Kids on the Prairie – May 17, 2026

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.

Click the dates below to register for other sessions.

2026 Dates – All times 10:30 am-12:00 pm

• April 19 – Signs of Spring. Join us as we look for emergent plants, animals and insects. Depending on the weather, we may find nectar sources for emerging bumble bees and hear frogs calling around Lost Lake. Together we will share in an action to celebrate Earth Day.
• May 17 – Looking at Birds. Migration is happening! Families will have an opportunity for watch birds and see how they spend their time. What are they eating? Bring your binoculars or use ours. We'll look for bluebirds that nest at the Monastery. Maybe we will hear a Sandhill Crane?
• June 14 – Lost Lake Critters. Who lives in the lake? Take a look at tiny critters that feed other residents of Lost Lake. Observe painted turtles while we explore trails around the lake for signs of other creatures that call this their home.
• August 9 – Pollinators Everywhere. Explore Wisdom Prairie. See what is blooming and buzzing. Look for flowers everywhere. How many different kinds can you find? What bugs do you see? Why are those Bumble Bees buzzing?
• September 13 –Seeds and Cider. Did you know we have orchards at Holy Wisdom? Join us for collecting prairie seeds, picking apples and making cider. Taste the goodness of organically grown apples. Learn about seeds. Each family group will get some native plant seeds to take home.
• October 11 – The Gift of Trees. Trees are alive all year round. Explore woodlands and savanna. Find out how trees shelter all kinds of critters from winter cold and snow. Listen to the forest. Where to some butterflies, bees, and toads spend the winter? How are all these trees connected to each other?
• November 8 – Celebrate Cycles of Life. Celebrate the 2026 Kids On the Prairie season. We will start with a short walk looking for signs of preparations for winter that include readiness for spring. Then we'll warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a slide show of memories of the children and adults who made this year so much fun!

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.

Photography

There will be time for parents to opt their children out of photos at the beginning of the event. If you arrive late and want to opt your kids out of photos, please let anyone you see taking photos know beforehand and email Julie Melton within 24 hours after the event ends.