Are you interested in growing your ecological expertise and contributing to local conservation efforts? Become an Arboretum restoration team leader! Team leaders are trained volunteers who direct drop-in volunteers at Arboretum restoration work parties, and they help ensure that native habitat sustains diverse Wisconsin wildlife.

Restoration team leaders:

• lead other volunteers at Saturday morning restoration work parties
• restore native ecosystems and improve habitat for Wisconsin wildlife
• keep accurate records and communicate with staff
• develop professional leadership and land management skills
• enjoy the Arboretum through all seasons

About the Training

The extensive training includes outdoor work, educational presentations, and Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Certification. Participants should plan to attend all five days of the training (schedule below). Accommodations can be made for missing one day if needed.

Wednesday, April 15, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Upon completing the training, team leaders commit to managing approximately one work party a month over two years. It’s a commitment – and it’s also a unique and enduring opportunity in leadership and land stewardship.

Sign Up Process

Submit a registration form by Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The team leader training is limited to seventeen participants. Registrations will be reviewed as they are received. Registrants will be invited to attend the training after passing a criminal background check.

The training cost is $50. The UW-Madison Arboretum believes that finances should not be a barrier to learning and leadership. A reduced training fee of $25 is available for those who indicate in the registration form that the fee is a hardship. For more information about the restoration team leader training, please review the role description. Contact Micah Kloppenburg at (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu if you have questions.

Detailed information about the training – including the full schedule and additional team leader resources – will be provided a few weeks before the first meeting on April 15.

– Micah Kloppenburg, restoration outreach coordinator