Those in search of summer fun are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming events at Kemp Natural Resources Station, located on picturesque Tomahawk Lake near Minocqua, Wisconsin. The station, part of UW–Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), covers 231 acres of forest, marsh and bog, supporting diverse populations of wildlife. A wide variety of educational opportunities are offered throughout the year, including field experiences, lectures and workshops related to various natural resources topics.

UW–Madison is currently celebrating the 175th anniversary of the university’s founding (175.wisc.edu). In honor of this important occasion, CALS will be recognizing past achievements in addition to current and future innovations. Kemp, for instance, has long been the home of pioneering research in tree physiology and forest ecosystem ecology, including the kind of work conducted in the early 1990s by Tom Gower, professor emeritus in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (at left in the photo), to measure sap flow and gas exchange in a red pine plantation. Today, UW–Madison and visiting scientists utilize the station for research related to the ecology, management, conservation and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s natural resources.

The following selection of summer events at Kemp Station, listed below, are free and open to the public. Sessions do not require registration and are held at the Connor Forestry Center building unless otherwise noted. For more information about a particular event, or to see the full list of programs offered, visit https://kemp.wisc.edu/outreach/ or contact kemp@cals.wisc.edu. 

Kemp Station, located at 9161 Kemp Road, Woodruff, Wisconsin, will make a reasonable effort to provide accommodations for participants with disabilities when notified in advance. To request a disability accommodation, please contact ars_accommodation@cals.wisc.edu or call (608) 846-3750 ext. 3 at least 10 days in advance of the event. Efforts will be made to meet same-day requests to the extent possible. 

Plant ID Hike
Wednesday, July 5, 9:00 a.m.
Join Alex Graeff, botanist for the National Ecological Observatory Network’s Great Lakes Domain, for an outdoor-based plant identification workshop. The session will emphasize recognition of common vascular plant species found in typical Northwoods plant communities, and terminology and morphological features important for plant identification. While exploring the forests and bog at Kemp Station, participants will apply ID techniques to the plants they encounter while discussing Northwoods ecology. The hike will cover about one mile – with plenty of breaks to discuss plants – including some moderately strenuous rolling terrain and some time at the bog mat. 

Fish Up Close! 
Wednesday, July 12, 10:00 a.m. – Noon, Outdoor Pavilion 
This kid-friendly event gives participants a close-up look at fish. Members of the Wisconsin Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit of UW–Stevens Point will be on hand to teach visitors about the life history, unique characteristics, anatomy and environment of fish. Various specimens will be available to view and touch, along with special equipment used to study them. Drop by any time during the event to visit the different displays. 

Surviving the Winter: A Porcupine and Ruffed Grouse Perspective 
Monday, July 24, 7:00 p.m. 
Across North America, winter imposes harsh conditions on wildlife. The severity of these conditions varies across the country, and species display amazing adaptations to survive this unique set of environmental challenges. UW–Madison PhD student Parisa Belamaric has investigated animal responses and adaptations to winter conditions – from the seasonal scouting behavior of porcupines in rainy Northern California to Ruffed Grouse surviving the winter weather here in snowy Wisconsin. Parisa will walk through each of these case studies to illustrate how species learn to thrive in dynamic winter environments. 

Common Loon Survival 
Monday, July 31, 7:00 p.m.**
Dr. Walter Piper has studied the common loon since 1993, focusing on territory defense, habitat selection, and breeding behavior. In 2019, recognizing a decline in survival rates for chicks and young adults, his study emphasis has shifted to investigating what factors impact survival rates. Learn how water clarity affects loon breeding success and about the impact of male and female age on loon breeding success.
**Please note: The date of this presentation may be changed based on the timing of the loons and its effect on Dr. Piper’s availability. Please check the Kemp website for updates.

A Fungi Triple Header 
Monday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
Three talks, one night – all related to fungi. Attendees will learn from UW–Madison scientists about 1) “Fungi, Zombies, and the Apocalypse,” a talk that will cover why some fungi cause human disease, and our options to treat fungal infections, 2) using fungi to remove “forever chemicals” from polluted environments, and 3) how pollutants can influence the effectiveness of anti-fungal compounds, plus research on the potential of microbes to protect wildlife from fungal diseases.

Colorful and Fun Mushroom and Lichen Dyeing 
Monday, August 21, 7:00 p.m. 
You might enjoy harvesting and eating mushrooms, but did you know they also contain dyes? These dyes can be used to color fabrics and yarns! Mary Burns, a fiber artist specializing in jacquard weaving with a passion for natural dyes, will teach us all about this topic. The presentation will give an overview of natural dyeing with mushrooms (and maybe a few lichens), with details about specific mushrooms and various dye-extracting processes. Mushroom-dyed samples will be displayed. This is a basic beginner introduction to mushroom dyeing, a peek into this colorful world. 

FungiFest
Friday – Saturday, August 25-26
This festival is for anyone interested in the fabulous world of fungi. On Friday evening, there will be a cooking demonstration featuring mushrooms, as well as presentations on fungi basics, common Northwoods fungi and the important role these organisms play in the forest. Saturday morning begins with a “foray” to collect wild mushrooms, followed by extensive discussion about the morning’s collections. Check back on the Kemp website later this summer for a more detailed schedule. Limited lodging is available for visitors coming a distance at a rate of $18 per person, per night. Contact Karla for details, kemp@cals.wisc.edu or 715-358-5667.