Outdoor Heritage Education Center

Mentors connecting youth and adults to our natural resources.

Events 

OHEC supports or hosts events, from Envirothon, National Archery in the Schools Programs, family fishing and student aquatic education field trips to Learn to Hunts, school programs and the big Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo.

Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo 2020

Date: Wed/Thurs May 20-21, 2020 CANCE​LED

Time: 9:00am-3pm

Register Below!

Location:

MacKenzie Center

W7303 County Hwy CS

Poynette, Wisconsin 53955

FREE ADMISSION!

Transportation grants available. Unique field trip where students can be face-to-face with live wolves, lynx, badger, otter, bison and eagles, and participate in archery, airgun, fisheries, forestry, wildlife and so many other fun activities, all in one location. Many activities correlate with multi-discipline state and national education standards.

Students receive information about on-going mentored programs so they can develop their outdoor skills and enjoy lifelong outdoor activities. Educators, trained safety instructors and other volunteer mentors provide an enriching participatory experience for students, connecting youth to Wisconsin's natural resources, outdoor heritage and lifelong skills. 

To volunteer, donate or attend, contact [email protected] or ph. 608-854-2196.

For Teachers: You and your students are invited…

FREE FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITY

Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo

Choose Wednesday or Thursday

Transportation Funding Available

courtesy of SCI, FNRA, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Dane Co Conservation League, National Wild Turkey Federation, Izaak Walton League of America, Cabela's Outdoor Fund & Other Donors

As the school year is wrapping up, students and educators can still extend learning outdoors at the DNR’s MacKenzie Center, Poynette where this big youth expo offers hands-on activities correlated to state standards in multiple disciplines. And students can see up-close LIVE wolves, lynx, bison, badger, otter, bald eagle, turkey vultures and other wildlife. After last year's event, 100% of students, educators, donors and volunteers said they want to come back to MacKenzie every year.

Budget tight? Ask us about available transportation funding.

As the school year winds down, expo educators, conservation volunteers and DNR professionals will help keep students engaged while increasing their understanding, appreciation and sense of stewardship for natural resources, Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage and related activities. Emphasis is on experiential learning. New Activities added this year. Students can participate in these outdoor skills activities absolutely free:   

  • Archery
  • Forestry
  • Wildlife, Tracking & Game Calling
  • Fisheries & Angler Education
  • Hounds & Bird Dog Demos
  • Historic Fur Trade & Trapping
  • Parks, Trails & Camping
  • Outdoor Safety, Shooting Sports & Enforcement
  • Safari Club’s “Sensory Safari” Touch Wildlife of the World

On-site is a Wisconsin Logging Museum, antique sawmill and airgun range. Your bus can arrive any time during open hours and move among any education stations of your choice at will. Continuous instruction provided.

Bring your own lunch, water, drinks, closed-toe footwear and sunscreen or warm clothes appropriate for the weather.

The Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo is also a great place to meet representatives for conservation groups and DNR programs, discover additional educational resources available to you, and to connect students with ongoing mentored outdoor skills training programs to keep them actively learning throughout the summer and beyond.

Questions? Contact organizer Mark LaBarbera at 608-854-2196, or scan this sheet and email to him at [email protected]

[ ] YES, we want to attend.

[ ] Not this year, but let us know about next year.

Your name: _________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________

Ph: ________________ Mobile # (for day of event): _____________

School Name: _______________________________________

School website: ______________________________________

Fill in Number Students in Grade 4:___ Gr.5:___ Gr.6 __ Gr.7:__

If you want to request adding Gr. 3 students, please check this box: [_]

Fill in Number of Teachers & Chaperones: ________

(Approx. 1 per 10-12 students recommended to stay with each chaperone on-site at all times.)

Check date preference: [_] Wed. May 20 or [ _] Th. May 21, 2020

[ _] We can't afford the entire cost of the bus. Please tell us about transportation stipends or other funding available.

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