Do I need my own compass?

No—loaner compasses are provided for the class, though bringing your own is fine if you prefer familiar equipment.

What is the minimum age?

Recommended for ages five and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

How physically demanding is the course?

The terrain is rolling and uneven but beginner-friendly; expect short hikes over roots and gentle grades during the three-hour session.

Is the program really free?

Yes—the event is free to the public but requires pre-registration due to limited space and available compasses.

What happens in bad weather?

The class runs rain-or-shine; instructors may modify the field portion to maintain safety on wet or slick sections.

Where do we check in?

All participants sign in at the Trees For Tomorrow campus at 12pm for classroom instruction before heading to the Tara Lila field site.

Learn Compass Navigation on Tara Lila Trails: Free Orienteering Workshop in Eagle River

On October 17, 2026, Trees For Tomorrow and Tara Lila host a free hands-on orienteering class in Eagle River, Wisconsin, for ages five and up. Participants meet at Trees For Tomorrow campus at noon for instruction, loaner compasses, basic land-navigation skills, then a short walk to Tara Lila field practice. The course crosses rolling, uneven terrain through northern hardwoods and conifers, providing sightlines and understory cues that teach pacing, bearing, and landmark recognition skills effectively. Guides coach groups through compass fundamentals: orienting a map, taking a bearing, following a handrail, and using pacing to estimate distances in real forest conditions. The program accommodates up to thirty participants, includes restroom access at Trees For Tomorrow, and requires pre-registration because loaner compasses and limited staffing determine participation. Families will appreciate that compasses are available to borrow, children under eighteen must be accompanied, and instructors tailor difficulty for mixed-age groups and encourage exploration. Practical preparation is simple: wear sturdy shoes, dress for changing Midwest weather, bring water, and expect uneven footing across roots, rocks, and gentle grades today. Although free, the class follows structured learning: classroom basics, a guided field leg, hands-on map work, return debrief, and compass collection at the campus entrance. This particular program highlights Tara Lila trails' approachable terrain, making it a practical step for scouts, families, educators, and recreational hikers learning essential backcountry navigation. Photographers who enjoy candid action shots can capture groups studying compasses, leaders demonstrating bearings, and the interplay of dappled light on maple and pine trunks. The local context matters: Trees For Tomorrow provides environmental education across the region, and Tara Lila trails serve as a well-maintained outdoor classroom for outdoor skills. Plan to pre-register because spaces fill quickly; the event runs rain-or-shine, and instructors will adjust the course to maintain safety on wet or slick sections. Expect to walk for roughly three hours total, including classroom time; participants should be comfortable navigating short, unmarked stretches while following instructor guidance and support. Bring a refillable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, sun protection during summer, and a notebook if you want to track bearings and field notes. For families traveling to Eagle River, use this program as an introduction to low-impact navigation; it builds confidence before attempting longer, unguided backcountry routes solo. Because the program is free, arrive early to secure registration, and respect limited gear by returning compasses promptly so others can benefit from the loaner. If weather or scheduling prevents participation, check Trees For Tomorrow communications for future offerings and similar community events hosted in partnership with Tara Lila organizations. Orienteering 10/17/2026 is practical, inclusive, and rooted in hands-on learning, offering a direct, affordable pathway for families to master navigation skills together in northern Wisconsin.

About Trees For Tomorrow

Trees For Tomorrow, based in Eagle River, Wisconsin, is an environmental education center that offers hands-on outdoor programs and workshops focused on forest ecology, sustainable living, and nature skills. The organization operates a Sustainable Living Institute and a historic campus that hosts educational events, guided hikes, seasonal workshops, and youth camps. Programming includes expert-led experiences such as Nature's Bounty: Beginner Mushroom Foraging with mycology expert Anne Small and geology and nature hikes led by geologist Michael Porter and naturalist Joe Panci. Youth offerings include KinderWild Camp for ages 3–5 and the SEEK (Science Earth Exploration for Kids) day camp for ages 8–12, featuring canoeing, survival skills, and hands-on science. Seasonal community events cover wreath-making workshops, candlelit New Year’s Eve hikes with optional snowshoeing, and fall nature programs that highlight the region’s seasonal changes. Trees For Tomorrow collaborates with trained instructors and educators to deliver curriculum-driven experiences that emphasize safety, stewardship, and local ecology. The organization’s programs appeal to families, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking guided learning on the Northwoods landscape. Visitors engage with trails like the Anvil and Tara Lila, participate in interpretive hikes, and gain practical skills—from plant and mushroom identification to traditional crafting. Trees For Tomorrow’s combination of named experts, age-specific camps, and public workshops provides a clear pathway for community members to deepen knowledge of Wisconsin’s forests and sustainable practices while enjoying accessible, educational outdoor recreation.

Programs are open to the public with advance registration, seasonal schedules, and limited-capacity events to ensure quality experiences and community partnerships.

Learn Compass Navigation on Tara Lila Trails: Free Orienteering Workshop in Eagle River

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