DNR Invites The Public To A Day Of Discovery

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to attend the department-sponsored Science By The River Event from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Ben Hansen Park in Wisconsin Rapids.

This free event is part of statewide Wisconsin Science Festival celebration activities happening now through Oct. 24 to engage people of all ages in the exciting wonders of science and is hosted in partnership with Wood County Parks and Forestry, McMillan Memorial Library and UW-Madison Wood County Extension.

Get Outdoors For A Day Of Discovery

Attendees can enjoy a fall day of discovery participating in a mix of family-friendly science education and outdoor recreation activities. Enjoy a walk or bike ride on the river trail between Ben Hansen Park & Veteran’s Memorial Park. Along the trail will be educational booths and hands-on demonstrations including by the DNR on fisheries management and fish of the Wisconsin River.

Stop by the following areas for additional science fun: 

• Lyons Park Shelter from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to learn from DNR educators on how to identify wildlife tracks and make your own clay molds of local tracks to take home. 
• B's Taphouse from noon – 3 p.m. to listen in to Tap Talks by DNR experts on mussel ecology, conservation and the water quality journey of the Wisconsin River.

View additional event details including the schedule of events, locations and presenters here.

Continue exploring the outdoors during the Wisconsin Science Festival celebration activities by visiting the nearby Sandhill State Wildlife Area to participate in a scavenger hunt and self-guided tour of the landscape and George W. Mead State Wildlife Area to participate in a self-guided hike to learn about owls and their habitat. Visit the DNR's events webpage for further details. 

DNR Proudly Supports The Wisconsin Science Festival

Wisconsin’s natural resources contribute to the lives of all Wisconsinites. The DNR uses the best science and technology to manage these assets and values the role that science and technology play in securing these resources for the benefit of the state.

The DNR is proud to support and participate in Wisconsin Science Festival celebrations. Whether it’s through stargazing activities at many of our state parks, participation in a statewide water research project or connecting interested citizens to opportunities to help gather observations about their favorite nature spots, the DNR supports the goals and activities that comprise this free, statewide celebration of science.

Wisconsin has amazing natural resources and the Wisconsin Science Festival provides a fantastic opportunity to learn more about them. With hundreds of events in dozens of communities across the state, there are many ways to unleash curiosity, celebrate science and learn about nature.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Science Festival here.