Plant ID, astronomy classes set at Riveredge

Riveredge Nature Center in the Town of Saukville is hosting a number of classes in September, including plant identification and astronomy sessions.

A session on identifying aster and goldenrod plants will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

Regional botanist Zach Kron will lead both indoor and field instruction on how to identify the many asters and goldenrods in Riveredge’s fields and forests.

The class, intended for people 14 and older, is $35 for Riveredge members and $40 for nonmembers.

Binocular astronomy will be the topic of a 7:30 to 9 p.m. class Friday, Sept. 12.

Jim Hahn, a lifelong amateur astronomer who learned the constellations at age 8 and built a telescope at 15, will guide participants along the Milky Way, checking out constellations from Sagittarius to Cassiopeia and highlighting star clusters, double stars and other sights. 

Telescopes will be set up for closer views. 

Those attending should bring binoculars, a reclining lawn chair or blanket, jacket and mosquito repellent.

The program is free but participants are asked to register in advance.

Yoga and forest bathing will be the topics of a 9:30 to 11 a.m. session on Saturday, Sept. 13, led by Samantha Olsen of SOYO Studios, who is also a Riveredge environmental educator. 

The workshop, intended for people 16 and older, includes a 45-minute yoga flow class followed by 45 minutes of meditative forest bathing.

The fee is $10 for Riveredge members and $15 for nonmembers.

A Scout tree climbing festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.

The festival includes 20 minutes of climb time per person, a scavenger hunt along the trails, naturalist-led, hands-on nature investigation and access to picnic areas for lunch. Participants should pack a bagged lunch.

The event is for Scouts 7 and older, and at least one adult is required per 10 youths.

The cost is $25 per Scout.

For more information and registration, visit riveredgenaturecenter.org or call (262) 375-2715.

Riveredge is at 4458 Hwy. Y.