Grab & Go Kids Planner: The Outdoors Never Tasted so Sweet

Ingrained in my thinking is that March 1 is the beginning of spring.  Year after year that is the date, give or take a few days, when I begin to see a number of those first spring migrants.  Still, some years I would see the deep snow and cold temperatures and think to myself, “not this year.” So I have to admit, I was a bit surprised when I walked out the door this morning and heard the first flock of Red-winged Blackbirds calling boldly from the cottonwoods in my front yard. With warmer days at the threshold, there are increasing opportunities to get out and enjoy them, all starting with a great event at our own River Bend Nature Center.

• On Sundays during the month of March, go and enjoy the Sugarin’ Off Pancake Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn how maple syrup is harvested and processed at River Bend Nature Center on N. Green Bay Rd.  You’ll get to eat pancakes topped with REAL maple syrup at their all-you-can-eat breakfast, and help support the Nature Center in the process. While there, enjoy a spring walk on one of their many trails.

•  Aldo Leopold, the author of Sand County Almanac, has been referred to by many as the father of the modern day environmental movement. Though he passed away in 1948, his legacy is strong to this day.  Attend a program at Retzer Nature Center on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon where naturalist, Larry Kascht, portrays the great naturalist Aldo Leopold, and discusses the value, the ethic, and the joy of land discovery. Registration is required for this event by March 3.
• Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee is the location for a Hike for Families: Think Spring! From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., take a hike through the forests and fields at Havenwoods looking for signs of spring.
• Pringle Nature Center in Kenosha is host of Nature Story Time Hike: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Published in 1971, this book continues to be a perennial favorite as it presents an ecological warning while discussing clear-cutting, pollution and disregard for the earth’s environment. After the story there will be a hike with activities tied to the story.
• A number of opportunities to hone your birding skills are available through the Milwaukee Urban Ecology Center ranging from 8 a.m. bird hikes every Thursday to a full day Saturday event where you can join a trio of skilled birders on a field trip to look for the early spring birds as well as the birds of winter in areas such as the Northern Kettle Moraine. Lastly, on Monday, March 8, Richard Crossley, author of the new and amazing bird identification book, The Crossley ID Guide, will be discussing his new book and presenting a slide show from 7 to 8:30 p.m.