Hunt Hill February events

SARONA — Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary in Sarona has a number of events coming up in the month of February.

Hunt Hill will be hosting a Little Explorers program on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This is a children’s program series happening on one Saturday of each month from February to November. This month’s topic is hibernation. The outdoors is so cold, how do the animals survive?

Join Hunt Hill for a morning of stories, crafts, songs and nature activities geared toward 3- to 6-year olds (but all ages are welcome). Guardians must stay for the duration of the program. Depending on the weather, we will be outside for a portion of this program. Dress appropriately to be inside and outside in the weather. Meet at the lower level of the Richard Grand Recreation Hall to discover hibernation. Participants will read a book, do some “hibernation yoga” and create a craft.

Registration is not required but strongly encouraged by Friday, Feb. 16. The program is free, but donations are appreciated. If you register ahead of time, you must register yourself and your child(ren). For more information or to register, visit www.hunthill.org or call 715.635.6543.

Hunt Hill will be hosting a Soup Lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 20. This month’s topic is Snapshot Wisconsin, presented by Gary Dunsmoor. Lunch is served at noon and the presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m.

At Hunt Hill’s Soup Lunch program, participants will enjoy a warm soup lunch while listening to a presentation by Dunsmoor, retired Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife technician. Snapshot Wisconsin is a volunteer-based project for wildlife monitoring and utilizes partnerships and a statewide network of trail cameras. It is a unique opportunity for individuals, families and students to get involved in monitoring the state’s natural resources. Dunsmoor hosts multiple trail cameras on a variety of properties, including the Namekagon Barrens. He will share how you can be involved in this incredible citizen science project.

Registration is not required but strongly encouraged to guarantee a seat. There is a cost for the lunch and presentation per person. For more information or to register, visit www.hunthill.org or call 715.635.6543.

J&R Aquatic Rescue, in collaboration with Hunt Hill, Pet Advocacy Network and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes, invites the community to the Exotic Pet Surrender Event on Saturday, Feb. 24, from noon to 2 p.m. at Hunt Hill.

Have an exotic pet you can no longer care for? We’re here to help. This event provides a compassionate alternative for individuals facing challenges in caring for their exotic pets.

What is accepted: fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals and plants — no questions asked.

What is not accepted: domestic pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs and chickens. If you have domestic animals, inquire with local shelters or rescues for re-homing options.

People will meet ambassadors and learn about their stories and capture memories at the photo booth with rescued pets.

In some areas, re-homing options for exotic animals are limited and releasing them is harmful to both the animal and the environment. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue, along with event hosts and sponsors, aims to provide a safe and loving environment for surrendered exotic pets.

After a brief quarantine period, all surrendered animals will be available for adoption. Ensure your pet’s safety by bringing them in a secure container.

For inquiries about the Exotic Pet Event, reach out to John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue at adoptions@jraar.org.