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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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.
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Saturday, April 1
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, April 1
Introduction to Wisconsin Geology
Class1 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.
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Saturday, April 1
Sky Dance
Night Walk8 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.
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Sunday, April 2
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, April 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 and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, April 8
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, April 8
Wisconsin Landscapes: An Art and Science Fusion Workshop
Community Event1 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.
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Sunday, April 9
All day
The Visitor Center will be closed on Easter Sunday.
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Saturday, April 15
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, April 15
Wisconsin Landscapes: An Art and Science Fusion Workshop
Community Event1 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.
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Sunday, April 16
Science Expeditions
Family Nature Program1 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.
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Sunday, April 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 and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, April 22
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, April 22
Wisconsin Landscapes: An Art and Science Fusion Workshop
Community Event1 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.
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Saturday, April 22
Magnolias
Garden Tour1 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.
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Sunday, April 23
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.
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Saturday, April 29
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Training: Northern States
Citizen Science Training10 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.
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Saturday, April 29
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 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 and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe weather or trail conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, May 6
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, 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.
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Saturday, May 6
Lilacs
Garden Tour1 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.
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Saturday, May 6
Bluebirds and the Arboretum Trail
Class1 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.
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Saturday, May 6
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.
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Sunday, May 7
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, May 7
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, May 13
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, May 13
Crabapples
Garden Tour1 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.
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Sunday, May 14
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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Wednesday, May 17
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.
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Saturday, May 20
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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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.
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Sunday, May 21
Woodland Wildflowers
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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Tuesday, May 23
Learning Together: Birds in the Gardens
Family Class10 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.
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Saturday, May 27
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, May 28
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.
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Saturday, June 3
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.
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Tuesday, June 13
Learning Together: Searching for Squirrels
Family Class10 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.
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Wednesday, June 14
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.
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Saturday, July 1
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.
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Wednesday, July 12
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.
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Tuesday, July 18
Learning Together: Flowers and their Insect Friends
Family Class10 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.
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Saturday, July 29
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.
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Tuesday, August 8
Learning Together: Tremendous Trees
Family Class10 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.
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Wednesday, August 9
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.
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Saturday, August 26
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.
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Wednesday, September 6
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.
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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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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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 jwhidden@wisc.edu). Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place select Wednesdays and Saturdays into early October. Meet at the Visitor Center.