August Events
All events are free to attend unless otherwise noted. Vehicle admission into the park is required. Outdoor events are weather dependent. Questions? Call: 715-386-9340 or email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org
Mindfulness Meditation and Hike
Saturday, August 6, at 9am. Meet behind the Willow River State Park Nature Center.
Join Kelly Gillespie, Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher, for this one-hour program that will aim to reduce anxiety, clear your mind, and relax your body. Each Saturday there will be a unique 15-minute guided meditation followed by a 30-minute hike which will incorporate the mindfulness techniques from the meditation. The last 15 minutes will be dedicated to journaling about your experience. Writing materials will be provided or feel free to bring your own. Please bring water and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Participants ages 12 and up are welcome in!
Cost: $10
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/willowmindfulmeditation
Incredible Insects
Saturday, August 6 from 2-4pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Join us at Willow River State Park for an intriguing insect workshop with UW-River Falls Professor Kevyn Juneau where you'll learn: what defines an insect, how to ID insects, the importance of insects, the good and bad ones and even go on an insect scavenger hunt. Participants of all ages are welcome!
Tree ID Hike!
Saturday, August 13. The hike leaves at 10am. Meet at the purple trout brook trail heading.
Join the naturalist on a 1½ mile hike along the purple trout brook trail and learn how to identify several different kinds of trees and discover how each one benefits us, the wildlife and the environment around us. Please dress for the weather and bring along, water, good hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug-spray, binoculars and a camera if you wish.
Herb Walk
Saturday, August 20 at 10am. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Join Nicole Wocelka, Clinical Western Herbalist, for an informative and engaging herb walk. Learn about the properties and practical uses of plants that grow in the park, and likely, in your own neighborhood.
Cost: $10
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/willowherbwalk
South Trail Hike at Kinnickinnic State Park!
Saturday, August 20 at 10am sharp.
Meet at the gravel parking lot on 770th avenue off of County Road F.
Join the Naturalist at Kinnickinnic State Park and discover her favorite hiking trail. This 3 mile hike takes you through several different habitats and offers beautiful views of the River. Along the way we can identify different species of flowers, trees, fungi, and if we’re lucky wildlife! Please dress for the weather and bring along, water, good hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug-spray, binoculars, a camera and a snack if you wish.
Snake and Turtle Meet and Greet!
Saturday, August 20 at 2pm.
Meet at the Kinnickinnic State Park Beach.
Come and learn about two very different but very important reptiles found living here at the park! You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with 5 of our ambassador reptiles and understand why they are so important to the environment and the ecosystems they live in. Have a fear of snakes? Great! Come anyway and let us change your mind!
Mindfulness Meditation and Hike
Saturday, August 27, at 9am. Meet behind the Willow River State Park Nature Center.
Join Kelly Gillespie, Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher, for this one-hour program that will aim to reduce anxiety, clear your mind, and relax your body. Each Saturday there will be a unique 15-minute guided meditation followed by a 30-minute hike which will incorporate the mindfulness techniques from the meditation. The last 15 minutes will be dedicated to journaling about your experience. Writing materials will be provided or feel free to bring your own. Please bring water and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Participants ages 12 and up are welcome in!
Cost: $10
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/willowmindfulmeditation
Backyard Beekeeping and the Mysteries of Honey Bees
Saturday, August 27 at 1pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.
Join local beekeeper Dave Klumb as he shares his experiences as a hobbyist and covers the basics of beekeeping, equipment, and the fascinating characteristics of bees and their life cycle." Plan for a 1 hour interactive presentation plus 30 min Q&A.
Seats are limited, please register here:
Our Support System
These programs are made possible with funding provided by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, Xcel Energy and the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks.
