Welty Environmental Center Programs and Events The objective is to teach the student to see the land, to understand what they see, and enjoy what they understand. --Aldo Leopold, The Role of Wildlife in a Liberal Education

Sunday, February 5, 8:00 am
Superbowl Hike

Before you camp out on the couch with the dips, wings and other Big Game treats, get out and enjoy a hike! We'll be meeting at the Lions Shelter in Rock Cut Park. Leaders will be available in case you do not know the trails. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching, cameras to capture the beauty of late winter, and your mud boots, thanks to this recent warm weather! We'll hike, jog, bike (on the roads as the trails are not yet open to bikes) up to 2 hours. Afterwards we'll meet in case folks want to go out for breakfast. Just think - burn a few calories in the morning and you can snack the rest of the day! Wear your favorite team colors to add to the spirit of the day.
At Rock-Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Rd. Loves Park, Illinois. Meet at the Lions Shelter. Map
Hike is free, but donations are welcome.
Call 608-361-1377 for information.

Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 pm
Full Moon Ski, Hike, Snowshoe at Beckman Mill County Park

Would you like to enjoy an evening under the full moon in a unique county park? This evening is just for you. Your registration fee includes the use of snowshoes – first come, first served. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing will be featured, conditions permitting, though winter hikers are always welcomed. This park has flat terrain, but points of interest include a restored 1868 grist mill, oak savanna restoration, and trail through wetlands and woodland.
All ages welcome but children must be accompanied by adults.
Cost: $5 per person, $20 family maximum
Call 608-361-1377 or email info@weltycenter.org for registration and more information.

Thursday, February 9, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Stepping Off the Grid: Energy Issues - For Girl Scouts

Work on your Energy Award at this session where we will explore all the ways we use, and sometimes abuse, energy. Be ready to investigate how we use and can save energy in our homes, schools and life in general. We’ll even get creative as we cook our own snack with energy most of us rarely think of! Craft materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Juniors (grades 4-5)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, February 11, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Nature Rocks Family Nature Club: For the Birds

In the dead of winter we can help wildlife by providing food. They can help us by brightening our winter days! We’ll make a homemade feeder and learn feeding and bird identification tips.
At Beckman Mill County Park.
Cost: $10 per family
Call 608-361-1377 or email info@weltycenter.org to register by February 6.

Thursday, February 16, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Everything Old is New Again: Recycling and Composting - For Girl Scouts

Where does our trash go after the garbage truck leaves? We’ll investigate this and how we can reduce our trashy footprint on the Earth by reducing, reusing, recycling and more. Learn how to put a few thousand worms to use in your own home, too. When scheduling please note how many worm composting bins your group would like to make. This session works toward your Energy Award. Craft materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Juniors (grades 4-5)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Additional cost: $15 per worm composting bin
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 pm
Native Gardening Tips and Tricks

The winter is winding down and spring will be here before we know it. This is the perfect time to plan your garden! This talk will help you incorporate native plants in your home landscaping. Bring any questions you have, and be prepared to be inspired.
Place to be announced.
Cost: $5 suggested donation.
Call 608-361-1377 by February 20 for registration and more information.

Saturday, February 25, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Making Tracks

What animals are active all winter, which are starting to wake up, and how can you tell which is which? This hands-on workshop will take you to the field to identify animal tracks, scats and other signs. We’ll keep our eyes and ears peeled to hopefully see some critters too. A special snack will be provided. Maximum of 30 participants, so sign up early. At Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park.
For all ages (accompanied with adult)
Cost: $10 per person, family maximum fee $25
Call 608-361-1377 or email info@weltycenter.org to register by February 23.

Saturday, February 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Wine Tasting

Ward off the late winter blahs at our February social. Sample fabulous local wines and cheeses, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres and musical accompaniments. Select an item or two from among the beautiful items in the silent auction. Proceeds to benefit environmental education services for seven counties in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois by the Welty Environmental Center. Get your tickets early as space is limited.
At Bushel and Pecks, Beloit.
Ages: 21 years and older
Cost: $35 per ticket, $30 each if you purchase 2 or more tickets.
Call 608-361-1377 for information and tickets.
Contact Dick Newsome at newsome@beloit.edu or 608-365-2609 to volunteer your help.

Monday, March 12, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Maple Sugar Mania - For Girl Scouts

The nights are still cold, but the days are getting warmer so that means it’s maple sugar time! Enjoy an afternoon in the sugar grove learning about how maple syrup is made – from the tree to the table. This hands-on session will look at the biology of maple trees, the history of maple sugaring, and the science and art of cooking sap into syrup. Of course, girls will get to sample the real maple syrup!
At Big Hill Park.
Level: 2nd through 6th graders
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Tuesday, March 13, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Maple Sugar Mania - For Girl Scouts

The nights are still cold, but the days are getting warmer so that means it’s maple sugar time! Enjoy an afternoon in the sugar grove learning about how maple syrup is made – from the tree to the table. This hands-on session will look at the biology of maple trees, the history of maple sugaring, and the science and art of cooking sap into syrup. Of course, girls will get to sample the real maple syrup!
At Big Hill Park.
Level: 2nd through 6th graders
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, March 17, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Nature Rocks Family Nature Club: Maple Sugaring at Big Hill Park

Learn about the whole process, from tree to table, and taste real maple syrup
At Big Hill Park.
Cost: $10 per family.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Monday, March 19, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Maple Sugar Mania - For Girl Scouts

The nights are still cold, but the days are getting warmer so that means it’s maple sugar time! Enjoy an afternoon in the sugar grove learning about how maple syrup is made – from the tree to the table. This hands-on session will look at the biology of maple trees, the history of maple sugaring, and the science and art of cooking sap into syrup. Of course, girls will get to sample the real maple syrup!
At Big Hill Park.
Level: 2nd through 6th graders
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Tuesday, March 20, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Maple Sugar Mania - For Girl Scouts

The nights are still cold, but the days are getting warmer so that means it’s maple sugar time! Enjoy an afternoon in the sugar grove learning about how maple syrup is made – from the tree to the table. This hands-on session will look at the biology of maple trees, the history of maple sugaring, and the science and art of cooking sap into syrup. Of course, girls will get to sample the real maple syrup!
At Big Hill Park.
Level: 2nd through 6th graders
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, March 31, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Maple Sugar Fest at Big Hill Park

A day of outdoor fun for the whole family!
Tours of the sugar maple grove
Demonstrations of the evaporation process
Indoor displays and a video
Sausages, pancakes and maple syrup
Horse-drawn wagon rides between the meal and the sugar bush
At Big Hill Park. Meal at Girl Scout building, demonstrations at the Big Hill cabin.
Event is free. Meal: $5 per adult, $4 per Welty member, $3 children ages 10 and under.

Thursday, April 12, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Breathe - For Girl Scouts

Work on your Aware Award at this session as we investigate what is in our air, why it is important, and how all of us can do our part to keep it clean. We’ll enjoy the wonders and calming powers of air as we explore the park. Before we go we’ll make something to make home life more Earth-friendly. All materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Cadettes (grades 6-8)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, April 14, 10:00 am - noon
Recycled Kites

Spring is here, and the winds are blowing. Come learn basic kite safety and how to make a kite out of nothing but newspaper and other green options. After making kites, we'll go to the big lawn in Beckman Mill County Park to test our creations.
At Beckman Mill County Park.
Cost: $8 per kite builder, $5 for Welty members.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register by April 11. Call 608-361-1377 or email info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, April 21, 10:00 am - noon
Nature Rocks Family Nature Club: Spring Beauty at Carver Roehl Park

The days are warming, but the trees do not have their leaves yet--it's the perfect time to look for spring wildflowers! The rock backdrop and Spring Creek of Carver Roehl Park offer a great setting. In conjunction with Rock County Parks.
At Carver Roehl County Park.
Cost: $10 per family.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register by April 16. Call 608-361-1377 or email info@weltycenter.org

Sunday, April 22,
Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Welty Environmental Center

More information coming soon.

Tuesday, April 24, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Wonders of Water - For Girl Scouts

Earth is a planet of mostly water. We’ll work on the LOVE and SAVE Water Awards while we explore all the ways that water affects life in this session. We’ll explore Beckman Mill Park looking for water – in places that don’t seem wet. Using nets and viewers we’ll peek into Raccoon Creek to investigate life in the water. Finish the day by taking a pledge to be a water saver yourself! Craft materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Brownies (grades 2-3)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, April 28, 10:00-noon and 1:00-3:00 pm
Wonders of Water - For Girl Scouts

Earth is a planet of mostly water. We’ll work on the LOVE and SAVE Water Awards while we explore all the ways that water affects life in this session. We’ll explore Beckman Mill Park looking for water – in places that don’t seem wet. Using nets and viewers we’ll peek into Raccoon Creek to investigate life in the water. Finish the day by taking a pledge to be a water saver yourself! Craft materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Welty Environmental Center, Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Brownies (grades 2-3)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Thursday, May 3, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Breathe - For Girl Scouts

Work on your Aware Award at this session as we investigate what is in our air, why it is important, and how all of us can do our part to keep it clean. We’ll enjoy the wonders and calming powers of air as we explore the park. Before we go we’ll make something to make home life more Earth-friendly. All materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Cadettes (grades 6-8)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, May 12, 10:00am - noon and 1:00 - 3:00pm
Between Earth and Sky - For Girl Scouts

Work on your Blue Bucket and Firefly Awards at this session where we will use our senses to explore the natural world around us. Be dressed to be outdoors! We’ll spend our time hunting down trees, flowers, seeds and more. Sneak a peek where secret critters roam. You may even be able to help us bring back some natural treasures! Craft materials and a snack are provided with this program.
At Beckman Mill County Park.
Level: Daisies (grades K-1)
For the “It’s Your Planet – Love It!” Journey
Cost: $10 per girl scout, and there is no cost for adults.
Register with the Welty Environmental Center at 608-361-1377 or info@weltycenter.org

Saturday, May 12, 11:00am - 3:00pm
The Little Plants on the Prairie

A spring event featuring heritage and heirloom seeds for sale, supplied by Taylor Restoration Nurseries, Brodhead.
Inviting all quilters to display or sell their beautiful handiwork on an outside clothesline!
Inviting all nature lovers to rent a spot to sell their honey, eggs, crafts, outside décor, birdhouses, collectables, art, sewing, plants etc.
Reserve soon, spots will go fast!
At Beckman Mill County Park.
Rain date: May 19.
Call Kelly Washburn, 608-314-4340, for information.

Saturday, June 16
Welty Nature Rendezvous

Save the date. More information coming soon.
At Beckman Mill County Park.