Public Programs

The Lussier Family Heritage Center offers a number of public education programs to help you learn more about nature and get outside to explore! Click on a program below to learn more or check out our event calendar to see what events are coming up. Most of these events take place outdoors so please dress for the weather.

People paddling down a river
Paddle in the Parks

Get out on the water this summer through these fun evening paddles fit for the entire family. Learn canoe paddle strokes, practice gaining comfort in a canoe, and enjoy a paddle on Dane County waterways.

Cost: Program is free if you bring your own boat, or rent a canoe from us for $20. Registration required in advance to rent canoes. 

Event Calendar
Marshmallows roasting over a campfire
Night Hike and Fire

Enjoy an evening of hiking and exploration in this fun program! Saunter around our Dane County Parks to search for owls and more of our parks awesome night creatures. We will end the program by a campfire looking at stars and eating s’mores. These programs will run for about two hours.

Cost: $5 per person. Kids under 5 are free and do not need to register. 

Event Calendar
two children look through binoculars
Learn to Bird

Get out on a short hike with a few of our staff to learn how to to properly use binoculars, birding apps and guidebooks, and how to identify birds in our area. Bring your own binoculars or borrow ours. These programs will run for about two hours.

Cost: $5 per person. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Registration required in advance.

Event Calendar
two people hiking on a trail in the woods
Learn to Tree ID

Enjoy a short hike learning the basics of identifying native Wisconsin Trees. Our staff will teach you how to identify trees based on their leafing and also show you how to use guidebooks and apps. The hike length will be a maximum of 1.5 miles.

Cost: $5 per person. Recommended ages 10 and up. Registration required in advance. 

Event Calendar
owl walk
Luminary Night Walk

Join us for a ¾ mile candle-lit evening stroll through the prairie paths around our center. Finish the night off with a campfire, s’mores, and other activities under the stars. The trail includes multiple paths suitable for all! 

Cost: This event is $5 per person or $20 dollars per family. Children 5 and under are free. 

Event Calendar
owl in a tree
Owl Walk

Join us to explore different parks to look and listen for owls! Each walk varies in length and will go at a group set pace. The night ends with a fire under the stars and s'mores. There is no guarantee to see or hear an owl during this program.

Cost: $5 per person. Registration required in advance. Kids under 5 are free and do not need to register. 

Event Calendar