Monarch workshop participants learn proper handling techniques
Dragonfly monitoring walks
Join the Arboretum and the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society for guided walks to monitor dragonflies, including identifying species and collecting data for the Arboretum’s dragonfly monitoring project. No experience required, but an online training video is available by request (email citizenscience@arboretum.wisc.edu). Most walks are recommended for ages 12 and up, a few dates are for families with children 6 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October and meet at the Visitor Center. See the events calendar for dates and times.
2023 Dragonfly Monitoring Virtual Training
May 6, 10–11:30 a.m.
The Arboretum relies on volunteers to help survey dragonfly diversity and habitat quality. Gain the knowledge and skills to participate in this citizen science project and monitor dragonflies in your community. Participants in this virtual training will learn to identify common dragonfly species, conduct surveys, and record and submit data. No experience needed. Instructors: Brad Herrick, Arboretum ecologist, Julia Whidden, Arboretum citizen science coordinator.
Free, register online by May 1.
2023 Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Trainings
Become a community scientist with the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP). Staff from the Monarch Joint Venture and the UW–Madison Arboretum co-lead these virtual one-day trainings on how to collect data in your own backyard, a nearby park, or virtually any green space where milkweed grows. The data contributes to our knowledge about monarch populations. Participants learn about monarch biology, monitoring procedures, and data entry protocols, and will be able to ask monarch biologists questions about monarchs and monitoring.
Sessions are relevant for both newcomers and active participants in MLMP or other monarch citizen science projects. The four-hour training will be conducted in two parts with a one-hour break between them.
Registrants should select a training based on geographic interest. The four trainings cover generally similar topics, but the material is designed around the maturation and readiness of plant and insect life in different regions.
- Northern States: Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. (Central)
For states east of the Rocky Mountains and north of approximately 40°North, including Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Deleware, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, northern Illinois, northern Indiana, northern Ohio
Register for the Northern States training»
Previous trainings:
- Western States: Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. (Central)
For states west of the Rocky Mountains including, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, western Colorado, and western New Mexico
Register for the Western States training» - Southern States: Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Central)
For states east of the Rocky Mountains and south of approximately 40° North, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Montana, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, New Mexico, eastern New Mexico, eastern Colorado
Register for the Southern States training»
Advance registration for trainings is required. Fee: $45. For individuals seeking financial assistance, please email the MLMP Coordinator at info@mlmp.org.