2024 Calendar of Events
DNR & Special Sandhill Classes
To register for any DNR Sandhill classes please follow this link:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
FOS Classes
Contact and registration details in class description
Winter Candlelight Hike
February 24, 2024
Come explore the winter wonderland of Sandhill Wildlife Area! This unique recreation opportunity stems back over thousands of years. Now it is your turn to get out on a hike through one of Sandhill's best snowshoeing trails. Bundle up and join us on a 1.5 mile snowshoe hike while exploring some of Sandhill's diverse habitats, management areas, and wildlife. Snowshoes are available.
Register at:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
Fee: Free
Times:
Check in: 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Deer Butchering Workshop
February 24, 2024
This is an immersive and hands-on deer butchering workshop where you gain essential skills for processing and preserving venison. Participants should be prepared to help skin, quarter, cut, trim and package. All supplies provided and you will go home with venison.
Register at:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
Fee: $10 pre-registration
Times:
Check in: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Wilderness First Aid Course
February 17-18, 2024
This is an extrensive wilderness first aid course that will give you essential tools and knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies in remote outdoor environments. Participants are required to hold a current CPR/AED certification. Lodging accomodations are included in the registration, meals are not provided.
Fee: $200 pre-registration
Times:
Check in: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Register at:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
Wilderness First Aid Course
April 6-7, 2024
This is an extensive wilderness first aid course that will give you essential tools and knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies in remote outdoor environments. Participants are required to hold a current CPR/AED certification. Lodging accomodations are included in the registration, meals are not provided.
Fee: $200 pre-registration
Times:
Check in: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Register at:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
Sandhill Drummers (NRF Tour)
April 26, 2024
Join DNR Wildlife Biologist Darren Ladwig and search for ruffed grouse. Register on the Natural Resource Foundation website: www.wisconservation.org/field-trips/
Fee: $30 pre-registration
Times:
Check in: 7:00 AM-10:30 PM
Wagon Ride Through History (NRF Tour)
April 27, 2024
Embark on a captivating wagon ride through Sandhill. We will explore wildlife habitat, see the buffalo, and learn about the area's rich game farm history.
Register on the Natural Resource website: www.wisconservation.org/field-trips/
Fee: $18 pre-registration is required
Times: 9 AM-2 PM
FOS Sandhill Open House
May 11, 2024
Pre-event birding will start at 8 AM. Art Stevenson will take a group out to track down the many species of birds at Sandhill.
Pre-registration is required.
Fee: $10
The Open House is a free event at the Outdoor Skills Center. A presenter from will bring live snakes for a morning and afternoon program.
There will also be guided wagon tours.
Free event
Times: 10 AM-2 PM
For pre-registration contact:
Vicki Palen
vpalen@tds.net
715-652-3131
3837 Cty Rd N, Milladore, WI 54454
Universe in the Park
UW-Madison Badger Talks
May 18, 2024
Sandhill Wildlife Area has one of the darkest night skies in the state. Join UW-Madison astronomers as they present "Universe in the Park". Attend a brief talk on night sky observations. After, attend the star party to view objects in the sky with telescopes.
Fee: Free
Pre-register by May 15th
Times:
Check in: 7:30 AM-9:30 PM
Register at:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
Frogs and Toads Workshop (NRF Tour)
May 23, 2024
Master the identification of Wisconsin's frogs and toads. There will be a class room presentation followed by a drive out to the marsh at dusk to use your newfound skills.
Pre-register by June 6th by sending a check made out to Friends of Sandhill.
Fee: $23/person
Times: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Register on the Natural Resource Foundation website: www.wisconservation.org/field-trips/
Learn to Fish
June 1, 2024
More details to come.
FOS Walking Stick Workshop
June 8, 2024
Decorate natural hardwood stickes (provided) using wood burners, paints, feathers and beads. Limited 7-8 per session. Kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-register by June 4th by sending a check made out to Friends of Sandhill.
Fee: $5/person
$10/person late registration
Times:
Check in: 8:30 AM for morning session
1:00 PM for afternoon session
Contact: Vicki Palen
vpalen@tds.net
715-652-3131
3837 Cty Rd N, Milladore, WI 54454
Beauties and the Beasts (ALAS Tour)
June 15, 2024
Opposites attract at the Sandhill bison pasture! Why would a delicate little bug be interested in a lumbering mega-herbivore? Come learn about the unique relationship between these two critters!
Register at:
aldoleopoldaudubon.org/programs
Learn to Hunt Workshop
August 21, 23rd and 24th, 2024
Trappers Education Workshop
September 13-15, 2024
Registration on: https://gowild.wi.gov
FOS Crane Watch
October 19, 2024
Join FOS for a crane watch off the dike near the viewing area on the marsh. Wear camo or neutral colored clothes and footwear that can get wet. Bring cameras, binoculars, walking sticks, flashlights, rain gear if needed and something to sit on. Will be held rain or shine.
Pre-register October 16 by sending a check made out to Friends of Sandhill.
Fee: $15/person
Times: 3:00 PM in Sandhill parking lot
Contact: Vicki Palen
vpalen@tds.net
715-652-3131
3837 Cty Rd N, Milladore, WI 54454
NRF Crane Watch
October 26, 2024
Join Sandhill Wildlife Technician Carrie Milestone to witness the spectacular showing of thousands of cranes coming to roost on the Gallagher Marsh.
Register at: www.wisconservation.org/field-trips/
Fee: $18/person
Times:
Check in: 3:00 AM-8:00 PM
Learn to Hunt Deer Hunt Day
November 2, 2024
Deer Butchering Workshop
November 6, 2024
This is an immersive and hands-on deer butchering workshop where you gain essential skills for processing and preserving venison. Participants should be prepared to help skin, quarter, cut, trim and package. All supplies provided and you will go home with venison.
Register at:
Sandhill outdoor skills calendar | | Wisconsin DNR
Fee: $10 pre-registration
Times:
Check in: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
FOS Holiday Wreath Making
December 7, 2024
Join FOS and make your own unique holiday wreaths! This inter-generational activity involves using materials found on the Sandhill property and transform them into your own creative holiday decor.
Fee: $10/person pre-registration
Times: 9 AM-12 PM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Contact details to come