New Birding Academy Opens at Schlitz Audubon Center

Perfect for North Shore Families Seeking Educational Adventures

If you're looking for an engaging way to connect your family with nature while building lifelong learning skills, the newly launched Barbara Stover & Susan Bell Birding Academy at Schlitz Audubon Center offers the perfect solution. Located conveniently in the heart of Milwaukee's north shore, this innovative program brings together families and bird enthusiasts of all ages for immersive outdoor education experiences.

A Comprehensive Approach to Bird Education

The Birding Academy isn't just about spotting birds—it's about fostering curiosity, scientific thinking, and environmental stewardship in learners of all ages. The program combines three essential elements: hands-on learning through The Birding Academy courses, real-world observation at the Feeder Grove area, and comprehensive resources at the Birding Resource Center.

What makes this program particularly appealing for busy north shore families is its flexible approach. Whether you're ready for a month-long deep dive or prefer casual, low-commitment meetups, there's something for every family's schedule and interest level.

Family-Friendly Programming Options

Perfect for Young Naturalists: Family Owl Prowls

Nothing captures a child's imagination quite like searching for owls under the stars. The Family Owl Prowls scheduled for October 1, November 29, and other dates throughout the season offer the perfect introduction to birding for families with children. These evening adventures combine education with excitement, making them ideal for north shore families looking for unique bonding experiences.

Weekend Learning: Saturday Morning Bird Walks

For families juggling busy weekday schedules, the Saturday Morning Bird Walks (October 18 and December 13) provide accessible entry points into the birding community. These guided experiences allow parents and children to develop observation skills together while exploring the beautiful Schlitz Audubon grounds.

Hands-On Education: Certificate Programs

The multi-session certificate programs offer deeper learning opportunities for families serious about developing birding expertise. "An Introduction to the Birds of Schlitz Audubon" (September 6-27) provides an excellent foundation, covering 36 key species through presentations, activities, and field experiences—perfect for families wanting to turn weekend nature walks into educational adventures.

Building Backyard Connections

The "Creating a Backyard Bird Habitat & Understanding Optics" certificate course (October 15 & 22) offers particular value for north shore homeowners. Participants learn to transform their yards into bird havens using native plants, feeders, and water features—skills that extend the learning experience right to your backyard.

Seasonal Adventures Throughout the Year

The program's seasonal focus ensures fresh experiences year-round:

• Fall Migration Hikes showcase the spectacular bird movements along Lake Michigan

• Winter Residents programs help families discover which birds call Wisconsin home during the colder months

• Field Adventures to locations like Horicon Marsh expand learning beyond the Center's boundaries

Community and Connection

The free monthly Bird Club meetings create opportunities for families to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts while developing identification skills. Co-hosted with Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon, these gatherings foster a sense of community among north shore nature lovers.

Educational Value Beyond Birding

These programs offer children valuable skills in observation, critical thinking, and environmental science. The citizen science components teach kids how their observations contribute to larger conservation efforts—lessons that extend far beyond birding into broader STEM education.

Getting Started

With space limited for most programs, early registration is essential. The variety of offerings means families can start with low-commitment options like guided hikes or Bird Club meetings before progressing to more intensive certificate programs.

The Schlitz Audubon Center's location makes it easily accessible for families throughout the north shore, from Whitefish Bay to Mequon and beyond. For families seeking educational adventures that combine outdoor exploration, scientific learning, and community connection, the Barbara Stover & Susan Bell Birding Academy represents an exceptional opportunity to grow together while discovering the natural world right in our backyard.

Ready to take flight? Visit the Schlitz Audubon Center website to explore program details and secure your family's spot in this exciting new educational adventure.