Summer in Wisconsin is a wonderful time to explore some of nature’s most beautiful sights. The unfurled leaves of deciduous trees provide shade from the sun, and the forest, prairies, and ponds are alive with wildlife.
When you hike our forest trails, be sure to look out for the spindly legs and white freckles of baby white-tailed deer hiding low in the foliage, carefully hidden by does while they scout for food. The deer aren’t the only summer mothers emerging. You may see American Goldfinches in their nests, ready to raise their brood of chicks.
Frogs in Summer
As the gray treefrog stops calling, hear the green frog calling through July, like bow strings snapping and light airy trills carrying over the pond. In July and August, listen to the deep croak of the American bullfrog. American bullfrogs live as tadpoles for one to three years and can be seen swimming in many ponds around the Center!
The frogs aren’t the only sensational singers gracing us this summer though. Late in August, Wisconsin is visited by millions of migratory birds passing through the area. Warblers fill our skies for the second and last time this year as they head to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. We can also begin to see more of our powerful hawks moving south including our Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks.
Returning Insects
With warmer temperatures, we see more insects returning, hatching, and emerging close to our homes. Monarch butterflies have already begun their great journey north in search of blooming milkweed on which to dine and lay eggs. Darner dragonflies skim gracefully across the ponds during the day, while warm and dark nights are illuminated by fireflies as they dance across the sky. The landscape will be full of symphonic buzzing as cicadas serenade us with their wings. This summer, a 13-year brood and a 17-year brood, the famed Brood XIII, will appear at the same time in the United States. Visitors to the Center will have the opportunity to observe Brood XIII along with the traditional, annual cicada.
Summer Blooms
In August and September, many summer flowers are blooming. Jewelweed is a lovely orange flower with a fun surprise. When the seed pouch is touched the seeds burst out, spreading far and wide for new plants to sprout from. Goldenrod can also be seen blooming in our meadows and prairies, pairing up closely with purple flowers such as New England Aster in a colorful display that attracts pollinators and nature lovers alike.
Nature comes alive in summer. You have more time to experience its beauty, we’re open in the evening! The Center is open until 8:00pm Monday – Thursday through August, allowing visitors to take in all that our sensational summers have to offer.
