Havenwoods Programs

Havenwoods has programs for schools and educators, families, youth groups and day care centers, adults, and environmental and education groups.

For schools and educators

• Field trips for classes
• Educator workshops to help teachers and youth leaders increase their knowledge and skills in environmental education. Fees vary. For more information, ask Judy, (414) 527-0232.
• Environmental Education resource materials. Educators can borrow a number of backpacks, trunks, teaching materials, and curricula from our resource library. For more information, ask Sue, (414) 527-0232.
• Buds 'n Sprouts: Gardening with Kids Handbook. Together with Milwaukee County University of Wisconsin-Extension, we have published a handbook with information on the basics of gardening with kids and 45 garden-based lesson plans. Thanks to grants from the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, the Ellamae Siebert Foundation, and the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board, the entire handbook is published on CD along with many UWEX gardening publications. For more information, ask Judy, (414) 527-0232.

For families

• Parent and preschooler storytimes. Join a naturalist every other Tuesday for stories, activities, and crafts. These programs are for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. They are not for day care centers or organizations. See the Events Calendar for this month's dates and topics.
• Wisconsin Explorer Program. Kids ages 3 and up can pick up an activity book and head outside to discover nature’s secrets. Inside the book, they will find nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes, and crafts that will help the whole family explore Wisconsin’s natural resources. If they complete the requirements, they can earn a colorful patch. Find out more!

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  Look at the wild thing!
  DNR Photo

  One Wild Saturday Mornings! On the third Saturday of each month, you and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to play games, create crafts, and discover cool stuff about nature! Each Saturday features a different theme. See the Events Calendar for this month's theme.
• Discovery Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month, you and your family or youth group can drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to try out a simple outdoor nature activity. Each Saturday features a different theme. See the Events Calendar for this month's theme.
• Family Nature Hikes. On the first Saturday of each month, join a naturalist for a seasonal hike. See the Events Calendar for this month's theme.
• Festivals
  • Earth Day NatureFest, the fourth Saturday in April from 10 am to 2 pm. Celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree, making crafts from recyclables, taking a hike, and discovering how you can take care of our home.

    
    Origami projects were part of a 2008 festival.
    DNR Photo

  • Fall NatureFest, the second Saturday in October.See live Wisconsin snakes, create snake art, and head out with a naturalist in search of migrating snakes.
  • Winter NatureFest, the third Saturday in February from 10 am to 4 pm. Join us for hikes, programs, crafts, live animals, and activities!
• Books in Your Backyard.Come to Havenwoods to read a good book in some comfy beanbag chairs. Then borrow a bag filled with activities and exploring tools. The bags make it easy for you to go exploring with your kids! Topics change every month or two.

For youth groups and day care centers

• Summer field trips
• Buds 'n Sprouts Garden Program. Youth groups, summer school classes, and day care centers are invited to participate in gardening activities such as planting, tending, and harvesting their own gardens. They collect bugs, watch worms, and figure out how animals relate to their vegetables. Through games, crafts, journals, stories, and snacks, they become immersed in the garden.
  

  Young gardeners are proud of the vegetables they grew.
  DNR Photo

  The garden program at Havenwoods is supported by University of Wisconsin-Extension's Urban Horticulture program, the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, Milwaukee District Garden Clubs, and individual gifts.
  
  Groups must register for the whole summer (8-9 weeks) of gardening activities. Each week the same kids participate in a 2-hour program. The maximum group size is 30 children. There is no fee to attend. For more information, ask Sue, (414) 527-0232.
• Festivals
• After School Naturally. Your youth organization can join a naturalist for an after-school nature program. Scout programs are designed to help meet badge requirements.Fees: Minimum fee of $30 for groups of 15 children or less. Groups of more than 15 children pay $2 per child. Fee waivers are available if cost would be prohibitive. For more information, ask Sue, (414) 527-0232.
  

  After-school rograms may include hikes, activities, and projects.
  
  DNR Photo

• Self-guided nature exploration equipment (e.g., backpacks, magnifying lens, nets)

For adults

• Adult programs and workshops
  

  The center has classrooms around a bright hallway
  DNR Photo

• Bird walks.

  Every Wednesday, 8-9:30 a.m., join Gordon to walk the fields, woods, and wetlands looking for birds. No experience is necessary. Please ask at the front desk if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars.

• Membership in Friends of Havenwoods
• Volunteer opportunities

See the Events Calendar for this month's dates and topics.

For environmental and education groups

• Meeting space
• Environmental resource materials

The Environmental Awareness Center is the focal point for much of what happens at Havenwoods.
DNR Photo by Beth Mittermaier

The education center is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is open on weekends for scheduled programs only.

For more information, call (414) 527-0232 during business hours or e-mail:

The superintendent
The education coordinator
The ranger
A naturalist

Or see the Friends of Havenwoods Web site [exit DNR]