – free flight demonstrations
as well as interactive trivia games for
families with Capitan Talon and Eagle
Eye. Have your photo taken with your
favorite bird of prey. Grab your passport
and follow the Talon Quest Adventure
Hike, seeing birds at different stations
along the way.
Center Focus • September & October 2014
Hear Bruce Beehler, former Deputy Zoo
Director at the Milwaukee County Zoo,
give a talk about “Birds in Botswana” –
It’ll be something to crow about!
All funds raised at this event help to
feed, train, and care for the birds that
call Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
home.
Visit our website for more details.
Planet Volunteer
Volunteer Spotlight: The Ray Team
By Laurie Haig Volunteer Coordinator
Back in 1980, Ray Jensen, a construction
company owner, walked in to our old
center facility, looking to volunteer his
expertise. He worked mostly solo for about
five years until a good handful of men and
women started coming regularly twice
a week to build bridges, paint signs, and
tackle other maintenance projects with
the staff. The group called themselves the
Ray Team, because Ray knew how to put
anything together or patch up things that
fell in disrepair.
Around 1987, Ken and Connie Fehrer
decided to join in on the fun. They had
tried retirement in Door County but were
drawn back to the Milwaukee area and
began to volunteer with the Ray Team.
Ken and Connie enjoy the camaraderie
between the staff and volunteers, and like
meeting new people. They also appreciate
the loose time commitment.
The Ray Team is scheduled for Tuesdays
from 8:30am –12:00pm throughout the
year, but we don’t hold them to coming
every week.
From painting the signs on our property,
to building bridges and boardwalks, to
constructing Leopold benches that are sold
through our nature store, our team has
done it all in our fully-equipped workshop.
We would love to have your help with the
Ray Team! We are looking for adults who
can free up Tuesday mornings from their
schedule for this drop-in program. No previous experience is necessary. We’ll train
you on the safety of our equipment.
Ken and Connie Fehrer and John Christiansen, three of our dedicated Ray Team volunteers.
Systems of Madison, the Service Club of
Milwaukee and Kohl’s corporate interns.
FALL EVENTS
Our new Fall Festival on Sunday October 19 from 12-4pm, which replaces our
Halloween event, needs volunteers both
inside and outside. Tasks include helping
with the apple cider press and monitoring
the hay ride area. For volunteers aged 13
and up.
The Xtreme Raptor Day on Saturday November 8 from 9am-4pm will also need
volunteer help at the info table, owl pellet
dissecting area, cookie sale, silent auction
monitoring, amphitheater usher, and other areas. For volunteers aged 14 and up.
THANKS TO GROUP VOLUNTEERS
In the month of June alone, we had around
230 people come for one-time volunteering with our facilities and land stewardship
staff. We’re amazed at how much damage
they can do to a plot of Garlic Mustard
or Dame’s Rocket. Thanks go to Thermo-Fisher Scientific, Telephone/Data
For all volunteer information,
please contact Laurie Haig
at [email protected] or
414 352-2880 x144
Center Focus • September & October 2014
ABOVE Ken Fehrer cuts tree cookies for summer campers
BELOW John Christiansen working on a project in the shop.
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Thank You · September & October 2014
NEW MEMBERS
Taylor Alward
Eric Andersen
Elizabeth & Martin Appel
Jon & Anne Aubry
Nissan & Candy Bar-Lev
Dylan Barth
Sabine Beirold
Susan Bigham
Andre & Rebecca Bilak
Dylan Blake
Jeremy & Virginia Bodus
Yelena Brezdina
Jason Brunner
Elizabeth Buresh
Bruce A. Butterfield
Kelly, Johnathan & Aiden
Cantwell
Andrew & Jamie Carlson
Felicia Carpenter-Dickfoss
Nick Chenow
Nicholas Chose
Richard Cimino
William Civiletta-Kalich
Lisa & Bob Collins
Rachel Cribb
Devon Cupery
Pamela J. Davison
Michael Dean
Brian Depies
Pat Donohoue
Tom Dorairaj
Rob Dummert
Ann Early
Rachel & Brian Elliot
Michael & Lynne Ernster
Marie-Anne Ewig
Maureen Fallon
Terri Famer
Vivian Faye
Carrie & Zachary Fell
Alla Filatora
Kristie Fischer
Robert Folz
Trinh Forstner
Marilyn Froze
Jugal Ghovai
Richard Goldman
Nancy Goldrung
Robert H Grant
Nazli Gurer
Alan & Erin Hageman
Jeanna Hardesty
Matthew Haseman
Charles Hastings
John & Grace Haydon
Will Hendricks
R.Chad & Jennifer Herklotz
Kelly Heyn
Elizabeth Hieb
Debbie Hoffman
Matthew Holtz & Kathren
Blake Holtz
James Huston & Theresa Miller
Michelle Johnson
Rebecca Kamperschrour
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Russell & Sasha Karnes
Rebecca & Nicholas Kirk
Luke LaMunna
Kim Lancaster
Kelli LaValle
Mike Lawler
Kristin Leaman
Sarah & Ross Leinweber
Jill & Tom Lindert
Leo Lipkin & Lana Kordun
Alyson, Aaron, Elliot, Sam & Leo
Lippman
Grace LoCoco
Lulu Lubbers
Alexander MacBriar
Katy Maddux
Chris Mambu Rasch
Eileen & Michael McGinley
Bill Meier
Dani Metz
Laura & Nick Meyer
Kristin Millies
Stuart Moebius
Victoria Montgomery
Michelle Mullen
Carol Neumann
William & Nancy Norton
Julia Nygaard
Aimee O’Connor
Liana Odrac
Tricia Oksiuta
Barbara Parkman
Clayton Parulski
Jasmeet Paul
Lauren Rasor
Alison Rehm
Patricia Renner
David Rowicki
Christopher Sager
Susan Schaller-Zak
Katherine Schmidt
Mary Schoultz
Christina Schultz
Wendy Seban
Jeremy Shamrowicz &
Diane Last
John Sidoff
Patricia Siefkies
Michelle Steltzer
Ben Sweetser
Dennis Szymakowski
Melva Tatum
Mary C. Theisen
Mark Toth
Mike & Nancy Vanden
Wymelenberg
Brittany Vomberg
Richard & Clara Weir
Kristin & Brad Wilder
Bernadine Williamsen
Chad Wilsine
Dr. D. Worthington
Cheryl Zils
HONORARIUMS
MEMORIALS
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P.
Krukowski
Kevin and Meg Kinney
Cyndie Chiuminatto
Laurie Amoroso
Thomas & Terri Drover
David Haidlinger
Elaine Henckel
Andrea Hoffman
James Hoffman & Barbara
Ziesmer-Hoffman
Jacalyn & Thomas Hynes
D. Matt Knain & Laura Hackett
Linda Montgomery
Polly & Glenn Simonsen
Deborah Vandeveld
Gayle & Stephen Vaness
Winter, Kloman, Moter &
Repp, SC
Claire Stone
Rebecca and Scott Abbott
The Dyke Family
Josh and Chase Ferrer
Jackie Graham
Megan Hayden
RAPTOR
SPONSORSHIPS
Barley – Barn Owl
Sue B. Holcomb
(In honor of Rita Hulstedt &
Stacey Greenwaldt)
Cutright – Peregrine Falcon
Caryl Zaar
(In memory of Dr. Walter
Todd Davison and Timothy
Cobb’s Father)
Our Raptor Program
In honor of RT
Anonymous
Janice Mahlberg & Michael
DiOrio
Michael & Shelly Tuominen
Ken & Barb Wardius
IN KIND
DONATIONS
Anonymous
Honey Bee package
Sarah Burns
(In honor of Amelia’s 7th
birthday)
Art supplies, bird/rat food, etc
John and Wendy Cayer
Musky mount
Center Focus • September & October 2014
Philip Mackie
Bonnie Mackie
William D. Van Dyke III
Frank Botto
Heidi Bubolz
Angel Flanders
Greater Milwaukee
Foundation
Friends of JP Morgan Private
Bank
Douglas Mutch & the Gracie
Street Girls
Planned Parenthood of
Wisconsin
Mrs. Hugh Slugg
Gus & Alden Taylor
Cathie Hulder & Ernest
Gauger
Framed artwork, 3 Bird Sound
CD’s & 7 Nature Books
Nicole and Daniel Renouard
Magna Tiles for Goldfinch
Classroom
Sky Hunters
2015 Calendar
are on sale
now for $15.
Pick one up
from our
Nature Store!
Calendar of Events · September & October 2014
Hatha Yoga Ongoing Monday Class
Monday Evenings Ongoing
from 5:45pm – 7:00pm
Hatha Yoga for Health & Wellness with
Lisa Lewis, LMT, CYT – These classes are
designed for all levels of students. Emphasizing safety and awareness, they are not an
aerobic workout. Classes are therapeutic
in nature, and will be challenging at times.
All students are taught to observe their
body and breath, and to practice within
their capacity. As weather permits, we will
hold class outside. The first class is always
free!
***FEE: M: Adult $100/10 Weeks
NM: Adult $110/10 Weeks
LEVEL: Adult
Hatha Yoga Saturday Class
Saturdays September 6 – October 25
10:00am – 11:15am
Reduce stress, increase your flexibility,
and enrich your sense of well-being. These
classes are a great starting point for yoga
practitioners as well as a wonderful start to
the weekend for all yoga students. Start the
fall with a class of your own. Bring a yoga
mat if you have one or borrow one of ours.
***FEE: M: Adult $80
NM: Adult $88
LEVEL: Adult
Sky Hunters: Word with a Bird**
Every Saturday & Sunday from
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Get to know a few of our spectacular Birds
of Prey. Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll focus on a different bird. This informal program is a great way to get more in depth
information in a relaxing setting. Learn
from our talented team of volunteers!
Nature Explorers: 7-9 years old
Your child will appreciate the science and
beauty through all the seasonal changes
by spending time outdoors with us. Meet
in the Great Hall before we head out on
the trails. Dress for the weather including
waterproof shoes or boots.
Wednesdays 3:00pm – 4:30pm
(Earlier time for Early Release Schools)
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Thursdays 4:00pm – 5:30pm
September 4, 11, 18, 25
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Register per day:
FEE: M: CHILD $15
NM: CHILD $20
LEVEL: 7-9 years old
Hangin’ with Hyatt: Geocaching
Saturday, September 6 from
9:00am – 11:00am
There’s treasure in the forest! After a quick
introduction to GPS from Jim, use one of
our GPS units to visit special locations and
search for some of nature’s treasures. Follow the clues to solve the “Critter Puzzler”.
Geocaching is a fun excuse to explore the
Center at your own pace, and a perfect
family activity!
***FEE: M: Child $6 Adult $8
NM: Child $8 Adult $10
LEVEL: Families
FEE: Free with Membership or
Center Admission
LEVEL: Families
** Indicates Handicapped Accessible
Program
***Indicates Pre-Registration is required.
Call 414-352-2880 ext. 0 to register
M= Members; NM= Non-Members
Raptor Saturday**
Saturday, September 6 & Saturday,
October 4 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm
In September join us as we celebrate Indian Summer! Learn about Native American
traditions and lore as they pertain to birds
of prey. How do Wisconsin’s native tribes
celebrate birds? What are some bird totems
and what do they mean? Come prepared to
learn a thing or two and enjoy the Center’s
amazing birds!
October finds birds migrating south in
search of warmer climates, abundant food
and easier living. But the journey can be
tough. Join our Raptor Trainers as we learn
about our native migratory species. Where
do they go? How long does it take? What
are some of the challenges they might
encounter? Who sticks around through the
cold Wisconsin winter? After the program,
hike to the tower or lake and see who you
can spot heading south.
FEE: Free with Membership or
Center Admission
LEVEL: Families
Sponsored by:
Repamphibiantile Sunday**
Sunday, September 7 from
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Summer went fast! Get your turtle time in,
before the snakes slither underground, before the frogs flip into the muck, before the
salamanders sneak away. Jim will have his
pals out one last time for you to snuggle,
hug, smooch, and high five!
FEE: Free with Membership or
Center Admission
LEVEL: Families
Participants cancelling 14 days or more
before a program will receive a refund.
Less than 14 days no refund will be
given. Upon Schlitz Audubon Nature
Center cancelation a refund will be
given.
Center Focus • September & October 2014
Pre-registration helps us prepare
for our programs. There will be an
additional $2.00 charge for walk-in
participants attending
a program that requires
pre-registration.
9
Calendar of Events · September & October 2014
Environmental Voices: UWM Sustainability Features & Greenhouse Tour
Wednesday, September 10 from
8:30am – 12:30pm
Kate M. Nelson, UWM Chief Sustainability
Officer, will lead a walking tour that highlights UWM’s impressive green practices
including gardens, green roofs, renewable
energy projects, and outreach and educational programs. Paul M. Engevold, UWM
Greenhouse Manager, will lead a tour of the
new state-of-the-art greenhouse which is
used for research and botanical instruction.
Transportation provided.
***FEE: M: Adult $22
NM: Adult $25
Level: Adult
Boomers and Beyond
Thursday, September 11*
from 9:00am - 11:00am
Join Marc White, the Center’s new Land
Manager for an informal meet and greet.
He is regarded by many as the best in his
profession in Wisconsin as well as a top
notch educator. Discover what he has
been up to since he arrived in May and his
vision is for the Center’s lands. There will
not be an October Boomers and Beyond
class.
*Although Boomers normally occurs on the
first Thursday of the month, please note that
we are meeting on the second Thursday of the
month Thursday, September 11.
***FEE: M: Adult $15
NM: Adult $17
LEVEL: Adult
Books & Boots: Nature Story Time
Saturday, September 13 & Saturday, October 11 from 9:30am – 11:00am
A Center naturalist will share a story or two,
making sure your little ones get to take part in
the story telling. Following the story, enjoy a
naturalist led hike that provides just the right
atmosphere to bond with your child while
developing a greater appreciation of nature.
Puppets, props and live animals may be part
of each story time. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
***FEE: M: Child $5
NM: Child $6
LEVEL: Families with Children 3-7
10
Schlitz Audubon Bird Club
Wednesday, September 10 & Wednesday,
October 8 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
We will be checking out the fall bird activity
here at Schlitz Audubon…perhaps going out
to listen for owls. Bring your binoculars. You
never know what we might come across on
our early evening adventures.
FEE: Free to Members &
Volunteers
LEVEL: Adult & Teen
Discovery Nature Hiking
Monday, September 15 & Wednesday,
October 15 from 9:00am – 10:30am
Have you often wished you could take your
daily walk for exercise in a beautiful wild
place and learn about the amazing things that
you’re passing by? We will walk along the
meadows, woods, and wetlands of the Center
on the upper level of the land. Don Quintenz
will lead you to the seasonal events that stir
our sense of beauty or imagination and help
answer the questions that nature evokes in us.
The entire program is taught on the trail.
***FEE: M: Adult $5
NM: Adult $7
LEVEL: Adult
Lake Michigan Discovery Hike
Friday, September 26 & Wednesday,
October 29 from 9:00am – 10:30am
Our Great Lake, the largest freshwater lake
in the world, is both a treasure and a mystery
due to its vastness. Guided by Don Quintenz
we will descend to the lower terrace and
lakeshore where you will learn many of the
hidden secrets by the tokens that show themselves through the four seasons. The entire
program is taught on the trail.
***FEE: M: Adult $5
NM: Adult $7
LEVEL: Adult
Follow us on Instagram
@SchlitzAudubon
See what’s in season at the
Center. We love to see photos of your experience here
too, so please tag us and we
may repost it!
Center Focus • September & October 2014
Audubon Babies: Exploring Nature
with the Very Young
Children are never too young to enjoy fresh
air and the wonders of nature. Come enjoy a
hike on the trails and some good fellowship.
We will meet inside and venture out when
we are ready. Dress for the weather – we will
explore outdoors rain or shine. We recommend closed-toe shoes or waterproof boots.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Session I Wednesday, September 10
from 10:00am – 11:15am
Session II Wednesday, September 24
from 10:00am – 11:15am
Session III Wednesday, October 8
from 10:00am – 11:15am
Session IV Wednesday, October 22
from 10:00am – 11:15am
***FEE: M: $12 per pair per session
NM: $15 per pair per session
LEVEL: Child 6mos - 2 yrs &
adult
Hand-in-Hand
Explore nature with your little one! We will
hike, play, do art activities and listen to a story.
Dress for the weather – we explore outdoors
rain or shine. We recommend closed-toe
shoes or waterproof boots. Children must be
accompanied by an adult.
Beautiful Butterflies
Thursday, September 18
Session I: 9:00am – 10:15am
Session II: 10:30am – 11:45am
Who’s Been at the Pond
Thursday, October 2
Session I: 9:00am – 10:15am
Session II: 10:30am – 11:45am
Fun in Fall
Thursday, October 16
Session I: 9:00am – 10:15am
Session II: 10:30am – 11:45am
***FEE: M: $12 per pair per session
NM: $15 per pair per session
LEVEL: Child 2 - 4 yrs & adult
Calendar of Events · September & October 2014
Adult Bird of Prey Hands-on
Workshop
Saturday, September 27 from
10:00am – 4:00pm
Have you ever wondered what it feels like
to have a beautiful raptor on your arm? Or
solve a puzzle with a crow? Spend a day with
our Raptor Trainers learning about raptor
management. We will cover basic avian care
and give you the opportunity to help flight
train our star birds. This is a truly exhilarating
experience! Come prepared to get dirty and
be amazed!
***FEE: M: Adult $125
NM: Adult $135
Level: 16 years and up
Wisconsin Bat Festival**
Friday, October 3 at 6:00pm and 8:00pm
The Wisconsin Bat Festival is here! Partnering with the Urban Ecology Center and the
Milwaukee County Zoo, Schlitz Audubon
Nature Center will host the first of three days
devoted to these misunderstood creatures.
Rob Mies of Bat Conservation International
will present two programs featuring live bats
at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. There will be a video
presentation of the brand new film Battle for
Bats-Surviving White-nose Syndrome immediately following the live bats. Spots will fill
fast, so please pre-register by visiting www.
wiatri.net/inventory/bats
***FEE: Free with Membership or
Center Admission
LEVEL: Families
Environmental Voices: Wausau’s Birds
in Art and Dells of the Eau Claire
Wednesday, October 8 – Thursday, October 9 from 8:30am Wednesday – 4:00pm
Thursday
Join us for a private, docent-led tour of the
annual Birds in Art juried exhibit and of original works by Owen Gromme at Wausau’s
Woodson Art Museum. The fabulous Dells of
the Eau Claire River, part of the National Ice
Age Trail, will be interpreted by Don Quintenz. For more information, call 414-3522880 ext. 213. Price includes transportation,
tours and breakfast; lodging and other meals
are additional.
***FEE: M: Adult $90
NM: Adult $103
LEVEL: Adult
Environmental Voices: Why is Hunting
Important to Wildlife Management**
Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00pm
Once the snow falls, the woods get quiet and
signs of wildlife can be seen if you look close
- tracks in the snow, small birds like the darkeyed junco and downy woodpecker flitting
around. This is also the time of year hunters
are out in the woods - they too are enjoying
the sights and sounds of nature and wildlife.
Communing with nature is a huge draw for
hunters. But how does hunting contribute
to wildlife conservation? In this program
with Dianne Robinson, Milwaukee County
Wildlife Biologist and Wildlife Educator for
the Wisconsin DNR, we will explore the
important role hunting plays in conserving
Wisconsin’s wildlife, anecdotes and insights
into hunting, and initiate a discussion about
the benefits and drawbacks of hunting.
***FEE: M: Adult $7
NM: Adult $8
LEVEL: Adult
Family Owl Prowl
Friday, October 24 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Rain date: Sunday, October 26
Explore the Center grounds at night in search
of owls with one of our trained raptor specialists. We will learn about their habitats, special
adaptations and perhaps how to speak owl.
At the end of the hike you be able to meet
some of the Center’s resident owls.
Owl Proverb
A wise old man sat in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard,
Why can’t we all be like that wise
old bird?
***FEE: M: Child $8 Adult $10
NM: Child $10 Adult $12
LEVEL: Families
Fall Festival**
Sunday, October 19 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Celebrate autumn with family and friends by joining us for our
first Fall Festival! Enjoy hayrides, apple cider demonstrations,
guided hikes, a farmers market, and live animals including
some of our amphibians and raptors. Other activities include
face-painting, live music, and more fun for everyone!
Adult: $10 Children: $5
Members: $5
Adult Owl Prowl
Monday, October 20 from 6:30pm –
8:00pm
Rain date: Wednesday, October 22
Explore the Center grounds at night in search
of owls with one of our trained raptor specialist. We will learn about their habitats, special
adaptations and perhaps how to speak owl.
At the end of the hike you be able to meet
some of the Center’s resident owls.
Animal Movie Night**
Friday, October 31 from 6:00pm –
9:00pm
Have some goofy fun on Halloween! Wear
your costume and watch The Lego Movie
on the big screen. Before the movie, you will
meet some of our live animals and enjoy a
‘smore. ‘Smores start at 6:00pm, and the movie starts at 7:00pm. Bring what you need to be
comfortable and enjoy Halloween!
***FEE: M: Adult $12
NM: Adult $15
LEVEL: Adult
***FEE: M: Child $5 Adult $8
NM: Child $7 Adult $10
LEVEL: Families
Center Focus • September & October 2014
11
U.S. Postage
PAID
Milwaukee, WI
Permit No. 4168
1111 E. Brown Deer Road
Bayside, Wisconsin 53217
The Spiritual World of Nature**
Our monthly series helps all of us connect more intimately to nature by getting in touch with the powerful
spiritual side of the natural world. Pre-registration is required and all programs are geared for adults.
Light refreshments and food provided.
***Fee Per Program: M: Adults $10 NM: Adults $12
Eckhart Tolle Seminar with Thomas Galten
Wednesday, August 27 – September 17 from
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Join us as Thomas Galten of Cornerstone Counseling leads
a consideration of Eckhart Tolle’s work. Through his talks
and books, Tolle helps meet a need for spiritual nourishment
many people cannot find in established religions today. How
this work addresses a rebalancing of humanity’s relationship
with the natural world will be central to our discussions. This
series takes place over four consecutive Wednesday evenings.
Sign up for as many weeks as you would like. Price per individual class.
Regaining the Garden of Eden with Jay Brickman
Tuesday, September 23 from 10:00am – 11:30am
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, celebrates the world’s
creation. Human survival rests upon establishing harmony
with God, with nature, with each other, and with our inner
selves. Join Rabbi Brickman as he explores the interaction of
humans with the rest of God’s creation and how the Jewish
faith tries to restore this relationship.
Hope in a Broken World: The Spiritual Meaning of
Ecological Crisis with Margaret Swedish
Monday, October 13 from 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Evidence of ecological breakdown is everywhere.We will
explore the spiritual meaning of the crisis,what it teaches us,
how to face it, and how this can help us chart a path of healing
and hope in our broken world. Participants are invited to
bring with them a symbol or expression of these losses in their
own lives with which they have a special relationship. As part
of the program, we will take time to share and honor these
expressions of our love of nature and what they mean to us.
Spirituality of the Harvest with Aluman Schuster
Monday, October 20 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us as we gather together in this harvest time. This program will speak to our own personal harvest; honoring the
generosity of the earth that sustains us and contemplating how
we can best acknowledge and celebrate the hard work completed this year. Through song, interaction, and meditation,
we will dwell in the harvest and begin the inward turn toward
winter.