Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Monthly Program Information

January and February

Hatha Yoga for Health and Wellness
Learn how to reduce stress, increase your flexibility, and enrich your sense of well-being. The first trial class is free!

DATES: EVERY MONDAY & SATURDAY

TIME: 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM OR 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM MONDAYS
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM SATURDAYS
***FEE: FOR PROGRAM FEES PLEASE CALL 414-352-2880 x0
LEVEL: ADULT
*Please pre-register by calling 414-352-2880 x0

Raptor Saturdays!

In this family program, handlers allow a close-up view of falcons, hawks, owls, a turkey vulture, and one of our bald eagles. Sharp talons, curved hooked beaks, binocular vision, and incredible hearing make these raptors specialized birds of prey.

DATES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 2
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6
TIME: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
FEE: FREE WITH CENTER ADMISSION
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Sky Hunters: Word with a Bird

Get a beak-to-beak view of one of SANC’s feathered ambassadors. A raptor handler will be showcasing one of our many birds of prey. Our falcons, hawks, owls, a vulture, and eagles will appear on a rotating basis. Stop by each weekend to check them out.

DATES: SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
TIME: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
FEE: FREE WITH CENTER ADMISSION
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Boomers and Beyond

The “Boomers and Beyond” program will continue to be offered the first Thursday of every month. We will start with socializing and coffee and treats, and then we’ll head out on the trails to engage in nature’s instructive process. January’s class will learn about the amazing geometric template of plants. February’s class will investigate the appearance of new behavior in squirrels in late winter. In the event of inclement weather we will have an indoor program on the properies of water and how it effects our ecosystem.

DATES: THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
THURSDAY, FEBUARY 4
TIME: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
***FEE: M: $10 NM: $12 PER PROGRAM
LEVEL: ADULTS 50 AND ABOVE
*Please pre-register by calling 414-352-2880 x0

Schlitz Audubon Bird Club

It is time for our winter meetings. We’ll talk about all the birding in the winter wonderland around the Center.

DATES: SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH;
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
FEE: FREE TO MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS
LEVEL: ADULTS AND TEENS

The Spiritual World of Nature

The “Spiritual World of Nature” program is a monthly series that strives to make connections between nature and our individual and collective spiritualities. The series is about our spiritual connection to nature, whether that be how nature is a part of and promotes spirituality in a particular religion or tradition, or how we should relate to nature from a spiritual perspective.

Spiritual World of Nature Daytime Pamphlet
Spiritual World of Nature Evening Pamphlet

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
FEE: M:$10 NM:$12 PER PROGRAM
LEVEL: Adult

DENNIS HAWK: STONES AND STORIES - LIVING MEDICINE WHEEL
This is the 2nd in a series of Native American teachings about the Medicine Wheel. This time, we turn our eyes to the south, the direction of the wolf, adolescence, our emotional self and understanding our relationships with Creator and creation. (Dennis will be doing a musical performance in the evening as well.)
DATE: Tuesday, January 12
TIME: 1:30–3:00 PM

DENNIS HAWK: VOICES AND SONGS FROM NATIVE COUNTRY
This is a musical performance by Dennis Hawk and members of his band, featuring songs from his up-coming album, A Warrior’s Heart. Dennis will also be introducing Clinton J. Miller, Stockbridge/Munsee Mohican, who is a phenomenal guitarist, vocalist and song writer. (Dennis will also be presenting the program Stones and Stories: Living the Medicine Wheel earlier this day.).
DATE: Tuesday, January 12
TIME: 7:00 – 8:30 PM

SID SYAM: SPIRITUAL UNITY IN NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Based on his book, Yoga of the Microcosm, that promotes a peaceful, non-materialistic outlook centered on “religare,” the spiritual connectivity with nature and the cosmos. Sid’s journey that began in India, rejects the unbridled pursuit of status, power, and wealth that characterizes society today, and embraces the wisdom of many faiths including Christianity, Taoism, Zen, and Hinduism.
DATE: Tuesday, February 9
TIME: 7:00–8:30 PM

DENNIS MERRIT: THE SACRED IN NATURE
Carl Sagan believed that unless we can develop a sense of the sacred in nature we cannot overcome the forces that are destroying our environment. We can cultivate this sense by revamping our educational system, use science and the arts in new ways, and work with the psyche and our dreams in a more enlightened manner.
DATES: Thursday, February 25
TIME: 1:30–3:00 PM

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
FEE: M:$10 NM:$12 PER PROGRAM
LEVEL: Adult

Fireside Conversations

Join Don Quintenz as we learn as a group through thought-provoking, environmentally-related readings. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 1:30 PM. We will base our discussions for January on Aldo Leopold’s “A Taste for Country” and February on “The Upshot”, both of which are often included in his book, Sand County Almanac. For newcomers, missing the discussions of earlier chapters will not prevent you from participating in and enjoying the current discussions. Light refreshments will be provided

DATES: MONDAY, JANUARY 11
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8
TIME: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
***FEE: M: $10 NM: $12 PER PROGRAM
LEVEL: ADULT
*Please pre-register by calling 414-352-2880 x0

Alphabet Hikes For Young Children

Alphabet Hikes combine nature exploration and learning letters the natural way! They are designed for preschoolers and their adult partners. Sign up for each session separately.

A is for Animal Tracks

DATE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 28
TIME: SESSION I 9:00 – 10:15 AM (2-3 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
SESSION II 10:30 –11:45 AM (2-3 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
***FEE: M: $10/PAIR NM: $14/PAIR
LEVEL: 2-3 YEAR OLDS (EACH CHILD MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4
TIME: SESSION I 9:00 – 10:30AM (4-5 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
SESSION II 1:00 –2:30 PM (4-5 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
***FEE: M: $10/PAIR NM: $14/PAIR
LEVEL: 4-5 YEAR OLDS (EACH CHILD MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

B is for Birds

DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
TIME: SESSION I 9:00 – 10:15 AM (2-3 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
SESSION II 10:30 –11:45 AM (2-3 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
***FEE: M: $10/PAIR NM: $14/PAIR
LEVEL: 2-3 YEAR OLDS (EACH CHILD MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18
TIME: SESSION I 9:00 – 10:30AM (4-5 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
SESSION II 1:00 –2:30 PM (4-5 YEAR OLDS AND ADULT)
***FEE: M: $10/PAIR NM: $14/PAIR
LEVEL: 4-5 YEAR OLDS (EACH CHILD MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

Discovery Nature Hiking

Walk along the meadows, woods, wetlands, and lake shore of the Center while Don Quintenz interprets the scenery and helps answer the questions that nature evokes in us. The entire program is taught on the trail. Physically you need to be able to walk any of the loop trails at the Center taking short but frequent stops.

DATES: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 & THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
TIME: 1:30 – 3:00 PM
***FEE: M: $5 NM: $7 PER PROGRAM
LEVEL: ADULT
*Please pre-register by calling 414-352-2880 x0

Mindful Parenting

This class will apply the practices of mindfulness to parenting using discussion and practice. Become more in touch with the fullness and potential of each moment and in doing so, decrease stress, bring greater wisdom, open heartedness, joy, and balance into our parenting. Mindful parenting is a way of connecting with our children through a deeper awareness of ourselves. We hope you will find the time to join us for all or part of this course.

DATE: SESSION I TUESDAYS, JANUARY 12, 19, 26 FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16
DATES: SESSION II WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 13, 20, 27, FEBRUARY 3, 10, 17
TIME: 10:15 – 11:30 AM
***FEE: M: $65 NM: $75
LEVEL: ADULT

Nature Uncovered

Well, actually, it could be quite covered indeed: with a fresh blanket of snow! ‘Tis the season to get outside and explore. Animal life abounds in the wonderful world of winter. Join Education Specialist and all around sleuth Tom Finley as he seeks to unravel just who’s been making tracks at the Center. We’ll hike the trails in a leisurely fashion seeking out signs of deer, raccoons and other warm blooded critters. After, we’ll enjoy hot chocolate inside the building. Don’t forget to bring your boots.

DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
TIME: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
***FEE: M: ADULT $7 M: CHILD $6
NM: ADULT $10 NM: CHILD $8
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Starry Nights of Winter

Join us for two fun evenings of stargazing as we search the heavens from the trails and the top of our 60 foot tower. You’ll feel like you can actually touch the sky! Winter is a wonderful time to see favorite constellations such as Orion the Hunter, the Big Dipper, and Taurus the Bull. This is a great program for first-timers and those who just need a little help getting oriented to the night sky. The program begins inside the building and then it’s time to hike outside. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight and binoculars, if you have them. In case of cloudy skies, an all-indoor program on the solar system will be presented.

DATE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 & MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15
TIME: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
***FEE: M: ADULT $7 M: CHILD $4
NM: ADULT $9 NM: CHILD $6
LEVEL: FAMILIES

The Wonderful Feeling of Winter

Come experience the wonderful season of winter. The program begins inside with a special winter story and visit with a live owl. Then we’ll explore the outdoors; noticing the subtle colors of winter, checking out winter flowers, and learning which animals change their coats to blend into their environment. We will use our senses to learn about the winter landscape. Garner a new apreciation for the “cold” season.

DATES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
TIME: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
***FEE: M: ADULT $10 M: CHILD $6
NM: ADULT $12 NM: CHILD $8
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Winter River Snowshoe

Neighborhood parkways often are home for numerous animals that go undetected by the untrained eye. Many parkways are often quite scenic with their winter cover of blue river ice and white snow. Don Quintenz will search out the animals and signs that animals necessarily leave in their journey to find their needs. The ecology of a winter community will be our focus. Snowshoes are provided; no experience is necessary. We will meet at North Lake Park on Brown Deer Road (directions will be sent to you upon registration). If there is no snow we will hike on foot.

DATES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
***FEE: M: $17 NM: $20
NM: ADULT $12 NM: CHILD $8
LEVEL: ADULT

Tracks and Traces

The winter landscapte reveals secrets often hidden during other seasons. We will learn to “read” the story left in the snow, through careful observation and clue interpretation. What tracks and traces can the trained eye find? Which animals stay active in the winter and why don’t we see groundhog tracks in the snow? We will learn about animal locomotion, adaptations and techniques for surviving winter in Wisconsin.

DATES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
***FEE: M: ADULT $10 M: CHILD $6
NM: ADULT $12 NM: CHILD $8
LEVEL: 3RD – 6TH GRADE AND OPEN TO PARENTS

Nature Adventures – Winter Wonderland

Join us for winter wonderland adventures and discoveries at the Audubon. Snow, ice, animals in winter, and more! Nature Adventurers meets once a week for 5 weeks. Please have your child eat a snack prior to class and as always, dress for the weather!

DATES: 5 Wednesdays January 27 – March 3 (No class February 17)
TIME: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
***FEE: M: $75 NM: $85
LEVEL: K5 – 2ND GRADE

Lake Michigan Full Moon Snowshoe

Snowshoe with Don Quintenz in a season whose beauty is known only to a few. Visit the ever-changing ice formations of our Great Lake in the magical light of a full moon and bright stars of the winter sky. We will try our luck at calling in owls and getting close to deer and other wildlife. We will finish with hot drinks in front of our lakeview room’s fireplace. Snowshoes provided. If there is no snow, we will hike on foot.

DATE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29
TIME: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
***FEE: M: $13 NM: $15
LEVEL: ADULT

January and February Full Moon Family Hike

At Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, the full moon seems to rise right out of the waters of great Lake Michigan! Watch the moonrise over the lake and who knows what else we might see as we hike around after hours! Dress for the weather (cooler by the lake). Families with children of all ages are welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult.

DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
***FEE: M: ADULT $10 M: CHILD $6
NM: ADULT $12 NM: CHILD $8
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Hangin’ with Hyatt: Family Snowshoe

Join Jim Hyatt as he travels the center in search of animal tracks and scat, Pee-yew! Who knows what we’ll find? Icecanoes, animal fur, edible plants? Jim’s up for anything, you should be too. Don’t own snowshoes? No problem, we’ve got them. Please be aware that the snowshoes will not fit children under 10.

DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
TIME: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
***FEE: M: ADULT $10 M: CHILD $7
NM: ADULT $13 NM: CHILD $10
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Hangin’ with Hyatt: The Great Antler Search

This year we had a huge 8 point buck roaming the Center! Join me as we look for the big guy’s antlers. The program will begin with refreshments and an overview of our deer relocation program Then it’s outside to look for antlers. If you find an antler, it’s yours! We guarantee that a few lucky people will find antlers! Jim may even put a lucky youngster in one of the deer traps! This is a FREE program! , however, donations will be accepted.

DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
TIME: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
***FEE: THIS IS A MEMBERS ONLY FREE PROGRAM
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Become a Wolf Pup & Join the Pack

Learn what it is like to be a wolf pup – get your paws, learn how to howl, and discover your scent by finding your wolf pack. Anna Cellar, the Program Coordinator for the Timber Wolf Alliance, will be the alpha female and teach you all you need to know on what it is like being a wolf pup. The program is geared for children from 3 to 10 years of age. Children from 3 to 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20
TIME: 10:00 –11:30AM
***FEE: M: ADULT $9 M: CHILD $6
NM: ADULT $11 NM: CHILD $8
LEVEL: FAMILIES

Wolves – The Long Way Back

Wolves, which historically have always lived in the wildness of northern Wisconsin, returned on their own as an off shoot from the Northeastern Minnesota packs. Man and animals are again learning how to coexist with this natural predator. Anna Cellar, Program Coordinator for the Timber Wolf Alliance, will present the amazing story of the return of the wolves. Learn how deer and wolves coexist, how scientists study wolves and the status of the wolf in the United States and Wisconsin.

DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20
TIME: 2:00 –3:30PM
***FEE: M: $12 NM: $15
LEVEL: ADULT

Hand-in-Hand for 2-3 Year Olds

Explore nature together with your young one! We meet every other week for three sessions for hikes, play, art activities and a story. Dress for the weather – we explore rain or shine.

DATES: THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 11 and 25
TIME: Session I 9:00 –10:15AM
Session II 10:30 –11:45AM
***FEE: M: $30 /Pair NM: $40/Pair
LEVEL: 2-3 YEAR OLDS
(Each child must be accompanied by an adult)

Monthly Program Information

Address & Hours