Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Hike

September 10 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Community Rivers Program Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Hike

Join us for a guided nature hike at Lion’s Den Gorge in Grafton, led by the Community Rivers Program! Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of coastal Lake Michigan as we explore this scenic area. During our hike, we’ll discuss the vital connections between the Milwaukee River and the health of Lake Michigan, all while taking in the stunning sights around us. This event is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about our local waterways. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and expand your knowledge.

Park and meet at Lion’s Den Gorge in Grafton (address below).

This program is free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated! Ages 6+

Pre-registration is required through Grafton Parks & Recreation.

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September 10 @ 5:30 pm 7:00 pm

511 High Bluff Dr
Grafton, WI 53024 United States
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OWBC: Motus in WI

November 13 @ 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition Motus in WI at MNP & on Zoom

“Motus in Wisconsin: A Big Leap in Wildlife Tracking” by Jacob Woulf , Motus coordinator for Lake Michigan Bird Observatory

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a collaborative research effort that uses small radio tags and receiving stations to detect animals (primarily birds) as they move across the landscape. Unlike GPS transmitters that give precise location data, Motus tags emit a radio signal that can only be detected within a short distance (~9miles) of a Motus tower. Many organisms that carry Motus tags are not large enough for a GPS transmitter; Motus tags are also significantly less expensive than GPS transmitters. Because of their limited detection range, Motus towers must be strategically placed. LMBO received a large grant to construct 16 Motus stations along the western shore of Lake Michigan and also is working on a buildout of stations moving westward across the state.

Woulf graduated from UW-Green Bay in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in animal biology and in 2022 with a master’s degree in environmental science and policy. While there he tracked movements of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants during the breeding season; he was hired by LMBO to help expand the Motus network in Wisconsin.

This program is offered in-person and virtually. If joining in person, meet at Mequon Nature Preserve (address bel0w). Zoom link is found below!

Ages 18+. Free to attend. Pre-registration required to attend in person.

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November 13 @ 7:00 pm 8:30 pm

8200 W. County Line Road
Mequon, WI 53097 United States

OWBC: Cedar Grove Ornithology Reserve

June 12 @ 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition Cedar Grove Ornithology Reserve at Lac Lawrann & on Zoom

“The History, Research, Thrills and Surprise Findings at the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station” by station manager Danny Erickson. The western shore of Lake Michigan has long been known to concentrate birds of prey during their annual southward migration each Fall. To study this movement, scientists long ago established the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station, the longest continuing raptor banding operation in North America, to band migrating raptors and track avian migratory trends. Erickson will discuss CGORS history, the thrills of raptor migration and the exciting research findings helping us to better understand and conserve raptors in the western Great Lakes region.

Erickson is a bird banding biologist from Wauwatosa, where his interest in nature and biology led him to study wildlife ecology at UW-Madison. He has learned from many skilled raptor researchers at Hawkwatch International, The Peregrine Fund, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, and Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch. Since 2021, Danny has overseen CGORS’ raptor count and banding operations each fall.

This program is offered in-person and virtually.

If joining in person, meet at Lac Lawrann Conservancy in West Bend (address below).

Ages 18+ | Free to attend

Pre-registration required by June 12 at 12:00 pm (noon).

Register though Lac Lawrann   Join on Zoom

June 12 @ 7:00 pm 8:30 pm

300 Schmidt Rd
West Bend, WI 53090 United States

NJC Bird Club Field Trip to Lion’s Den Gorge

May 3 @ 7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Noel J Cutright Bird Club Field Trip to Lion’s Den Gorge

Run by the N.J.C. Bird Club, this field trip concentrates on the Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, a 73-acre public park located adjacent to Lake Michigan south of Port Washington. The address is 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton. The bird club was one of the first donors to the preservation of the Lion’s Den. The Lion’s Den is a well known hotspot for migrants given its location on the shores of Lake Michigan and its wide variety of habitats.

Meet at 7:00 am at Lion’s Den Gorge (address below).

Contact Carl Schwartz at [email protected] or at 414-416-3272 by 5/2/24 or sooner for more information.

Ages 18+ | Free to attend

No pre-registration required.


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    Free to attend
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May 3 @ 7:00 am 12:00 pm

511 High Bluff Dr
Grafton, WI 53024 United States
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Family Nature Club: Winter Break Edition

December 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Family Nature Club Winter Break Edition

Let’s explore Port Washington’s Valley Creek Corridor. The creek empties into Lake Michigan, and is situated in a deep ravine. Put on your warm clothes and hiking gear to experience this special wildlife habitat.

Family Nature Club is a free offering to our community designed for kids, teens, and their families. We facilitate outdoor, environmental-education based experiences for families to enjoy together.

Meet at Veteran’s Memorial Park Bandshell in Port Washington (address below).

All ages are welcome!

Pre-registration is required by December 26 at 12:00 pm (noon).

This program is free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated!

Register Here


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December 27, 2023 @ 12:00 pm 2:00 pm

410 N Lake St
Port Washington, Wisconsin 53074 United States
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Tea & Topics: Wisconsin Marine Sanctuary

March 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Tea & Topics: Wisconsin Marine Sanctuary

Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary with Russ Green

In June 2021 NOAA announced the designation of the 962-square-mile Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary spanning Lake Michigan’s shoreline from Port Washington to Kewaunee. It will protect 36 shipwrecks that possess exceptional historic, archaeological, and recreational value. Historical research suggests that nearly 60 shipwrecks are yet to be discovered in the sanctuary. Join NOAA’s regional manager, Russ Green, for a brief overview of the sanctuary and discussion of ongoing projects both on and off the water.

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March 24, 2022 @ 1:00 pm 2:00 pm

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