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 

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 

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.

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.

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/

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/

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.

For pre-registration contact:

Vicki Palen

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.

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.

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.

  $10/person late registration

1:00 PM for afternoon session

Contact:  Vicki Palen

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.

Contact:  Vicki Palen

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.

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 

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.

Contact details to come