Forest Fest returns to Trees For Tomorrow

The 11th biennial Forest Fest will return to Trees For Tomorrow in Eagle River on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a full day of family-friendly activities celebrating Wisconsin’s forests and natural resources.

The free event highlights sustainable forest management and the many ways forests support local communities, from providing wood products and wildlife habitat to protecting water resources and creating recreational opportunities.

Visitors can explore exhibits, watch live demonstrations and take part in hands-on activities for all ages.

Among the featured attractions are hourly logging equipment demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, tree and pole climbing, papermaking and maple syrup-making, crosscut sawing and match-lighting activities, and the “Touch of the Wild” traveling museum exhibit. Smokey Bear will make appearances throughout the day.

Logging history presentations are scheduled, along with educational exhibits presented by natural resource organizations, conservation groups, government agencies and forestry professionals from across the region.

Young visitors also can take part in Trees For Tomorrow’s Adventure Passport Program by collecting stamps at exhibitor and demonstration booths as they complete activities and learn about the forest-to-product journey. Participants who complete the passport can earn prizes.

Food trucks will be on site throughout the event, and the Boy Scouts will host a picnic-style lunch fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s Forest Fest also will include the official dedication of the John and Melissa Besse Outdoor Learning Center. The new facility will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to noon, with a dedication ceremony from 10:30 to 11 a.m. featuring a ceremonial log-cutting in place of a traditional ribbon-cutting.

Forest Fest is free and open to the public. While admission is free, freewill donations will be accepted to support Trees For Tomorrow’s natural resources education programs for youth. Trees For Tomorrow is located at 519 E. Sheridan St. in Eagle River. For more information, call 715-479-6456.