Kids on the Prairie

Explore nature’s beauty and surprises!

Kids on the Prairie (KOTP) is for children and their adult family members. Experienced volunteer educators and guides will facilitate a short hike to learn about nature and explore the grounds and trails. This free event is open to members of Holy Wisdom communities and the general public.

2025 Dates (please register below)

• August 10 – Butterflies and Bugs. Get up close to insects on flowers. Look for monarchs and other insects. Find out what they are doing on different common plants.
• September 14 - Apple Picking, Cider Tasting, and Seed Collection. Taste the goodness of organically grown Monastery apples. Learn about seeds and collect prairie seeds to renew the prairie. Each family will get some seeds to take home.
• October 12 – Trees, Trees, Trees. Explore woodlands and savanna. What are trees doing over the winter? Make bark and leaf rubbings. Look for places for insects and animals to shelter from winter cold and snow. Listen to the forest.
• November 9 – Join Us for a Celebration of Our Year! We’ll take a short walk near the gardens and Lost Lake listening and looking for signs of life. Afterward, wrap up the season with a slide show of 2025 KOTP activities, games, hot chocolate and cider.

Time & Location

Sundays, 10:30-12:00 pm
Holy Wisdom Monastery
4200 County Road M, Middleton
Meet at the kiosk in the monastery building parking lot. For more information contact Julie Melton, jmelton@uwalumni.com.

Schedule

10:30 am – Meet at the Kiosk
10:35 am – Welcome and Introductions
10:40 am – Guided Walk with Stations and Activities
11:50 am-12:00 pm – End

Guides

Experienced volunteer educators and guides include Julie Melton, Anne Basken, Charles and Sue Bradley, Sandy Weber, Lisa Gaumnitz, Ken Basken and Joan Martin. Additional support from guest presenters Mike Crawford and Michael Shinners as needed.