Winter activities at bog are scheduled

The Friends of the Cedarburg Bog have announced a slate of programs it will sponsor during the coming months.

Jim Reinartz, president of the Friends group and Field Station executive emeritus, will discuss the ways trees grow during a 9 a.m. to noon program on Sunday, Jan. 7.

Jamie Schiesel of the Mequon Nature Preserve will lead an introduction to lichens at the bog from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 20.

She will discuss everything from the various forms they take to the substrates they choose, how to categorize and identify lichens as well as species with the help of some household agents.

Those attending will hike the Cedarburg Bog and spend some time in the field lab learning about the organisms that inspired scientists to coin the term symbiosis.

The Friend’s annual winter hike and chili potluck will be held from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4.

Reinartz will lead a four-mile hike into the heart of the bog. 

A chili potluck dinner will follow the hike at 4:30 p.m. The Friends will provide chili as well as beverages. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share.

A winter walk at the bog will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, led by Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Educator Liz Herzmann.

Those attending will search for tracks, scat and other signs of active winter animals at the bog. Participants are asked to bring binoculars to help search for resident winter birds as well.

Herzmann has been the wildlife educator at Horicon Marsh for more than 14 years.

Identifying woody plants is the topic of a 9 a.m. to noon session on Saturday, March 2.

Naturalist Danielle Bell will teach those attending how to recognize the characteristics of native tree and shrub species so they can identify them in the winter.

The winter characteristics of invasive woody species will also be discussed since this is the best time to remove them.

Participants will spend time carefully observing plants using hand lenses and an identification key for winter woody species.

The session will be held both indoors and outdoors.

All walks meet at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station on Blue Goose Road. Pets are not allowed.

Walks are free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

To register for programs, visit www.bogfriends.org and click on Programs and Events.

For more information, call (414) 897-1739 or email bogfriends@gmail.com.