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.

  • Thursday, March 30

    Global Approaches to Sustainable Development
    Winter Enrichment Lecture (in person)

    9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Alberto Vargas (he/him), Associate Director, Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies, UW–Madison. Fee: $10. Advance registration is required by March 28.

  • Saturday, April 1

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Wingra Oak Savanna

    9 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.

  • Saturday, April 1

    Introduction to Wisconsin Geology
    Class

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Learn about Wisconsin geology, the forces that shape the planet, geologic time, and how to identify rocks that can be found locally. Instructor: Stephanie Williams, Arboretum naturalist. Fee: $20. Register by March 28. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, April 1

    Sky Dance
    Night Walk

    8 p.m. – 9:30 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 and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free. Registration required by March 28: https://arboretum-sky-dance-night-walk-2023.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, April 2

    Nature Hike

    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.

  • Sunday, April 2

    Family Nature Walk

    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.

  • Saturday, April 8

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Core Area and Curtis Prairie

    9 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.

  • Saturday, April 8

    Wisconsin Landscapes: An Art and Science Fusion Workshop
    Community Event

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Learn how water, plants, and animals are interconnected in Wisconsin landscapes. We will discuss reciprocal relationships in nature on a walk in Curtis Prairie, then make a visual art piece. Material for the art piece will be provided. Appropriate for families with children. Meet at the Visitor Center. Presented by the Marie Christine Kohler Fellows and the Arboretum. Free, registration required by April 5: https://uw-arboretum-art-science-fusion-apr8.eventbrite.com.

  • Sunday, April 9

    Visitor Center closed

    All day

    The Visitor Center will be closed on Easter Sunday.

  • Saturday, April 15

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 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.

  • Saturday, April 15

    Wisconsin Landscapes: An Art and Science Fusion Workshop
    Community Event

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Learn how water, plants, and animals are interconnected in Wisconsin landscapes. We will discuss reciprocal relationships in nature on a on a gently paced stroll through the gardens, then make a visual art piece. Material for the art piece will be provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Presented by the Marie Christine Kohler Fellows and the Arboretum. Free, registration required by April 12: https://uw-arboretum-art-science-fusion-apr15.eventbrite.com.

  • Sunday, April 16

    Science Expeditions
    Family Nature Program

    1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

    This program is a fun, fascinating way for all to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1–2 p.m., Exploration Stations: 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for the weather and insects. Adults must attend. Walks cancelled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center. Presented in conjunction with UW–Madison Science Expeditions.

  • Sunday, April 16

    Nature Hike

    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.

  • Saturday, April 22

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Core Area and Curtis Prairie

    9 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.

  • Saturday, April 22

    Wisconsin Landscapes: An Art and Science Fusion Workshop
    Community Event

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Learn how water, plants, and animals are interconnected in Wisconsin landscapes. We will discuss reciprocal relationships in nature on a walk in Curtis Prairie, then make a visual art piece. Material for the art piece will be provided. Appropriate for families with children. Meet at the Visitor Center. Presented by the Marie Christine Kohler Fellows and the Arboretum. Free, registration required by April 19: https://uw-arboretum-art-science-fusion-apr22.eventbrite.com.

  • Saturday, April 22

    Magnolias
    Garden Tour

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Tour the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ extensive collection of more than 80 magnolia trees. Join Julia Czaplewski, horticultural specialist, for a flower-filled stroll. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, April 23

    Garden Stroll

    1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

    This gently paced stroll through the gardens 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 take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, April 29

    Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Training: Northern States
    Citizen Science Training

    10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    Monarch Joint Venture and the Arboretum will co-lead a virtual one-day training 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: $45. Advance registration required: https://monarchjointventure-bloom.kindful.com/e/northern-mlmp-training-2023.

  • Saturday, April 29

    Early Signs of Spring
    Garden Tour

    1 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.

  • Sunday, April 30

    Nature Hike

    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.

  • Saturday, May 6

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Wingra Oak Savanna

    9 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.

  • Saturday, May 6

    Dragonfly Monitoring Virtual Training

    10 a.m. – 11:30 a.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. Training participants will learn to identify common dragonfly species, conduct surveys, and record and submit data. No experience needed. Instructors: Brad Herrick, ecologist, Julia Whidden, citizen science coordinator. Free, registration required by May 1: go.wisc.edu/e10t36.

  • Saturday, May 6

    Lilacs
    Garden Tour

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Established in 1935, the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ lilac collection is one of the largest in the country. Join David Stevens, garden curator, to explore lilac history, lore, culture, and color. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, May 6

    Bluebirds and the Arboretum Trail
    Class

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Learn about the fascinating lives of bluebirds, their behavior, reasons for their decline, and restoration efforts. Instructor Sylvia Marek, Arboretum naturalist, created the Arboretum bluebird trail in 1988 and has monitored it for 33 years. Indoor presentation followed by a walk of the trail. Fee: $20. Register by May 2. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, May 6

    Full Moon Night Hike

    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 5). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free. Register by May 2: https://arboretum-full-moon-night-walk-may6.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, May 7

    Nature Hike

    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.

  • Sunday, May 7

    Family Nature Walk

    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.

  • Saturday, May 13

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Core Area and Curtis Prairie

    9 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.

  • Saturday, May 13

    Crabapples
    Garden Tour

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    With over 200 trees, the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens’ crabapple collection is the most up to date in the country. Learn why crabapples are the most planted flowering tree in the Midwest with David Stevens, garden curator, who will highlight some of his favorite selections. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, May 14

    Nature Hike

    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.

  • Wednesday, May 17

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, May 20

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 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.

  • Sunday, May 21

    Nature Hike in the Wingra Oak Savanna

    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 Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St.

  • Sunday, May 21

    Woodland Wildflowers
    Family Nature Program

    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 weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Tuesday, May 23

    Learning Together: Birds in the Gardens
    Family Class

    10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    We will share stories and create nature art and 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 15. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, May 27

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Core Area and Curtis Prairie

    9 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.

  • Sunday, May 28

    Garden Stroll

    1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

    This gently paced stroll through the gardens 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 canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, June 3

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). This walk is suitable for families with younger children, ages 6 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Tuesday, June 13

    Learning Together: Searching for Squirrels
    Family Class

    10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    We will share stories and create nature art and 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 5. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Wednesday, June 14

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, July 1

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). This walk is suitable for families with younger children, ages 6 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Wednesday, July 12

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Tuesday, July 18

    Learning Together: Flowers and their Insect Friends
    Family Class

    10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    We will share stories and create nature art and 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 10. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, July 29

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Tuesday, August 8

    Learning Together: Tremendous Trees
    Family Class

    10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    We will share stories and create nature art and 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 31. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Wednesday, August 9

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, August 26

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Wednesday, September 6

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, September 23

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Wednesday, October 4

    Dragonfly Monitoring Walk

    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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.