Citizen Science Programs
Participate in a Citizen Science project at Hunt Hill! Citizen Science empowers the curious and concerned to collect valuable data that contributes to specific scientific research.
DETAILS
Program Fee: Free
Location: Richard Grand Recreation Hall, Hunt Hill Nature Center
WHAT TO EXPECT
Restrooms will be available for use in the shower house throughout the program.
Accessibility: Accessibility varies depending on the project.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Friday, February 13, 2026
7:30 am – 9:30 am
Great Backyard Bird Count
Registration not required.
Join us for a relaxed and fun bird-counting party at the Hunt Hill office! Whether you’re brand-new to birding or a seasoned birder, this casual gathering is a great way to enjoy community, share tips, and learn from one another. Sage will demonstrate how to use Merlin and eBird to identify birds and confidently submit your checklists. After practicing together, you might even feel inspired to conduct your own bird count at home this weekend and contribute to this exciting worldwide event!
No prior experience needed. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Binoculars and bird identification resources will be available, but feel free to bring your own if you have some.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
5:30 am – 7:30 am
Annual Midwest Crane Count
Register Here Registration required by April 16.
Each spring, the Annual Midwest Crane Count welcomes more than 2,000 citizen-scientist volunteers across the upper Midwest for a coordinated effort to monitor crane populations. Spanning seven Midwestern states, the Count tracks both Sandhill Crane and Whooping Crane populations, helping conservationists understand not just where cranes occur, but how their numbers change over time.
If you live in Washburn County (or are willing to drive here before sunrise), you are invited to join us! As a volunteer, your role will help estimate crane populations by surveying a specific pre-established plot. The data from this count provides researchers with information on crane abundance, distribution, and habitat use.
Join us and help make a difference for cranes!
Friday, April 24, 2026
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Frog Call Count
Registration not required.
Join Hunt Hill to learn how to identify different types of frog calls at this citizen science program! After an overview of frog calls, we will go out to a nearby pond to count the number of different types of calls. By the end of this program, you will know how to conduct your own citizen science frog call phenology survey on your own property.
No prior experience needed. Please dress appropriately for the weather and mosquitoes.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Bluebird Nest Watch Training
Registration not required.
Hunt Hill maintains 25 bluebird nest boxes throughout the prairie and surrounding open areas. From May through the end of July, dedicated volunteers monitor these boxes to track nesting success and help ensure they remain safe, healthy places for birds to raise their young.
During the Bluebird Nest Watch Training, participants will gain hands-on experience checking nest boxes, cleaning them, and performing routine maintenance. Whether you’re simply curious about how nest monitoring works or interested in becoming a volunteer, all are welcome to join and learn how to support our local bluebird population.
No prior experience needed. Please dress appropriately for the weather and mosquitoes.
Friday, June 5, 2026
8:45 pm – 9:45 pm
Bat Roost Count
Registration not required.
Join us in tracking local bat populations by participating in our annual roost count! Experience the wonder of dusk as you monitor your assigned bat roosting site, observe bats emerging for their nightly flights, and contribute valuable data to ongoing conservation efforts.
This count is the pre-volancy count, which occurs before the baby bats are ready to fly. This gives us an estimate of the number of adult bats that are using the roost this summer.
No prior experience needed. Please dress appropriately for the weather and mosquitoes.
Friday, July 10, 2026
8:45 pm – 9:45 pm
Bat Roost Count
Registration not required.
Join us in tracking local bat populations by participating in our annual roost count! Experience the wonder of dusk as you monitor your assigned bat roosting site, observe bats emerging for their nightly flights, and contribute valuable data to ongoing conservation efforts.
This count is the post-volancy count, which occurs after the juvenile bats have begun flying. This gives us an estimate of the number of both adult and juvenile bats that are using the roost this summer and gives us a glimpse of the change in population from early to late summer.
No prior experience needed. Please dress appropriately for the weather and mosquitoes.
Saturday, December 19, 2026
7:45 am – 10:45 am
Christmas Bird Count
Register Here Registration required by December 17.
Join the National Audubon Society’s 127th Christmas Bird Count, the world’s longest-running citizen-science bird survey! Participants venture out along pre-defined routes within a 15-mile circle to count every bird they see or hear, or they can observe birds from home at feeders. Hunt Hill coordinates the Birchwood Circle, which covers the much of Long Lake, Madge, Birchwood, Sarona, and Stone Lake.
The count is open to everyone, from experienced birders to complete beginners. Your observations contribute to more than a century of data used by scientists and conservationists to track bird populations, monitor changes in habitats, and guide conservation efforts. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, learn more about local birds, or make a meaningful contribution to wildlife science, the Christmas Bird Count is an opportunity to experience the joy of birding while helping protect our feathered friends.
WAYS TO REGISTER
Online
Register online by clicking the button.
Visit this page for a quick tutorial on how to register.
Phone
Call the office between 9 am & 4 pm on weekdays to register over the phone. We can take credit card payment over the phone.
715-635-6543
In-Person
Stop by the office between 9 am & 4 pm on weekdays to register in person or mail a check.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Programs under $25/person
- Participants who cancel online or notify Hunt Hill by email or phone at least 48 hours before the program or event will receive a refund minus a 10% processing fee.*
- Participants can choose to receive their refund via their payment method or keep it as a credit** for a future program.
- Participants who cancel less than 48 hours before the program will not receive a refund or credit.
Programs over $25/person
- Participants who cancel online or notify Hunt Hill by email or phone, at least 15 days before the day of the program or event will receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee.*
- Participants who cancel less than 15 days will not receive a refund or credit, unless their spot can be filled by another participant. If filled, a refund will be issued minus a 10% processing fee.*
- Participants who cancel 48 hours or less before the program will not receive a refund or credit.
Spanish Camp
Refunds will follow the same procedures as the ‘Programs Over $25/person’, except that:
- If a participant cancels less than 15 days before the first day of Spanish Camp and the spot cannot be filled, the participant will receive a ½ refund (no additional 10% processing fee assessed).
- If a participant has to leave during the week of camp, a refund of $50/night will be refunded.
Hunt Hill cancelations
If Hunt Hill has to cancel a program or event, all paid registrants will receive a full refund or credit.
*There is no processing fee assessed on refunds kept as credit or when the participant paid with cash or check.
**Credits can be held until December 31 of the year the cancellation was made. After that, credit is forfeited. Hunt Hill is unable to offer refunds for credits requested and not used.