Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area Middle School Programs

Students will learn the fascinating story of how, over time, Horicon Marsh was completely destroyed and then painstakingly re-built to its present condition. Through this program, they will study the impacts of human development on an ecosystem both past, and present.

Through this slide show, your class can learn about the events leading to the birth of Wildlife Management. They will also look at some case studies in which wildlife management has played an important role.

Explore the exciting world of mammals as your class learns the identities of some Wisconsin native residents. Students will learn about these animals life histories, as well as how they are equipped to survive in a very competitive world. This program can be conducted at Horicon Marsh, or right in your own classroom.

Mud and snow are fantastic places to find signs of those animals we don't always see. In this program, your class will learn how to identify the tracks and track patterns of some common Wisconsin animals. Examination of the footprints of these animals will reveal how different feet help different animals navigate the winter snow or survive in their everyday environment. In winter months, when snow is on the ground, your class can go on an adventure as they identify tracks and discover activity signs left behind by Horicon's resident wildlife.

Your class can learn a great new skill while enjoying the great outdoors. The program begins with an introduction on how to identify birds by sight and sound. After a quick lesson on binocular use, they're off! This tour takes place in Horicon Marsh where they can practice what they learned on the area's residents and migrants.

When an owl eats its prey whole, where does it go? How does a hawk track rodents through tall grass? Learn the answer to these questions and more when your class examines the different ways birds deal with everyday life, whether through adaptation or behavior. This program is available at Horicon Marsh or in your own classroom.

This program begins with an exciting look into the basic morphology of insects. Through the process of transect sampling using insect nets, your class will get a chance to compare the presence of different species and populations in various vegetational areas. By studying the different specimens caught, students will be able to compare their adaptations, survival needs, and day-to-day interactions.

Through the use of key charts, students will learn to identify organisms they catch out of the pond using dip nets. They will learn about the adaptations and interactions between these amazing organisms and how they depend on the plants and other animals present in the aquatic system. By looking for the presence of these creatures, your class will also be able to gauge the health of the area being studied.

How is it possible for a large number of animals to co-exist in a small space? After a quick review of what components need to be present for quality habitat, our Naturalists will take you on a hike around the Horicon Marsh Goose Pond to find out what animals reside in Horicon Marsh. Through discussion, your class will learn how Wildlife Managers work with the land so everyone can co-exist together in this relatively small place.