__________________________________
CURRENT SERIES
SPRING/SUMMER SERIES 2026:
THE WORLD AROUND US
For this series of presentations, we’re exploring the natural world around us and how we can meaningfully and safely navigate the beautiful landscapes that surround us in the northwoods. Each session will be followed by a Q&A. All events are free and open to the public and will be held at The Hilgermann Center (25 S. Brown St. in downtown Rhinelander).
The views expressed during these lectures are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Hilgermann Center. All organizers, speakers and participants are expected to remain civil and respectful when engaging with these topics.
Recordings of previous lectures are available upon request by reaching out to us here.
_________________________________
SESSION 1 | CONSERVATION'S POOR COUSINS: A CULTURAL INTROSPECTION ON WISCONSIN'S WETLANDS
April 21, 7PM | Aaron Marti
Join Aquatic and Wetland Ecologist Aaron Marti in an exploration of the history and regional to global significance of oft misunderstood and undervalued natural resources—the wetland natural communities of the Northwoods and beyond.
_________________________________
SESSION 2 |FUNGAL ALLIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NORTHWOODS KINGDOM
May 12, 7PM | Emilymae King
Join Emilymae—Mycological Herbalist, Outdoor Education Director, and Board Member of the Wisconsin Mycological Society—for an immersive dive into the world of fungi. This lecture begins with simple identification features, blending the safety habits of a field mycologist and foraging tips in the Northwoods.
Participants will learn what an ethical foraging and tree associations to the ecological role of the mycelial web. Whether you are seeking a deeper connection to the Northwoods or looking to safely harvest your first edible, Emilymae shares the foundational tools and personal stories from her own transformative journey with our fungal allies.
__________________________________
SESSION 3 | THE SKINNY ON WISCONSIN LAKES: HOW LAKES WORK AND WHY WISCONSIN'S ARE EXTRA SPECIAL
June 16, 7PM | Carol Warden
Limnologist Carol Warden will talk us through the basics of how lakes change from season to season and from year to year. The beauty of our lakes is something that demands stewardship and protection. Her research contributes to a long-term ecological research project that's been going strong for the last 45 years. We've learned a lot about our lakes over that time.
Carol has been studying lakes since 2007. In 2010 she moved to the Northwoods for a full-time research position with UW Trout Lake Station and partnered with WI DNR. She received her Master's Degree in Science in 2010 through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW Madison. In her free time she loves to play outside, especially on water.
__________________________________
SESSION 4 |THE PRINCIPLES AND SCIENCE OF AN URBAN FOOD FOREST
July 14, 7PM | Tom Jerow
Rhinelander’s City Forester, Tom Jerow, will first offer an overview of Rhinelander’s urban forestry program and then take a deep dive into an urban food forest landscape. An urban food forest (also known as an edible forest garden) is a permaculture-inspired garden within a city that mimics the structure and functions of a natural forest ecosystem while producing edible plants. The city is developing a public food forest with a grant from the USDA Forest Service through the Wisconsin DNR. The permaculture principles of a food forest can also be applied in a small urban backyard.
Tom Jerow worked for the Wisconsin DNR for 34 years and holds a degree in Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
__________________________________
PREVIOUS SERIES
