Archives

• Land Care Report: The Effects of Stormwater December 30, 2019

  When it rains or snow melts, much of the water—referred to as stormwater—runs off hard surfaces such as roofs and pavement from neighboring urban areas… Read more

• Director's Note, December 2019 November 30, 2019

  “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”— Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It To many people, the Arboretum represents… Read more

• Land Care Crew Visits Buena Vista Wildlife Area October 2, 2019

  Every summer, the Arboretum field crew visits another property and meets with their land managers to learn about the site’s history, management, challenges, and more. Read more

• Horticultural Garden Notes: Fall 2019 September 30, 2019

  Winter damage: The severe cold during winter 2018–19 (-29° F on January 31), coupled with extreme temperature fluctuations, resulted in significant damage throughout the Gardens. Read more

• Land Care Report: The Field Season and Wetlands Restoration August 29, 2019

  After a wet but productive burn season, spring turned to summer and black burn units turned green. Early prairie species such as hoary puccoon and… Read more

• AmeriCorps NCCC Volunteers Bring Dedication and Good Spirits to Madison July 1, 2019

  Just as the arrival of spring migratory birds enlivens the landscape, the arrival of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) infuses enthusiasm and energy… Read more

• Land Care Report: UW Prescribed Fire Class April 29, 2019

  This spring, the Arboretum has been a partner in an exciting new initiative offering UW–Madison students wildland fire training. The training was incorporated into the… Read more

• Volunteers Choose to Make a Difference February 28, 2019

  Mary Oliver wrote in her poem “The Summer Day” some of her most quoted lines: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do /… Read more

• Horticultural Garden Notes: Collection Inventory, Fall Color and Hardy Larches, and Volunteers Power Through January 2, 2019

  Collection Inventory Field Check Over the course of the fall, garden staff conducted an inventory field check for the approximately 4,000 accessioned plants in… Read more

• Land Care Report: Crew Tales from the Field January 2, 2019

  After a growing season filled with rain and mosquito bites, the Arboretum natural areas crew has been busy preparing for winter. Tree thinning and seed… Read more

• On the Trails: Volunteers Blaze Through Trail Improvements October 31, 2018

  Water can cause major trail damage, and we had a lot of rain this summer, with more than 25 inches of total rainfall. Flooding inundated… Read more

• Faville Prairie Brush Mowing Project September 30, 2018

  In addition to the 1,200-acre property in Madison, Arboretum staff manage eleven properties throughout Wisconsin that are owned by the University of Wisconsin Board of… Read more

• Land Care Report: Winter Brush Clearing Projects May 1, 2018

  The snow from our second major April storm is only a recent memory. For Madison, it was the second snowiest April on record. We were… Read more

• Asian Jumping Worms: What We Know March 30, 2018

  Ecologist Brad Herrick spoke to Margaret Roach about jumping worms for her “A Way to Garden” podcast, which is produced by Robin Hood Radio in… Read more

• Land Care Report: Skunk Cabbage Wetlands and Wingra Woods Clearing January 3, 2018

  In the eastern part of Wingra Woods, along the western edge of Arboretum Drive, a brush-clearing project is underway in a little-known management unit called… Read more

• The Bountiful Work of Volunteers October 31, 2017

  The growing season is at an end, leaves have fallen, and there is no denying that summer is over. The shorter days of November can… Read more

• On the Trails: Arboretum Boardwalks September 29, 2017

  Arboretum trails invite hours of exploration for thousands of visitors. The nearly 20-mile trail system winds through prairies, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, offering recreational opportunities… Read more

• Research Update: Monitoring the Vegetation of Greene Prairie August 30, 2017

  The Arboretum’s Greene Prairie is a 47-acre restoration that lies along the southern boundary of the Grady Tract, south of the Beltline. Renowned botanist Dr. Read more

• Land Care Report: UW Students Work the Land in Summer August 30, 2017

  In summer, the Arboretum hires UW–Madison students to assist the land care crew with the outdoor work that needs to be done during the busy… Read more

• Restoration Team Leaders: Core Members of the Community June 29, 2017

  Restoration team leaders are some of the unsung heroes of the Arboretum. For the last 25 years, year-round, in all kinds of weather conditions, at… Read more