Most events are free, with no registration required, unless otherwise noted.
Outdoor public walks are subject to cancellation due to the following weather conditions: 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less with a wind chill factor; excessively snowy, icy, or muddy conditions; thunderstorms; a heat index above 100 degrees Fahrenheit; air quality index above 200.
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Thursday, February 20
FULL – Mapping Teejop: Indigenous Histories of Madison
Winter Enrichment Lecture10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Kasey Keeler, Assistant Professor, UW–Madison Department of American Indian and Indigenous Studies. Using digital mapping technology, Mapping Teejop works to make Ho-Chunk and Indigenous past and presence in Madison accessible to all learners. Keeler will highlight the ongoing work of Mapping Teejop as a tool for place-based-learning, one that shares the history of this land with a broad audience to facilitate deeper knowledge and relationship with place. Fee: $10. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
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Sunday, February 23
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced walk explores ecological communities near the Visitor Center. Themes may include the land, plants, animals, other organisms, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or route conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, February 27
All that Buzz: Looking Back at the 2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence
Winter Enrichment Lecture10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
PJ Liesch, Entomologist, UW–Madison Extension and Department of Entomology. In the spring of 2024, Wisconsin saw the emergence of Brood XIII periodical cicadas. These insects have a fascinating natural history and only emerge once every seventeen years. In this talk, we'll take a closer look at the biology of these amazing insects and share findings of a recent community science project. Fee: $10. Register by February 23.
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Saturday, March 1
Madison Reads Leopold: Voices of a Land Ethic
Community Event1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us for a community reading of selections from "A Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold and writings by other environmental thinkers, including Ada Limón, Camille Dungy, and Robin Wall Kimmerer. Listeners may come and go throughout the event. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 2
Nature Hike: Walking in Leopold's Footsteps
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Visit key sites and learn about Aldo Leopold’s early phenological research and experiments to restore Wisconsin ecosystems during his time as the Arboretum’s first research director. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 2
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 9
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 16
Dragonfly Monitoring
Citizen Science Training10 a.m. – 12 p.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 will learn to identify common dragonfly species, conduct surveys, and record and submit data. No experience needed. Presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society. Free, registration required by March 2: go.wisc.edu/zxg64j. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 16
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 16
Family Nature Program: Mud Season
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Wednesday, March 19
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by March 15: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, March 22
Class: Phenology – Keeping Track of Nature
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The March equinox is the perfect time to think about spring unfolding. Phenology – noting the periodic occurrences in the natural world – is both art and science, practiced for millennia across cultures and regions. Learn about different approaches and maybe find your own. Instructor: Kathy Miner, Arboretum naturalist. Indoor class. Fee: $20. Register by March 18. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 23
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced walk explores ecological communities near the Visitor Center. Themes may include the land, plants, animals, other organisms, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, March 30
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, April 5
Citizen Science Exploration Stations
Community Event1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Learn about citizen science through nature-based activities and demonstrations for all ages, hosted by staff from the Arboretum and other organizations. Free, no registration required. Indoor event, meet at the Visitor Center. Presented in conjunction with UW–Madison Science Expeditions.
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Saturday, April 5
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Listen for frogs and other night animals, like woodcocks. We can’t guarantee that wildlife will appear, but if they do we may see the woodcock’s fascinating mating ritual known as sky dance. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by April 1: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, April 6
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, April 6
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, April 13
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, April 19
Magnolias
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate the return of spring on a flower-filled stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ dazzling collection of 110 magnolia trees. Tour led by David Stevens, garden curator and Magnolia Society International board member. Due to the popularity of this tour, free registration through Eventbrite is required by April 15: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, April 20
Nature Hike in the Wingra Oak Savanna
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St. (No restroom facilities at Wingra Oak Savanna.)
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Sunday, April 20
Family Nature Program: Sprouting Seeds
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, April 26
Early Signs of Spring
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
As trees begin to leaf out, Dutchman’s breeches, twinleaf and rue-anemones might be blooming in the woodland gardens, and prairie-smoke in the prairie gardens. Susan Carpenter, garden curator, will lead this tour of the Native Plant Garden. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, April 27
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced walk explores ecological communities near the Visitor Center. Themes may include the land, plants, animals, other organisms, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, May 3
Lilacs
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Established in 1935, the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ lilac collection is the third largest in the country. Join David Stevens, garden curator, to explore lilac history, lore, culture, and color. Due to the popularity of this tour, free registration through Eventbrite is required by April 29: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, May 4
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, May 4
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Tuesday, May 6
Learning Together Family Class: Super Sprouts
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
We will share stories, go on a discovery walk, and create nature crafts. This class is for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Fee: $20 per family/group of up to four people. Register by April 28. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Wednesday, May 7
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
Virtual Citizen Science Training10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monarch Joint Venture and the Arboretum will co-lead a virtual one-day training on how to collect monarch data. Participants learn about monarch biology, monitoring procedures, and data entry protocols. Monarch biologists will be available for questions. Newcomers and active participants in monarch citizen science projects are welcome. The two-part training includes a one-hour break. Fee: $50. Advance registration required: go.wisc.edu/rat244.
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Saturday, May 10
Spring Highlights
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Explore the wonders of spring flowering woody plants in Longenecker Horticultural Gardens as garden horticultural specialist Neil Schmidt presents seasonal highlights from the gardens’ expansive collection. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, May 10
8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon May 12). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by May 6: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, May 11
Nature Hike in the Wingra Oak Savanna
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St. (No restroom facilities at Wingra Oak Savanna.)
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Sunday, May 18
Nature Hike in the Grady Tract
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, these longer walks may cover some sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. (No restroom facilities at Grady Tract.)
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Sunday, May 18
Family Nature Program: Terrific Turtles
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, May 24
Class: Mindfulness in Nature – Roots of Awareness
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Mindfulness helps reduce stress and improve physical and mental health using a moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience without judgment. Mindfulness In Nature uses nature for all practices (sitting, standing, and moving). Monthly series runs through October. No experience needed. Instructor: Roger Reynolds, certified natural mindfulness guide. Outdoor class. Fee: $10. Register by May 21. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, May 25
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced walk explores ecological communities near the Visitor Center. Themes may include the land, plants, animals, other organisms, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Monday, May 26
All day
The Visitor Center will be closed on Memorial Day. Arboretum grounds remain open.
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Saturday, May 31
Class: Bluebirds and the Arboretum Trail
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn about the fascinating lives of bluebirds, their behavior, why their populations declined, and restoration efforts. Instructor Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist, created the Arboretum bluebird trail in 1988 and has monitored it for more than 30 years. Instructor: Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist. Indoor presentation followed by a walk of the trail. Fee: $20, register by May 27. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Tuesday, June 3
Learning Together Family Class: Incredible Insects
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
We will share stories, go on a discovery walk, and create nature crafts. This class is for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Fee: $20 per family/group of up to four people. Register by May 26. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Tuesday, July 1
Learning Together Family Class: Animal Clues
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
We will share stories, go on a discovery walk, and create nature crafts. This class is for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Fee: $20 per family/group of up to four people. Register by June 23. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Tuesday, August 5
Learning Together Family Class: Prairie Pals
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
We will share stories, go on a discovery walk, and create nature crafts. This class is for preschool-age children and their adult caregivers. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Fee: $20 per family/group of up to four people. Register by July 28. Meet at the Visitor Center.