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Intergenerational: Exploring Woods and Waters of the North Woods

Program Number: 18555RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/21/2013 - 7/26/2013; 8/4/2013 - 8/9/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Eagle River, Wisconsin
Price starting at: $535.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 10 - 12 years of age.

Explore the forests and waterways of the Northwoods with your grandchild as you master outdoor skills on a memorable adventure. Learn to canoe into aquatic ecosystems, hike into the vast forested landscape, construct a shelter, and orient yourself with a map and compass. Study the world of raptors, create a “dream catcher,” make a leaf-printed t-shirt, view an awesome waterfall and much more.




Highlights

• Make new friends as you work together completing a challenge course, testing your strength as a lumberjack, making plaster casts of animal tracks, honing your archery accuracy and learning the survival skill of making a fire.
• Explore a northern quaking bog — an experience many equate to walking on a giant waterbed — and learn about the special plants and animals that reside in it.
• Experience a canoe trip on the Manitowish River, a shallow watercourse where you can see the river bottom in most places.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles over uneven terrain. Canoing up to three miles.




Date Specific Information

7-21-2013, 8-4-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Trees For Tomorrow.




Eagle River

Situated near the largest inland chain of connecting freshwater lakes in the world, this community lies next to the 600,000-acre Nicolet National Forest and is a well-known hub of recreational activity, from canoeing to hiking.
Accommodations
Lodge-style dormitory, shared bath.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Rob Wiener
Rob Wiener has taught at Trees For Tomorrow since 1999. In addition to teaching, Rob is Northbound editor, coordinates school schedules and staff schedules, and develops curriculum. He is a Northland College graduate with a B.S. in environmental studies who worked previously with the U.S. Forest Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and private consulting firms. His hobbies include photography, guitar, weightlifting, tennis, and reading.
 
Maggie Bishop
Maggie joined the Trees For Tomorrow staff as a teacher and naturalist in January of 2003 and became executive director in 2005. As director, Maggie manages the day-to day operations of Trees For Tomorrow and the future direction of the organization. Maggie earned a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay in human development and also received her teaching certification. She taught 7th grade math, english and science at Cabrini Middle School in Manitowoc, followed by eight years as the educator for the Point Beach Energy Center in Two Rivers. Maggie enjoys kayaking, fishing, birding and hiking.
 
Cheryl Todea
Cheryl has been at Trees For Tomorrow since 2000. In addition to teaching, she supervises the seasonal naturalists, coordinates teacher workshops, helps the staff with computer and technology equipment, assists with the TFT website, and manages the campus store. Cheryl earned a degree in environmental education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and worked previously for the Girl Scouts and the Wisconsin DNR. She enjoys hiking, birding, biking, snowshoeing, and knitting.
 
Sheri Buller
Sheri joined the Trees For Tomorrow staff in August 2003. She is primarily responsible for group scheduling and pre-workshop preparation as well as personnel management. Sheri earned her bachelor's in biology from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota and her masters in biology (wildlife management) from Northern Michigan University. She previously worked for the Wisconsin DNR as a wildlife manager and natural resources educator. Sheri enjoys horseback riding, hiking, wildflowers and biking.
 
Joe Panci
Joe rejoined the Trees For Tomorrow staff in 2009 after working at TFT from 1984 to 2003. In addition to teaching, Joe coordinates the natural resources careers workshop and oversees all education program equipment. He earned bachelor degrees in forestry and environmental education from Michigan State University and a masters in environmental education from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Joe previously worked as an environmental science teacher, outdoor education coordinator and cross-country ski and softball coach at Conserve School in Land O' Lakes. Joe has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Youth Conservation Corps and Young Adult Conservation Corps programs. He is a National Outdoor Leadership School Outdoor Educator graduate as well as a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
 
Laura Schoephoester
Laura Schoephoester joined the Trees For Tomorrow education staff in August 2012. Originally from Morton Grove, Ill., she graduated from Northland College with a B.S. degree in outdoor and environmental education. In addition to her position as a teacher and naturalist, Laura oversees the care of numerous education animals, and is the summer programs coordinator. She enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and crocheting in her spare time.
 
Troy Walters
Troy has been at Trees For Tomorrow since January of 2003. In addition to teaching, he oversees the care of Trees For Tomorrow education raptors, is Northbound assistant editor, coordinates Road Scholar programming, and coordinates the Eagle River area Bat Monitoring effort. Troy earned his B.S. degree in Water Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. He has also worked as an environmental chemist and was a trip leader at various camps out west. Troy likes to cross-country ski, rollerski, bike, and canoe.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
  Eagle River, WI 5 nights
 Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Type: Lodge
  Description: Trees For Tomorrow (TFT) started in 1944 to help reforestation efforts in northern Wisconsin. Initially, Trees For Tomorrow was focused on giving out free tree seedlings and assisting with forest management. Once the reforestation effort was largely completed, TFT shifted more toward education. Today TFT is an accredited Natural Resources Specialty school that focuses on educating students, teachers, and other adults about the wise use and management of natural resources. The campus is located on about 30 acres with an interpretative walking trail within it.
  Contact info: 519 E. Sheridan St
P.O. Box 609
Eagle River, WI 54521 USA
phone: 715-479-6456
web: www.treesfortomorrow.com
  Room amenities: Each room has 2-3 bunk beds, dresser, coat rack, and small desk. During warm months, it is recommended to bring a fan, as only the main Education Hall has air conditioning. We will provide bed linens, pillows, and blankets. Participants should bring their own towels and washcloths.
  Facility amenities: Our dormitories are rustic, yet comfortable, one-story buildings with 7 to 12 bedrooms in each. The dorms have central lounges with fireplaces and a central shared standard bathroom (separate genders) within a short distance of each bedroom. There is Wi-Fi available campus-wide available at no cost. There are no laundry facilities on site, but there are places to go within a 5 minute drive.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: Shared bath down the hall.
  Additional nights prior: $35 Single/$50 Double Please contact TFT - Road Scholar Coordinator Troy Walters at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date if interested in staying additional nights. Additional nights before and after the program vary depending on the program date.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $35 Single/$50 Double Please contact TFT - Road Scholar Coordinator Troy Walters at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date if interested in staying additional nights. Additional nights before and after the program vary depending on the program date.
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3-4:30 PM check in at the Education Hall at Trees For Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, WI. You will be staying at Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow that night.
  End of Program:
9:00 AM at Trees For Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, WI. You will be staying at Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
On-site parking is available at no extra cost
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Eagle River, WI
  Nearest city or town:  Rhinelander
  Nearest highway: Hwy 45
  Nearest airport:  Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI)
  From End of Program
  Location: Eagle River, WI
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Rhinelander

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Trees For Tomorrow
phone: 715-479-6456
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 min 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Please contact the Trees For Tomorrow - Road Scholar Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to ensure transportation.
 

Rhinelander

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required
Airport - Car Rentals
phone: 715-365-3430
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

N/A - Depends on time you keep the rental car
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

Please contact the airport car rental well in advance (at least 2 weeks) to make sure they can meet your needs.
 

Rhinelander

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Rapid Cab
phone: 715-365-7433
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$50
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Due to the high cost of taxi service, we recommend contacting Trees For Tomorrow for an airport shuttle. If you do wish to use a taxi, call them at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
 

Rhinelander

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Trees For Tomorrow
phone: 715-479-6456
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Please contact the Trees For Tomorrow - Road Scholar Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to ensure transportation.
 

Rhinelander

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Rapid Cab
phone: 715-365-7433
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$50
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Due to the high cost of taxi service, we recommend contacting Trees For Tomorrow for an airport shuttle. If you do wish to use a taxi, call them at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
 
Driving Directions
  From The North Take Hwy 45 South to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
  From the East (Escanaba, MI) Take Hwy 70 West to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
  From the South (Appleton) Take Hwy 45 North to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
  From the West (Superior) Take Hwy 53 South to Hwy 70 East. Take Hwy 70 East to Eagle River. Once in Eagle River, find 3rd street or Silver Lake Rd. and head North to Sheridan Street. Trees for Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-in / Introductions, Program Overview, and Icebreakers
(Sunday, August 4)
   
 Arrive To: Check in at Education Hall from 3-4:30 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 PM
 Evening: Orientation - Introductions to all participants. We will also do some icebreakers to help participants get to know each other a little better. There will be an orientation to the facilities and overview of the program logistics.
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Challenge Course / Logging History & Games / Making Plaster Casts / Archery / Fire & Shelter Building / Canoe Lessons in the evening
(Monday, August 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:30 AM
 Morning: CHALLENGE COURSE - Challenge course is a teamwork building activity that will allow participants to get to learn more about, and be comfortable with each other for the rest the week. LOGGING HISTORY - The logging history of Wisconsin influenced the landscape and formation of cities and towns in the Northwoods. Learn about the lumberjacks of the late 1800's and test your strength and accuracy with lumberjack competitions.
 Lunch: Lunch at 11:30 AM
 Afternoon: ANIMAL TRACKS & PLASTER CASTS - Learning about animal tracks is a neat way to catch a glimpse into their lives. Participants will have the chance to make plaster casts of animal tracks that they can take home. ARCHERY - Archery is a life-long skill that is fun, requires good technique, and is an integral part of the economy of many Midwest states. Learn from certified instructors and become a better shooter. SURVIVAL SKILLS - Learning about and practicing the survival skill of making a fire is an opportunity to test yourself before you "need" the skills. Not only is this class a lot of fun, but it provides a good skill set for future outdoor endeavors.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 PM
 Evening: CANOE LESSONS - Learning proper canoe techniques is crucial to be safe on the water. Proper entry/exit techniques, paddle strokes, along with other boat handling skills can help a person feel confident about being on a beautiful lake or river.
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hike Sylvania Wilderness / Visit Bond Falls Waterfall / Critter Catching / Trees For Tomorrow public program
(Tuesday, August 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:30 AM
 Morning: SYLVANIA WILDERNESS HIKE - We will explore some of the 20,000 acres of virgin timber forest. We'll visit at least one of the 34 named lakes in this amazing Hemlock/Hardwood forest. Hemlocks, sugar maples, and yellow birch of large size and in excess of 200 years old are common. There are many rules in place to maintain the area in its natural state now, and for future generations.
 Lunch: We will be eating lunch on the shores of Clark Lake, a beautiful wilderness lake.
 Afternoon: BOND FALLS - This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Participants will also briefly touch on water management; discussing how people affect water along with the positive and negative aspects of dams.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 PM
 Evening: PUBLIC PROGRAM - Every summer, Trees For Tomorrow hosts programs on Tuesday night that are free and open to the public. The topics are quite varied with some examples including: bears, eagles, loons, raptors, elk, mushrooms, etc. Programs normally run about an hour long and are given by experts in their respective field.
 Evening: CRITTER CATCHING - We are going to try our hand at catching some aquatic bugs, allowing us to get an idea of what the water quality of the water body is. This activity is not only a lot of fun, but also a very eye opening experience!
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Compass Use / Tree Identification / T-shirt Printing, Amphibians & Reptiles, Predator-Prey game -- Adults: Franklin Lake Hike / Canoeing Baker Lake & Tamarack Flowage
(Wednesday, August 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:30 AM
 Morning: COMPASS USE - Learning how to use a compass is a skill that can help a person feel more confident exploring the woods. Participants will have a chance to practice their skills on a course outside. TREE SPREE - We'll focus on identifying a handful of trees and then use a relay race to test your skills. Participants can also collect some leaves and needles to use for t-shirt printing in the afternoon.
 Lunch: Lunch at 11:30 AM
 Afternoon: GRANDCHILDREN AND GRANDPARENTS - T-SHIRT PRINTING - Grandchildren (and those interested grandparents) will have an opportunity to make their own stamped t-shirt. Participants are encouraged to bring their own t-shirt or cloth bag to decorate with plants and trees from the Northwoods. GRANDCHILDREN - AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES, HARK! WHO GROWS THERE! Learning about frogs, salamanders, turtles, and snakes is a lot of fun, especially when you get to have a live specimen in your hand. Trees For Tomorrow has 2 blue-spotted salamanders, a wood turtle, and 2 ball pythons for educational purposes. Hark! Who grows there! is a predator-prey / hide and seek game that allows kids to have fun while investigating different forest types. GRANDPARENTS: FRANKLIN LAKE NATURE TRAIL HIKE OR FREE TIME - To allow for a little time on their own, we will offer to take those interested folks to arguably one of the top nature trails in this area. Nestled in the heart of the Nicolet National Forest, this easy 1.5-mile hike weaves through multiple habitat types, provides views of 2 lakes, and has much plant life.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 PM
 Evening: CANOE BAKER LAKE AND TAMARACK FLOWAGE - Evening is a great time to canoe with more gentle winds and cooler temperatures. Owls, loons, eagles, beaver, and a host of other animals can be found on this quiet paddle. Baker Lake is very representative of many lakes in this area. Additionally, there is a nice channel that allows access to another lake. There is very little boat traffic on this Northwoods gem!
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Canoe Manitowish River / Bog Investigation / Raptors / Night Hike
(Thursday, August 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:30 AM
 Morning: MANITOWISH RIVER CANOE - Canoeing the "playful spirit" river is just that, tons of fun. It has a sandy bottom and is quite shallow, meaning you can see the river bottom in most places. Belted kingfishers, otters, eagles, green frogs, and many beautiful aquatic plants can be found.
 Lunch: Lunch at scenic Crystal Lake and ice cream at McKays Corner Store.
 Afternoon: BOG INVESTIGATION - Vilas County is home to over 1300 glacially created lakes. When conditions are right, certain plants begin to grow out into the lake. These plants form a dense root network that allow us to walk on them. The waterbed-like feel of a northern quaking bog is a memorable experience for many participants. While out there, we will examine the many unique plants that call this area home. The carnivorous pitcher plant, sphagnum moss, leatherleaf, labrador tea, black spruce and tamarack are some of the plants and trees we'll expect to see.
 Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 PM
 Evening: RAPTORS - We will learn about the amazing world of hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls. During the lecture portion, we will discuss the features that define raptors, examine some adaptations that help them survive, look at their biology, and talk about some conservation measures to help them out. Trees For Tomorrow is fortunate enough to have education birds for participants to see these features up close on a live raptor! NIGHT HIKE - Probably rated the most fun and memorable by students that come here during the school year, the night hike is an opportunity to explore a time when most of us normally go inside and many animals come out! We'll be doing activities to examine all our senses!
   
Accommodations: Lodge at Trees For Tomorrow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Eagle River, WI Downtown Stores
Located just a few blocks from downtown Eagle River, Wall Street has a variety of stores to explore.
  Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce
The Eagle River Chamber of Commerce is a short walk from "Trees" and has excellent resources. Phone number is 715-477-2205. For additional information, visit www.eagleriver.org
  Fishing, Golf, Tennis, Basketball
There are many places to fish in the Northwoods. Other relaxing recreational opportunities at parks may include tennis and basketball. Golf courses can also be found in the area. See "Trees" Coordinator for further details.
  Olson Memorial Library
The library has many resources to explore. Books, email access, and newpapers can all be found. Phone number is 715-479-8070.
  Trails
Wilderness areas along with other public lands surround Eagle River. See "Trees" Coordinator for maps and locations.
  Various Trails
Trees For Tomorrow is in the heart of many public lands. National Forests, State Forests, and County Forests provide abundant opportunities for biking and other recreational opportunities. See "Trees" Coordinator for maps and locations. There are both road and mountain bike trails available.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Graced by the Seasons: Spring and Summer in the Northwoods


Author: John Bates and Terry Daulton (Illustrated)


Description: Graced by the Seasons: Spring and Summer serves as a "Volume 2" to A Northwoods Companion: Spring and Summer, and offers a detailed and fascinating picture of the orderly timing and progression of natural events written for people who want a deeper understanding of all of nature. The book is chock full of phenological highlights and is organized so the reader who wants to study nature's coming attractions or plan a northern vacation can anticipate what will be blooming, crawling, singing, migrating, or croaking in any particular month.



River Life


Author: John Bates and Terry Daulton (Illustrated)


Description: Rivers are sacred places that resonate with sounds, smells, sensations, mysteries and beauty. River Life takes you on a guided exploration of the Manitowish River, a small river in northern Wisconsin. Packed with information, River Life examines current ecological studies, probes fur trader journals and archaeological surveys, and explores the author's personal observations to vividly describe the life of a northern river. Richly designed with 125 illustrations, diagrams, maps and tables, River Life introduces the science of stream ecology and brings it into the language and vision of the layperson. Canoeists, kayakers, birders, plant enthusiasts and all nature lovers will find this book thoroughly pleasurable and educational.





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