Arboretum Classes

Classes at the Arboretum offer in-depth coverage of topics and explore ways humans interact with the environment, delving into natural history, conservation, restoration, Arboretum history, and the arts. For paid classes, refunds will be given while registration is open, minus a $10 service fee.

Advance registration is required. You will receive two automated email acknowledgements after you register: One is a payment confirmation, the other is a registration confirmation for the class you’re attending. Save these emails for your records.

Fall 2024 Classes

Mindfulness in Nature
Saturday, October 5, 1–4 p.m. Mindfulness is the act of purposely focusing the mind in the present moment, without judgment or attachment. This class offers a “down to earth” approach with mindfulness practices (sitting, standing, and moving) and discussions. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Instructor: Roger Reynolds, certified natural mindfulness guide. Outdoor class. Capacity is limited. Free, advance registration through Eventbrite is required by September 28. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Small Mammals of Wisconsin
Saturday, October 26, 1–4 p.m. Learn about small mammals like mice, voles, shrews, and squirrels. The class will discuss how to identify them, and their habitat needs and natural history. There will be a short field portion to search for animal signs. Instructor: Rebecca Christoffel, Christoffel Conservation. Fee: $30. Register by October 22. Meet at the Visitor Center.

All About Owls
Saturday, November 2, 1–3 p.m. Learn about Wisconsin’s twelve owl species, focusing on the three that nest in Madison, and how to identify these elusive birds of prey. Habitat, calls, courtship, hunting, and eating will be discussed. Instructor: Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist. Indoor class. Fee: $20. Register by October 29. Meet at the Visitor Center.

History of the Arboretum’s Lost City
Saturday, November 16, 1–3 p.m. Explore the history and mysteries of the failed Lake Forest development project and the land that became part of the Arboretum. More than a century has elapsed! This indoor class will cover the personalities involved, why the project didn’t succeed, and the current status of the area. Instructor: Kathy Miner, Arboretum naturalist. Fee: $20. Register by November 12. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Exploring Nature Poetry and Art
Saturday, November 23, 1–3 p.m. This introductory art and nature poetry class will consider an art exhibit and poetry by Mary Oliver to explore aesthetic links between the visual and written arts. The class coincides with the exhibit Among the Trees, featuring fiber art inspired by Mary Oliver’s poetry that will be in the Arboretum’s Steinhauer Trust Gallery. Instructor: Troy Hess, On the Yahara Writing Center. Indoor class. Fee: $20. Register by November 19. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Annual Learning Programs

Native Gardening Conference

Held every September at the Arboretum, the Native Gardening Conference promotes sustainable gardening practices and use of native plants in home landscapes. We inspire and inform gardeners, homeowners, and landowners to create and maintain native gardens or small-scale restorations on their own property. The program welcomes people with a range of interests and experience.

Winter Enrichment

The Arboretum’s long-running Winter Enrichment series offers lectures for naturalists in the greater Madison area as well as for volunteers, friends, and community members. The ten-week series runs February to April. See the Winter Enrichment page for more information.

Friends of the Arboretum Luncheon-Lectures

The Luncheon-Lectures series, organized by Friends of the Arboretum, presents monthly talks with a catered lunch. Friends receive priority registration, but talks are open to anyone as space allows.