River Bend Nature Center

The following are some of the special activities planned at River Bend Nature Center, 3600 N. Green Bay Road, in the next few months. For more information or to register for events call River Bend at (262) 639-0930 or visit http://www.riverbendracine.org

* Family Nature Days: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 19 and Feb. 16. Join a River Bend naturalist for a morning of winter adventure that is meant to be fun and educational for people of all ages. Each Saturday will focus on a different theme and will include a hike through the nature center. All ages welcome. Cost is $8 adults, $7 children 12 and under. Members pay less.

* A Snow Moon Night Hike: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Learn how to track creatures of the night, call for owls, and search for winter constellations on this moonlit ramble. The evening will end with a campfire, roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa. Cost is $8 adults and $7 children 12 and under. Members pay less.

* Movie Night: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Jan. 25. The movie "Happy Feet" will be shown in the cabin, where there will be a fire in the fireplace and refreshments for sale. Admission to the movie is free.

* School's Out Fun Days: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 26 and 27. Outdoor adventures, games, crafts and explorations of spring time will be included in these full and half-day activity sessions designed for kids who are out of school for spring break. Participants are grouped according to grade and activities are geared accordingly. A healthy snack and plenty of outdoor adventure are included in each session. Cost ranges from $15 to $35 per child, per day, depending on the length of the session and age of the child.

Bong State Recreation Area

Here are some of the special activities scheduled at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, in winter 2008. For more information call (262) 878-5600 or visit http://www.bongnaturalistassociation.org

* Cross-Country Skiing 101: 9 to 11 a.m., Jan. 12. Bring your skis and learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught, by instructor John Meyer, and participants can also learn where to rent equipment and where to ski locally. Participants are asked to preregister and to meet at Shelter #1. This program is weather dependent.

* Cross-Country Ski Clinic: 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 26. This is Bong's traditional cross-country ski class, covering some of the same techniques and tips as the 101 class. It, too is taught by John Meyer and is weather dependent. Bring your skis and meet at Shelter #1. Registration is requested.

* Owl Prowl: 8:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 26. This annual event explores the role of the owl as a night hunter. Participants should dress appropriately for outdoor hiking. Meet at the Visitor Center.

* Tracking 101: 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 2. The second in Bong's new "Once a Month 101" series of events, this session will have participants hiking the trails in search of animal tracks, homes and other signs of animal life. See which animals have been active in the park this winter. Meet at the Visitor Center.

* Cross County Ski Clinic: 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 9. See above description of Cross-Country Ski Clinic.

* Knee-high Naturalist: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13. Parents and their 3- to 5-year-olds are invited to come and discover "The Wonders of Winter" at Bong. Registration in advance is requested. Meet at the Visitor Center.

* Return to Romance: 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 16. Warm someone's heart this Valentine's Day with a visit to the park. The evening will feature a candlelit walk, a bonfire, music, fine desserts and warm drinks. Registration and payment is requested in advance. Cost is $5 per adult and $1 per child. Meet at the Visitor Center.

* Winter Birding Hike: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 23. Wear your boots, bring your binoculars and come search for overwintering birds - and maybe even a few migrants. Meet at the Visitor Center, but be prepared to drive.