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TGVG BLOG
Get ready for adventures, discoveries, and tons of fun!
Our blog is packed with exciting stories and helpful tips for kids and their families. From exploring cool local attractions and can't-miss events to diving into the wonders of science and the amazing world of animals, there’s something for everyone! Whether you're planning your next family outing or just looking for something awesome to read, we’re here to spark curiosity and make learning feel like an adventure. Let’s explore, learn, and laugh together!
Summer Fun Shouldn't End in Tragedy: Water Safety Tips for Parents
Summer is almost here, and with it comes pool parties, beach trips, and endless fun for kids. But amidst the sunshine and laughter, a hidden danger lurks: drowning.
Kathi Hegranes, FOCUS Program Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
Safety Planning for Summer Break
Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to have a relaxing time in the sun. For many, this means being home quite a bit, which can get hard sometimes.
Christine Ann Team
Cheerily, Cheer Up: The American Robin Greets the Day
“Cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up!” That’s how an American robin (Turdis migratorius) greets the day, sings for a mate, and defends a territory.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Conk-la-ree! Red-winged Blackbirds Return
We, red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), just arrived from our winter homes in the south returning with our fellow blackbirds in large mixed flocks.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Helping You Feel Safe
The Youth Advocates at Christine Ann spend time building children up, helping them believe once again that they did nothing to deserve abuse, and that they are worthy of love and kindness.
Christine Ann Team
Orion the Hunter
One of the most prominent constellations in the winter months is Orion the Hunter. In Greek mythology, Orion was killed by a scorpion and then put up in the sky by the Moon goddess, Diana.
Dr. Teri Gee, Barlow Planetarium Director
Winter Eagles
What’s a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) to do when the lakes freeze? Pairs need to leave their warm-weather territories of forest bordered lakes, rivers, and marshes to head to places with open water.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
The Striped Skunk: A Noxious Stench
You really should announce yourself when approaching a striped skunk. You could have gotten a face-full of really bad smelling oily, yellowish musk.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
The Ring of Fire
On October 14, 2023, there will be an annular solar eclipse. But what does that mean? First, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes...
Dr. Teri Gee, Barlow Planetarium Director
Witch Hazel: In Search of Late Bloomers
That means it flowers after the frosts of fall through the first snows of winter. Unbelievable! I must find this incredible late bloomer, American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), to see it for myself.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Mammoth Moths: Cecropia Moth
We cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) caterpillars grow quite large – up to five inches long and as round as an adult human’s thumb.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Wiley Walleyes
I heard you came for some night fishing with us walleyes (Sander vitreus), the largest member of the perch family.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Bike Safely into Summer with Tips from Safe Kids Fox Valley
Biking Safely into Summer is every active family’s goal – Let’s jumpstart your planning and preparation with tips for a healthy, safe bike outing.
Kathi Hegranes, FOCUS Program Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
Big, Blue & LOUD: The Blue Jay
You know us blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) love stable platform feeders filled with sunflower seeds and raw peanuts.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Bears, Oh My! – American Black Bears
As fall approaches, we American black bears (Ursus americanus) experience hyperphagia – the need to eat almost fulltime.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Deer Ticks: Eight-legged Menace
To avoid becoming one of the deer ticks hosts, humans should follow the following steps.
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
The Power of a Helping Hand
When you know someone who is hurting or sad, it’s important to offer a helping hand to show you care.
Alicia Gehrig, Community Outreach Coordinator, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc.
Snowy Owls: White Winter Wanderers
Ah, the balmy Wisconsin winters make for a perfect retreat from the harsh Arctic weather for us snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus)!
Jackie Scharfenberg, Retired DNR Naturalist
Barlow SkyWatch: Moons, Moons Everywhere
In July 2018 Dr. Scott Sheppard led a team of scientists that announced they discovered 12 new moons of Jupiter.
Alan J Peche, Director, Barlow Planetarium
Barlow SkyWatch: Astrological signs are now incorrect – by an entire zodiac sign!
Astrologers determined for each of the astrological signs (the dates when the Sun is in each of those constellations) are now incorrect – by an entire zodiac sign!
Alan J Peche, Director, Barlow Planetarium
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