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Wisconsin

Gems of the Northwoods: Hike & Canoe Michigan & Wisconsin

Program No. 24634RJ

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Ready for an adventure that expands your horizons? Northern Wisconsin and Michigan offer a breathtaking backdrop for active exploration. Discover cascading waterfalls, tranquil forests and dynamic waterways — each a living classroom. Through invigorating hikes and peaceful canoe excursions through untouched wilderness, you'll actively identify the region's abundant wildlife. As dusk settles, engage in captivating discussions led by local experts, transforming your observations into deeper insights about the Northwoods' incredible plant and animal life.

Best of all, you'll...

Learn the basics of canoeing while hearing about the plants and animals that live in the rivers and lakes of the Northwoods.
Discover why cranberries are the official state fruit of Wisconsin as you explore a local cranberry farm.
Hike on trails that introduce you to the Northwoods Wilderness, Bond Falls and Porcupine Mountains State Park.

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General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Featured Expert

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Todd Starling

Todd Starling joined Trees For Tomorrow in January 2018. From Saskatchewan, Canada, he studied natural resource technologies in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories and worked as a park interpreter in Wood Buffalo National Park. He later studied environmental science at The University of Lethbridge, then studied environmental education at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, Minnesota. Todd began his role as Road Scholar coordinator in 2019.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Jenny Sadak

Jenny Sadak has worked as an educator at Trees For Tomorrow since 2015 and loves to share her knowledge of environmental sciences with learners of all ages. Her past professional experience includes assisting with climate change research in Alaska, surveying wildlife for the Helena National Forest, working with water rights for the state of Montana, and leading naturalist programs in Jackson, Wyoming. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys spending time with family, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, travelling, and baking.

Kim Feller

Kim Feller joined Trees for Tomorrow in October 2014. She is from Columbus, Ohio, has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in coastal, marine and wetland studies. Her fieldwork experience includes conducting wetland surveys in Ohio, working at a national wildlife refuge in Michigan and studying marsh bird populations in South Carolina. When she is not at work, she enjoys many "Road Scholar-like" activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and photography!

Todd Starling

Bethany Heft

Bethany Heft joined Trees For Tomorrow in September of 2019. She developed her love for both teaching and the great Northwoods when she worked at TFT for a 12-month position in 2011. Beth holds a BS in wildlife and fisheries science from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, her hobbies include crafting, hiking, canoeing and spending time with her horse.

Shelly Rudnick-Peterson

Shelly Rudnick-Peterson joined Trees for Tomorrow in December of 2021 after teaching high school science for almost 20 years. Prior to teaching, she worked as a chemical engineer in the paper industry. Along with teaching at TFT, Shelly coordinates group schedules and helps to plan the annual Wisconsin Master Naturalist program. Outside of work she enjoys anything outside – hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Casey Sprotte

Casey Sprotte started at Trees For Tomorrow in 2024. Her Wisconsin roots growing up on a farm and participating in 4-H and FFA contributed to a love for the environment and discovery. She obtained a B.A. in psychology in 2018 and will complete her MBA in non-profit management in 2025. In her free time, Casey enjoys spending time with her family, mountain biking, alpine skiing, and traveling to new places.

McKenzie Grant

McKenzie Grant joined Trees For Tomorrow in September 2025 which marked a “full circle” moment in her career. After attending a careers workshop at TFT as a high school student, she obtained a degree in environmental education and interpretation. She worked several years for the WI DNR as a non-credentialed officer patrolling the state forest campgrounds. In her spare time, she is a board member of the local Ruffed Grouse Society, mentors new upland hunters, and trains her Small Munsterlanders for upland and waterfowl hunting.

Activity Level

Outdoor: Spirited

Paddling a canoe 1-3 hours at a time. No paddling experience necessary. Hikes range 1.5-3 miles over varied terrain. Getting in/out of 15-passenger vans multiple times daily; Total daily travel times vary 1-3 hours.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

Helpful Links

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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