Adults can find resources here that will improve your knowledge of native plants, backyard wildlife, and that will foster learning for your kids here. Whether it's through virtual lectures or through in-depth blog post, you can find it all here!
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That Darn Bat! - Halloween Edition Backyard Naturalist Series
It's Halloween, so of course we're talking about bats - the second largest group of mammals after rodents. Sit back with your favorite blood orange juice and join this creepy cool installment of the backyard Naturalist.
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I Don't See it (Cryptic Coloration) - Backyard Naturalist Series
Animals face strong evolutionary pressure to avoid detection by predators and prey. One of the ways they do this is through camouflage. Join us as we explore why and how animals use camouflage and test if you can spot some of them.
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No Rain, No Gain - The Story of Backyard Water - Backyard Naturalist Series
Without water we are nothing. And water has some really cool stories to tell. Join us for a Backyard Naturalist Episode where we look at the properties of water that make it the centerpiece of our backyard ecology.
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Fat Bear Week - Backyard Naturalist Lecture Series
Throughout the summer, bears have been storing fat to prepare for winter hibernation. Join us to learn all about bears from around the world and participate in Katmai National Park and Preserve's Fat Bear Week to crown a champion!
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Party of Ivy - Backyard Naturalist Lecture Series
Join us and learn about Poison Ivy, the plant we've all been warned about since a young age: what it is, how it works, and more!
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Sound of Nettle - Backyard Naturalist Series
Stinging Nettle - both delicious and painful! Its urticating, hollow "hairs" are a great defensive mechanism. We'll explore the fun stories behind the stinging nettle from both a biological and cultural perspective.
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Chloroplast Movement Behavior - Virtual Backyard Naturalist Series
Join Dr. Martina Koniger, Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, as she talks about the brilliant world of plants! Plants have evolved the ability to move their chloroplasts around within a cell, and hence can partially control how much light they absorb and use for photosynthesis. You will learn how plants know when to move their chloroplasts, the mechanism behind the movement, and the ecological significance of this behavior.
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Prodigal Sun - Virtual Backyard Naturalist Series
Life on our planet depends on the existence of a large ball of hot gas. A star we call the sun. Explore the complex stories our sun provides.
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Twilight – New Raccoon – Virtual Backyard Naturalist Series
Raccoons are ubiquitous in cities all over the US. Secure your trash, grab a cup of coffee, and sit back and relax as we talk about the lives of these cute critters and their relatives.
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An Emerging Awareness
Join us to learn about the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project and how a team of scientists used crowd-sourced data to study the tachinid fly. Tachinids are parasitic flies that use monarch caterpillars as their hosts.
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Mycology: The Fungus Among Us - Virtual Backyard Naturalist Series
A brief history of earth’s fungal phylogeny & evolution and where our current mycological research can take us for future scientific advancements. From mycoremediation and plastic pollution to packaging and building materials, fungi can teach us new ways to look at the world around us.
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Close Encounters of the Bird Kind – Backyard Naturalist Series
Where do migratory species go when they’re not in Milwaukee? Join Joe Meisel, Vice President of Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, as he connects backyards in Milwaukee to those in Ecuador.
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Surveying for Turtles with Spaniels – Backyard Naturalist Series
The endangered ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) is Wisconsin’s only non-aquatic turtle. Learn how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources surveys for this species using specially trained Boykin Spaniels.
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Breeze the Day - The Story of Wind - Backyard Naturalist Series
Wind is so many things – gentle enough to move a few strands of hair and powerful enough to pick up a house. The romantics among us call it a pressure gradient force.
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Cranes Over Wisconsin - Backyard Naturalist Series
From their loud call to their stunning white feathers, Whooping Cranes are stars of the bird world. Discover the cranes of Wisconsin with Stephanie Schmidt, Whooping Crane Outreach Coordinator for the International Crane Foundation.
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An Unlikely Duo - Backyard Naturalist Series
Coyotes and badgers. Frogs and spiders. Lizards and sea lions. What do all these pairs have in common? They’re best friends (or are participating in mutualisms if you want to be scientific about it)!
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The Mosquito Host - Backyard Naturalist Series
Maybe the most dangerous animal around, mosquitoes cause the death of millions of people each year. Despite this nefarious side they are an important contributor to the world’s ecosystems.
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Why Did the Mountain Lion Cross the Road?- Backyard Naturalist Series
Roads pose a significant barrier to wildlife populations and millions of animals die every year as a result of vehicular collisions. Join us we take a look at roads, roadkill, and how to mitigate impact to both humans and wildlife.
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101 Migrations - Backyard Naturalist Series
In the followup to the smash hit Lost in Migration, we’ll take a closer look at how animals know where to go and when to go where they need to go.
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Parasites & the City - Backyard Naturalist Series
Parasites are everywhere. Virtually every living thing has at least one parasite and no system is devoid of them. But what can they tell us about ecosystem health? Join us as we talk about coyotes in Los Angeles and how the parasites they carry can provide vital insight into community composition, species interactions, and spillover risk.
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Lost in Migration - Backyard Naturalist Series
Migration is one of the most dangerous things an animal does and the adaptations that they have to do this are mind-blowing. We’ll look into some amazing migration stories from birds and other animals.
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Humming to America - Backyard Naturalist Series
How does a bird less than 3 inches long weighing 1/8 of an ounce migrate 2,000 miles twice a year? I don’t know either but we’ll explore the wonders of these flying jewels together. Find a comfy spot, a comfy beverage, and tune in!
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Beaver Pitch - Backyard Naturalist Series
North America’s largest rodents have some pretty fun stories to tell! Join us from the comfort of your home as we talk about beavers and how they are really busy in urban Milwaukee!
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Finding Surprises on Lincoln Creek with Nearby Nature Milwaukee
The Nearby Nature environmental justice and equity initiative focuses on Milwaukee’s northwest side. The team will talk about using native plants in a conservation project and other efforts to improve and draw attention to the long-neglected Lincoln Creek greenway.
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High Moon - Backyard Naturalist Series
Our closest celestial neighbor, the moon has been gazed at by humanity for as long as we’ve been around. Join us for stories about something that can be seen from every backyard around the world!
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What I’m Lichen Bout You- Backyard Naturalist Series
They’re everywhere – even Antarctica! They grow where other plants fear to tread. They’ve been around forever and they’re not an organism but a relationship. Join us for some stories you’ll really be lichen!
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Wheat Lies Beneath - Backyard Naturalist Series
It’s the most traded crop in the world accounting for 20% of all human nutrition and we’ve been eating it for 10,000 years! Join us for a look at the natural history of wheat – a journey from ordinary grass to global domination.
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March Mammal Madness - Backyard Naturalist Series
March Mammal Madness is celebrating 10 years and is played globally by millions. Dr. Chris Yahnke will provide a behind-the-scenes look, talk about the scientists involved, how participants are selected, and winners are determined. Let’s play!
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Double Double Soil & Trouble - Backyard Naturalist Series
Ponder if you will. One teaspoon of soil contains more organisms than there are people on Earth! So what is soil really? We’ll explore this fascinating part of our backyards.
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Sand, More Than a Nuisance in Your Shoe - Backyard Naturalist Series
Bill Keane of the UWM Geology Department will talk about the characteristics and history of sand in Wisconsin and the East coast. Your trips to the beach will be changed forever.
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Ants Part II - Backyard Naturalist Series
130 million years ago an insect evolved that would eventually turn into arguably the most successful group of animals in the world. So cool we had to do a sequel!
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The Backyards of Costa Rica - Backyard Naturalist
Carlos Chavarria, Director of Costa Rica Rainforest Experience and frequent tour guide for UEC Eco-travel, will take us from our comfy screens wherever we live on a visit to the splendid backyards of Costa Rica.
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Ants - Backyard Naturalist Series
Ever meet insects that are farmers or teachers? Ones that can experience self-doubt and also deliver one of the most painful stings known to humans? Ants are EVERYWHERE and they have fascinating stories to tell!
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Heaven Centipede – Backyard Naturalist
While centipedes are EXTREMELY cool, we know they have an “ick” factor. Try to join this lecture because trust us, you want them in your house! Rediscover the amazing, venomous, cannibalistic, and leg lasso using centipedes!
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Good Vibrations: Communication with Substrate-borne Signals – Backyard Naturalist
Humans miss out on much of the variety of life in part because our senses cannot detect the “language” of many of the species near us. Learn how animals communicate by creating vibrations on plants (substrate-borne vibrational signals)!
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You ain’t Nothin’ but a Groundhog – Backyard Naturalist Series
The Groundhog has many names and even its own day on the calendar. We’ll dig into the stories of how this marmot became a celebrated forecaster and why they’re a successful backyard mammal on their own.
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The Spider House Rules – Backyard Naturalist Series
Spiders may only be rivaled by snakes in the human dread department, but they serve a crucial role in your backyards and inside your dwelling. You don’t have to love them, but their adaptations make for some fantastic stories!
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Understanding How PFAs Impact Human and Environmental Health – Backyard Naturalist Series
This talk gives a brief description about what PFAS are and how they came to be the newest emerging contaminant. We will discuss the known human and environmental health impacts and explore potential links between the two worlds. Last, we will explore what still needs to be explored.
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Along Came Holly – Backyard Naturalist Series
Holly, an evergreen shrub, is a prominent part of Christian winter holidays but it was valued by humans long before Christ was born. We'll take a look at Holly plants around the world and how they have interacted with humanity.
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Deer Factor – Backyard Naturalist Series
For some, white-tailed deer are a backyard species. For others, seeing one is a special moment. Look at the wonders of the white-tail during this Christmas Eve special before their reindeer cousins travel the world in one night!
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Milwaukee River Greenway: A Wealth of Nature in the City's Heart - Backyard Naturalist
The Milwaukee River Greenway, a system of connected parks along the river, is larger than New York’s Central Park. But, unlike that world-famous urban park, it is not well known. Photographer Eddee Daniel has been serving as Artist in Residence for the River Revitalization Foundation and has produced a new book entitled “The Milwaukee River Greenway: A Wealth of Nature in the Heart of the City.” He will share the story about how the Greenway came to be protected and his stunning photographs will demonstrate what a treasure we have in our midst.
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Your Amazing Great Lakes – Backyard Naturalist
Gazing at the distant horizon from the shore of Lake Michigan, it is hard not to feel a sense of awe at the massive scale of this sweet water sea. But what is happening below the surface of the water? What species live there and what do their habitats look like? Join Wisconsin Sea Grant’s fisheries specialist for a journey into the depths to meet the fish and other species of the Great Lakes. For the history of the Great Lakes to the current status of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
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Nature Calls – Picking Apart Poop – Backyard Naturalist Series
Let’s dive into one of the smelliest and messiest matters as we explore the #2 topic of all time…. Poop! We will wipe the slate clean on a variety of preconceptions surrounding all things backyard feces as we share stories!
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The Maize Runner – Backyard Naturalist
Knee high by the 4th of July and available to eat now – corn/maize represents one of the most complex agricultural breakthroughs and one of the most influential foods in the history of the world. Join us for some corny stories!
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Burn after Eating – Backyard Naturalist
The easiest ways to connect with our ancestry is through the use and enjoyment of fire. Controlling fire happened well before our species came into existence! We’ll explore this hot topic through stories and photos.
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Three Bridges Park: Habitat Restoration Eight Years in the Making
Join Jeff Veglahn, Land Steward at Urban Ecology Center, as he discusses how the restoration efforts in Three Bridges Park, 24-acre ecological restoration project, are progressing since the park opened in 2013.
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A Summer Internship in Review through Photos
Come and experience what the Research and Community Science internship was like this past summer through the words, eyes and camera of summer intern, Chamong Xiong as he shares some of his best photos and stories of the summer.
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Night of the Living Crawlers – Backyard Naturalist
It’s getting close to Halloween when the Creepy, Crawly things take center stage and nothing creeps and crawls like worms! We’ll learn more about our backyard under feet neighbors through stories that fascinate (and terrify!)
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The Curious Life of Beetles – Backyard Naturalist
Learn from Community Scientist Heidi Meier about beetles. We will learn what makes a beetle a beetle, if they sting or bite, and what you can do to help beetles thrive. Let's dive into their natural history and diversity!
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Hello Harvest Men! – Backyard Naturalist
You might know them as Daddy Long Legs? Regardless of what you’ve heard they are not spiders and they don’t have enough venom to kill a grown human but they do have abundantly cool stories to tell as they lurk in your basement!
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Let's Dish on Milwaukee's Fish – Backyard Naturalist
Learn to make MKE fish chowder with Sharon Moen, Wisconsin Sea Grant's Eat Wisconsin Fish specialist. We will cover a variety of fishy topics including what's swimming nearby, fish and human health, and global seafood challenges.
Eat Wisconsin Fish: https://eatwisconsinfish.org/
The Milwaukee Angler Project: https://www.neha.org/sites/default/files/jeh/JEH1-2.21-Column-Direct-From-ATSDR.pdf
Wisconsin Fish Identification: https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/fish-id/
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The food that grows on water – Backyard Naturalist
Manoomin, also known as wild rice, is a keystone aquatic plant species found primarily in the Great Lakes region that produces an edible grain that is hand-harvested each fall. The Anishinaabe and other Indigenous peoples consider manoomin central to their culture, identity, livelihoods, wellbeing, and sovereignty. In response to numerous human-caused and natural factors that threaten its health and survival, we'll present some current restoration, outreach, and education efforts designed to help protect manoomin for future generations.
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Milwaukee River Sturgeon Rehabilitation Program – Backyard Naturalist
Lake Sturgeon were once prevalent in the Milwaukee River, but habitat loss and overfishing resulted in Lake Sturgeon being extirpated from the Milwaukee River. Learn about the the re-introduction of Lake Sturgeon into this system.
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Semi protozoa – Backyard Naturalist
Protozoa are more diverse than fish in a coral reef or plants in a tropical rainforest, but what the heck is a Protozoa anyway? It’s more fascinating than you probably think – and they impact our lives in many ways!
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Marvelous Monarchs - Backyard Naturalist
Monarch butterflies are one of North America’s most recognizable and beloved insects. We will take a look into this captivating insect and its stunning migration cycle in what has been termed as one of the greatest “endangered natural phenomenon's.” Come learn more about this beautiful insect and what you can do to help right as they migrate south!
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Nighthawk Down – Backyard Naturalist
It doesn’t fly at night and it’s not a hawk. So they called it a Nighthawk! Join us as we recount the extraordinary tales of the Common Nighthawk and other Goat suckers (Yes, that’s a real thing) like the Whip Poor Will!
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Planning for the Future of Urban Prairies
Learn how Haley Marzolf is collaborating with the UEC Research and Land Stewardship teams to create an adaptive management (decision-making process) and plan for the future of our urban prairies.
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A Dilemma for Bats – White-Nose Syndrome in Wisconsin - Backyard Naturalist
For 15 years, White-nose Syndrome has spread to bat populations across North America. What is it and how does it affect our bats? We’ll answer these questions and more in this deep dive into the impact of this disease on Wisconsin bats.
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Wild and Woolly Bear - Backyard Naturalist
When a Woolly Bear caterpillar crosses your path in the summer, you are able to predict how bad the winter will be, or so the saying goes. Explore adaptations and folklore of the larval version of the Isabella Tiger Moth with us!
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A Dilemma for Bats – White-Nose Syndrome in Wisconsin
For 15 years, White-nose Syndrome has spread to bat populations across North America. What is it and how does it affect our bats? We’ll answer these questions and more in this deep dive into the impact of this disease on Wisconsin bats.
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Backyard Naturalist: Soaring in Great Numbers
The Bald Eagle is an iconic bird that has served as a symbol of strength and bravery for years and years. We will learn about its history in America, life cycle, controversies, and how it has persevered through all these years.
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Backyard Naturalist: Vulture Shock
Vultures might be one of the most maligned creatures around but they perform a critical service and many cultures around the world revere them. We'll take a close look at this "cathartic" backyard creature.
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Backyard Naturalist: Bats of Wisconsin and the World
Join for a talk of the role bats play in ecosystems in Wisconsin and around the world, as well as the threats facing bat populations and what we can do to aid conservation efforts.
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Backyard Naturalist: Good Night and Wood Duck
The Wood Duck may be one of the most visually stunning creatures around. For a baby wood duck its first task may be to jump 50 feet to the ground! We'll take a closer look at this extraordinary backyard fowl.
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Backyard Naturalist: Bumble Bee Conservation in Your Backyard
Discover the life history, ecology, and habitats of our native bumble bee species. Guest lecturer, Susan Carpenter is one of Wisconsin’s experts on bumble bee conservation, the rusty-patched bumble bee, and citizen-based monitoring. Learn to identify species that live in your region, and how you can foster their populations.
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Backyard Naturalist: Journey to Break Free from Plastics
What are nurdles? How does microplastic enter the waterways? Can we solve the plastics problem? Join the co-founder of Plastic-Free MKE, Meenal Atre, in learning about the plastic problem and how to reduce the use of it.
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Backyard Naturalist: Fly Society
Who wouldn’t want to be able to walk on the ceiling and taste foods with their feet? They’re everywhere, like them or not so might as well be fascinated by them. Join us for fly stories and catch up on the buzz!
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Backyard Naturalist: Pile of Dogs
Our best friend? Pretty much. They’ve been domesticated for as long as cats and the two have been at war ever since. Join us for stories on the domestic dog. We adore them so much that we make our homes theirs.
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Summer Stars from your Backyard
Find out what's happening overhead this summer with Planetarium Director, Bob Bonadurer from the Milwaukee Public Museum. Explore our Moon, planet positions and voyage into deep space with the magic of the planetarium.
We recommend watching this in a dark room, with a clean screen, and the brightness up!
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Mushrooms in Wisconsin
Local Mycophile, Brewster Johnson, will discuss his experience identifying, legally foraging, and cooking with mushrooms. Come learn about WI fungi and hear a local’s story into the world of mushrooms.
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Top 10 Woody Plants
Come learn about the top 10 woody plant species for Naturescaping your yard based on your zip code! We will discuss which trees and shrubs you can incorporate into your landscape that will nurture the wildlife in your yard!
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Backyard Naturalist : The 17-year Itch – Cicadas
It’s likely that you’ve recently witnessed an emergence of the 17-year Cicada this year. So why 17 years? And what are they doing the other 16 years? Join us with a tasty treat for stories on what many consider a tasty treat!
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Redeeming Our Streams, Uncovering Contaminants in Milwaukee's Rivers
This lecture will consist of information regarding the health of Milwaukee's rivers. We will discuss the findings of community-driven water sampling events as well as the impact of pollutants on human and environmental health.
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Effects of Eco-Travel on Wildlife and Communities - Brew City Birding Festival
This presentation by Mitch Ost will focus on Birding and Gorilla watching in Uganda and how they can help preserve nature and enrich local communities. Birding is a great vehicle for exploring the multiple habitats of a nation.
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Kirtland's Warbler versus the Brown-headed Cowbird - An Evolutionary Arms Race
Come join as we explore the life history of the Brown-headed Cowbird and how its presence in the Midwest has affected vulnerable bird populations, especially that of the Federally Endangered Kirtland’s Warbler.
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Birds - The Beautiful, The Bizarre and the Brand-new - Brew City Birding Festival
Millions of years of evolution on a dinosaur spin-off have produced truly unbelievable adaptations. We’ll sort through the beautiful chaos for the strangest tales and what we’ve learned since last year’s festival.
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An Ornithologist Goes to the Movies, a Debunking - Brew City Birding Festival
Birds have been an important part of the media for millennia. From 10,000 year-old cave drawings, to themes in classical symphonies, we’ll look at the intersection of birds and the arts to debunk myths and celebrate birds!
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Backyard Naturalist, Of Pigeons and Men
Join guest host Miguel Santos to learn about the pigeon! A holy bird, a liaison in war, and the bird Darwin used to demonstrate natural selection. We hope after this session you will see pigeons with a new sense of wonder.
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Virtual Yardversity Lecture – Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers of Wisconsin
As the snow melts, the greenery around us is beginning to emerge. Join us to learn about those fleeting spring ephemeral wildflowers, their important ecological niche and the wildlife they support in your own backyard!
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Tell it to the Honeybees - Virtual Backyard Naturalist
There are more amazing stories about bees than anyone can tell in 45 minutes. I’ll try to find some of the more bizarre and amazing ones about these social animals that show an amazing collective intelligence and give us one of the yummiest things to eat on the planet.
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Top 20 Herbaceous Plant Species for Naturescaping
Come learn about the top 20 herbaceous plant species for Naturescaping your yard. We will discuss which flowering forbs, grasses, and sedges you can incorporate into your landscape to attract wildlife!
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Backyard Naturalist, season 2, Episode 18: CHiPmunks
These adorable backyard critters were out of sight during the winter but now they’re coming back to forage and stuff their cheek pouches with food but don’t blink because they still spend most of the time underground sleeping even during the summer. In this episode we’ll take a closer look at this common variety of squirrel and the many stories they have to tell.
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Backyard Naturalist, season 2, Episode 17: Extremely Clouds and Incredibly Close
Clouds are necessary for rain and for providing shade, but they also add an aesthetic value that is indescribable. We’ll look at the stories clouds tell us and provide new material for the canvas of pondering your thoughts!
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Naturescaping in Your Backyard
People around the country are joining in on the growing native plant gardening movement. Yet, even with all the benefits it can be challenging to work through the many stigmas that have come to over shadow Naturescaping. We have 5 tricks of the design trade to share that will help you formulate an aesthetically-appealing native plant garden space or tame the wildest of looking yards.
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The Serenity Experiment - Searching for Personal Peace in a World That Won't Let Go
Come learn from Dr. David Howell - MSOE Professor as he talks about his new book about serenity + searching for personal peace when it seems impossible. He will also touch on what it means to find a formula for a "peace of mind."
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Backyard Naturalist, season 2, episode 16: The Hunt for Red Winged Blackbirds
100 years ago, the most reliable sign of spring was the Canada Goose or the American Robin. But due to factors like urbanization and climate change, those birds are seen year round. One bird in particular has taken over as the new harbinger of spring – the Red-winged Blackbird.Join us for a look at the natural history of this iconic urban migrant.
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Spring Phenology Challenge
We challenge you again this spring to get outside and document phenology (responses of plants and animals to changes in seasonal and climate factors) changes! Learn more about it in this blog written by Environmental Educator Rob Dragani
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Backyard Naturalist, season 2, episode 15: Searching for Sugar Maple
It’s the time of year when freezing nights and warmer days are the prime for the sugar maple sap pump – which leads to syrup as well as stories about the ecological and cultural role this tree plays in our forests and backyards.
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Owls: Deisgned for Darkness (with guest lecturer Maddy Sislow and the owls from Schlitz Audubon)
Do all owls hoot? Do all owls eat mice? The owl ambassadors of Schlitz Audubon will answer these questions and more as they provide first-hand encounters with these rarely seen raptors.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 14: Snow Fleas Falling on Cedars
When out exploring your backyard on a cold, snowy, single-digit winter day, the last thing you expect to find are insects and their relatives. Yet winter is the best time to look for snow fleas! Grab your favorite morning beverage and join us for an exploration of winter wonder!
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 13: The Crow
This bird deserves it’s own season – or at least a miniseries, but we’ll do our best to pack the best crow stories into one episode. Grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage and curl up on your couch as we take a closer look at one of the most iconic and intelligent dinosaur descendants!
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Backyard Naturalist Series: Animal Tracking (with guest lecturer Chris Yahnke)
In this virtual lecture, we learn about techniques we can use to find signs that an animal was here sometime in the near or even distant past. Your backyard may be full of these signs, and winter is one of the best times to look for them.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 12: The Way Bacteria
If you put together all of the DNA on or in your body, less than 1% of it would be human! Grab your favorite morning beverage as we take a closer look (because really you need a microscope) at one of the three domains of life: the Bacteria!
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Backyard Naturalist Series: Backyard Trees in Winter (with guest lecturer Caitlin Reinartz)
As we bundle up for winter so do the trees in our backyard. Guest lecturer and UEC Forester Caitlin Reinartz will tell some stories of how our backyard trees deal with and adapt to the frigid Wisconsin winters.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 11: Fir Crazy
Many of us share our living space with plants and for some, December is the time to welcome a particular type of tree into their domiciles – the Christmas Tree. We’ll take a look at the natural history of the Balsam Fir which has many stories to tell.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 10: Lady Bird Beetle
Ladybugs are one of the most recognizable insects in the United States – they’re cute, tiny and harmless right? In this episode we’ll peek under that thick outer shell and look at the fascinating stories that we bet will surprise you about this tiny button of a bug.
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Discovering Wildlife with Trail Cameras
Join Jennifer Stenglein, DNR Research Scientist and Spokesperson for Snapshot Wisconsin, and learn about the Snapshot Wisconsin partnership to monitor wildlife year-round and how to effectively use your own trail camera.
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Three Tasty Thanksgiving Treats for Gatherings of Small Sizes
The flavors of Thanksgiving are always something to celebrate, even if the holiday looks a little different this year. Gather up your household and try recreating some of these dishes! These dishes take holiday classics and make simple adjustments to accommodate smaller groups!
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Virtual Botany Walk: Inflorescence Structures
It's getting chilly outside, so land steward Jeff Veglahn stayed inside the Menomonee Valley for today's Virtual Botany Walk. Join Jeff to learn what inflorescence structures are and how to identify three different types in Wisconsin grasses.
Printable
Seasonal Eco-friendly Crafts
As the weather starts to get cold and you are looking for something to do with the kids inside, check out these eco-friendly craft ideas from Community Programs intern Payton Biwer.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 9: Turkey Hollow
It’s almost Thanksgiving and for some of us urban dwellers the Wild Turkey has truly become a Backyard species. Grab your favorite Thanksgiving beverage and join us for a conversation about turkeys!
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Sustainability and Salmon
Salmon can be really tastey, but where does it come from and how sustainable is the practice of harvesting this fish? Maggie Steinhauer explores the pros and cons of aquaculture and fisheries in this blog post.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 8: Cat on a Hot, Suburban Roof
We’ll take a look at the natural history of the domestic cat and see if we can’t tease out some of the wild behaviors rooted in what you see in your house. So grab your kitty cocktail and join us!
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 7: As Gourd as it Gets
Squash fill the produce aisles of the grocery store this time of year because it’s the middle of harvest time for this group of fruits (yes they are fruits). We’ll explore the natural history of squash and their long relationship with humans. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and join us!
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Backyard Naturalist Series: Milwaukee Salmon (with guest lecturer Rob Dragani)
In this virtual lecture, with special guest Rob Dragani presenting, we will learn about about the fascinating lives of salmon and learn more about their migrations in the Great Lakes. Come join our journey from fry to king!
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Six Spooky Snacks
These snacks are spooky… but their ingredients aren’t! Six healthy, easy to make treats that both kids and grownups can enjoy. These creepy-crawly creations may not bite... but you certainly will!
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 6: Every Which Way But Goose
The Canada Goose is one of the most recognizable birds in Wisconsin and one we often associate with October. Sit back and relax as we look into the fascinating and complex world of the Canada Goose.
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Virtual Botany Walk: Goldenrod
Join Jeff Veglahn in Three Bridges Park for a virtual botany walk! Today, Jeff is looking for goldenrod. Learn how to identify some of the most common goldenrod species in Southeastern Wisconsin.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2 episode 5: Moss Baby
OK, what’s the deal with moss and the north side of trees really? And could we grow moss in space? What is moss and what is its’ function in my backyard? We’ll take a closer look at the fascinating stories told by the oldest plant on Earth!
Printable
Recipe from the Garden: Fall Asian Style Slaw
Gather up your carrots, cabbage, onions, cilantro, and more, from the garden and follow along with this recipe to make delicious, home-made Asian-style slaw. Recipe submitted by Davita Flowers-Shanklin.
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Backyard Naturalist Series. Season 2, Episode 4: The Good Leopard Slug
Leopard slugs are showing up increasingly around Milwaukee in public spaces and backyards. Grab a warm beverage and join us for a conversation about the good and the bad of this unique, invasive species.
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Swarms of Dragonflies
Have you noticed the swarms of dragonflies overhead? So has resident odonata expert Maggie Steinhauer. Learn about why they are swarming and where they are going in this blog post.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2 episode 3: Raiders of the Lost Archaea
Archaea are so important that they have their own domain, yet most of us know next to nothing about them. Because they are the most primitive form of life on earth, we are all descendants of Archaea, and so let's learn a little bit about our ancestors.
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 2: MONARCHNADO!!!!!!
The Monarch Butterfly is arguably the most iconic and recognizable North American backyard insect and not just because of its beauty. Grab a warm beverage and join us for stories about the Monarch Butterfly.
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Backyard Birding Blitz Lecture: Plume Raider (Feathers!)
Feathers can be breathtakingly beautiful and they can enable a bird with flight – but there’s SO much more to these structures than you can possibly imagine. We’ll explore what feathers are, how they grow, and their endless list of functions
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Erin's Fall Garden
It may be fall, but that shouldn't stop you from making the most of your garden! Join Erin in the garden for tips on fall planting, harvesting, and more!
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Backyard Naturalist Series, season 2, episode 1: Full Yellow Jacket
In the first episode of season 2, Tim Vargo features yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets. Although largely despised, after this lecture, you'll be marveling in awe the next time you have to give up on your backyard fall picnic.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard, Season 1, Episode XV: Blue Grass of Kentucky
Likely the most common species in our collective backyards is arguably one of the most successful species on the planet – Grass! Specifically, Kentucky Blue Grass. Join Tim Vargo for wondrous stories about the natural history of grass.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard, Season 1, Episode XIV: Oak Signals
In this virtual lecture, Tim Vargo goes out on a limb to use the Chinkapin Oak as the backdrop for a deep look at the trees so common in our backyards.
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Summer Fresh Salsa Recipe
If your garden is overflowing with tomatoes right now, Environmental Educator Alex LaBonte has just the recipe for you - homemade summer fresh salsa!
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Late Summer Garden Planting
It is harvest time in the garden. Learn from Land Steward Drew Vandergrift what types of vegetables can still be planted in your garden in August and how to keep your plants warm as autumn approaches.
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Community Science in Your Own Backyard: Documenting Bumble Bees
In this virtual lecture, we will learn more about the wonders of our native Wisconsin bumble bees, talk about their importance and then jump right into how you can help scientists by documenting and recording these fascinating creatures in your very own backyard!
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode XIII: Smellin' in the Rain
You might prefer to sing in the rain but have you ever noticed that rain sometimes brings a noticeable, pleasant smell with it when you’re outside, especially in the spring? You may be smelling the spores of Actinomycetes bacteria which are common everywhere including your backyard! We’ll take a closer look at the complex array of smells that come with rain and the critters responsible for them in this week’s episode.
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Wildflowers in Summer: Parent Guide
A guide for parents that introduces vocabulary about wildflowers and images of common wildflower species to look for with your kids. A supplement to the "Wildflowers in Summer" video.
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Meet the Naturalist in your own Backyard
Across generations and even centuries, people have built networks of knowledge. Backyard naturalists continue these traditions today. Let’s explore the naturalist tradition together, and see if it leads to you!
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Botany Walk: Black-eyed Susan
Join Jeff Veglahn, Land Steward at our Menomonee Valley branch, atop our green roof to learn more about how to identify Black-eyed Susan and the origin story of its scientific name.
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Introduction to iNaturalist
Join us as we talk about what iNaturalist is and learn how to use one of the world's most popular nature apps. This app helps you identify the plants and animals around you all while using the broader community to help verify your sightings for research!
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode XII: The Hills Have Mycorrhiza
Mycorrhiza defines a relationship between fungi and plants that has been evolving for hundreds of millions of years and is happening in our own backyards. It’s arguably the most important and widespread ecological relationship on the entire planet and our understanding of it could have huge implications on the future of humanity on Earth! Think we're exaggerating?
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode XI: The Hunger Flames: Catching Fireflies
Depending on where you live, you may not have to go any farther than your backyard to see fireworks this 4th of July. Nature provides her own pyrotechnics through bioluminescence, including the familiar Firefly/Lightning Bug/Glow Worm complex. Join as we’ll take a closer look at how insects glow and other incredible adaptations found by our common backyard neighbors.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode X: A Spittlebug's Life
Spittlebugs are super common in your backyards, particularly if you have strawberries, herbs or other native plants. They're hidden from view, usually not harmful and their tell-tale foamy homes can be found with a little searching. We'll look at the amazing adaptations of this tiny insect.
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How to Mulch a Garden
Want to spend less time weeding and watering in your garden? Join UEC Environmental Educator Kirsten Maier as she explains why you should mulch, and demonstrates her favorite mulching method: newspaper and straw.
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Ask a Naturalist (Animal Behavior)
You "Ask a Naturalist" about "Animal Behavior" and you can find the answers in this video. Thanks UEC Research for sharing your knowledge!
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Botany Walk: Smooth penstemon
Join Jeff Veglahn, Land Steward at Menomonee Valley, in this virtual botany walk as he identifies and talks about Smooth penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode IX: “You say potato bug, I say roly-poly”
"You say potato bug I say roly-poly". Whatever you call them, these isopods are found in backyards all over the word. These tiny creatures have been evolving for millions and millions of years, retaining gill-like breathing structures, and the ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis. Join us as we recount the amazing adaptations and life history of the common potato bug.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode VIII: All Coyote on the Western Front
It’s true! At least it was in 1600 when coyotes were restricted to the deserts and plains of the West. Today this song-dog has spread to all parts of North and Central America and has a long relationship with humans – a recipe for some intriguing stories.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode VII: "Starling Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Mimic"
The European Starling is a tough, adaptable and remarkable bird, which is why it does so well in our neighborhoods and backyards. We’ll look at the amazing natural history as well as the centuries of relationships starlings have had with humans.
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Mnemonic Bird Songs (Guide for parents)
Parents, we hope this guide about Bird Song Mnemonics will be useful for you and your kids. Learning to identify birds by their songs and call notes is perhaps one of the most important aspects of birding.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode VI: The Faking Dead (Virginia Opossum)
Millions of years ago, a land bridge in Panama allowed North American Placental Mammals to mingle with South American Marsupials. Only one Marsupial managed to work their way up here to Wisconsin and they are a common, adaptable and secretive member of our neighborhoods with amazing adaptations. Grab a cup of coffee and we’ll discuss Opossum stories and see how they compare to the myths and media portrayals.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode V: House of Cardinals
Cardinals epitomize the love that humans have for birds. They are bright red, their song is cheery and pure, they start singing right around Valentine’s Day and they are our neighbors!
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Intro to eBird – Part 4 – Final Tips and the Science Behind It (Recorded Live Lecture)
Join as we wrap up the Intro to eBird series as we talk about the status and trends section in eBird. We will talk briefly about some rare birds seen around Milwaukee in May of 2020. We will also talk about several tricks and tips within eBird that may or may not make you a compulsive birder! You have been warned! And finally we will wrap up with a tip on becoming a better birder by sound.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode IV: I, Rabbit
The Eastern Cottontails are very common lagomorph in the Eastern United States and especially in our backyards. They are prolific, breeding like, well… rabbits but they are also high on the list of meals for predators. We’ll try to shed some new light on the natural history of this hoppy hare.
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Ask a Naturalist: amphibians at the ephemeral pond
You asked questions about the amphibians who are currently living in the Riverside Park ephemeral pond and we answered them. Drew Vandegrift,
Restoration Assistant, explains what type of amphibians you can see at the pond and other interesting facts. Check out the video!
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Most Commonly Misidentified Birds (Recorded Live Lecture)
As you prepare for any kind of birding, we’ll guide you through some of the most commonly MISidentified birds, because let’s face it, the best way to become a better birder is to learn from our mistakes. Session led by GIS and Field Data Coordinator, Ethan Bott.
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eBird Basics (Recorded Live Lecture)
Come learn what eBird is, why it’s important and who it’s for (spoiler: it’s for everyone!). This lecture will help prepare you for entering a checklist online and on your phone as well helping get you started on contributing to an international dataset that is used for scientific and conservation decisions around the world.
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Beginner Basics for Backyard Birding (Recorded Live Lecture)
If you are feeling a little overwhelmed or under prepared to identify birds and put a list together, we’ll guide you through some of the best practices for beginning birders and resources that you can use.
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Learn about mayapples
Mayapple wildflowers are unique, fruit-bearing plants that grow primarily in woodlands where they frequently form a thick carpet of bright green foliage.
Learn more about them with Restoration Assistant, Drew Vandegrift
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Intro to eBird Part 3 (Recorded Live Lecture)
Join as we learn how to use the Explore tool of eBird. We will learn how to find which spots are hot and where specific species are that you want to know about! We will learn about bar charts as well as arrival and departure times for birds.
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode III: American's Next Top Robin
If you stay up late watching a movie this time of year, you might hear the Robin starting its’ day when you go to bed. Yes, they start singing at 3 or 4am! There are a lot of other great stories about this iconic North American bird that we’ll discuss in this episode
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode II: Fifty Shades of Gray Squirrel
Gray squirrels are everywhere! But you may not know how ecologically important this squirrel is to our local plant and wildlife communities. We are exploring the amazing natural history of the very common but very successful critter.
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Intro to eBird: Part 1 (Recorded Live Lecture)
Have you heard of eBird, but don't know what it is or where to start? Or maybe you have never heard of eBird, but you want to start contributing data on the birds in your backyard. Come learn what eBird is, why it’s important, and who it’s for (spoiler alert: it’s for everyone!). This first lecture on eBird helps get you started on contributing to an international dataset that is used for scientific and conservation decisions around the world. Led by GIS and Field Data Coordinator, Ethan Bott.
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Intro to eBird: Part 2 (Recorded Live Lecture)
Join as we learn how to submit a checklist to eBird online while also learning how to attach photos, sounds and videos to your sightings. Among other information provided in this recorded live lecture, we're exploring how you can become a better birder using the millions of sounds and photos submitted to eBird.
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Ask a Naturalist: Things that Fly
You "Ask a Naturalist" about "Things that Fly" and you can find the answers in this video. Thanks UEC Research for sharing your knowledge!
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Extraordinary Wildlife in Your Backyard. Season 1, Episode I: Desperate House Sparrows
House Sparrows are so common you probably don't even notice them but they are very likely your neighbor and have an extraordinary history with humanity. We're exploring this amazing creature together with a lecture led by Tim Vargo, Manager of Research and Community Science.
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Botany Walk: Apple Serviceberry
Join Jeff Veglahn, Land Steward at Menomonee Valley, in this virtual botany walk as he identifies and talks about the Apple Serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora). It's a naturally occurring hybrid between downy serviceberry (AmelanchLinkier arborea) and Alleghany Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis).
Printable
The Life of Birds: Parent Guide
Parents, use this activity guide to explore the lives of birds with your children! (Contenido en español también)
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Best Practices for Trash Pickup
Check out this video about picking up trash when you go for walks through your neighborhood.
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Botany Walk: Cut-leaf toothwort and Common wood violet
Learn about native plants in this virtual botany walk led by Land Steward, Jeff Veglahn. Featured in this video: Cut-leaf toothwort (Dentaria laciniata) and Common wood violet (Viola sororia).
Blog
Learn how to make chalk!
Let's get ready for those warmer afternoons and make your own sidewalk chalk! (Contenido en español también)
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Nature in My Neighborhood
Roger and his son Auden go on a fun and engaging scavenger hunt in their neigbhorhood!
Blog
How to Celebrate Earth Day with your Children
Celebrate Earth Day quarantine style! Use these 5 ideas at home or in your neighborhood.
Blog
Spring Garden Cleanup: Mind the Wildlife
Land Steward, Drew Vandegrift, answers FAQs about spring gardening with native plants and wildlife in mind.
Blog
What to Do for Earth Day 2020
While our Earth Day of Service program is cancelled (we miss you already!), we still encourage you to do something to celebrate the earth. Check out this post by Volunteer Program Manager Davita Flowers-Shanklin for more ideas!
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Explore Nature with your Toddler
Join Anna and her son Pau on an outdoor toddler adventure!
Captions available in Spanish (Subtítulos en español también)
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Fun Science Activities for Kids of All Ages
A list of activities that can be adapted for kids of all ages from Environmental Educator Brynne Drohan. (Contenido en español también)
Check back soon for more great content!
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