Bong State Recreation Area

The Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Brighton offers the following naturalist programs. A vehicle entrance fee ($7 daily; $25 annual state residents) is required to attend all programs. Programs start promptly, so please be on time. For more information on any programs, please call (262) 878-5600.

Saturday, May 16: Bird Migration Hike, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Experience the magic of migration. Bring your binoculars and we'll try to spot newly-arrived birds, especially warblers. Trail may be wet. Meet at the Vista Picnic Area.

Saturday, May 16: Native Plant Sale, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Purchase beautiful and healthy native plants grown in Wisconsin by Agrecol. Benefit the park and the environmant. Naturalists will be on hand to answer questions. No early sales. End time may vary, depending upon plant availability. Event will be held at Shelter No. 2.

Boating safety course

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct a nine-hour "About Boating Safely" course from 6-9 p.m. on consecutive Thursdays beginning May 21. The classes will be held at the Gander Mountain Store, 6801 120th Ave., in Kenosha. "About Boating Safely" is an interactive boating safety course and includes an introduction to boating, boating laws, personal safety equipment, safe boat handling, navigation, boating problems, trailering and storing.

Course fee is $30 per person and $20 for each additional family member. Completion of this course satisfies the Wisconsin and Illinois requirements for individuals ages 12-16 to attain a boater safety certificate to operate a personal watercraft without adult supervision. Adults will learn the latest safety laws and equipment requirements. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Tim Caufield at (262) 492-6479 or e-mailing him at: CaptTim@speeddial.net

GPS for mariners

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct a four-hour "GPS for Mariners" class Saturday, May 30 at the Gander Mountain store, 6801 120th Ave., in Kenosha. The four-hour class (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) summarizes essential global positioning system concepts and explains the buttons, screens, and menus of your GPS receiver. Filled with helpful illustrations and hands-on examples, this complete and practical course and textbook show you how to be an informed GPS buyer and user.

Course cost is $75. Registration is required. To register, please call Tim Caufield (262) 492-6479 or email CaptTim@speeddial.net

Kids Fisheree in Burlington

The 40th Annual Kids Fisheree, sponsored by the Burlington Conservation Club, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17 on Echo Lake in Burlington. The fisheree offers free fishing to youths ages 16 and under. All participants receive free food, drink and prizes and are eligible for the grand prizes - a boys and girls bicycle. Prizes will be awarded for the top three fish in each category. Bait and fishing poles will be supplied for those youths who do not have their own fishing poles.

West Allis Bowmen events

The West Allis Bowmen Open outdoor 3D shoot is May 30-31 at the club at 11601 County Trunk G (6 Mile Road) in Franksville. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days. Camping is available and food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the club's Web site (www.westallisbowmen.com) or call the clubhouse at (262) 835-4714.

n In conjunction with the Open, the club will hold an archery sporting goods swap and sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Contact Debby Venne at (262) 681-2929 to reserve your space. You must provide your own table and there is no fee.