Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum

Small Eyes Under the Skies
2025-05-23 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-05-16 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-05-09 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-05-02 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-04-25 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-11 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Karachi) | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us for a captivating astronomical adventure at The Heide Observatory with our “Small Eyes Under the Skies” event, perfect for the whole family. Explore the wonders of our solar system as we embark on an interactive journey across the meadow, discovering the sizes and distances of our nearest celestial neighbors. Following this engaging experience, prepare for an unforgettable telescope adventure, where you’ll witness the beauty of planets and other extraordinary celestial objects up close. With limited space available, be sure to secure your tickets early to guarantee a spot for this stellar exploration.In the event of cloud cover of more than 40% we will reschedule the event. Look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours prior to the event date.
Contact observatory@hawthornhollow.org for group/family rate discounts.
Please remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the solar system (the field).

Through the Lens
2025-05-22 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-15 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-08 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-01 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-04-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Experience the awe-inspiring “Through the Lens” event at The Heide Observatory, where celestial wonders come to life. Peer into the depths of the universe using our powerful 17-inch telescope, taking turns to observe binary stars, elusive planets, ethereal galaxies, and an array of captivating celestial objects. As you await your individual view inside the observatory dome, join our knowledgeable guides outside under the stars for a guided sky tour. Gain a broader perspective and deepen your appreciation as you absorb the enchanting panorama of the night sky, connecting the dots between what you witness through the lens and the grand tapestry of the cosmos.These events are weather-dependent, and will be rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Wednesday Under the Stars
2025-05-21 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-14 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-07 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-23 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-04-17 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-04-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience at “Wednesday Under the Stars” hosted at the picturesque Heide Observatory. Sink into a blissful zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage in hand, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the night sky. Our expert guides will illuminate the celestial wonders using a laser pointer, revealing stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other captivating objects of interest. Immerse yourself in their enthralling stories as we unravel their relationships and delve into their profound significance. Sip, gaze, and savor the enchantment of the cosmos in this unique and relaxing evening under the stars.These events are weather-dependent, and will be rescheduled by e-mail 24 hours before scheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Wildflowers of the Season
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | WI
Saturday, May 17 10 am
Come walk the trails and look for the flowers of the season with Hawthorn Hollow’s Ecologist Emily Porter. You will see what’s in bloom in our prairies, wetland and woodlands and learn how to identify some of our unique, spring wildflowers. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Tickets available at hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/wildflowers-of-the-season-2025

Birds & Plants
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Hawthorn Hollow will be holding our Birds & Plants fundraiser on Saturday, May 10th. The event will feature an extensive native and ornamental plant sale, guided bird walks hosted by the Hoy Audubon Society, a bake sale, and much more!
Free entry, donations graciously accepted!

Hawthorn Hollow will be seeking donations of non-invasive native and ornamental house plants, perrenials, grasses, herbs, vegetables, and other plants soon, stay tuned for announcementsIs your thumb not so green? We will also be seeking donations of baked goods starting on May 8th.

Eta Aquariid's
2025-05-04 22:00 - 23:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
The Lyrids are one the weaker annual meteor showers visible from Earth, but on peak nights, they usually produce 20-25 shooting stars per hour. This event is also unpredictable: on rare occasions, spectators are treated to incredible surges of up to 100 meteors per hour. For this reason, the Lyrids are worth checking out for diehard astronomy enthusiasts.

Farm Volunteer Day
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us and help get our farm in shape for 2025! Meet in the farm parking lot at 10 am.
For more info, please email farm@hawthornhollow.org.

Wand Turning Workshop
2025-05-03 - 2025-05-04 | Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, 914 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
As Garrick Ollivander once said, “The wand chooses the wizard” – but in our workshop, you’ll learn how skilled hands and traditional tools can transform simple wood into something truly magical.
In honor of International Harry Potter Day, Overocker Woodworking invites you to discover the enchanting craft of woodturning! Transform raw wood into your very own wand in this special hands-on workshop. As any wandmaker knows, the magic lies in the making – and you’ll experience the true wizardry of traditional woodturning techniques.
Just as Ollivander’s has been crafting fine wands since 382 B.C., woodturners have been practicing their craft for centuries. Under the guidance of our experienced craftsmen, you’ll learn the time-honored art of woodturning while creating an heirloom-quality wand that’s uniquely yours.

Garlic Mustard Pull Party & Luncheon
2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Saturday, April 26, 2025
The annual Garlic Mustard Pull Party has become a new tradition at Hawthorn Hollow. Join us to help remove this invasive species and restore the native spring wildflowers to the Hawthorn Hollow Woodlands. After the pull, we sit down to lunch and dine on a variety of dishes all made with this tasty plant.
Contact Ecologist Emily Porter for more information: eleonard@hawthornhollow.org

Night Hike
2025-04-23 19:30 - 20:30 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Pay what you want on April 23rd!!!
Please select the Earth Week ticket option for April 23rd tickets.
Come experience the wonders of night in the woods of Hawthorn Hollow with our Naturalist. Learn all about the adaptations nocturnal creatures have developed to survive and thrive when the sun goes down, gaze in awe at the night sky, and listen to the songs that fill the woods and fields after dark.
This program is for families and adults (kids under 3 are free). It is a 60-minute outdoor guided hike, so please dress for the weather!
No refunds unless the event is canceled. Registration is required! Please register with an email address you check often to ensure you receive instructions or updates.
Please select the Earth Week ticket option for April 23rd tickets.

Dark Skies
2025-04-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us for “Dark Skies,” an immersive event dedicated to exploring and understanding light pollution and its impact on our environment and night sky visibility. Through a series of interactive stations, participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to illuminate the causes and effects of light pollution, as well as discover practical solutions to mitigate its presence in our communities. This event promises an enlightening experience for all ages, fostering awareness and inspiring action towards preserving our natural nightscapes.

Arboretum Cleanup
2025-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Tuesday, April 22 at 10 am
Help us celebrate Earth Week by lending a hand at our Arboretum Cleanup!
Please email Ecologist Emily Porter at eleonard@hawthornhollow.org with any questions.

Lyrid Meteor Shower I
2025-04-21 21:00 - 23:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States

Turned Wooden Easter Egg Workshop
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, 914 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Saturday, April 19…9 am, 1:30 pm
Celebrate Easter with creativity and craftsmanship at our Hand-Turned Wooden Easter Egg Workshop. Create your own beautiful wooden eggs from domestic and exotic hardwoods, guided by the skilled craftsmen of Overocker Woodworking.
This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced woodworkers. The minimum age is 12, and we warmly welcome participants of all ages, including those “young at heart” who are ready to try something new.
Our skilled instructors will provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and make this Easter a memorable one with a handcrafted masterpiece.
