Explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods at the 21st Annual Northwoods Bird & Wildlife Festival! Participants are welcome to participate in a variety of guided hikes and tours, bird watching expeditions, bird banding demonstrations, and interactive workshops.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us at the Discovery Center for special events designed to facilitate connections among people, nature and the community! From social gatherings and hands-on workshops to family-friendly activities and expert-led talks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your friends and family, and explore the beauty of nature together!
2026 Event sponsorship opportunities available! Email contact@discoverycenter.net or call 715-543-2085 for more information.
2026 EVENTS
Wednesday, March 25th 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
TACO FIESTA FUNDRAISER
Join the North Lakeland Discovery Center for a fun taco night at the historic YCC Lodge. Our taco meal will include meat and vegetarian options, soft or hardshell tortillas, and a variety of toppings. Cash bar available by donation. Coffee, tea, and lemonade will be served complimentary. Carry-out available, bring your own container or disposable containers available for $1. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 walk-in for adults and $10 advance/$12 walk-in for children under 12, children 3 and under eat for free.
Registering/ordering in advance helps us know how many meals to make - thank you!
Your meal benefits our mission of connecting people, nature, and community. This fundraiser helps us to keep our Nature Center free for the community, offer environmental education programs year-round, support conservation efforts, and care for our animal ambassadors.
Friday, April 24th 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
NORTH LAKELAND WOODS & WATER CONFERENCE
This event will be held in-person, with an additional virtual option to share all presenters in the Lodge to our on-line audience.
Attendees will gain valuable insights from scientists, lake association leaders, landowners, resource professionals, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for protecting our Northwoods.
Stay informed, get inspired, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals-all in the spirit of conservation. Together, we can safeguard the future of our cherished woods and waters.
Saturday, May 9th
21st ANNUAL NORTHWOODS BIRD & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 6th 4:30pm-7:30pm
NORTH LAKELAND DISCOVERY CENTER'S
BIG EVENT
Gather with us at the North Lakeland Discovery Center for our biggest fundraiser event of the year featuring delicious eats, games, and an exciting live auction in celebration and support of environmental education resources in the Northwoods!
Thursday, July 2nd 11am – 2pm
SUMMER FAMILY PLAY DAY
Catered toward families of all ages, the Discovery Center’s Family Play Day features outdoor activities including nature art, giant bubble making, lawn games, canoeing, fishing, a fish casting contest and more!
August 2026
FORAGING MONTH AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER
The Discovery Center welcomes you to explore our August program offerings centralized around the theme of foraging for wild edibles and medicinal plants and mushrooms. Join us for hands-on workshops, hikes, presentations and more celebrating the splendors found right in our own backyards.
Saturday, October 17th 3 – 5 pm
BAT FEST 2026
Join us for Bat Fest 2026, a celebration of bats and other nocturnal animals; featuring live bats, nocturnal animal crafts, educational bat activities (including "Become a Bat Biologist"), and a walk-through bat cave!
Wednesday, December 30th 11am-2pm
WINTER FAMILY PLAY DAY
Join the North Lakeland Discovery Center for free nature-themed, drop-in activities that are fun for the whole family, including winter scavenger hunts, a snowy obstacle course, indoor crafts and horse-drawn sleigh rides.