Join us for Beasts & Beer!
Socialize with other nature enthusiasts over snacks and beverages, and enjoy an engaging presentation from a local expert in a happy-hour atmosphere. Formerly known as ‘Birds & Beer’, Beasts & Beer takes place the FIRST Wednesday of each month from February to November. Each program features a different presenter at a different location, so you’re sure to learn something new each time!
Price:
$15/person, includes one drink ticket, complimentary snacks, and a nature presentation.
Registration is required. Limits vary depending on venue. To register for any of these programs, scroll to the bottom of this page for “Ways to Register for a Program”.
Time:
Check-in opens no earlier than 5:30pm.
Happy Hour: 5:30-6:00pm.
Nature Presentation: 6:00-7:00pm
Cats & Coffee: February 1, 2023
Wild Cats with Randy Johnson
Location: Alley Cats Coffee, Spooner, WI**
**Only non-alcoholic drinks will be available.
Limit: 50 people
Randy Johnson, the large carnivore specialist for the Wisconsin DNR, will give a natural history overview of the three wild cat species native to Wisconsin. Then he will dive into what the future may hold for these charismatic felines in the state, with a special focus on cougars.
Beasts & Beer: March 15, 2023 – RESCHEDULED
Magnificent Monarchs with Beaver Creek Reserve
Location: Heart of the North Brewing Co., Ladysmith, WI
Limit: 50 people
The Monarch Butterfly is one of many pollinators that we find in Wisconsin, but in recent years the population has decreased immensely. Join Beaver Creek Reserve’s Naturalist, Megan Giefer, as we learn why this mighty migrator is famous and ways we can help its population. We will also learn how to identify some of your local backyard butterflies.
Beasts & Beer: April 5, 2023
Awakening Amphibians with Erik Wild
Location: Bloomer Brewing Co., Bloomer, WI
Limit: 50 people
Join Wisconsin herpetologist Erik Wild from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in a scientific celebration of these icons of spring. Learn about how Wisconsin’s salamanders and frogs survive winter and progress through emergence. Amphibian reproduction will be highlighted and your knowledge of frog calls tested.
Photo Credit: Dan Nedrelo. Wisconsin DNR
Beasts & Beer: May 3, 2023
Snake, Rattle, & Roll with Snake Discovery
Location: Perlick Distillery, Sarona, WI
Limit: 40 people
Slither into the world of reptiles by meeting several species that call Minnesota and Wisconsin home! From diet to habitat and behavior, with plenty of fun facts in between, participants will learn what makes our cold-blooded friends so unique in this engaging program. Guests are welcome to touch (and even hold) the ambassador animals from Snake Discovery for a truly hands-on experience!
Beasts & Beer: June 7, 2023
Wisconsin’s Little Gem: Ruby-throated Hummingbird with Jamie Nack
Location: Buck n’ Beams Campground & Social House, Cameron, WI
Limit: 60 people
Jamie Nack, Extension Wildlife Outreach Specialist at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, will provide an in-depth look into the extraordinary life of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We’ll explore some of the remarkable feats of this tiny bird and share tips for attracting them to your backyard.
Beasts & Beer: July 5, 2023
Bald Eagles with Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital
Location: Fire Away Roadhouse & Rest Camp, Cameron, WI
Limit: 60 people
Dr. Kim Ammann, veterinarian and rehabilitator of Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital, will share her experience caring for and rehabilitating the Bald Eagles that have come in as patients. Learn more about the common pressures Bald Eagles face in the environment, how she gives medical and surgical care to these large raptors, and how they prepare them to be released back into the wild.
Beasts & Beer: August 2, 2023
Nature Photography with Paul Ostrum
Location: Brickfield Brewing, Grantsburg, WI
Limit: 40 people
Paul Ostrum, US Forest Service retiree and now full-time photographer, will be sharing about his passion for nature photography as well as tips on what and how to capture beautiful photos of animals, such as loons, cranes, waterfowl, and mammals. He may also touch on Night Sky photography as well!
Beasts & Beer: September 6, 2023
Wisconsin Elk with Joshua Spiegel
Location: The Still Bar & Grill, Spooner, WI
Limit: 50 people
Much like most of the eastern United States, Elk were native to the state of Wisconsin. Through multiple reintroduction efforts, this large ungulate has been back on Wisconsin’s landscape for 28 years. Join Joshua Spiegel, Wildlife Biologist for the WI DNR, as he discusses Wisconsin’s elk reintroduction efforts, their current status, hunting and recreational opportunities, and other management in Wisconsin just in time for the 2023 rut!
Beasts & Beer: October 4, 2023
Tracks & Scat with Lauren Finch, WI DNR
Location: Round Man Brewing Co., Spooner, WI
Limit: 60 people
Are you curious what kinds of critters are roaming around in your backyard? Join Natural Resources Educator, Lauren Finch, to learn tips and tricks for identifying common animal tracks and scat that you might find in our area. Participants will learn species like wolf, coyote, fisher, bobcat, and more!
Beasts & Beer: November 1, 2023
Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery
Location: Turtleback Golf Course, Rice Lake, WI
Limit: 70 people
Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery has been an all-volunteer special project of the Minneapolis Audubon Chapter since 2007. Their mission is to slow the decline in red-headed woodpecker population and to help recover suitable habitat conditions for breeding birds. Learn more about red-headed woodpeckers, the project, and their new research findings regarding red-headed woodpecker breeding.
Ways to Register for a Program:
- Select the BROWSE & REGISTER button below to register online. For guidance, please read the step-to-step guide on “How to Sign Up for a Program or Event” via Perfect Mind.
- Call 715-635-6543 & pay via credit card over the phone (Mon-Fri, 9:00am-4:00pm).
- Visit our office. Note: Check and cash are also accepted when registering in-person.