Walk on the Wild Side – Wildlife Series Events
About
Whether you are in it for the science, the storytelling, or just a cool reason to get out of the house—this Northwoods speaker series has something for you. Have you ever wondered how fish survive below the ice? Or how deer adapt to the brutal Northwoods winters? This summer at Minocqua Winter Park, you are invited to a series of captivating talks that go way beyond wildlife trivia. Think deep stories, cultural insight, hands-on curiosities, and a few jaw-dropping facts you will want to share on social media. These free events bring together conservationists, cultural storytellers, and unforgettable animals for an hour of connection—no hiking boots or background knowledge required. Whether you are seven or seventy, nature-curious or just looking for something new to do by the lake—everyone is invited.
Come curious. Leave a little wilder.
Hosted inside the Chalet at Minocqua Winter Park 7543 Squirrel Hill Road, each talk blends science, storytelling, and immersive learning. Weather permitting, guests are also encouraged to explore the stunning views from the Squirrel Hill Tower Overlook and visit the new Tower House on top of the hill. There may be an opportunity to attend one or two of the programs in the Tower House starting in July…stay tuned!
No registration required, but seating is limited. Donations welcome.
🎣Just Below the Surface – the Secret lives of Northern Wisconsin’s most popular Fishes
June 28, 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm
Learn how fish survive under the ice, when they spawn, how biologists study fish populations, and more. Perfect for anglers, nature lovers, and anyone curious about our Northwoods’ waters.
Stephanie Shaw is a Northern Lakes Fisheries Research Scientist for the Office of Applied Science, Fish Research Team. Her research focuses on the ecology and management of gamefish in northern Wisconsin particularly Walleye, Muskellunge, Lake Sturgeon, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.
🌊Invisible Beings in our Waters
July 18, 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm
Learn about the unique life histories and behaviors of aquatic invertebrates, such as zooplankton and bryozoans, and their roles in driving short-and-long-term ecosystem dynamics.
Gretchen Gerrish is the director of UW–Madison’s Trout Lake Station, a remote field station in northern Wisconsin and one of two field laboratories that make up the Center for Limnology. She is an evolutionary ecologist whose research focuses on unique life histories and behaviors of aquatic invertebrates and their role in driving short- and long-term ecosystem dynamics. She actively works to promote safe and inclusive field-based research and education.
🦅Lead Free for Life
July 26, 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm
The Northwoods Wildlife Center will present an educational program on its Lead Free for Life, a community effort to reduce lead in our lakes, forests, and wildlife. This presentation will explain how lead fishing tackle and lead hunting ammunition poison loons, eagles, and other wildlife, often causing illness, injury, and death even at low levels of exposure. Attendees will learn how lead enters the environment, why non-toxic alternatives matter, and how anglers, hunters, lake associations, businesses, and community members can help protect Northwoods wildlife by getting the lead out.
Link to Lead Free For Life Program:
https://northwoodswildlife.org/getting-the-lead-out-protecting-loons-eagles-and-our-lakes/
Bryon Black is the Executive Director for the Northwoods Wildlife Center. He brings with him years of diverse experience from fields such as marketing, graphic design, web, and application development. Bryon has also had a lifelong interest and commitment in the health and well-being of our wild animal populations.
🐺Wolves in Wisconsin: Perceptions, Perspectives and Ecology
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm
This program explores wolves in Wisconsin, including wolf ecology, pack behavior, and the role wolves play on the landscape. Participants will learn to separate myths from facts, understand how perceptions influence wolf management, and identify wolves using pelts, tracks, and life-sized wolf, coyote, and fox cut-outs.
Dave Slezewski grew up hunting and enjoying the outdoors on his family’s 40-acre homestead in Waupaca County. He just completed his fourth season as a volunteer carnivore tracker for the Wisconsin DNR and has conducted howl surveys. Whenever possible, Dave promotes wolf education outreach.
🦌Deer Behavior – A Look at a Northwoods Icon
August 22, 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm
This program provides a window into the adaptations of deer that make them unique and beloved, especially in the Northwoods. Participants will hear about deer’s diet, winter adaptations, yearly movement and more. A fun look at all things deer with a few new facts and tidbits for people to learn!
Curt Rollman is the Oneida County Wildlife Biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Curt has worked for the DNR for 10 years overall and as the Oneida County Biologist for 4. He grew up hiking, fishing and hunting in the public lands of the Northwoods and developed a passion for all things outdoors.
🪽A Remarkable Return – Cranes, Wild Things and Our Future
September 5, 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm
This is an interactive discussion sharing audience experiences and interests along with some interesting facts about Sandhill Crane ecology, migration and other migratory birds. Participants will hear about the importance of citizen science and how volunteers can help with the annual Midwest Crane Count.
Bob Dall worked in State Forest planning and as a Public Involvement Specialist. Bob and his wife enjoy biking, birding, paddling, camping, raising beagles, making maple syrup and participating in citizen science projects. They’ve surveyed birds and frogs and coordinated the Oneida County Midwest Crane count over 30 years.
