Posted Thursday, October 4, 2012 --- 6:50 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State wildlife officials are inviting the public to take part in free nature programs in the Horicon Marsh this month.

The agenda includes a birding class this Saturday; a waterfowl presentation and hike on Oct. 13; an open house and presentation on marsh mammals on Oct. 20; and programs on marsh birds and geese on Oct. 27.

The programs will be conducted at the International Education Center between the cities of Horicon and Mayville. They're all free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Horicon Marsh in Dodge County includes a state wildlife area and a national wildlife refuge. The area is known as a major flyway for migrating ducks and Canada geese. Bird watchers from around the Midwest visit the marsh each fall.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.