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Bong Naturalist Association (BNA) is so pleased that you are here!  

We are the Friend’s Group that supports Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA.)  We offer a variety of programs for visitors of all ages and help to fund park improvements for all to enjoy.  Please scroll down to see BNA News and be sure to click on the Calendar of Events tab for upcoming events at RBSRA!  Just a reminder that a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker or a daily entrance fee is required to enter the park

Sunrise Campground – Opens Friday, March 22th:

 You know that Spring is on the way when RBSRA’s Sunrise Campground opens!  Our park staff as well as our dedicated camp hosts and volunteers have been busy getting Sunrise ready for the start of the camping season. 

Weather permitting – both the Sunrise campground showers and the park dump station will be open.  Firewood is sold year-round at the Molinaro Visitor Center/Headquarters parking lot through a firewood vending machine which is open 24/7. You can pay with any major credit card or debit card, but sorry, not by cash.

For RBSRA camping rules, maps of Sunrise Campground and Sunset Campground (opening on Thursday, May 23rd) and additional information on our accessible cabin, please click on the following link:  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/richardbong/recreation/camping

All sites must be reserved via the DNR Camping Reservations system at:  https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com/

Stop by the Visitor Center on Saturdays at 2:00 pm for our Live Snake Encounter!  Watch as our education fax snake, Mickey, is fed a mouse.  You may even get a chance to touch/hold our education snakes.

Other events are listed on the Calendar of Events tab on this website, our Bong Naturalist Association FaceBook page and on the DNR/RBSRA calendar

Aldo Leopold Benches for Sale!

In celebration of Aldo Leopold and the 75th anniversary of A Sand County Almanac, BNA is selling Aldo Leopold Benches!

These beautifully hand-crafted cedar-tone benches are available in 3-foot or 4-foot lengths. Dimensions: 4 ft = 51”(w) x 29”(h) x 27”(d); 3 ft = 39”(w) x 29”(h) x 27”(d)

Benches will be made upon receipt of payment (check) and will be available for pick-up only at Richard Bong State Recreation Area (RBSRA), at the address below, within 4-6 weeks. Benches will be assembled unless specifically requested in the special instructions on the order form.

All funds raised as a result of this special event will support BNA/RBSRA events, programs and facilities!

Aldo Leopold Bench Prices:
$140 – 4’ Cedar-tone Bench
$135 – 3’ Cedar-tone Bench

To order:
Click on the following link to obtain the BNA Aldo Leopold Bench Order Form:
Pay by check – make checks payable to “Bong Naturalist Association”; and
Mail your check and order form to: BNA c/o RBSRA, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, WI 53139 BNA will contact you when you Aldo Leopold Bench is available for pick-up at RBSRA.

BNA – Aldo Leopold Bench – Order Form – 1-27-24 – Final

Please contact us with any questions at bnaleopoldbench@gmail.com


Join the BNA in honoring Aldo Leopold and celebrating the 75th anniversary of his groundbreaking work!

BNA offers our sincere thanks for participating in this special event!
BNA | Bong Naturalist Association – Friends of Richard Bong State Recreation Area

https://www.facebook.com/bongnaturalistassociation

BNA News:

2024 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Bong –
Registration Now Open!!

If interested please add your name to the wait list.

Click for details:  Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at RBSRA – 1-14-24

Link to Registration

Adaptive Sportsmen Event

The BNA sponsored a special pheasant hunt with the southeastern chapter of Adaptive Sportsman in early November, welcoming hunters to the park for an accessible hunting experience.

Using all terrain tracked wheelchairs and working alongside the expertly trained dogs, all of the hunters reached their bag limits. Following the hunt, the BNA hosted a luncheon and many of the hunters stayed to explore some of the RBSRA accessible hiking.

Creating accessible programs like this allows more people to enjoy our beautiful park— and fuels a sense of welcoming inclusivity. The BNA would be happy to work toward hosting more events – not limited to hunting – with organizations for people of all ages, abilities and sensitivities.

Please click on this link to read the full story including the outstanding partner organizations that made this wonderful event possible as well as additional pictures of the great day!

 


Land Acquisition Completed:

BNA wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to those who donated toward the purchase of 132 acres of land located on the SE corner of the Park. Without your help, it would not have been possible.

Our work isn’t finished, we still need your support. BNA will continue its fundraising efforts, but now these funds will go toward environmental projects such as wetlands restoration, remediation, and also accessibility projects such as signage, trail improvements, parking, etc. If you would like to donate, you can do so by clicking on this PayPal link https://www.paypal.com/instantcomm…/checkout/4EMB8AMN8UVXN You don’t need a PayPal account to donate, you can use any major credit card or your debit card. If you prefer sending a check, please send it to Bong Naturalist Association, 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139. If you wish to donate in another way, just send an email to bongnaturalistassociation@gmail.com.

Thank you so much!

Friends of Bong are the BEST!

Dan