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; a heat index above 100 degrees Fahrenheit; thunderstorms; or excessively snowy, icy, or muddy conditions.
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Saturday, September 23
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Core Area and Curtis Prairie9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Visitor Center. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, September 23
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Cancelled for rain. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, September 23
Fall Equinox
Night Walk8 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. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by September 20: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Sunday, September 24
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced stroll through the gardens around the Visitor Center is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks cancelled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 1
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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 1
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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Tuesday, October 3
Twilight Trek in the Wingra Oak Savanna
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Explore Arboretum woodlands and wetlands along the northwest shoreline of Lake Wingra. This leisurely naturalist-led walk is suitable for adults and families with children. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St. Madison Metro Transit route D buses stop at Monroe St. and Glenway St. Bicycle parking available.
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Wednesday, October 4
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Cancelled for rain. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, October 5
Cultivate the Change You Wish to See
Art and Environment Workshop6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Mars Patterson, artist, master naturalist, land steward, ecological restorationist. Join Mars to connect with nature, others, and yourself through art making. We will learn about and create handmade gris gris pouches that include local stones and seeds. Meet at Visitor Center. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 1: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Saturday, October 7
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Wingra Oak Savanna9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, October 7
Conifers
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
David Stevens, garden curator, will explore the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ pinetum, the largest and most diverse conifer collection in the state. Located on a glacial drumlin, the collection presents a diverse array of conifers from around the world. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 8
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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, October 12
History, Ecology, and Comics – Reconnecting People and Prairie Through Drawing
Art and Environment Workshop6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Liz Anna Kozik, PhD candidate, UW–Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Past and present, prairies have been places with people. We will explore the past, present, and futures of Midwestern restoration from the perspective of the first prairie restoration at the Arboretum. Kozik will lead an illustrated prairie history research and drawing workshop. Meet at Visitor Center. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 8: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Saturday, October 14
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Core Area and Curtis Prairie9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Visitor Center. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, October 14
The Colors of Fall
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens where he will highlight sensational seasonal colors and learn about the science behind this natural phenomenon. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 15
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 weather or trail 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, October 15
Fall Colors
Family Nature Program1:30 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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, October 19
Storytelling with Color
Art and Environment Workshop6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Susan Carpenter, Arboretum Native Plant Garden curator, quilter. The natural world is filled with vibrant color. In this workshop, we will develop color palettes from images in nature and explore value and impact of different colors. Try a small project that uses color to represent an environmental story. Meet at Visitor Center. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 15: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Saturday, October 21
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Grady Tract9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, October 21
Reading the Landscape – Woodlands
Class1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Explore Gallistel and Wingra Woods during peak fall colors. Learn to identify plants, distinguish the characteristics of different woodlands, and find out about the restoration and management of these communities. Instructor: Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist. Outdoor class, takes place except in unsafe weather. Fee: $25. Register by October 17. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 22
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced stroll through the gardens around the Visitor Center is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks cancelled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, October 26
Nature Journaling to Reflect and Connect
Art and Environment Workshop6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Nature journaling brings endless possibilities for engaging with nature and reflecting on our world. Join Arboretum staff at Delta Beer Lab to explore different approaches to nature journaling. Inspiration from nature and supplies provided. Meet at Delta Beer Lab, 167 E Badger Rd, Madison. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 22: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Saturday, October 28
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Core Area and Curtis Prairie9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Visitor Center. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, October 28
Effigy Mounds of Southern Wisconsin
Class1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Earthen mounds with conical, linear, and animal shapes were built by Native people in southern Wisconsin. The effigy mound groups at the Arboretum are among the few remaining of hundreds built in our area more than 1,000 years ago. Learn about the mounds, the people who created them, and their environment. Indoor class, with optional outdoor walk if weather permits. Instructor: Paul Borowsky, Arboretum naturalist. Fee: $30. Register by October 24. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, October 28
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 and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 25: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Sunday, October 29
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
In the 1920s, developers planned a "Venice of the North," to be called Lake Forest. That land is now part of the Arboretum. Hike to the site of the failed subdivision, discovering construction remnants along the way. Tour entails stepping over obstacles. Free, space is limited. Advance registration is required and opens October 1: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Registration closes October 25 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center. See also November 5 tour.
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Saturday, November 4
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Wingra Oak Savanna9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, November 4
All About Owls
Class1 p.m. – 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 31. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, November 5
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
In the 1920s, developers planned a "Venice of the North," to be called Lake Forest. That land is now part of the Arboretum. Hike to the site of the failed subdivision, discovering construction remnants along the way. Tour entails stepping over obstacles. Free, space is limited. Advance registration is required and opens October 1: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Registration closes November 1 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center. See also October 29 tour.
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Sunday, November 5
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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 11
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Core Area and Curtis Prairie9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Visitor Center. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Sunday, November 12
The CCC and the Arboretum
Nature Walk1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) set up its only camp on a university campus. More than 200 men served at Camp Madison before it closed in 1941. Learn how they contributed to the restoration of native Wisconsin ecosystems and walk through the landscape they helped create. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 18
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Grady Tract9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Saturday, November 18
History of the Arboretum's Lost City
Class1 p.m. – 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 14. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 18
Leonid Meteor Shower Night Walk and Stargazing
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk, followed by stargazing with UW Space Place (as cloud cover allows) during the Leonid meteor shower. Bring a folding chair to watch the meteor shower from the lawn. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, register at Eventbrite by November 15: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com.
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Sunday, November 19
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 weather or trail 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, November 19
All About Seeds
Family Nature Program1:30 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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 25
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Core Area and Curtis Prairie9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Visitor Center. Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or marian.farrior@wisc.edu.
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Sunday, November 26
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced stroll through the gardens around the Visitor Center is well-suited for a multi-generational outing. Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks cancelled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.