Enjoy an outdoor adventure with a Natural Resources Foundation field trip

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages the public to explore Wisconsin with a Natural Resources Foundation field trip. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit that protects the state’s lands, waters and wildlife and connects all people with nature. This year is the 32nd season of Natural Resources Foundation field trips, and 278 trips are scheduled from April through early November. Field trips are expert-led adventures that explore Wisconsin in a variety of ways, from birdwatching via train in northern Wisconsin to paddling the Sugar River in southern Wisconsin. These trips often offer a behind-the-scenes look at Wisconsin’s natural treasures, including many that are not usually open to the public. “It’s still cold outside, but Wisconsinites are already dreaming of summer and planning out all their adventures,” said Christine Tanzer, NRF field trip director. Some examples of the 278 field trip opportunities include: • Dragonflies of the Wolf River Watershed. • Introduction to foraging. • Hawk banding at Cedar Grove Ornithological Station. • Forest bathing in the Driftless Area. • Penokee Hills beaver ponds and wetlands. • Canoeing the Upper Dells. The entire field trip list is available in the Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip Guidebook. Each trip’s description lists details about location, length, difficulty, available facilities, terrain and whether the trip is family-friendly. Twenty trips are ADA accessible, seven have all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs available for use on site and 45 have a low physical demand (for example, walking less than half a mile). Many trips also include a carpooling option to help participants travel more easily and reduce their carbon footprint. “It’s good for people to get outside as much as possible,” Tanzer said. “They have a blast on these trips. And, if they fall in love with the place they’re exploring, maybe they’ll get inspired to protect those places, too.” Registration is only available online and is only open to Natural Resources Foundation members. Those interested are encouraged to sign up soon, as trips can fill quickly. Field trips are non-refundable and will run rain or shine. No dogs are allowed on trips.