The History and Ecology of Horicon Marsh
Wisconsin Naturalist · Horicon Marsh Expert
Bill Volkert is a nationally recognized Wisconsin naturalist who has spent decades exploring, teaching, and speaking about the state's wildlife — especially the birds and ecosystems of Horicon Marsh, one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States.
He's a familiar voice on Wisconsin Public Radio's Larry Meiller Show, where he answers listener birding questions and shares stories from the field. He presents programs across Wisconsin for historical societies, conservation groups, and community audiences.
Bill appears four times in the Bend Speaker Series Year One lineup — from Cuba and Siberia to Kettle Moraine birds and Horicon ecology — each talk a standalone adventure.
Horicon isn't just a wetland on a map — it's a living laboratory right in Wisconsin's backyard. Bill connects geology, history, migration, and the people who fought to protect one of America's great wild places.
Tone & audience
Families, birders, hunters, hikers, and curious neighbors. Warm and welcoming — the kind of talk you wish you'd had in school.
Accessible natural history with real expertise behind it. Illustrated narrative, not a data dump. Q&A goes as deep as the room wants.
Horicon is a day trip from West Bend. You'll leave with places to visit, seasons to watch for, and stories to share on the drive home.
"Birds are such a wonder to observe all year long… Bill Volkert returns to answer your birding questions and talk about his latest travels."— Wisconsin Public Radio · Larry Meiller Show
Date & Vivenu link when Episode 11 is scheduled. Same CMS template as every speaker — swap bio, topic, and discussion level per event.
See Chris Yogerst sample Full lineup