Life Beneath the Leaves: A Discovery Tour of Eau Claire’s Wintering Wildlife

Hidden under the colorful autumn leaves on the ground are butterflies, lightning bugs, and even tiny toads gearing up to survive the winter…

Because many of our native bees, caterpillars, butterflies, moths, frogs, and other creatures we enjoy in the summertime don’t migrate like birds. They stay right here in Wisconsin, trying to stay safe, covered, and cozy… Just like most of us!

But to stay safe and warm, species like great spangled fritillary caterpillars, woolly bear caterpillars, and bumble bee queens need an overwintering habitat with things like leaf ground cover, hollow stems, dormant plant stalks, and the like.

That’s why you’re invited to this innovative experience that combines the vintage charm of the trolley with Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership’s (CVBP) proven conservation and habitat expertise!

Join expert guides Mari Jackson (Master Gardener), Jane Mohler (Master Naturalist), and Scott Stewart (Biologist) on a lively adventure celebrating nature’s unsung heroes—fallen leaves and natural materials that create vital overwintering habitats for caterpillars, bees, frogs, small mammals, and other native creatures.

You’ll visit three unique locations: a rural home, a city residence, and a faith community, each showcasing creative ways to protect native insects, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.

Elderberry Homestead

As CVBP Chair and recognized community leader in biodiversity education, Master Naturalist Jane Mohler will showcase her personal demonstration garden, Elderberry Homestead.

You’ll visit Firefly Circle and discover stem-nesting bee habitat, leafcover in beds and under trees, pond overwintering, and native plant architecture while learning about species-specific overwintering strategies.

Garden “Cafe” at Unity of Eau Claire

Mari the Master Gardener will walk you through the gardens at Unity of Eau Claire and reveal habitats that often go unnoticed, such as berm & swale, a rain garden, and pithy & hollow stems. Plus, invasives and fall removal.

Then you’ll head inside where Scott the Biologist will host games and Q&A while you enjoy some warm drinks (and a restroom break!).

The Peck Home (Private Residence)

The final stop is a private home just across the road from Unity where Jane and Mari will show you another rain garden, squirrel habitat, leaf cover, and more biodiverse winter habitats the Peck family created there - and that you can duplicate in your own yard!

Professional narration between stops will weave together amazing wildlife stories, from woolly bear caterpillars to mourning cloak butterflies, and reveal wild survival strategies creatures use to beat winter’s chill.

You’ll discover how simple habitat tweaks you can make in your own yard can build biodiversity, boost soil health, and support nesting birds.

Plus, you’ll get practical “how-to” guides for creating overwintering habitats to take home that you can share with your neighbors, schools, and community leaders.

Please dress warmly! Hosts will provide hot cocoa, coffee, and conversation at the Unity stop.

This is a very limited run of tours with only 22 seats per tour, so be sure to grab your seats today!

More about Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership

CVBP’s network includes 14 partner organizations, master gardener programs, faith communities, and educational institutions. This partnership brings extensive experience in community biodiversity education, advocacy, and policy change, helping to revitalize the Chippewa Valley.