Upcoming Events

All events are hosted at the Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center, 201517 County Highway S, Milladore, WI.

All events are Free unless noted! Doors open 15 minutes early. 

Events are added regularly, please stop back often to discover all the opportunites at Mead Wildlife Area or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If you would life to receive a monthly email listing all the events at the Mead so you can plan in advance email Ryan VanLanduyt.

Coming Up...

2023 Mead Art Gallery: October 27th through November 3rd. For submission information scroll to the Mead Wildlife Art Gallery Art Show Prospectus

at the bottom of this page. Submissions are accepted from September 10th through October 1st.

2023

JANUARY

  • January 6 Guided Full Moon/Evening Hike, 7:00-8:30 pm, snowshoes provided pending snow

            Please RSVP at [email protected]

  • January 7 Open Snowshoeing, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • January 12 ATV and Snowmobile Safety, Part 1 of 3, 4:30-8:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • January 14 Guided Senior Snowshoeing, 9:30-11:00 am, pending snow, first come first served

  • January 14 Guided Family Snowshoeing, 1:00-2:30 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • January 14 Friends of Mead/McMillian Wildlife Areas Annual Meeting, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

  • January 19 ATV and Snowmobile Safety, Part 2 of 3, 4:30-8:30 pm

            For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • January 20 ATV and Snowmobile Safety, Part 3 of 3, 4:30-8:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • January 21 Open Snowshoeing, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • January 23 Mondays at Mead: Astronomy with Dr. Zamfir, UWSP, 6:30-7:30 pm, in-person and virtual presentation, Q&A

          Virtual option available, for Zoom link register here: https://bit.ly/3yMvFwc

  • January 28 Mead Book Club, 9-10:30 am. Join us as we take a deep dive into David Attenborough’s “A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future”. Intro and Part 1: My Witness Statement. Coffee and light snacks provided. 

          Please RSVP at [email protected]  

  • January 28 Open Senior Snowshoeing, 9:30-12:00 am, pending snow, first come first served

  • January 28 Open Family Snowshoeing, 1:00-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

FEBRUARY

  • February 4 Open Snowshoeing, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • February 5 Guided Full Moon/Evening Hike, 7:00-8:30 pm, snowshoes provided pending snow

            Please RSVP at [email protected]

  • February 11 Guided Senior Snowshoeing, 9:30-11:00 am, pending snow, first come first served

  • February 11 Guided Family Snowshoeing, 1:00-2:30 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • February 18 Open Snowshoeing, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • February 18 Wild Ones Presentation, 2:00-3:30pm, Schedule of Events:

          Join Amberle Schwartz, President of Wild Ones Central Wisconsin Chapter, for a presentation on about Wild Ones. She will also provide an                      introduction to seed saving, germination of native perennial seeds and seed jug demonstration. 

           For more information about Wild Ones Central Wisconsin Chapter visit their website: here.

  • February 25 Mead Book Club, 9:00-10:30 am. Join us as we take a deep dive into David Attenborough’s “A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future”. Part 2: What Lies Ahead. Coffee and light snacks provided. 

           Please RSVP at [email protected]

  • February 25 Open Senior Snowshoeing, 9:30-12:00 am, pending snow, first come first served

  • February 25 Open Family Snowshoeing, 1:00-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • February 27 Mondays at Mead: Pollinators and Native Plants, with Dr. Davis-Foust, UWO, 6:30-7:30 pm, virtual presentation and Q&A. Attend in-person or virtually. For Zoom link register here: https://bit.ly/3VBr7lQ  Doors open at 6:15.

MARCH

  • March 4 Open Snowshoeing, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • March 7 Guided Full Moon/Evening Hike, 7:00-8:30 pm, snowshoes provided pending snow

            Please RSVP at [email protected]

  • March 11 Guided Senior Snowshoeing, 9:30-11:00 am, pending snow, first come first served

  • March 11 Guided Family Snowshoeing, 1:00-2:30 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • March 11 Hunters Education Online Field day 8:00 am-12:00pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • March 18 Open Snowshoeing, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • March 25 Mead Book Club, 9:00-10:30 am. Join us as we take a deep dive into David Attenborough’s “A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future”.  Part 3: A Vision for the Future: How to Rewild the World and Conclusion.  Coffee and light snacks provided.

            Please RSVP at [email protected]

  • March 25 Open Senior Snowshoeing, 9:30-12:00 am, pending snow, first come first served

  • March 25 Open Family Snowshoeing, 1:00-3:00 pm, pending snow, first come first served

  • March 27 Mondays at Mead: Quality Wetland Habitat and Impact of Invasives, with Chris Hamerla, Golden Sands RC&D, 6:30-7:30 pm, in-person and virtual presentation, Q&AVirtual option available, for Zoom link register here: https://bit.ly/3Tb2cEb  Doors open at 6:15pm.

APRIL

  • April 1 Mead Spring Book Club (pt1), 9-10:30am, in-person or virtual: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Registration required, send an email to [email protected].

  • April 8 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • April 22 The 1st Annual Mead Science Symposium, Earth Day Event, 9:00am-12:30. This all-ages event will be an opportunity to learn about the science and management that is happening at the Mead from the researchers themselves. From bees, birds, and bucks, there will be presentations and posters that are sure to capture your interest. 

  • April 24 Mondays at Mead: History of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes, with Janet Raddatz, WI Master Naturalist, 6:30-7:30 pm, virtual presentation and Q&A

          Virtual only, for Zoom link register here: https://bit.ly/3Tuhwf2

  • April 27&28 ATV Safety, 4:30-8:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

MAY

  • May 6  Mead Spring Book Club (pt2), 9-10:30am, in-person or virtual: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Registration required, send an email to [email protected].

  • May 6 Stargazing with Dr. Sabastian Zamfir, Ph.D, UWSP, Director of Allen F. Blocher Planetarium and Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory

        8:30-9:00 pm Presentation and Optics Tutorial

        9:00-10:00 pm Stargazing with hands on optics experience

  • May 18 & 19 Boating Safety, 4:30-8:30 pm

        For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • May 20 Weed the Mead with Wild One's, 9:00-3:00. Lunch and learn (lunch provided by Wild One's).

        For more information and to register: [email protected] or [email protected]

  • May 20 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

        For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • May 22 Mondays at Mead: Keep Wildlife Wild, with Mandy Kamps, WI DNR, 6:30-7:30 pm, in-person and virtual presentation, Q&A

          Virtual option available, for Zoom link register here: https://bit.ly/3geaL2G, Doors open at 6:15pm.

JUNE (See Summer Fun at the Mead Image Above)

  • June 3rd Focal Point Camera Club: Introduction to Nature Photography, 12:30-3:30pm. Bring your camera or cell phone.

      Carolyn Wetuski will present the basics of nature photography before hands-on assistance is given to all during a practical, photography hike at            the Mead.  Techniques for various camera brands and styles will be shared (cell phone photography too!). Registration is required:                        [email protected].

  • June 3rd Mead Spring Book Club (pt3), 9-10:30am, in-person or virtual: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Registration required, send an email to [email protected].

  • June 10 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • June 12 Natural Resource Careers in Wildlife, 10am-12pm: Administration

       Come to the Mead Wildlife Area to learn from the Department of Natural Resource experts themselves. 

       10am-10:45 Presentation with hands-on career activity

       10:45-11 Snack and break

       11-12   Career related volunteer project

       To register, email [email protected]

  • June 17 Natural Resource Foundation FieldTrip-Behind the Scenes at Mead: Wetland Habitat Management

           For more information and to register, visit: Natural Resource Foundation Field Trip webpage (Registration scheduled to open on March 1st)

  • June 26 Natural Resource Careers in Wildlife, 10am-12pm: Warden   

      Come to the Mead Wildlife Area to learn from the Department of Natural Resource experts themselves. 

       10am-10:45 Presentation with hands-on career activity

       10:45-11 Snack and break

       11-12   Career related volunteer project

       To register, email [email protected]

JULY (See Summer Fun at the Mead Image Above)

  • July 17 Natural Resource Careers in Wildlife, 10am-12pm: Environmental Education

       Come to the Mead Wildlife Area to learn from the Department of Natural Resource experts themselves. 

       10am-10:45 Presentation with hands-on career activity

       10:45-11 Snack and break

       11-12   Career related volunteer project

       To register, email [email protected]

  • July 22 Mead Kite Festival, 11am-3:00pm. 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's amazing kites will dazzle as you approach the visitor center from Co. Hwy S-it will be a spectacle of the best kind. This event will be free and fun for all ages. 

  • July 29 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

AUGUST (See Summer Fun at the Mead Image Above)

  • August 26 onX Basics and More 1:00-2:30 pm

         Learn the basics and more advanced ways onX can help you map and explore the outdoors. Particpants will learn from onX instructors and get a           free 1 year subscription to onX. Seats are limited, advanced registration required. 

           Please RSVP at [email protected]

SEPTEMBER

  • September 16 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • September 17 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • September 23 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • September 30 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

OCTOBER

  • October 1 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • October 7 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

           For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • October 14 Hike the Mead for the Special Olympics Athletes of Wisconsin, 10am and 12pm 

        Special Olympic Athletes will hike the 1.1 mile loop around Dragonfly Pond. All hike participants (and their partners) will recieve an award certificate along with Mead merchandise, snacks and beverages. This is a FREE event for Special Olympic Athletes and their crew. Registration is required at [email protected]

  • October 21 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

  • October 22 Hunters Education Online Field Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 12:30-4:30 pm

          For more information and to register visit: GoWILD.

 October 28-November 2 Mead Art Gallery

        The Mead Wildlife Area will be hosting a juried art gallery featuring art of or inspired by the Mead Wildlife Area and or McMillan Marsh. The accepted pieces will be on display for the public in the Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center and the winners will be invited to display their work at the McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids. For full information see the Mead Art Gallery Prospectus below.

 

Mead Wildlife Art Gallery Art Show Prospectus

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023 JURIED SHOW will be ACCEPTED beginning September 10, 2023 until October 1, 2023.

CATEGORIES                                                                   

Limit three [3] total entries per artist.

1. Painting (all media) & Photography

2. Three-Dimensional Art (including Glass and Fiber)

3. Written word

4. Audio (Artist must provide proper equipment to play the audio)

PRIZES

1. Judging will be conducted by members of the Friends of the Mead McMillan Board. This same board will invite all gallery artists to a recognition, reception on Friday, October 27th, 6:30-8:00pm at the Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center.

2. This not-for-profit event will not present any cash awards.

3. All winners will be featured in the following Wetland Newsletter and the Mead Wildlife Area social media accounts.

4. Winners will be invited to display their work at the McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

The Best of Show awards for distinguished work will be:

1st place: George W. Mead Award

2nd place: Honey Island Award

3rd place: Rookery Award

Special Award for Individual <18 years old: Teal Award

INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS FOR JURIED SHOW

1. There will be no fee for this show. Artists send required information via email and submit an image or pdf before stated deadline for jury consideration.

2. All accepted entries must be exhibit-ready and equipped for exhibiting and handling. No frames with exposed glass edges will be accepted. IMPORTANT: All Painting & Photography art must be ready to be hung for display with picture wire. If artwork is not submitted this way, it will not be included in the show.

3. Artists, please note that the judges will be selecting pieces for the juried show based on the digital images of the work that you submit. It is important that your photo is of the work being entered only.

4. IMPORTANT** Pieces are not to exceed 45 lbs.

5. All work must be original. All work must be of or inspired by the George W. Mead Wildlife Area. No copies or work done from commercially prepared kits or molds will be accepted.

6. No entry of a fragile nature shall be accepted, such as unfired ceramic or plaster. By agreeing to participate, artists acknowledge that entries might be moved by volunteers within the exhibit space.

7. Art may not be sold on site.

LIABILITY

Although every precaution will be taken to protect all art on display, the Friends of the Mead/McMillan Wildlife Area, the Department of Natural Resources, and any related entities will assume no responsibility for loss due to fire, weather, theft, or damage which might be sustained.

The artist claims fully responsibility for any entry not claimed by 6:00pm on Friday, November 3, 2023.

ENTRY GUIDELINES

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (This is restricted to an online application.)

  1. Submit one digital photograph for each entry. If an artist chooses to summit more than one, an image must be submitted for each piece. Each image must include the following information:
    1. Where in the Mead/McMillan Wildlife Areas were the inspiration for the piece.
    2. The title of the piece
    3. Media
    4. Size
  2. Send via email to  [email protected] (please include artist name in subject line).

ACCEPTED ART

Artists will be notified if their Mead/McMillan-inspired entries are selected or not via email.

HAND-DELIVERED accepted work

Hand-delivered, accepted work will be received on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, 2:00pm-6pm and Friday, October 27th, 2023, 9:00am-2:00pm. With the assistance of volunteers, artists will display their work in a pre-established location.

TO RECLAIM WORK

Work that has been exhibited must be reclaimed on Friday, November 3, 2023, 9:00am-6:00pm. All work must be reclaimed by 6:00pm. Artists are responsible for packaging and removal of their work. No work will be released prior to November 3, 2023.

If you have a group, club, or organization related to widlife conservation and would like to host at event at Stanton W. Mead Educaiton and Visitor Center, please contact Sam De Roche at: [email protected].