Bog walks, Turtle Day celebration set

The Friends of the Cedarburg Bog has announced a number of free activities for the coming month, including walks, programs and a celebration of World Turtle Day.

A spring migrant bird walk will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, led by Alex Mann, who will help participants search for the signs of spring and spring migrants.

Those attending are asked to bring binoculars and wear sturdy shoes for walking.

Mann will also lead migrant bird walks from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, May 29, and Saturday, June 6.

A celebration of World Turtle Day will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23.

There are 11 species of turtles in Wisconsin, but due to habitat loss and other human-related impacts, turtle populations statewide are on the decline.

The celebration will include information about the distinct characteristics of each turtle species, their behavior and their important role in the ecosystem as well as the challenges turtles face and how we can contribute to their protection and conservation.

The program will be led by Waukesha County Land Conservancy Land Management Director Helen Holtz.

Native ephemeral flowers of the bog will be the subject of a 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, walk through the woods on the Watt’s Lake Trail.

Delisa White will help identify and talk about the many spring ephemerals found within the bog.

Walkers should meet at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station on Blue Goose Road.

Pets are not allowed.

To register for the walks, visit www.bogfriends.org and click on Programs & Events tab.

Walks are free but a $5 donation is suggested.

For more information, call (414) 897-1739 or email bogfriends@gmail.com.