EXPLORITAS® Programs

At Trees For Tomorrow, our courses focus on natural resources and the ecology of the northern forest ecosystem. They are taught by staff faculty and guest lecturers. Classes are held both indoors and out, but our field studies are not especially physically demanding. You will stay on our beautiful Northwoods campus located in the heart of northern Wisconsin's lake country. Our original facility was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original buildings have been modernized, and several new buildings have been added in the past few years to create a campus where rustic charm and contemporary comfort and convenience provide a unique Northwoods experience.

The campus has 30 acres of land with walking trails and is located a few blocks from the city of Eagle River. Eagle River is situated near the largest inland chain of connecting freshwater lakes in the world and lies next to the 600,000 acre Nicolet National Forest, a well-known destination for outdoor recreational activities. Participants have easy access to grocery stores, laundry facilities, restaurants, and shops.

Registration:
The national EXPLORITAS® program requires all participants to register for any program with the national office in Boston, Massachusetts. 1-877-426-8056.

However, we would be glad to help with registration or answer any specific questions you might have about our program or facilities. Call us at 715-479-6456 or send us an email.

To register and receive a complete EXPLORITAS® catalog contact:

EXPLORITAS®
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA   02111-1746
1-877-426-8056

We look forward to hosting you for what we think is one of the most interesting, educational, and fun EXPLORITAS® offerings anywhere!

A Northwoods Skiing and Snowshoeing Adventure
Program #7310AU ~ Jan. 24-30, 2010
Enjoy a week classical skiing and snowshoeing on some of the finest trails in northern Wisconsin. The professional staff at Trees For Tomorrow provides ski instruction for all skill levels. While skiing and snowshoeing, a Trees For Tomorrow naturalist will lead participants through an exploration of the unique ways animals and plants adapt to the difficult winter conditions of the north. Multiple route options will be available for each ski tour. Evening programs will focus on the biology and ecology of animals that call the northwoods home. Fee: $580 double; $610 single.

Northwoods Birding by Trail & Canoe
Program #8609AU ~ May 23-29, 2010
The knowledgeable staff at Trees For Tomorrow will guide the participants through multiple bird habitats. Moderate hiking and/or canoeing is planned each day. Instruction provided is appropriate for all skill levels. Bring your camera, binoculars and a field guide to capture the memories of this special Elderhostel trip. Fee: $599 double; $629 single.

Canoeing Wisconsin’s Northwoods
Program #9700AU ~ June 13-19 and July 25-31, 2010
Boasting more than 1,300 lakes, the glaciated landscape of Vilas County has much to offer water enthusiasts. We will take several day trips to paddle many of the area's pristine lakes and remote rivers, seeing bald eagles and loons along the way. Excursions will be led by our staff of professional naturalists. In the evening, speakers will share their knowledge of the area's wildlife species and unique natural history. An evening paddle also provides an opportunity for reflection in this beautiful environment. Receive thorough canoe instruction that benefits all skill levels. Beginners are encouraged. Fee: $580 double; $610 single.

Enroll After January 27, 2010:

Exploring Woods and Waters of the Northwoods (Intergenerational)
Program #18555AU ~ Aug. 8-13, 2010
Explore the forests and waterways of the Northwoods with your grandchild as you gain experience with outdoor skills. Learn to canoe, then paddle into aquatic ecosystems, hike into the vast forested landscape of northern Wisconsin to see what it contains, and learn to build a fire, construct a shelter, orient yourself with a map and compass, and shoot a bow and arrow. Study the nighttime world of owls and head into the field at night in search of them, then make paper and play lumberjack games as you explore Wisconsin’s logging history. Create a dreamcatcher to learn about the culture of the Native American Ojibwe people, make a leaf-printed t-shirt and a plaster cast of an animal track to take home, view an awesome waterfall and much more.

A Backroads Biking Tour
Program #9698AU ~ Aug. 29 - Sep. 4, 2010
Tour the Northwoods' less-traveled paved roads on your bike with a naturalist from Trees For Tomorrow. The group will stop along the way to explore nature up close and discuss the characteristics of the plants and wildlife found. Multiple route options are available each day and a support van will accompany each tour. Each participant should bring their own bicycle and helmet. Fee: $580 double; $610 single.

Hike Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula Gems
Program #17732AU ~ Sept. 5-11, 2010
The dense forests of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin conceal diverse wildlife and more than 1,500 lakes. Become familiar with this region on naturalist-led hikes among its spectacular natural resources. Venture into the Northwoods habitat of the gray wolf, and encounter dramatic illustrations of geology at work on hikes to unusual land formations in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Learn about owls’ adaptations to darkness on a nocturnal excursion, tread the old-growth forests of the region’s lake trails, and paddle on tranquil Silver Lake as night falls. Human perspectives on this remote corner of the United States emerge in discussions of its mining and logging heritage and a hands-on study of forest management techniques. Participants need a high fitness level for this program. Fee: $580 double; $610 single.

Hiking Northern Wisconsin Forests
Program #12932AU ~ Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2010
Spend your fall days hiking the beautiful forests of northern Wisconsin. The natural colors at this special time of year will provide an amazing view around every bend in the trail. Naturalists from Trees For Tomorrow will provide information on ecology and natural features of the area as they lead participants through the woods. Hikes will vary between 2-5 miles for a half-day trip and 4-8 miles for a whole-day hike. The terrain is flat to slightly hilly. Elevation should not be an issue for participants. Programs exploring a range of topics from northern bogs to wildlife will be provided each evening. Fee: $580 double; $610 single.