Mequon Nature Preserve has many family-friendly events throughout the year! These events are FREE to attend! Stay tuned to the website and our social media for the latest updates.
For more information contact:
Upcoming Events
Craft and Storytime
Listen to a seasonally-themed book read by one of our staff members! Then take a short, guided hike and come back for a fun nature craft! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Email Amanda at amanda@mequonnaturepreserve.org to claim a spot! At 10:00 am on Tuesday: April 18th, May 23rd, June 20th, July 18th, August 15th, September 19th, October 17th, November 21st, and December 18th.
Earth Week Activities
Tour of MNP Land on Monday, April 17th and 26th at 4:30pm and Friday, April 21st and 28th at 9:00am
Come take a hike with MNP staff! Learn about the land and the projects staff works hard on. This hike will be up to 2 miles long and will be cancelled if it rains. Dress for weather. Hike will last about 1 hour. These hikes are in coordination with Run For The Trees: Happy Little 5K.
Woodcock Wander on Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30pm
The event will include a short talk about woodcock ecology and life history by Dan Panetti, followed by a hike through MNP at dusk. Sign up with this link.
Dragonfly ID Workshop
Saturday, April 29th 9:00am-2:00pm
Looking to go beyond just calling them dragonflies? Whether at a trip to the lake or in your own neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed not all odonates (scientific order for dragonflies and damselflies) look alike. Wisconsin is blessed with over 118 species of dragonflies, sporting impressive designs and breath-taking color variations. In this introductory workshop, members of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society (WDS) will be sharing their strategies for IDing odes you’re likely to see in the Milwaukee area. From the massive green darners we saw swarm and overtake our skies last September, to the multitude of meadowhawks who guard your cookouts from mosquitos. This workshop will include an introductory presentation followed by time set aside to test your ID skills on real preserved specimens. After a breakout around noon, we will regather to go over and review our identifications. If interested in attending this free event, just email Registration@WIDragonflySociety.org
Summer Playdate
Saturday, July 29th 12:00pm-3:00pm
Run around Marty’s Playspace while enjoying snacks and other activities! Full list of activities will be coming soon.
Monarch Tagging
Saturday, September 9th 1:00pm-3:00pm
Help MNP staff catch, tag, and release Monarch butterflies as they are migrating down to Mexico! All data will be uploaded to Monarch Watch. Meet in the main parking lot and we will hike as a group. Email Amanda at amanda@mequonnaturepreserve.org to claim a spot! The hike to the tagging area and back to the main parking lot will be around 1.5 miles.
Habitat Haunting
Saturday, October 28th 12:00pm-2:00pm
Trick or Treat around the Streich Family Wetlands in your Halloween costume! Staff and volunteers will be stationed throughout the trail passing out candy and other goodies. Games with prizes will be located near Marty’s Playspace. Leashed dogs are welcome! This trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
Find Us At These Community Events
City of Mequon Arbor Day Event
Sunday, April 30th from 1:00-3:00pm at River Barn Park
Come celebrate Arbor Day with the Mequon Parks Department! Free trees and shrubs will be handed out to those that attend. There will also be a ceremonial tree planting ceremony. The Mequon Nature Preserve, Mequon Nature Preserve Bee Club, and Mequon Nature Preserve Bluebird Club will have informational tables as well.
Milwaukee Public Museum BioBlitz
Saturday, June 10th from 10:00am-3:00pm at Havenwoods State Forest
A BioBlitz is an educational event and scientific festival that brings together local scientists and the public in determining all the species found in a given area over the course of 24 hours. The goal is to find as much biodiversity as possible! While organisms are being found, there will also be educational tables put on by local organizations. This year’s theme is: What is a Scientist? This is a family-friendly event! We hope to see you there!