Kids on the Prairie

Explore nature’s beauty and surprises!

Kids on the Prairie (KOTP) is for children and their adult family members. Experienced volunteer educators and guides will facilitate a short hike to learn about nature and explore the grounds and trails. This free event is open to members of Holy Wisdom communities and the general public.

2026 Dates 

We offer our Kids on the Prairie programs monthly, April-November. Registration for our May and June programs are now open (click the May or June date in the list below or the button at the bottom). Once the May program is over, the August registration will open. Please register so we know how many people to prepare for.

• April 19 – Signs of Spring. Join us as we look for emergent plants, animals and insects. Depending on the weather, we may find nectar sources for emerging bumble bees and hear frogs calling around Lost Lake. Together we will share in an action to celebrate Earth Day.
• May 17 – Looking at Birds. Migration is happening! Families will have an opportunity for watch birds and see how they spend their time. What are they eating? Bring your binoculars or use ours. We’ll look for bluebirds that nest at the Monastery. Maybe we will hear a Sandhill Crane?
• June 14 – Lost Lake Critters. Who lives in the lake? Take a look at tiny critters that feed other residents of Lost Lake. Observe painted turtles while we explore trails around the lake for signs of other creatures that call this their home.
• No Kids on the Prairie in July. 
• August 9 – Pollinators Everywhere. Explore Wisdom Prairie. See what is blooming and buzzing. Look for flowers everywhere. How many different kinds can you find? What bugs do you see? Why are those Bumble Bees buzzing?
• September 13 – Seeds and Cider. Did you know we have orchards at Holy Wisdom? Join us for collecting prairie seeds, picking apples and making cider. Taste the goodness of organically grown apples. Learn about seeds. Each family group will get some native plant seeds to take home.
• October 11 – The Gift of Trees. Trees are alive all year round. Explore woodlands and savanna. Find out how trees shelter all kinds of critters from winter cold and snow. Listen to the forest. Where to some butterflies, bees, and toads spend the winter? How are all these trees connected to each other?
• November 8 – Celebrate Cycles of Life. Celebrate the 2026 Kids On the Prairie season. We will start with a short walk looking for signs of preparations for winter that include readiness for spring. Then we’ll warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a slide show of memories of the children and adults who made this year so much fun!

Time & Location

Sundays, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Holy Wisdom Monastery
4200 County Road M, Middleton
Meet at the kiosk in the monastery building parking lot. For more information contact Julie Melton, jmelton@uwalumni.com.

Schedule

• 10:30 am – Meet at the monastery building parking lot kiosk
• 10:35 am – Begin walk
• 11:45 am – Return to kiosk

Inclement weather

We do not want attendees to visit during concerning weather, including, but not limited to, extreme heat index, excessive rain, lightning or other inclement weather. In case of inclement weather, please check your email the day of to see if the event is cancelled. Please check your spam folder, just in case. We will send an email by 8:00 am.

Photos

There will be time for parents to opt themselves and/or their children out of photos at the beginning of the event. If you arrive late and want to opt yourself and/or your kids out of photos, please let anyone you see taking photos know beforehand and email Julie Melton within 24 hours after the event ends by emailing jmelton@uwalumni.com.

Registration