Treehaven Spring Hike Series

Experience Treehaven's trails during these weekly adventures beginning on Saturday, March 21! Recurring each Saturday from 1-5 PM until April 11, every experience features a multi-hour guided hike with a different route each week. We'll take many opportunities to look, listen, and learn about the diversity of life surrounding us as we explore the phenology of Northwoods habitats including northern hardwood forests, bogs, meadows, old growth pines, and more. This season, keep an eye out for the first signs of spring as the weather warms and days lengthen with each passing week. Bare trees and unmelted snow might not scream "spring", but will help draw our attention to the very first flowers to bloom, insects to emerge, migratory birds to return, frogs to call, and much more as the forest around us slowly reawakens from its winter slumber!

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Schedule:

March 21, 1-5 PM: Pickerel Parade

We will begin with the modest Beaver Meadow Loop, a scenic experience where you will receive an introduction to lots of different Northwoods plants and animals as you learn how to identify and observe them. Along the way, we'll stop to check out Pickerel Creek, which flows through the meadow, and look/listen for any early signs of spring. If conditions allow, we will head back through the Tamarack Hollow trail, giving you an awesome opportunity to explore a coniferous bog adjacent to the creek!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate, with a bit of uphill travel and portions of narrow trail that may be uneven and/or muddy. Total distance around 2.5 miles.

March 28, 1-5 PM: Vista Venture

This week we will visit the Ridgetop Loop, which features some of the most difficult terrain at Treehaven—but also the most scenic views! You will have the chance to explore a variety of habitats, where we can search for the first signs of new plant growth in sunny areas and perhaps find animal tracks left behind in mud or ice. Finally, we will take a rest and enjoy the view at the High Point Vista, then head back along the Pickerel Creek trail to experience a gorgeous stand of old growth pines before we return!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Hard, with lots of uphill travel that may be challenging for some. Total distance 2.5 miles or less.

April 4, 1-5 PM: Wetland Wanderings

During the third week, we will head along a portion of the Big Pine loop, taking us by various wetland habitats including sedge meadows, bogs, and swampy groves with northern white cedar trees. We'll discuss why all different types of wetlands are important to ecosystems (and us!) as we observe them and the diversity found within, including plants, wildlife, and other signs of life waking up as the snow melts and ice thaws. You'll even learn how wetlands have a key role in reducing flooding at this time of year!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate-Hard, with sections of uphill travel that may be challenging for some. Total distance around 3 miles.

April 11, 1-5 PM: Ephemeral Expedition

For the final week, we will head out to the Red Oak loop, which passes through a diverse assortment of forest habitats where stands of trees including red pine, red maple, red oak, aspen, and black spruce can be viewed. Along the way, we'll stop and explore the surrounding area as we search for ephemeral ponds. These transient wetlands are formed in springtime by melting snow, drying up in the summer—but not before they serve as crucial breeding areas for many different amphibians, insects, and more! We'll discuss why ecosystems depend on these important seasonal habitats, and how you can help identify and conserve them.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate-Hard, with some uphill travel and portions of uneven, narrow terrain. Likely chance of briefly venturing off-trail at some points. Total distance 3 miles or less.

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All hikes meet in the main parking lot (follow posted signs) and each is about 2-3 miles long with variance in difficulty. We will move at a casual pace that best suits all members of the group, and will make periodic stops to learn about flora, fauna, and habitats we encounter. Hike attendees should consider their stamina and comfort with moderate to difficult hikes before registering. Hikes may vary slightly in length based on distance, group walking speed, and sightings along the trails. Most sessions will likely conclude around 4-4:30 PM, but due to variability please ensure your schedule is open until the listed end time (5 PM) if planning on registering.

NOTE: Conditions are hard to predict this time of year! Expect trails to be muddy and/or slushy at times, and prepare accordingly with gear like waterproof boots, traction devices, and trekking poles.

Open to all ages, but attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Cost: $15 per person, per individual session. Attend your choice of sessions, or all four! $50 full registration is valid for all 4 sessions, with a $10 discount off total price. ($60 value)

Payment can be made through Eventbrite (subject to Eventbrite fees), or in cash/check at the door. If paying at the door, please email [email protected] or call 715-346-2435 to register, and bring exact change the day of the event.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 715-346-2435!

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