Make great memories at Kemp Natural Resources Station summer events
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.
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 send a message to ars_accommodation@cals.wisc.edu and kemp@calw.wisc.edu at least 10 days in advance of the event. Efforts will be made to meet same-day requests to the extent possible.
Fish Up Close!
Wednesday, July 10, 10:00 am – Noon
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.
Taxonomy, Natural History and Conservation of Wisconsin Fireflies
Monday, July 22, 6:30 pm
What’s the difference between a fire beetle and a firefly (which is not a fly) – and, for that matter, a glowworm (which is not a worm)? Come learn about Wisconsin’s firefly biodiversity, the natural history of the local species, and some significant conservation concerns. Attendees will also enjoy an “illuminating” introduction into bioluminescence! And feel free to bring along any questions related to beetle, as well.
Introduction to Bryophyte Ecology and Identification (with a focus on peat mosses and other field-identifiable taxa)
Saturday, August 10, 9:00 am
This session covers basic morphology, growth habits, substrates, and ecology of mosses encountered at Kemp Natural Resources Station. This workshop will begin with a short (roughly 30 minutes) indoor presentation, and then proceed with a hike along Kemp’s nature trail – including some time on the bog! The hike will be about one mile and includes some moderately strenuous terrain, though there will be numerous pauses for discussion along the way. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks. The hike portion will last up to 2.5 hours, with early departures understood.
Impact of Wolves on CWD in White-tailed Deer
Monday, August 26, 7:00 pm
In this presentation, researchers will provide update on an ongoing study that asks the question: “Can wolves help control the spread of CWD in white-tailed deer?” The study is investigating if wolves selectively predate on infected deer, how effectively wolves remove a carcass with CWD from the landscape and monitors whether wolves keep other scavengers away from the kill site. This collaboration between UW-Madison and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission blends traditional ecological knowledge with scientific ecological knowledge to seek answers to many questions about the role of wolves on CWD.
Fungi Fest
Friday – Saturday, September 27-28
This festival is for anyone interested in the fabulous world of fungi. On Friday evening, there will be indoor presentations. Saturday morning begins with a “foray” to collect wild mushrooms, followed by extensive discussion about the morning’s collections. Check the Kemp website later this summer for a more detailed schedule. Limited lodging is available for visitors coming a distance at a rate of $21 per person, per night. Contact Karla for details, kemp@cals.wisc.edu or 715-358-5667.