World of Water Wonder Weekend

Did you know that 2012 is the Year of Water in Monona? To celebrate, in partnership with The Natural Step of Monona, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center is hosting a special World of WaterWeekend to highlight the wonders of water, and how our local water utilities and watersheds are impacted by weather, climate, energy, and daily water-usage. Don’t miss this day full of guided exploration of interactive exhibits, fun family activities, pond walks, water films, and tips from experts about how you can actively engage in taking positive steps to use, conserve, protect, and enjoy this precious resource.

Special Presentations & Exhibits include:

·         Guided Pond Dips – Saturday and Sunday: Learn from our naturalists and expert guests as you discover the life teeming in and around our pond!

·         Water Conservation Scavenger Hunt – Saturday and Sunday: Explore the grounds and facility of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center to see what we are doing to conserve water and protect our watershed. See real-life examples and get ideas of what you can do at home.

·         Water Underground –Saturday and Sunday: Texas suffered its driest year ever in 2011, and much of the U.S. has continued to suffer serious drought in 2012. Climate change is predicted to make drought more frequent, putting a strain on groundwater reservoirs. This visualization reveals the freshwater stores that NASA’s GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite detects from space and shows how that data can be used to evaluate groundwater gains and losses.

·         Climate Wisconsin:  Great Lakes and Trout Streams –Saturday and Sunday: See how changes in Wisconsin’s waterways can are affecting fish, shipping, recreation, tourism, and other factors that are important to our Wisconsin way of life.

·         Waterlife –Saturday and Sunday: From the icy cliffs of Lake Superior to the ornate fountains of Chicago and beyond, this feature-length documentary tells the story of Earth’s last huge supply of fresh water using fascinating characters, stunning imagery, and awesome music. Pop in throughout the weekend to follow the ups and downs of the Great Lakes in their epic cascade to the Atlantic Ocean.

·         Great Lakes Acidification – Orientation Theater – 1pm, Saturday: Join UW graduate student, Jenn Phillips, to learn about acidification of the Great Lakes, why it’s happening, and what it means for you.

·         Wetland Ecology – Guided Pond Hike – 1-2pm, Sunday: UW-Madison Wetlands Ecology Professor, Quentin Carpenter, will lead a family guided hike to the pond – learn about watersheds and wetlands, what lives in them, and what you can do to protect them!

·         Plus, ALNC’s fun family activities, water games, Community Water Conservation Project Demos, a Watershed Water Table Activity and more!

ALNC’s new Wonder Weekends feature different topics each month and offer visitors of all ages guided experiences through ALNC’s new hands-on interactive exhibits. In addition, ALNC’s exhibits are open to the public Monday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm for self-guided tours.

Location: Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716

Date/Time: Saturday, September 15, 11 am – 4 pm and Sunday, September 16, Noon-4 pm

Fee: $5.50/person; ALNC members receive free admission for three people.

Information/Register: www.naturenet.com/alnc or 608-216-9371

Hope to see you there!