The Treasures of Oz Eco-Tour, an annual outing that allows participants to download a free passport to explore and celebrate nature’s gems throughout Ozaukee County, takes place June 17. Visitor sites include Spirit Lake Nature Preserve, Cedarburg Bog, Harrington Beach State Park, Tendick Park and Ehlers Park, all of which will be open from 9 a.m. to 3.p.m. A daylong celebration also takes place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve.

This year’s Treasures of Oz is a cross between an eco-tour and a science expo, with a focus on Ozaukee’s waters and how residents can interact with nature to keep local waterways healthy. This year, attendees can walk into the Cedarburg Bog on the UW Field Station Boardwalk, which was developed for science education and research and is rarely open to the public. Harrington Beach State Park, along Lake Michigan, will feature park staff discussing some of the recent changes to the park. Employees of the Kettle Moraine Feith Family YMCA will talk about water safety, and Wisconsin Coastal Management will discuss their efforts to protect Lake Michigan waters. Other highlights include watershed management in the newly planted prairie in Tendick Park; introduction of a watershed-based planning tool developed by the Mequon Partners in Preservation for the City of Mequon; animal education; and more.

The Celebration at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve will feature exhibits and presentations, food, music by bluegrass performers Steve and Friends, animal viewing and education, a silent auction and a raffle.

For more information and to download passports, email [email protected] or visit TreasuresOfOz.org.