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Kemp Station hosting events focused on maple sugaring, apples and birds this spring

The following events at Kemp Natural Resources Station are free and open to the public. If registration is required, an active link to the detailed event listing is included in the description below.

2026 Maple Sugaring Demonstration Day
Saturday, April 11, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sponsored by the Natural Resources Institute; Kemp Natural Resources Station; Rural Partnerships Institute, Extension Forestry and Wildlife Program
Are you interested in collecting sap and making your own maple syrup? If you are new to maple sugaring or have a small operation that you’d like to improve, join us at Kemp Natural Resources Station for our 2026 Maple Sugaring Demonstration Day. We will demonstrate several sap collection methods including buckets, bags, and a gravity flow tubing system. We will also demonstrate syrup processing using our small-scale evaporator. Come for the syrup and stay for the fun! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. More information.

2026 Kemp Apple School
Saturday, April 18 – Rain or Shine!
Join us at the Kemp Natural Resources Station to learn about the ins and outs of growing apples in the Northwoods from Josie Dillon, Horticulture Outreach Specialist and Rebecca Wiepz, Superintendent – Peninsular Agricultural Research Station. Whether you’re thinking about planting an orchard or wondering why you keep losing your crop, this workshop will provide some helpful information. This year, we will focus on developing a management plan for your trees. The workshop includes a lunch, sponsored by a kind and generous donor. Details and to register. Questions may be directed to kemp@cals.wisc.edu or (715) 358-5667.

Birds & Breakfast
Saturday, May 23, 7:00 am
Spring migration is like a parade down Main Street; hordes of birds are racing to return to their summer breeding grounds. Spring is a wonderful time to see and hear birds as they are active defending their breeding territories and singing to attract a mate. Join this birding hike led by David Drake, Extension Wildlife Specialist / Professor, through the hemlock, pine, and hardwood forests. Life history and ecological information will be shared about birds that call Wisconsin home as we strain our ears and focus our eyes to find and identify as many birds as we can before relaxing with coffee and breakfast (provided by a kind and generous donor) to discuss what we saw and answer any questions. Binoculars will be provided if needed. Details and to register. Questions may be directed to kemp@cals.wisc.edu or (715) 358-5667.