Skulls, Pelts, Tracks & Scat! 

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Saturday, November 15 anytime from 10am-12pm at the Willow River Nature Center.

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Drop into the Nature Center anytime from 10am-noon to get up close and personal to dozens of Wisconsin mammal skulls, pelts and scat! Make your own track stamping booklet, or hit the ½ mile Hidden Ponds Nature Trail with a track-rubbing booklet where you’ll learn cool facts about 10 different Wisconsin critters. You’ll also have a chance to chat with local photographer Jean Maher and learn about ways to make exploring nature fun  the young explorers in your life. Enjoy a slideshow of her photos and get some great tips on what you can do with the camera you always have with you: your cellphone. Learn of a few apps and websites to check out.

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This event is free to attend but vehicle admission into the park Required.  is required.

Naturally Crafty

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Sunday, November 23rd 10am-noon. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center. 

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Come get crafty with nature and make a masterpiece out of natural items found dead and down on the ground or from recycled items used in our daily lives. Re-create one of our pieces on display or get inspired and make your very own creation! Folks of all ages are welcome. We will supply everything you need to get crafty, but if you have an extra hot glue gun, bring it along with you!

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Seats are limited for this event. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/natcraftswillow 

This event costs $5 per person and vehicle admission into the park is required.

Holiday Nature Crafts & Ugly Sweater Party 

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Saturday, December 6  OR Sunday December 7 at 10am. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

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Come get festively crafty and make a holiday ornament, craft, or ugly christmas sweater using a wide selection of crafting materials. Re-create one of our pieces on display or get inspired and make your very own creation. Sip on some hot chocolate and listen to holiday tunes while you work. This is a great family activity to enjoy as we get ready for one of the happiest holidays of the year! We’ll supply the crafting materials, but if you have an extra hot glue gun, please bring it along with you. If you want to decorate a sweater, please bring one with you! Feel free to bring any fun items you wish to glue onto your sweater or add to your craft!

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Seats are limited! Register here: https://tinyurl.com/holnatcraftswillow 

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This event costs $5/person and vehicle admission into the park is required.

Holly-Jolly Scavenger Hunt!

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Saturday, December 13 anytime from 1-3pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

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Join us at the park for a holly-jolly scavenger hunt along the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Search for items, solve riddles, and jingle all the way as we celebrate one of the most wonderful holidays of the year! Please come dressed for the weather and bring drinking water along with you. 

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This event costs $5/family (cash or card) and vehicle admission into the park is required.

Holiday Story Outdoor Exploratory!

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Saturday, December 20 anytime from 12-3pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

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It’s the Holiday season and what better way to celebrate than with some fresh air, stories and smiles?! Join us at the park for some fun and fictional exploration. Search for several holly-jolly stories hidden throughout the park and make note of your merry work. Bring back your list so we can check it twice and receive a small participation prize for being oh-so-nice! Please dress for the weather and be prepared to hike and drive to different locations within the park to uncover hidden stories.

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This event costs $5/family  and vehicle admission into the park is required. 

Nature Ornament Painting

 

Sunday, December 21 anytime from 10am to noon. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.

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Get into the holiday spirit with a fun and creative ornament painting session! Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your tree or make a heartfelt gift, we’ve got everything you need. Join us for a morning of festive crafting as we provide the supplies, and you provide the creativity. Paint your own unique ornament, bring it home to hang, or gift it to someone special!

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little paint on. No experience needed—just bring your holiday cheer! All children are required to have a parent or guardian present. 

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Seats are limited! Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/natornamentpainting 

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This event costs $5/per person making an ornament and vehicle admission into the park is required.

Natural Playground Scavenger Hunt 

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Saturday, December 27 anytime from 1-3pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center. 

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Drop into the nature center and pick up a scavenger hunt sheet before heading out into the crisp, winter air to explore the unique and natural stations that make up our natural playground area! 

Once you've checked off all stations, race back to the nature center to earn a small participation prize! 

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This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required.

Winter Nature Journaling - 4 Week Course 

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Every Wednesday in January from 10am-12pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center. 

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Join us weekly on Wednesdays at Willow River State Park as we explore the art of nature journaling, guided by the park's naturalists. This program, inspired by the renowned work of John Muir Laws, will help you deepen your appreciation for the natural world and guide you in creating a meaningful, personal journal filled with your observations, questions, and reflections. All participants will receive a nature journal and art supplies, but feel free to bring items from home too. Children ages 8 and up are welcome to join the course accompanied by a parent or guardian. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to spend time outdoors for each session. 

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Learn More & Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/winternatjournalwillow 

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This 4-week course costs $15/person and seats are limited. Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee.