Jump into Fall at Horicon Marsh
Contact(s): Liz Herzmann, DNR wildlife conservation educator, 920-387-7893
HORICON, Wis. - Don't let the shorter days and cooler temperatures stop you from exploring Horicon Marsh: join a weekly nature walk, bring the little ones to a story time, become a wild woman or sign up for a guided paddle or bus tour. Embrace autumn and time with family by visiting the updated airboat simulator in the Explorium at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.
Weekly Nature Walks
September 11, 18, 25: 1-2:30 p.m.
These relaxed, guided walks will explore marsh flora and fauna while taking in the stunning views on the marsh. Length and difficulty will depend upon participants. Meeting location will vary; check website/Friends of Horicon Facebook for updates. No walk Nov. 27, December 25 or January 1.
Guided Paddle
September 13: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Guided Paddle of Horicon Marsh SWA. Pre-registration required and $15 nonrefundable fee at www.horiconmarsh.org. Free for Friends members.
Monarch Tagging
September 14: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Take in a program in the auditorium. Then go outside to catch monarchs and watch as DNR staff tag these magnificent migrants as they start their journey to Mexico.
Stories at the Marsh: Sandhill Cranes
September 19: 10-11 a.m.
Come learn about this majestic bird through stories, activities and a craft. Let's take a walk outside to see and hear some of these amazing birds. Ages 1 - 6 years.
Wild Women Workshop
September 28: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
A fun and hands-on workshop designed for women ages 18 and up, focusing on various outdoor skills. This fall, we'll have a chance to practice tree stand safety (you'll get to climb), eat a delicious campfire meal, learn how to start fires and identify and harvest native seed to take home with you for your gardens. Pre-registration and $20 nonrefundable fee required at www.horiconmarsh.org. Limit 20.
Weekly Nature Walks
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 1-2:30 p.m.
These relaxed, guided walks will explore marsh flora and fauna while taking in the stunning views on the marsh. Length and difficulty will depend upon participants. Meeting location will vary; check website/Friends of Horicon Facebook for updates. No walk Nov. 27, December 25 or January 1.
Where are the Geese and Cranes?
October 5-6: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Drop in throughout the day to find out where the Canada Geese are and learn about their history at Horicon. Displays only, no guided hike.
Horicon Marsh Archaeological Festival
October 12-13: Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
We'll have buck skinners encampment, atlatl throwing, fire-starting, artifacts, a drum circle, expert speakers, vendors and so much more.
A buck skinners encampment with Dirty Kettle and friends will both fascinate and educate young and old. Walk into a wigwam, hear stories and try throwing a tomahawk. Join Dirty Kettle at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday for a drum circle to follow.
There will be atlatl demonstrations and a chance to try throwing the atlatl at a target. Get a feel for how early humans took down the largest of beasts in order to feed the family. Then stop and have your picture taken next to the Native American statue aiming his Atlatl at the mammoth pre-historic beast.
Vendors will be on site with fry bread to taste and items of interest from jewelry to Native American reproductions. Among the items for sale will be fossils, rocks, jewelry, old fashioned handmade kids toys and wild rice. A new vendor to the Festival will be a professional seamstress with many items for sale. It will also be possible to have a face painting done for a small charge either up at the Buck Skinner camp or in the lower level of the Education Center.
Inside the building you will find a beautiful display of museum-quality artifacts and be able to visit with the collectors. Many of the items are part of individual collections. Seeing these items up close will be a real treat. Also flint knappers will be on site, demonstrating how the arrow heads and spear points were made.
The Archaeological Festival will host a special speaker Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and again on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Demonstrations by a blacksmith, Rodger Snyder who owns the Black Oak Forge will talk about the black smith trade and demonstrate "live" work both inside and outside.
Stories at the Marsh: Leaves
October 17: 10-11 a.m.
Why do leaves change color? Come learn about this process through stories and activities. We will take a walk out to the island to find leaves of different colors. Ages 1-6 years.
Ducks, Geese, Cranes OH My! Bus Tour
October 19: 3-6 p.m.
Horicon is renowned for the annual fall migration of waterfowl. Join us on a guided bus tour of the Horicon area as we search for fall waterbirds. Pre-registration and $15 non-refundable fee required at www.horiconmarsh.org. Limit 30.
The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located between Horicon and Mayville on Highway 28. For a detailed list of all Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center special events, please visit the Friends of Horicon Marsh website at www.horiconmarsh.org [EXIT DNR].
For more information regarding Horicon Marsh education programs, contact Liz Herzmann, DNR educator, at 920-387-7893.