Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum

Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower 2024
2024-05-03 21:00 - 23:00 (Asia/Karachi) | WI
Moved to Friday May 3 (Due to rain forecast)
Saturday, May 4, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm – 1:30 am
Join us at The Heidi Observatory for a mesmerizing celestial experience! The Eta Aquariids, one of two meteor showers originating from Halley’s comet, will grace the night sky with their splendor. These meteors streak through the atmosphere at an astonishing speed of about 148,000 miles per hour, earning the Eta Aquariids the reputation of being one of the fastest meteor showers.
During its peak, we typically enjoy between 20 and 30 meteors per hour, providing a captivating display for all who observe. Relax in our anti-gravity chairs and immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky as we watch the meteors cascade overhead, while also pointing out other fascinating celestial objects.
Each 2-hour session will be confirmed by email at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, contingent upon the cloud cover forecast (less than 40%). In the event of inclement weather, tickets are transferable for any observatory nightly event.
Reserve tickets here for 9 pm
Reserve tickets here for 11:30 pm

Small Eyes Under the Skies
2024-05-03 20:00 - 21:30, 2024-04-26 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-04-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-04-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-04-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-03-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-03-22 19:00 - 20:30
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
2024-05-02 21:00 - 23:00, 2024-04-25 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-11 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-21 20:00 - 22:00
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
2024-05-01 21:00 - 23:00
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.

Farm Volunteer Day
2024-04-28 10:00 - 12:00
Come join us Sunday, April 28 at 10 am to help prepare our farmstead for the growing season! We will be doing some spring clean up, prepping garden beds and organizing our honey house!
Please make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. We will have gardening supplies available, but if you have gardening gloves and/ or tools you enjoy using please bring them!
Parking will be in the first lot of Hawthorn Hollow near the front entrance.
We look forward to see you all on the farm! (Family friendly and no gardening experience required)
Please email Caitlin Zelms at farm@hawthornhollow.org or call/text 262-771-9032 for any inquiries.
If you have any questions about the farm or volunteering on a different date please feel free to contact us anytime!

Garlic Mustard Pull Party & Luncheon
2024-04-27 09:00 - 12:00
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 Leonard for more information: eleonard@hawthornhollow.org

Arbor Day Celebration
2024-04-26 15:00 - 17:00
Join Hawthorn Hollow staff and volunteers to plant trees in restoration areas and the arboretum! Then, celebrate arbor day by taking an arboretum tour with Hawthorn Hollow’s Ecologist.

Wednesday Under the Stars
2024-04-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-17 20:00 - 22:00
Enjoy a relaxing Wednesday Under the Stars hosted at the Heide Observatory. Sink into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage in hand, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the night sky. Our expert guides will illuminate celestial wonders using a laser pointer, revealing stars, planets, constellations, galaxies, and other captivating objects of interest. Immerse yourself in the enthralling stories of these objects as we unravel their relationships and delve into their deeper significance. Gaze and savor the enchantment of the cosmos in this unique and relaxing evening under the stars.
Within 24 hours of purchase, you will receive an email confirming your reservation. If your email address differs from the one used to purchase tickets, or you have any additional questions, please email observatory@hawthornhollow.org. These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40% or too few tickets are sold to fund the event staffing.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Night Hike
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:30
FREE!!! (But registration is required)
Come experience the wonders of night in the woods of Hawthorn Hollow with our Naturalist Kailyn Palomares. 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.
It is a 60-minute outdoor program, so please dress for the weather!
No refunds unless the event is canceled.

Earth Week College Outreach Day
2024-04-24 12:00 - 14:00
Calling all college students! Assist Hawthorn Hollow staff with environmental restoration projects including invasive species management, trail maintenance, and cleaning up the Pike River.
This is a great opportunity to get your volunteer hours, or meet new people who love the environment! Healthy snacks will be provided. Please bring your own work gloves if you have some, and dress for work in the outdoors!
Email ELeonard@HawthornHollow.org if you plan to attend.

Earth Day Clean Up
2024-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Help Hawthorn Hollow staff with some spring cleaning of our gardens and arboretum! Assist with collecting fallen branches, weeding, laying mulch, or other outdoor tasks.
Please bring your own work gloves if you have some, and dress for the weather!
Email ELeonard@HawthornHollow.org if you plan to attend.
Earth Week is April 22nd- April 27th at Hawthorn Hollow

Dark Skies on Earth
2024-04-22 19:30 - 21:30
Monday, April 22, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Join us at the Heide Observatory for an immersive program kicking off our Earth Week events at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and arboretum. Discover the significance of dark skies through engaging activities, including stargazing, telescope observations, and hands-on demonstrations. Explore the impact of light pollution on humans and wildlife, and learn simple solutions to preserve our natural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, join us as we celebrate Earth Day and nurture our connection to the cosmos and our planet.
This is an open house event so no tickets are required. Activities include :
Telescope viewing
Stargazing – apparent magnitudes
Human eye response to light color and brightness
Isopod light response
If you have any additional questions, please email observatory@hawthornhollow.org. These events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if the cloud cover forecast is greater than 40%.
Dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.
Purchase tickets here or email observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

The Lyrid Meteor Shower 2024
2024-04-20 21:00 - 23:00
The Lyrid Meteor Shower 2024
The Lyrids appear in Chinese writing dating back to roughly 690 BCE, making them one of the earliest meteor showers on record. On the night of April 20, the annual shower will reach its near peak for 2024. The meteor shower is a result of Earth passing through the tail of the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. When our planet moves through this debris field, the space rocks burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing spectacular lights to streak across the night sky.
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 year the moon is nearly full and will play a part in the visiblity but 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.
Come out the Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow and enjoy a relaxing evening in our anti-gravity chairs as we point out the night-sky objects and watch for meteors.
Tickets and chairs are limited so reserve your tickets soon.
This event is weather-dependent and will be cancelled or rescheduled by email 24 hours before the scheduled start time in the event of a cloud cover forecast greater than 30%. Reservations can be transferred for any other nightly observatory event.
Dress appropriately for being still in nighttime outdoor weather.
Questions? Feel free to contact us at Observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Wine Wednesday Under the Stars
2024-04-10 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-03 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-27 20:00 - 22:00
Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience at “Wine Wednesday Under the Stars” hosted at the picturesque Heide Observatory. Sink into a blissful zero-gravity chair with your favorite wine or 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.
