Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area Education Programs

Naturalist Programs

Each spring and fall, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers a series of public naturalist programs to introduce visitors and interested persons to the geology, history, wildlife and management of the Horicon Marsh ecosystem. Programs will be conducted at the DNR Field Office, located on the north end of Palmatory Street, in the City of Horicon. All programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Public Naturalist Program Calendar

Education Programs

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Horicon Marsh Wildlife Education Program offers a fun and exciting way for your class or scout group to explore the worlds of science and environmental education while meeting state academic standards.

All of the programs listed can be adapted to different age levels. We will also customize a program to your class's specific needs. Please contact us at least 1 month in advance to schedule a program [PDF 188KB].

Elementary School Programs (Gr. Pre-K - 4)
Middle School Programs (Gr. 5 - 8)
High School Programs (Gr. 8 - 12)
Scout Programs

Interpretive Trunks

You and your class or scout group can begin exploring the world of the white-tailed deer, Wisconsin mammals, or whooping cranes by checking out [PDF 187KB] and opening up three interpretive trunks:

Trunks come complete with skulls, bones, hides, tracks, and a complete curriculum. Developed by DNR Wildlife Management staff, these materials help students understand the biology, life histories, and management issues of some popular and less well-known Wisconsin animals. Call today or fill out this form [PDF 187KB] to reserve your trunk for a two-week period with your class or group.

Field Trip Guide

Teach your class about wetlands and wildlife through this 220 page activity guide. Information provided will help you plan your field trip to Horicon Marsh and integrate the experience into the classroom curriculum through pre-and post field trip activities. This guide is available through a workshop or for purchase through the DNR Service Center or the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. Contact us for more information.

Naturalists will be happy to lead programs found in the Horicon Marsh Field Trip Guide.

Program Registration

Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Group sizes must be at least 15 and should be no more than 60. Naturalists are available for programs during office hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

If these hours don't suit your group's needs, please call us for alternatives.

You can register for a program by downloading the Program Registration Form [PDF 188KB].
Send the completed form via email, Fax - 920-387-7888, or mail to:

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032

Alternatively, you can contact a naturalist directly at (920) 387-7860 or (920) 485-3029 to register your group. You should attempt to schedule your visit at least a month in advance.

Program Fees

All of our naturalist-assisted programs are offered to you free of charge. Our salaries, supplies, and program services are paid by the license fees that DNR collects from Wisconsin's hunters and anglers. Donations to be used for education supplies are always appreciated.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Education Staff at DNR’s Horicon Marsh Wildlife Education Center can arrange volunteer opportunities for you. To set up a project in the surrounding community, please contact us.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Friday May 09 2008