Grab & Go Kids Planner: Mother Nature Obviously Didn't Get the Memo

As I write this, nature is demonstrating that just because a calendar shows it is spring, that doesn’t mean it has to feel like spring. Yet the abundant rain we’re getting is penetrating deep into the thawing ground and is a necessary part of the beautiful show of spring flowers sure to be seen in a few weeks. So like it or not, this is a Wisconsin spring, and there is plenty to enjoy for the family.  Here’s a list of organized events.

• If you are looking for an indoor transition to spring and want to get some great home landscaping ideas at the same time, head up to the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park from Friday, March 23 through Sunday, April 3 and enjoy the 2011 Realtors Home and Garden Show. There’s far too many vendors and exhibits to list, so check out the website for information and hours of the event.

• On Saturday, take a walk with a Naturalist at Richard Bong State Recreation Area to explore the Signs of Spring popping up! They’ll be hiking the 1.8 mile Green Trail. You can expect that the trails will be muddy, so dress accordingly for the mud and the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center for the 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. hike.

• A captivating presentation, Sky Hunters, Beaks and Talons is being presented at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. Naturalists from Schlitz Audubon will be there to not only educate and discuss various birds-of-prey, but will have some awesome living raptors as part of the program. The great thing about Havenwoods is, that though it is a state park, there is no entry fee or sticker required.

• At 1 p.m. Saturday, pack up the kids and head out to Pringle Nature Center in Kenosha for the awe-inspiring, critically acclaimed documentary, Winged Migration. You will be amazed at the spectacular and intimate images of birds in flight.

• This will be the last Sunday for River Bend Nature Centers fund raising event, Sugarin’ Off Pancake Sundays. Take a walk through the Sugar Bush with a River Bend Naturalist to learn about the history and science of maple sugar production, and then enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with real maple syrup. This event is going on from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Similar events are being held at Schlitz Audubon Center in Milwaukee on Saturday and Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee on both Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.