Treehaven Facility | Tomahawk, WI
September 9 – 11, 2026 | Save the Date
Registration Available in Early June
Details
Join us for “Chasing Autumn,” an unforgettable overnight camp experience for adults at the beautiful Treehaven Facility in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. From September 9-11, 2026, enjoy the splendor of the fall season with a range of fun outdoor activities. Enjoy birding, crafting, kayaking, hiking, and dutch oven cooking in a serene and picturesque setting. Connect with nature, learn new skills, and make lasting memories on this autumn adventure!
Treehaven Facility
Treehaven’s facilities rest on an ancient glacial ridge overlooking 1,400 acres of forest and wetland habitat that hosts an abundance of wildlife species including osprey, deer, black bear, wolf, coyote, and fisher.
They called this land “Treehaven”, and under their care and supervision, the Kummers planted nearly 140,000 trees on the property, ultimately creating one of the nation’s finest examples of sustainable forest management by a private landowner. Following Gordon Kummer’s death, Dorothy remarried a Milwaukee school science teacher named Jacque Vallier, also an avid conservationist. The Valliers eventually donated the land to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and helped mold Treehaven into the leading natural resources education and conference facility it is today. It now provides education and training to more current and future natural resource managers than any other center in the United States.
Registration Information
Available in May
Included in Event Price
Price includes:
- Six sessions selected in advance
- Two evening presentations
- Lodging for two nights
- Two breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners
- Session presenters
*Sponsorship funds allow us to price this event lower than actual costs. If you would like to be a sponsor click here
September 9, 2026
Session A | 1 – 3 p.m.
Session A1: Wander & Wonder- Forest Bathing in the Northwoods (Sessions A and B)
Led by: Anne Rogalski and Mara Prausa
Step into the quiet beauty of the Northwoods through the practice of Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku—a Japanese approach to slowing down, engaging the senses, and connecting more deeply with the natural world. Designed to encourage relaxation, reflection, and renewal, this session offers an opportunity to unplug, wander with intention, and rediscover a sense of wonder in the woods. While last year’s experience focused on engaging the four senses, this year participants will explore a new guiding theme that offers a fresh perspective on mindfulness and connection in nature. Covers Sessions A and B.
Session A2: Craft- Fabric Dying with Plants
Led by: Becky Wirkus and Rebecca Bauer
Try your hand at Eco printing. Bring along a shirt, towel, or socks that are made from 100% natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk or wool. We will use plant material to dye the fabric. Bring your creative vibes.
Session A3: Campfire Storycraft- Shaping Spooky, Funny, and Heartfelt Autumn Tales
Led by: Maud Kelly
Everyone has a story that belongs by a fire. In this lively, supportive workshop, participants learn how to shape a 3–5 minute autumn‑themed story — spooky, funny, nostalgic, or simply true. Using accessible Moth‑style storytelling principles, we’ll explore how to find the heart of a story, build tension, add sensory detail, and land a satisfying ending. Through playful prompts, partner sharing, and gentle coaching, each participant will leave with a polished short story ready to tell aloud. Ghost stories are welcome, but so are family legends, fall traditions, and those small seasonal moments that stay with us.
Session B | 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Session B1: Wander & Wonder- Forest Bathing in the Northwoods (Sessions A and B)
Led by: Anne Rogalski and Mara Prausa
Step into the quiet beauty of the Northwoods through the practice of Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku—a Japanese approach to slowing down, engaging the senses, and connecting more deeply with the natural world. Designed to encourage relaxation, reflection, and renewal, this session offers an opportunity to unplug, wander with intention, and rediscover a sense of wonder in the woods. While last year’s experience focused on engaging the four senses, this year participants will explore a new guiding theme that offers a fresh perspective on mindfulness and connection in nature. Covers Sessions A and B.
Session B2: Nature Shadow Box
Led by: Becky Wirkus and Rebecca Bauer
Create a landscape portrait in a shadow box with real plant materials and your creative touch. $6 Add-on cost for supplies.
Session B3: Campfire Storybooks- A Handmade Companion for Your Campfire Tale
Led by: Maud Kelly
In this cozy, creative workshop, participants turn their campfire story into a beautiful handmade keepsake. We’ll make simple, charming mini‑books using folded structures, collage materials, stamps, printed text, and natural elements gathered from the grounds. No art experience needed — the focus is on play, texture, and personal expression. Participants can include snippets of their story along with illustrations, leaf rubbings, etc.. Everyone leaves with a one‑of‑a‑kind storybook that captures the spirit of their tale.
Evening Program | Bird Banding and Research
Bird Banding and Research
Presented by Jason Riddle and Student Team
Join us to explore the purpose and process of bird banding, a vital tool in avian research and conservation. Learn about the diverse projects conducted by faculty and students at UW–Stevens Point, and how this work contributes to understanding bird species diversity, population dynamics, migration patterns, and survival rates. Participants will also have the opportunity to see and handle the specialized equipment commonly used in bird banding studies.
September 10, 2026
Session C | 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Session C1: Ice Age Trail- Harrison Hills and Parish Hills Segments (Sessions C, D, and E – all day/ sack lunch provided)
Led by: Anne Rogalski and Mara Prausa
For hikers intrigued by one of the most epic and memorable sections of the Ice Age Trail. This roller coaster, hilly section is 14 miles long, however, our legs will decide how far we go. Covers Session C, D, and E.
Session C2: Get Growing- Make Your Own Seed Bombs! – $5 Add on cost for supplies
Led by: Janelle Wehr
Have you ever heard of seed bombing? It’s a creative, hands-on way to bring new plant life to the world around you. Seed bombs are small bundles of packed soil or clay mixed with seeds. They can be tossed by hand in a backyard or neighborhood or even dropped from aircraft to restore vegetation across larger landscapes. In this activity, participants will take a closer look at native plants, their benefits to our landscapes, and the role they play in supporting local ecosystems. Then we’ll put that knowledge to work by crafting seed bombs to take home and grow. A simple, satisfying way to connect with nature and do a little good for the environment.
Session C3: Geocaching- Explore the world or find treasure
Led by: Becky Wirkus and Rebecca Bauer
Learn how to use technology to go on a scavenger hunt. Explore new areas, find treasure with your family and friends, and discover awe inspiring views.
Session D | 1 – 3 p.m.
Session D1: Ice Age Trail- Harrison Hills and Parish Hills Segments (Sessions C, D, and E – all day/ sack lunch provided)
Led by: Anne Rogalski and Mara Prausa
For hikers intrigued by one of the most epic and memorable sections of the Ice Age Trail. This roller coaster, hilly section is 14 miles long, however, our legs will decide how far we go. Covers Session C, D, and E.
Session D2: Get Growing- Make Your Own Seed Bombs! – $5 Add on cost for supplies
Led by: Janelle Wehr
Have you ever heard of seed bombing? It’s a creative, hands-on way to bring new plant life to the world around you. Seed bombs are small bundles of packed soil or clay mixed with seeds. They can be tossed by hand in a backyard or neighborhood or even dropped from aircraft to restore vegetation across larger landscapes. In this activity, participants will take a closer look at native plants, their benefits to our landscapes, and the role they play in supporting local ecosystems. Then we’ll put that knowledge to work by crafting seed bombs to take home and grow. A simple, satisfying way to connect with nature and do a little good for the environment.
Session D3: Nature Shadow Box
Led by: Becky Wirkus
Create a landscape portrait in a shadow box with real plant materials and your creative touch.
Session E | 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Session E1: Ice Age Trail- Harrison Hills and Parish Hills Segments (Sessions C, D, and E – all day/ sack lunch provided)
Led by: Anne Rogalski and Mara Prausa
For hikers intrigued by one of the most epic and memorable sections of the Ice Age Trail. This roller coaster, hilly section is 14 miles long, however, our legs will decide how far we go. Covers Session C, D, and E.
Session E2: Get Growing- Make Your Own Seed Bombs! – $5 Add on cost for supplies
Led by: Janelle Wehr
Have you ever heard of seed bombing? It’s a creative, hands-on way to bring new plant life to the world around you. Seed bombs are small bundles of packed soil or clay mixed with seeds. They can be tossed by hand in a backyard or neighborhood or even dropped from aircraft to restore vegetation across larger landscapes. In this activity, participants will take a closer look at native plants, their benefits to our landscapes, and the role they play in supporting local ecosystems. Then we’ll put that knowledge to work by crafting seed bombs to take home and grow. A simple, satisfying way to connect with nature and do a little good for the environment
Session E3: Supporting Bees and Pollinators
Led by: Paul Whitaker
There are about 400 species of bees in Wisconsin, all of whom provide pollination to native plants and/or crops. In this session, Paul will share a bit about the life histories of native bees to understand how they are affected by habitat loss, non-native species, and pesticides. He’ll bring some actual specimens for you to view, to help you begin to recognize native bees and differentiate them from similar-looking insects. Weather permitting, we’ll observe some flowering plants outside to see who’s visiting them. We’ll wrap up the session by discussing “bee hotels” and providing time for you to assemble some components of a bee hotels that you can take home and put out next spring.
Evening Program | Why this Landscape Exists – Reading the Ice Age Trail
Why This Landscape Exists- Reading the Ice Age Trail
Presented by Lisa Siewert
Discover the story written into the Wisconsin landscape. This interactive session explores the glacial history that shaped the region and helps participants recognize features like kettles, moraines, and glacial erratics in the world around them. Through visuals, discussion, and accessible storytelling, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how glaciers transformed the landscape—and a new way to see what surrounds them.
September 11, 2026
Session F | 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Session F1: The Art of Sourdough- From Starter to Loaf – $5 Add on cost for supplies
Led by: Mara Prausa
Discover the rewarding process of baking with sourdough in this hands-on class designed for beginners and curious home bakers alike. Learn how to care for and maintain a healthy starter, understand the step-by-step bread-making process, and explore creative ways to use sourdough discard in delicious everyday recipes. From bubbly starter to fresh-baked loaf, you’ll gain the confidence to bring the art of sourdough baking into your own kitchen.
Session F2: Geocaching- Explore the world or find treasure
Led by: Becky Wirkus and Rebecca Bauer
Learn how to use technology to go on a scavenger hunt. Explore new areas, find treasure with your family and friends, and discover awe inspiring views.
Session F3: The Serviceberry by Robin Kimmerer
Led by: Anne Rogalski
Anne enjoys reading this book by Robin Kimmerer once a year and is always excited to discuss it with others! Readers should come prepared (read book ahead of time) and ready to partake in dialogue and book related activities.
What should I know about my stay?
Here is what you need to know about your stay
Are there triple and quad rooms? Or doubles and singles?
Each room has two bunk beds. We recommend two people sharing a room, unless you have people who enjoy climbing up and down ladders. Currently, you can register for a single room or a double room. All rooms have the same bed arrangement.
Are bathrooms located inside the rooms or down the hall?
The bathroom is en suite, but there are also public restrooms in the hallway.
Is the cafeteria in the same building as the classes? Can they handle food allergies?
The cafeteria is in a separate building, a few feet away. All indoor classes are in the same building. Yes, food service can accommodate food allergies.
Is there a salad bar at both lunch and dinner?
Yes, there is a salad bar for dinner and for lunch.
Is kayaking done on your own or with guidance?
The pond is not very big, so everyone can see each other. Two certified leaders supervise everything.
Is the kayak launch area close by?
Yes, put in is in a shallow beach, with the kayaks nearby.
Is LIFE membership something you have to pay for every year?
You do not need to be a LIFE Member to attend Chasing Autumn, but you will receive a discount if you are a LIFE Member. For more information, see our LIFE program which has semester long memberships.
Sponsors
Harvest Sponsor $100 | Supports supplies and materials for camper activities: Logo featured on our webpage, verbal acknowledgment during session introductions
Trailhead Sponsor $250 | Supports one class presenter: Logo featured on camp signage, opportunity to provide swag on a flyer for camper folders, recognition as “What to Do in the Treehaven Area” partner in Chasing Autumn materials, includes all benefits listed above
Campfire Sponsor $500 | Helps offset camper meal expenses: Meal and/or guided hike for two sponsor representatives experience the impact firsthand, logo featured on camper name tags, includes all benefits listed above
Northwoods Sponsor $1000 | Helps offset camper lodging expenses: Opportunity to lead an instructional, hands-on session aligned with Chasing Autumn, includes all benefits listed above
Contact Information
For additional information or assistance with registration, please email Customer Service at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu or call 715-346-3838.
Cancellation Policy
Since we make financial commitments in advance, no refunds will be issued for cancellations. However, you may send a substitute in your place. Please email us at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu to inform us of the substitution.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Please contact Continuing Education and Outreach at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.
