Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum

Sweet As Honey: A Night Out Honey Dipper Workshop Experience
2025-09-19 17:30 - 20:30 (Asia/Karachi) | Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, 914 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Looking for a unique night out?
Join us for a sweet and simple Friday evening in the woodshop!
Come and learn to turn to use a wood lathe by turning your own Birdseye maple honey dipper. Afterwards, celebreate as we will endulge in sampling local honey and sweet treats.
This hands-on opertunity is perfect for individuals, couples, friends, or family. No previous wood turning experance requred.
What’s Included:

Premium figured hardwood blank (Birdseye or curly maple)
All materials, tools, and safety gear
Instruction from Overocker Woodworking
Local honey tasting from a Southeastern Wisconsin apiary
One handcrafted honey dipper to take home

📍 Location: The Ozan Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, Somers, WI
📅 Date: Friday, Sept 19,
🕕 Time: 5:30 – 8:30 PM
💵 Cost: $57 per person
👥 Space is limited to 5 spots — sign up early to reserve yours!

Small Eyes Under the Skies
2025-09-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-10 18:30 - 20:00 | 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).

Night Hike
2025-09-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
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.

Wednesday Under the Stars
2025-09-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-29 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Through the Lens
2025-09-25 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Pike River Benefit Concert feat Indigo Canyon
2025-09-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
***Rescheduled from July 11***

Hawthorn Hollow’s 2025 Pike River Benefit Concert Series, presented by Stein’s Aircraft Services, continues with the soulful rock of Indigo Canyon on Friday, September 26.

Smooth, Soulful, Beautiful, Melodious…. All words used to describe the music produced by Michelle and Todd of Indigo Canyon. Whether they are playing as a duo or a full band, the energy is always upbeat. Indigo Canyon have built a strong reputation for creating grooves and drawing crowds into dancing frenzies. For more info about Indigo Canyon, visit indigocanyonband.com.

The 2025 Pike River Benefit Concert Series will continue with the heartfelt melodies of Violet Wilder on Friday, August 8.
Tickets are $15 and are available at the door (cash only, please). Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Carry-in food and beverages are not allowed. All proceeds benefit Hawthorn Hollow.

The 2025 Pike River Concert Series at Hawthorn Hollow is presented by Stein’s Aircraft Services, and supported by Educator’s Credit Union, and Festival foods. Additional support comes from Equinox Botanical Boutique, Mindful Yoga, Peacetree Originals, Kessler’s Clock Co., Alpaca Arts, Daniels Chiropractic Office, Impact Networking, M3 Insurance, Design Partners Inc., and Creative Design Custom Signs.

Backyard Bat House Workshop & Hike
2025-09-27 | Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow, 914 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Bats play a critical role in keeping mosquito populations down and pollinating plants — but they’re rapidly losing safe spaces to live. Join us at the Ozanne Outpost at Hawthorn Hollow in Somers, WI, and help give our winged neighbors a place to call home!
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll build a cedar bat house to hang in your own yard, garden, or greenspace. Choose from two project styles:
Ready-to-Assemble Kit: Adaptable for use with hand tools, cordless power tools, or pneumatic tools based on participant accessibility. Perfect for young builders who want to hammer and nail — or teens and adults looking to jump right in!
Build from Scratch: A more immersive woodworking experience using shop tools and guided instruction.
Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or just someone who wants to support local wildlife, this class offers the perfect balance of learning and doing. All skill levels welcome!
Class Times:
Wednesday, September 24 at 9:30 AM
Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 5:30 PM
🌙 Special Bonus: Saturday Night Bat Hike
Stick around after the final session on Saturday — we’ll be leading a twilight bat hike starting at 7:30 PM! Explore the natural habitat of our nocturnal friends and learn more about why these pollinators and pest-controllers are so important to our ecosystem.
Hosted by Overocker Woodworking at the Ozanne Outpost of Hawthorn Hollow.

Gala Under The Stars
2025-09-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the wonders of the night sky! Our Gala Under the Stars will be a magical night filled with elegance, excitement, and discovery. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, live music, and signature cocktails, while taking part in unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else—exclusive Heide Observatory viewings, hands on rocket launches, and a spirited live auction. Together, we’ll raise vital support for The Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow, helping us continue to inspire curiosity, learning, and exploration for generations to come.

Whether you come for the science, the starlight, or the celebration, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

$150 per guest or $1250 per table (table of 10)
Tickets
Table Sponsor

Nighttime Wonders: Bats of the Badger State
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Learn about Wisconsin bats by viewing the official DNR Wisconsin Bat program slide presentation with Hawthorn Hollow’s Education Manager and Naturalist Ryan Retzke and Wisconsin Bat Naturalist Mary Wagner. Learn about the real mysteries of our local bats and why they are an important part of our ecosystem.
This event is donation based. You can name your own price to attend, but registration is required. Please visit https://hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/nighttime-wonders.

Buckthorn & Brats Volunteer Day
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
🌿 Buckthorn & Brats at Hawthorn Hollow! 🌭
Help us protect native habitats by removing invasive buckthorn!
🗓 Date: Saturday, November 1st
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Meet in front of the Nature Center at Hawthorn Hollow
Buckthorn is a pesky, invasive species that threatens native plants in our ecosystem. Join us for our annual Buckthorn Removal Day and make a difference! After we get our hands dirty, relax and enjoy a brat roasted over the fire as a thank-you for your hard work.
What to Bring:
✔️ Work gloves (if you have them)
✔️ Long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes recommended
Have questions or want to volunteer in the future?
Email our Conservation Land Manager Nicole at nicole@hawthornhollow.org
Can’t attend but still want to support our conservation efforts?
Consider donating to our Ecology Fund:
🔗 hawthornhollow.givingfuel.com/conservation-ecology-support
Let’s work together to restore our native habitats — and enjoy a brat while we’re at it!

Wednesday Under the Stars
2025-11-05 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-11-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Wednesday Under the Stars, hosted at the picturesque Heide Observatory. Settle into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage and embark on an unforgettable journey through the night sky as our expert guides use laser pointers to highlight stars, planets, constellations, and galaxies above. Listen to the captivating stories behind these celestial wonders while you unwind beneath the vast, glittering cosmos. Events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by email 24 hours in advance if cloud cover exceeds 40%, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Through the Lens
2025-11-06 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 | 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 as you peer through our powerful 17-inch telescope to observe binary stars, distant planets, and shimmering galaxies. While awaiting your turn inside the dome, join our knowledgeable guides outdoors for a laser-assisted sky tour, connecting what you see through the lens with the vast panorama of the night sky. Events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by email 24 hours in advance if cloud cover exceeds 40%, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Small Eyes Under the Skies
2025-11-07 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-11-14 16:30 - 18:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us for Small Eyes Under the Skies at The Heide Observatory, a family-friendly astronomy adventure that begins with an interactive walk through a scale model of our solar system across the meadow and concludes with a telescope viewing of planets and other celestial wonders. Events are weather permitting and will be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%; look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours before the event. For group or family rate discounts, contact observatory@hawthornhollow.org, and please dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the “solar system” field.

The Gas and ice Giants
2025-11-07 21:00 - 23:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us at The Heide Observatory for an evening devoted to the planets under darker skies—with no Moon to wash out the view, you’ll enjoy sharper contrast and deeper glimpses of distant worlds. Weather permitting, our telescopes will showcase Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud belts and Galilean moons, and possibly Uranus and Neptune, depending on visibility. The final viewing lineup will be confirmed in your event-day email. Events are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%; please watch for a confirmation message from the observatory. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather and may email observatory@hawthornhollow.org with any questions.

Friends of Hawthorn Hollow Annual Meeting
2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
All current and prospective members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Friends of Hawthorn Hollow on Saturday, November 8 at 10 am. The meeting will be at the Hyslop Nature Center at Hawthorn Hollow. Light refreshments will be served.
At this meeting members will be voting on the 2026 board. (Only current members are eligible to vote. Prospective members will have the opportunity to join the Friends of Hawthorn Hollow during the meeting and take part in the board election.)
If you would like to attend the meeting, RSVP’s would be appreciated by emailing fohhmemberships@gmail.com by November 7th.
For more information or to join the Friends of Hawthorn Hollow, please visit hawthornhollow.org/the-friends-of-hawthorn-hollow

Native American-Style Flute Workshop
2025-11-14 09:00 - 2025-11-15 15:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Native American-Style Flute Workshop
2 day workshop, Friday Nov. 15 & Saturday Nov. 16 9 am – 3 pm
Participants will construct their flute from a piece of cedar. Each crafter will determine the fundamental note and bring life into the flute. The crafter will determine finger hole placements and make the flute “talk”. Most materials are furnished but you will need to bring an x-acto knife and two blades, numbers 11 and 17. Most variety packs include these two blades. A small plane and sharp pocket knife are also recommended. No musical experience is required. All you need is the willingness to work with your hands, exercise your fingers and experience a form of cultural art indigenous to the North American continent.
This is a 2-day workshop. Attendance to both sessions is mandatory, and may not take up the entire time allotted. Participants must be 18+ due to the use of blades and other tools. Waivers must be signed before the start of the workshop.
Artist Bio
Tom Gustin has been crafting a style of Native American flute for almost 40 years, and teaching others how to create their very own flutes for over 20. After graduating from UW Steven’s Point with a Master’s Degree in Forestry, Tom began using his free time to teach others about his passion. Tom has crafted over 600 flutes, including multiple flutes for Grammy-Nominated recording artist Peter Phippen.
