Book Club
Join the Mead Book Club! This spring we are reading Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans De Waal.
Discussions will be held via Zoom from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The meetings are on March 18th, April 15th, and May 20th.
To register, please contact Same De Roche at Sandra.DeRoche@wisconsin.gov
Wetland Walk and Talk
Celebrate Earth Day at the Mead and learn about our magnificent wetlands! The event will begin at the visitor center with coffee, tea, and a short presentation on “What are Wetlands?”. Following the introduction, you will have a choice of three locations at the Mead to walk and talk with an expert.
Expert guided tour topics:
Exploring River Otter Activity on the Little Eau Pleine River
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir Walleye Movement Study
Current State of Wisconsin Wetlands and Wisconsin Wetland Association Resources
The trails are gravel and uneven at times. Please dress accordingly.
Trapper Certification Class
Saturday May 2nd | 8am - 5:30pm Sunday, May 3rd | 8am - 4pm
This 2-day weekend course covers standard trapping techniques, emphasizes current regulations, trapper ethics and animal welfare. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Trapper Association and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Register with Wisconsin Trappers Association Instructor Al Nickel by calling (715) 570-8718. Registration fee is $20.
Dress for weather & hands on experiences. Bring a notebook and bag lunch. Recommended gear: Hip boots or chest waders.
Friends of Mead McMillan Board Meeting
Every other month on the second Tuesday the Friend’s board members have a meeting at 6PM at the Mead visitor center. At these meetings we discuss future projects and events, hear property and education reports, and brainstorm ways we can improve the Mead and McMillan wildlife areas.
We would like to extend an invitation to anyone that would like to learn more about the friends group to join us at these meetings. Only board members have the power to vote but we would love to hear your input on any topics being discussed.
We are always looking for new board members and would love to meet you, our group has many tasks we could use help with such as helping out at events, volunteer coordination, fundraising, running social media, and much more. If you have ideas on how to improve the Mead and want to be more involved please reach out either by coming to a meeting or filling out our form below and someone will be in touch!
You can find more about what we do here.
Book Club
Join the Mead Book Club! This spring we are reading Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans De Waal.
Discussions will be held via Zoom from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The meetings are on March 18th, April 15th, and May 20th.
To register, please contact Same De Roche at Sandra.DeRoche@wisconsin.gov
Mead Archery Camp 1
Mead Archery Camp 1: June 10, 2026-July 1, 2026; Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Mead Archery Camp is a free, 4-week program to introduce students to the sport of archery. Led by NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) certified instructors, students (between the ages of 9-17) will learn safety skills, get to know the equipment very well while growing in accuracy and confidence. Each week, as skills build, archers will face greater challenges which will culminate in a fun (and competitive) Archery Olympics during week four of camp.
Grown-ups and family members are invited to attend the graduation ceremony which will be followed by managed, range time so the students can show you what they got! All equipment is provided; at every camp snacks will be available mid-way to keep their minds in the game.
Registration is required. Spots are limited. (See below)
Camps are four-weeks long. Wednesday afternoons only, 1:00-3:00pm. If you know of dates that your archer is unable to attend, please notify us in advance. Guardians are welcome to stay and watch.
Important Disclaimer: By registering, you are agreeing to retain complete responsibility for your archer and cannot hold the instructors, any staff at the Mead Wildlife Area, nor any member of the Friends of the Mead McMillan liable.
Summer Fun at the Mead: Ssssnakes!
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Ssssnakes!: with opportunity to see and touch real snakes!
Decoy Event and Expo
Join us for this free, all-ages event from 11:00am-4:00pm for:
Guided bird walks
Carving and Painting Demonstrations
Learn to Carve and Paint like the Experts (hands-on!)
Hand-crafted Decoy Collections on Display
Food trucks
…and more!
Summer Fun at the Mead: Forestry Fun
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Forestry Fun
Summer Fun at the Mead: Nature Art
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Nature Art
Summer Fun at the Mead: Decision Making in Conservation
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Decision Making in Conservation
Mead Archery Camp 2
Mead Archery Camp 2: July 8, 2026-July 29, 2026; Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Mead Archery Camp is a free, 4-week program to introduce students to the sport of archery. Led by NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) certified instructors, students (between the ages of 9-17) will learn safety skills, get to know the equipment very well while growing in accuracy and confidence. Each week, as skills build, archers will face greater challenges which will culminate in a fun (and competitive) Archery Olympics during week four of camp.
Grown-ups and family members are invited to attend the graduation ceremony which will be followed by managed, range time so the students can show you what they got! All equipment is provided; at every camp snacks will be available mid-way to keep their minds in the game.
Registration is required. Spots are limited.
Camps are four-weeks long. Wednesday afternoons only, 1:00-3:00pm. If you know of dates that your archer is unable to attend, please notify us in advance. Guardians are welcome to stay and watch.
Important Disclaimer: By registering, you are agreeing to retain complete responsibility for your archer and cannot hold the instructors, any staff at the Mead Wildlife Area, nor any member of the Friends of the Mead McMillan liable.
Summer Fun at the Mead: Mammals
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Mammals
Summer Fun at the Mead: Geology
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Geology
Summer Fun at the Mead: Birding Basics
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Bird Basics: with special guest, the Raptor Education Group Inc (REGI) and LIVE raptors!
Summer Fun at the Mead: Pond Study
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Pond Study
Mead Archery Camp 3
Mead Archery Camp 3: August 5, 2026-August 26, 2026, Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00
Mead Archery Camp is a free, 4-week program to introduce students to the sport of archery. Led by NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) certified instructors, students (between the ages of 9-17) will learn safety skills, get to know the equipment very well while growing in accuracy and confidence. Each week, as skills build, archers will face greater challenges which will culminate in a fun (and competitive) Archery Olympics during week four of camp.
Grown-ups and family members are invited to attend the graduation ceremony which will be followed by managed, range time so the students can show you what they got! All equipment is provided; at every camp snacks will be available mid-way to keep their minds in the game.
Registration is required. Spots are limited.
Camps are four-weeks long. Wednesday afternoons only, 1:00-3:00pm. If you know of dates that your archer is unable to attend, please notify us in advance. Guardians are welcome to stay and watch.
Important Disclaimer: By registering, you are agreeing to retain complete responsibility for your archer and cannot hold the instructors, any staff at the Mead Wildlife Area, nor any member of the Friends of the Mead McMillan liable.
Summer Fun at the Mead: Solar Cooking
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Solar Cooking
Summer Fun at the Mead: Wildflowers and Native Plants
Are you ready for some fun in the summer sun? Join us every Friday for Summer Fun at the Mead! This event series is free, and no registration is required.
This week’s topic: Wildflowers and Native Plants
Book Club
Join the Mead Book Club! This spring we are reading Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans De Waal.
Discussions will be held via Zoom from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The meetings are on March 18th, April 15th, and May 20th.
To register, please contact Same De Roche at Sandra.DeRoche@wisconsin.gov
Mead Master Naturalist Training
Ever want to gain the skills to feel confident in volunteering as a Naturalist? The George W. Mead Wildlife Area gathers experts in their field to provide a transformative, learning experience. Graduate after the six-day training with knowledge and confidence, resources, a cohort, and unbelievable opportunities to contribute to organizations that support your love of nature. Seats are limited. For more information and registration, go to: Master Naturalists of Wisconsin https://wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/mead2026/
Friends of Mead McMillan Board Meeting
Every other month on the second Tuesday the Friend’s board members have a meeting at 6PM at the Mead visitor center. At these meetings we discuss future projects and events, hear property and education reports, and brainstorm ways we can improve the Mead and McMillan wildlife areas.
We would like to extend an invitation to anyone that would like to learn more about the friends group to join us at these meetings. Only board members have the power to vote but we would love to hear your input on any topics being discussed.
We are always looking for new board members and would love to meet you, our group has many tasks we could use help with such as helping out at events, volunteer coordination, fundraising, running social media, and much more. If you have ideas on how to improve the Mead and want to be more involved please reach out either by coming to a meeting or filling out our form below and someone will be in touch!
You can find more about what we do here.
Nature's Still Life
Come to the Mead to beat the cold that keeps artists craving opportunities to work on technique. A giant indoor still life made of various natural objects inspires artists, and is made a little more delightful with yummy snacks, hot coffee and tea. Free, no registration required. Bring your own supplies. Appropriate for all skill-levels.
Book Club
Join the Mead Book Club! This winter we are reading Turning to Stone: Discovering the Subtle Wisdom of Rocks by Marcia Bjornerud. This title won the 2025 John Burroughs Medal for Natural History Writing.
Discussions will be held via Zoom from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The meetings are on December 17th, January 21st, and February 18th.
To register, please contact Same De Roche at Sandra.DeRoche@wisconsin.gov
Nature's Still Life
Come to the Mead to beat the cold that keeps artists craving opportunities to work on technique. A giant indoor still life made of various natural objects inspires artists, and is made a little more delightful with yummy snacks, hot coffee and tea. Free, no registration required. Bring your own supplies. Appropriate for all skill-levels.
Winter Camping: How To
Steve Fritz, seasoned outdoor expedition instructor, invites beginners to novices to come to the Mead to learn how to safely camp outdoors during Wisconsin winters. Free. Bring a lunch and come dressed for the weather. Fill out the form below to register. Registration is required.
Book Club
Join the Mead Book Club! This winter we are reading Turning to Stone: Discovering the Subtle Wisdom of Rocks by Marcia Bjornerud. This title won the 2025 John Burroughs Medal for Natural History Writing.
Discussions will be held via Zoom from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The meetings are on December 17th, January 21st, and February 18th.
To register, please contact Same De Roche at Sandra.DeRoche@wisconsin.gov
Nature's Still LIfe
Come to the Mead to beat the cold that keeps artists craving opportunities to work on technique. A giant still life made of various natural objects inspires artists INDOORS and is made a little more delightful with yummy snacks, hot coffee and tea. Free, no registration required. Bring your own supplies. Appropriate for all skill-levels.
Visitor Center Closed for the Holiday
Thank you for your patience as the staff spend some much-needed time with their loved ones over the holidays. Please come to the visitor center soon and enjoy your holidays!
Visitor Center Closed for the Holiday
Thank you for your patience as the staff spend some much-needed time with their loved ones over the holidays. Please come to the visitor center soon and enjoy your holidays!
Book Club
Join the Mead Book Club! This winter we are reading Turning to Stone: Discovering the Subtle Wisdom of Rocks by Marcia Bjornerud. This title won the 2025 John Burroughs Medal for Natural History Writing.
Discussions will be held via Zoom from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The meetings are on December 17th, January 21st, and February 18th.
To register, please contact Same De Roche at Sandra.DeRoche@wisconsin.gov
Christmas Bird Count
Be a part of history! Join us for the first-ever Christmas Bird Count for the Mead and Mosinee area. Partnering with the National Audubon Society, volunteers take one day in December to document bird species. Spend a few hours or all day birding with us!
Sign up for the count here.
Nature's Still Life
Join artists of all levels at the Stanton W. Mead Visitor Center to be challenged and delighted by Nature’s Still Life. Bring your favorite medium and enjoy a fun, creative escape from the cold!
Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.
Herpetology Society
Join us at the Stanton W. Mead Visitor Center to learn about herpetology from the students at UW-Stevens Point. This free and family-friendly event has live animals, presentations, arts and crafts, free popcorn, and more!
Visitor Center Closed for the Holiday
Thank you for your patience as the staff spend some much needed time with their loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday. Please come to the visitor center soon and enjoy your holiday!
2025 Mead Art Gallery
“Early Arrival”, Chuck Heiting, Best in Show 2024 Mead Wildlife Art Gallery
Mushroom ID Workshop
This introductory mushroom identification workshop is perfect for beginners!
The workshop will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, October 12, 2025 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Participants will meet at the Mead Wildlife Area Visitor Center. The cost is $65.00 per person, registration includes mushroom knife, hand lens, mesh bag, field guide, and course materials.
Sign up here: WI Master Naturalist: Mushroom ID Workshop-Mead Wildlife Area
Proceeds benefit Friends of Mead/McMillan Wildlife Areas No lodging available. Dress for the weather.
Fall Migration Viewing
Join us as we watch migrating birds such as sandhill cranes, geese, and other waterfowl gather en masse at dusk. Meet at the viewing platform on Smokey Hill Road, west of the visitor center.
If rain chance is 50% or more, the viewing will be cancelled.
Flight Count
Activity for friends members only, meet at the visitor center at 5pm. We will spend the evening watching birds fly in and do a flight count.
Board Meeting
Interested in becoming a Friend's board member? We would love to meet you, feel free to sit in and see what the board members are working on.
3rd Annual Kite Festival
Celebrate the wind at the Mead, marvel at the acrobatics and engineering
of magical kites, bring your own or make one on-site. Learn from expert flyers,
play and relax. The Wisconsin Kiters Club will dazzle you with their huge
displays along Hwy S and at the visitor center.
A spectacle of the best kind!
Summer Fun at the Mead 2025 - Art in Nature
Fun for all ages! This event is free and doesn’t require registration.
Kids Archery Camp 3
Learn archery basics from NASP certified instructors at this kids archery camp! The camp is open to kids aged 9-17.
This camp has four sessions: CAMP IS FULL. PLEASE CONSIDER REGISTERING FOR A 2026 ARCHERY CAMP. TO BE POSTED IN APRIL 2026.
August 6th - 1pm-3pm
August 13th - 1pm-3pm
August 20th - 1pm-3pm
August 27th - 1pm-3pm
There are several archery camps being offered throughout the summer, please see our calendar for the other offerings.
The camp is free but registration is required.
Summer Fun at the Mead 2025 - Bats, Butterflies, and Bees
Fun for all ages! This event is free and doesn’t require registration.
Summer Fun at the Mead 2025 - Survival Strategies
Fun for all ages! This event is free and doesn’t require registration.
Summer Fun at the Mead 2025 - Lumberjack Camp
Fun for all ages! This event is free and doesn’t require registration.
Summer Fun at the Mead 2025 - Foraging and Edible Plants
Fun for all ages! This event is free and doesn’t require registration.
Become A Volunteer
Volunteers play a crucial role in helping us run events. They assist with event setup, greet and direct attendees, and help with cleanup afterward. Their support allows events to run smoothly and ensures a positive experience for everyone. Other volunteer positions are also available.