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Heritage in the Northwoods: Why We Bring Fur Trapping to Forest Fest

 

In collaboration with Mike Kortenhof, Wisconsin Trappers Association

 

When we first began our journey with Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), we knew we had found a partner that understood the deep roots of Wisconsin’s history. As fur trappers and demonstrators, our goal is to keep a vital part of our Northwoods heritage alive, and there is no better place to do that than under the canopy of the TFT campus.

 

A Partnership Rooted in Respect

Our partnership with Trees For Tomorrow started because we share a common goal: education through experience. While TFT focuses on the science of the forest and sustainable management, we provide a look at the history and the practical skills that have shaped this region for centuries. Being a partner of TFT means being part of a legacy. We aren't just there to show off furs; we are there because TFT provides a platform where traditional outdoor skills and modern conservation science meet. They understand that to protect our future forests, we have to respect the history of the people who lived and worked within them.

 

Bridging the Gap for K-12 Students

Trapping is a unique educational tool for K-12 students because it requires a profound understanding of biology, ecology, and habitat. To be a successful and ethical trapper, one must learn to "read the landscape"—identifying tracks, understanding food sources, and recognizing the seasonal behaviors of wildlife.

 

For students, this isn't just a history lesson; it's a lesson in stewardship. It encourages them to think critically about the balance of nature, furbearer management, and the ethical responsibility we have toward the animals and the land. By engaging with these traditional skills, students develop a tangible connection to the environment that textbooks simply cannot replicate.

 

Empowering Learners through SOLE

This hands-on approach aligns perfectly with the School Outdoor Learning Experiences (SOLE) for K-12 model. Trapping naturally presents "big questions" about our ecosystem: How do we maintain a healthy balance between different species? What role do predators play in our local forests? In a SOLE-inspired setting, students aren't just told the answers; they are encouraged to investigate, observe, and discover the solutions themselves. Whether they are examining a pelt to learn about animal adaptations or discussing the ethics of wildlife management, they are leading their own learning process. This inquiry-based discovery fosters a sense of curiosity and self-empowerment that stays with them long after they leave the TFT campus.

 

About the Wisconsin Trappers Association

Our work is supported by the Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA), an organization dedicated to preserving our trapping heritage through education and ethical furbearer management. The WTA works closely with the DNR and the public to ensure that these historic skills remain a viable part of Wisconsin’s conservation efforts. For those interested in learning more about trapper education, conservation projects, or how to get involved in preserving this Northwoods tradition, please visit the WTA website at www.wistrap.org.

 

Join Us at Forest Fest 2026

We encourage any demonstrator, exhibitor, or family to join us for this year's celebration. Forest Fest 2026 will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Trees For Tomorrow campus in Eagle River. It is a free, biennial event featuring logging equipment demos, horse-drawn wagon rides, chainsaw carving, and hands-on activities for all ages. It’s more than just an event; it’s a community gathering that strengthens our connection to the resources we rely on.

 

For us, Forest Fest is the highlight of the season. It’s a day where the "story" of the woods truly comes to life. What makes the event unique is the curiosity of the visitors. We’ve found that the families who attend aren't just looking for entertainment—they are looking for a connection to the land. We’ve had the privilege of seeing that "aha!" moment in a child’s eyes when they touch a pelt for the first time or learn how trappers helped map the very trails we walk today. That bridge between history and the modern day is exactly what Forest Fest is all about. More information available at: https://treesfortomorrow.com/Forest-Fest/

 

   

Bringing the wild to the classroom! 🦊

Huge thanks to the Wisconsin Trappers Association for their generous donation of pelts to Trees For Tomorrow. These high-quality specimens will be vital tools for our SOLE K-12 programming, giving students a unique, tactile way to learn about Wisconsin’s native furbearers and forest ecology