Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum

Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum Admission is free. We operate through generous donations from visitors, sponsors, and grants. We want you to be a part of the future.
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Hawthorn Hollow is a 501c3 nonprofit nature sanctuary connecting community to conservation 🌿 Open Tue–Sun 8am–5pm | Free admission | Weddings • Events • Field Trips • Volunteerism | Photo permits required | No pets or bikes | See website for details Hawthorn Hollow is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) nature sanctuary and arboretum open to the public 6 days a week Tuesday through Sunday from March 1s

t through December 23rd. We specialize in education, ecology, preservation, conservation, and astronomy. Help us continue our mission as we strive to make nature and science accessible to ALL. Thanks for visiting and be sure to check out our NEW funds designed to support Astronomy and Education directly. Ecology Fund: https://hawthornhollow.givingfuel.com/conservation-ecology-support

Astronomy Fund: https://hawthornhollow.givingfuel.com/astronomy-education-support

Friends of Hawthorn Hollow, Become a Member: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554286216890

🌸 Discover What’s Blooming at Hawthorn Hollow! 🌸Join us this Saturday June 27 at 10 am for a FREE Wildflower Walk at Haw...
06/23/2026

🌸 Discover What’s Blooming at Hawthorn Hollow! 🌸

Join us this Saturday June 27 at 10 am for a FREE Wildflower Walk at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum with our Conservation Land Manager, Nicole Zeisler! 🌿

Explore the prairies and woodlands as we identify seasonal wildflowers, including some unusual and beautiful blooms. Learn why these plants grow here, how they support the ecosystem, and what makes Hawthorn Hollow such a special habitat for native species.

📸 Don’t forget your camera — there will be plenty of photo-worthy flowers and scenery along the way!

Admission is FREE (donations gratefully accepted).

Registration is required.

Reserve your spot today: https://hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/wildflowers-of-the-season-2026



Photos by Emily Leonard

☀️ The summer solstice marks the official start of astronomical summer and the longest day of the year in the Northern H...
06/21/2026

☀️ The summer solstice marks the official start of astronomical summer and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It happens when the Earth's axis tilts toward the sun at its maximum angle of about 23.44°, causing the sun to reach its highest point in the sky.
Let’s learn about the word Solstice! The Sun "Stands Still": The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and stitium (to stop or stand still). It is the peak of the sun's annual climb higher in the sky, after which its path will gradually begin to lower.
A great spot to visit to interact with the sun is our sundial, it’s located directly behind our Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow!
Happy Summer Solstice ☀️

🎣 The fish are biting at Pollywog Pond! 🐟Kids and adults are having a blast catching bass, bluegill, and even catfish du...
06/20/2026

🎣 The fish are biting at Pollywog Pond! 🐟

Kids and adults are having a blast catching bass, bluegill, and even catfish during field trips, summer camps, and educational programs.

***Please note: Fishing and access to Pollywog Pond is allowed for programs and field trips only.

Fishing is more than just fun- it helps people connect with nature, build confidence and patience, learn about local wildlife, and create lasting outdoor memories. In a world filled with screens, these hands-on experiences inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

To help more beginning anglers enjoy Pollywog Pond, we're looking for donations of fishing gear, especially:

✅ Weighted bobbers (easier to cast)
✅ Closed-face reels (great for beginners)
✅ Jig heads
✅ Fishing line (4–15 lb test preferred)

We welcome any fishing-related donations!

If you'd like to donate, please contact Hawthorn Hollow's Education Manager and Naturalist, Ryan Retzke, at [email protected].

Thank you for helping us create unforgettable outdoor experiences and connect people with the joy of fishing and nature! 🌿🎣💚

***Please note: Fishing and access to Pollywog Pond is allowed for programs and field trips only.

✨💛 Lights Off for the Fireflies 💛✨Did you know that fireflies depend on darkness to survive?Those magical flashes we lov...
06/19/2026

✨💛 Lights Off for the Fireflies 💛✨

Did you know that fireflies depend on darkness to survive?
Those magical flashes we love to see on warm summer nights are actually part of their courtship ritual. Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs and glow-worms ("glowworms" are usually the flightless females or the larvae (juveniles), use bioluminescent light signals to find and attract mates.

Unfortunately, artificial outdoor lighting can drown out their signals, making it harder for them to find each other and reproduce. 🌌

Here in Wisconsin, adult fireflies are active from May through August, with the most important courtship hours happening at dusk and just after sunset. That means the best thing we can do to help is simple:

💡 Turn off outdoor lights from dusk to dawn, especially during June, July, and August.

Helping fireflies also supports entire nighttime ecosystems. Moths and other nocturnal insects rely on darkness, bats depend on those insects for food, and many nighttime pollinators help plants thrive.

Every porch light switched off helps bring back the magic of glowing summer nights. ✨🐞
Learn more about how light pollution effects the ecosystem in your own backyard at: https://www.lightsoutwi.org/

Our final FREE For the Birds event is a week away, brought to you by Wild Birds Unlimited and the Hoy Audubon Society!Jo...
06/18/2026

Our final FREE For the Birds event is a week away, brought to you by Wild Birds Unlimited and the Hoy Audubon Society!

Join us on Thursday, June 25 at 5:30 PM for All About Bluebirds, an engaging evening dedicated to one of our favorite backyard birds! Hoy Audubon Society’s Rick Fare will share insights into the bluebird life cycle, breeding behaviors, habitat needs, and the proper placement and maintenance of nest boxes to help these beautiful birds thrive. Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of birding, this free program is a wonderful opportunity to learn how you can support bluebird conservation right in your own community.

Admission is FREE, but registration is required to reserve your spot.

Register today: https://hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/for-the-birds

A special thank you to Wild Birds Unlimited and Hoy Audubon Society for sponsoring these programs and making them free for our community! We appreciate their support in helping connect people with nature and inspiring a love of birds in all ages! 💙🌿

Second Week of Nature Camp Now Available! 🌿📅 August 18–21, 2026Due to overwhelming demand and our first week selling out...
06/17/2026

Second Week of Nature Camp Now Available! 🌿

📅 August 18–21, 2026
Due to overwhelming demand and our first week selling out, we're excited to offer a second week of Nature Camp at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary!

Designed for curious kids ages 6–11, this small-group camp (limited to just 10 participants) provides a fun, hands-on opportunity to explore the natural world alongside our knowledgeable Naturalist.

What to Expect:
Campers will discover nature up close by flipping logs, digging in the dirt, wading through streams, and getting hands-on with frogs, fish, and other wildlife. Each day is filled with outdoor exploration, creative projects, and opportunities to learn through experience.

Campers will receive a Hawthorn Hollow Camp T-shirt on the first day.
Snacks and water are provided. Please bring a packed lunch each day.

Please Note:
Families registering for both weeks should be aware that the overall camp activities and structure will be very similar each week. However, because nature is always changing, the wildlife, discoveries, and experiences campers encounter may be different from one week to the next.

Spots are limited, so don't wait!

Learn more and register here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/FIZ0U5m831NngJOv5w8GwQ
We can't wait to spend a few amazing days exploring, learning, and making memories in the great outdoors!

Our first Wellness at Hawthorn Hollow event is tomorrow night! Join us Thursday June 18 at 6 pm for Consciousness In Na...
06/17/2026

Our first Wellness at Hawthorn Hollow event is tomorrow night! Join us Thursday June 18 at 6 pm for Consciousness In Nature: Mindful Hiking Creating Eco Wellness

Reconnect with yourself and the natural world through a guided mindful hiking experience with Pam Grubb of Mindful Yoga. Surrounded by the beauty of the creek, woods, and prairie, this gentle wellness program encourages healthy habits while fostering a deeper sense of harmony with nature. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and reducing stress responses, mindful hiking can help restore balance, improve focus, and support emotional wellness.

Participants will gather at the Nature Center before heading out on Hawthorn Hollow’s scenic trails. Please dress for the weather and note that trails can be uneven.

Looking for more ways to nurture your mind and body outdoors? Join us later this summer for Prairie Yoga: Mind & Body in Nature on July 9 and August 6, and Yoga & Meditation on the Trail on September 17.

$25 per person. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit: hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/wellness-at-hawthorn-hollow-2026

Our first wildflower walk of the year is just a couple weeks away, and it's FREE! Join us for a FREE wildflower walk ( ...
06/15/2026

Our first wildflower walk of the year is just a couple weeks away, and it's FREE!

Join us for a FREE wildflower walk ( donations gratefully accepted) and look for the flowers of the season with Hawthorn Hollow’s Land Manager Nicole Zeisler. You'll see what's in bloom in our prairies and woodlands and get to identify unusual flowers. Walk the grounds of Hawthorn Hollow and see and learn about different wildflower species, why they grow here, and how they affect the rest of our ecosystem. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Registration is required, please visit https://hawthornhollow.ticketspice.com/wildflowers-of-the-season-2026

What a night! the Pike River Benefit Concert Series, presented by Third Coast Retina, kicked off Friday night with TRiP...
06/15/2026

What a night! the Pike River Benefit Concert Series, presented by Third Coast Retina, kicked off Friday night with TRiP, and they blew the roof off the place!

A huge thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who really stepped up after setup was delayed due to last week's severe weather. Their hard work is what made such a beautiful night possible. Thank you, we couldn't do it without you!

Thanks also to the Friends of Hawthorn Hollow for their neverending support, and to the boys in TRiP for donating their time and talents!

The 2026 Pike River Benefit Concert Series will continue with the timeless outlaw country of the Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane on Friday, July 10, the heartfelt melodies of Ben Mulwana & the Village on Friday, August 7, and the southern-fried jams of OneWay Out Allman Brothers on Friday, Sept 25.

All shows start at 6pm in the Hawthorn Hollow Amphitheater, with gates open at 5. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door (cash only, please). Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Carry-in food and beverages are not allowed. All proceeds benefit Hawthorn Hollow.

The Pike River Benefit Concert Series is presented by Third Coast Retina, and supported by Crane Plumbing Services, Educators Credit Union and Festival Foods.

We're also sponsored by Mindful Yoga, Equinox botanical boutique (10 years as a sponsor!), Alpaca Arts, Peacetree Original, Kessler’s Clock Co., EcoHaul Wisconsin LLC, Daniels Chiropractic Office, Impact Networking, Creative Designs Custom Signs, LLC, Design Partners, Inc., and T-Mac's Saloon. Thank you for your support!

🌻 Have you visited Hawthorn Hollow’s Heritage Farm lately? If not, now is a great time to explore!Park in the first park...
06/13/2026

🌻 Have you visited Hawthorn Hollow’s Heritage Farm lately? If not, now is a great time to explore!

Park in the first parking lot on your left as you enter Hawthorn Hollow and enjoy all the farm has to offer. Kids and families can explore the labyrinth, sound wall, weather station, mud kitchen, insect hotel, chicken coop, and beautiful vegetable and flower gardens, with plenty more to discover along the way.

The mud kitchen has recently been refreshed and is ready for visitors to enjoy!
For nearly 10 years, Heritage Farm has been supported by SC Johnson, A Family Company and the Racine Community Foundation , whose generosity has helped make this special space a place for families to learn, play, and connect with nature. In recent years, additional support from the John J. and Ruth F. Kloss Charitable Trust has helped the farm continue to grow and serve the community.

Please remember that the farm is a shared space and help keep it welcoming for everyone by cleaning up and returning items when you're finished.

Come explore and enjoy Heritage Farm! 🌱🐓🦋

Address

880 Green Bay Road
Kenosha, WI
53144

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12625528196

Website

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