Center Educational Programs

Download the 2009 Youth Education Brochure. Click for free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files 

A World of Wonder Programs
Grades: Head Start, Preschool, Kindergarten; Length: 1 to 2 hours; Cost: Free.
Each month explores a different topic to help young learners grow in awareness of the world around them. Programs are interactive and include an activity or craft. Presented by Friends of the Center, for reservations or information contact us at 715-685-9983 or e-mail reception_desk@centurytel.net.

November - "Animals Around Us"
Animal movements and sounds of Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

December - "Bird Buffet"
Area winter birds and special treats we can make for them.

January - "Bear Snores On"
Black Bears and Winter Woodland Friends.

February - "Winter Wetland"
Even in winter life in the pond is very active-see what is alive under the ice.

March - "Track Detectives"
Look at how animals move and the tracks they make.

April - "Moving Day" (for the birds)
What new birds are we starting to see? (Migrating birds, nests, and eggs).

May - "Amazing Raptors"
Learn about Raptors and their adaptations. (Programs may include live birds).                               ^Top

Anishinaabeg: Native People of Lake Superior Forests
Learning about honored traditions of hunting, fishing, gathering, and making all things needed from the earth provides the background students need to begin to understand treaty rights on ceded lands. Through videos, artifacts, crafts, foods, and Ojibwa language, students will gain cultural awareness and understand the importance of learning and living respectfully with the earth and with each other. Issue: Lack of knowledge about tribal treaty rights on ceded lands. Vision: People living respectfully with the earth and each other; passing on healthy forests to future generations.

European Immigration and Lake Superior Region Resources
Voyageurs, fishermen, loggers, miners — lured by seemingly endless resources. Railroads and ships — delivering lumber and iron ore to a growing country, bringing people from the east and from across the ocean — some hoping to farm the cutover -- all looking for a new life. Students study this rich cultural history and diversity while pondering impacts on native people and resources. Issue: Long term impacts from short-sighted resource use. Vision: Learning from the past in order to better plan for the future.                                    ^Top

Watershed Discovery
What is a watershed? Students will look at the water cycle and how precipitation effects this area. We will then move onto what exactly a watershed is. Students will explore Whittlesey Creek's and Lake Superior's watersheds by being immersed into their habitats. This program also combines art and language to help the students articulate and convey what they have learned. Issues: Watershed health, Lake Superior health. Vision: Understanding how we contribute to healthy ecosystems in our Region.

Habitat Rehab
Much of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center property is like many other northern rural acres — cleared of valuable trees a century ago, drained, and left in a worn-out, low-value, weedy state. What can we do to heal the land? Students will learn first hand how timber-quality trees, wetlands, and native plants can be returned to the land, increasing wildlife habitat and diversity, value to people, and benefits to streams, estuaries, and Lake Superior itself. Students will also be asked to participate in a habitat rehabilitation project and should come dressed for outdoor learning and work (old long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sneakers! Issues: Habitat impairment, invasive species. Vision: Healing the land, healthy habitats.                                                                                                         ^Top

Students learn how to protect our forests and waters through research, monitoring, and educating others. They will become knowledgeable about one or more of the following issues and gain the skills and inspiration needed to serve as a “watershed warrior”. This program is most effective when integrated with classroom and/or community goals. Ask about opportunities to plan closely with our Environmental Educator to coordinate classroom and field learning experiences. Issues: Invasive species, toxins, habitat impairment. Visions: Citizen action, environmental restoration.                                                              ^Top

On-the-water explorations using safe, stable, double-seated kayaks to experience the ecology of Lake Superior’s “freshwater estuaries”. Learn how the region’s geology, culture and history have shaped these unique coastal wetlands and what it being done today to restore and protect them. Most programs are conducted on sheltered Fish Creek estuary and may be customized to meet special interests. No previous experience necessary. All equipment provided. (Signed health forms and waivers required and will be provided with pre-trip orientation packet) Issues: Watershed health, coastal wetland restoration. Visions: Protection and rehabilitation of freshwater estuaries. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA. (Please make the need for accommodation known prior to the scheduled program).                               ^Top