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 and icy conditions.
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Saturday, August 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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Saturday, August 20
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join the Arboretum and 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 focuses on dragonfly photography. Family friendly, recommended for ages 8 and up. Walks take place the first Wednesday and third Saturday monthly through September. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, August 21
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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place rain or shine, except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, August 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, August 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 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, September 3
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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Sunday, September 4
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about Arboretum 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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Wednesday, September 7
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). Family friendly, recommended for ages 8 and up. Walks take place the first Wednesday and third Saturday monthly through September. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, September 10
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 10
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led Arboretum walk. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, September 11
Waning Summer
Family Nature Program1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1–2 p.m., nature activities: 2–3 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, September 11
Nature Hike in the Grady Tract
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn about Arboretum 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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd.
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Thursday, September 15
Ecopoetry as Healing Art
Class12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the benefits of nature poetry in our everyday lives. Guest instructor: Troy Hess, On the Yahara Writing Center. Outdoor class, includes a walk to Icke Boardwalk, come dressed for weather. Class takes place except in unsafe weather. Make-up date: September 22. Register by September 11. Fee: $15. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, September 17
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, September 17
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). Family friendly, recommended for ages 8 and up. Walks take place the first Wednesday and third Saturday monthly through September. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, September 17
Fall in the Native Plant Garden
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Color, fruits, seeds, late blooming plants, late-season insects—we will find these and more in the diverse native plant gardens around the Visitor Center. Susan Carpenter, garden curator, will lead this tour. Tours take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, September 18
Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Future
Native Gardening Conference8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Arboretum's annual native gardening conference teaches and promotes the use of native plants in home landscapes for biodiversity, habitat, beauty, and sustainability. Expert-led workshops inspire and inform gardeners and landowners to create and maintain native gardens or small-scale restorations. Keynote: “Gardening with Native Plants of the Midwest,” Alan Branhagen, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Fee: $70. Students: $30 with ID. Register by September 8.
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Sunday, September 18
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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, September 24
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, September 25
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This gently paced stroll through the Arboretum 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 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, October 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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Sunday, October 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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, October 6
Building a Northern Fruit Consortium
Fall Lecture7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Frank Kutka, Sustainable Agriculture Faculty, College of Menominee Nation. The College of Menominee Nation and Bay Mills Community College have a grant to evaluate wild plum germplasm using a participatory plant breeding approach and to build relationships, grow community engagement, and increase local fresh food by teaming up with community members and regional colleges. Propagating a superior variety of wild plum is a long-term goal. Remote speaker. Free, no registration required.
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Saturday, October 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, October 8
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. Tours take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, October 8
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led Arboretum walk. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet outside the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 9
Welcoming Fall
Family Nature Program1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1–2 p.m., nature activities: 2–3 p.m. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Adults must attend. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 9
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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd.
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Tuesday, October 11
Relationship and Connection – Community and Ecological Restoration
Fall Lecture7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Kate Morgan, senior public engagement specialist, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). From micro-local to larger landscapes, integrating people and community with ecological restoration is critical for success and restores not only ecosystems but also the relationships of people to those ecosystems. This presentation focuses on MMSD efforts to foster these relationships. Free, no registration required. Meet at Visitor Center.
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Friday, October 14
Following W.S. Merwin – The Well-Being of Poetry in Nature
Class4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
A United States Poet Laureate and recipient of many poetry prizes, W.S. Merwin will be our inspiration for this class. Instructor: Troy Hess, volunteer team leader. Outdoor class, include a walk to Icke Boardwalk, come dressed for weather. Class takes place except in unsafe weather. Make-up date: October 21. Register by October 10. Fee: $15. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, October 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, October 15
The Colors of Fall
Garden Tour1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens highlighting sensational seasonal colors and exploring the science behind this natural phenomenon. Tours take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, October 15
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. Make-up date: October 22. Fee: $25; Register by October 11. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 16
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about Arboretum 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 take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Thursday, October 20
Restoring Healthy Food Connections on Madison’s South Side
Fall Lecture7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Robert Pierce, owner and farmer, Neighborhood Food Solutions. NFS was founded to engage community members in learning about the economic, social, health, and environmental impacts of food, and to promote participation in implementing development strategies that create food-related economic opportunities. This presentation will explore two programs and how they work to restore Madison communities. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, October 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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Sunday, October 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 except in unsafe weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Tuesday, October 25
Dream of Wild Health
Fall Lecture7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jessika Greendeer, farm director, Dream of Wild Health (DWH). DWH is an intertribal, independent nonprofit that serves the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Native American community. Their 30-acre farm in Hugo, Minnesota, provides educational programs that reconnect the urban Native American community with traditional Native plants and their culinary, medicinal, and spiritual use. Remote speaker. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, October 30
Touring the Lost City – tour 1
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: https://arboretum-lost-city-tour-2022-tour-1.eventbrite.com. Registration closes October 26 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center. See also November 6 tour.
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Saturday, November 5
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 5
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 November 1. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 5
7 p.m. – 8:30 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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, November 6
Touring the Lost City – tour 2
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: https://arboretum-lost-city-tour-2022-tour-2.eventbrite.com. Registration closes November 2 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center. See also October 30 tour.
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Saturday, November 12
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 13
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 seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd.
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Sunday, November 13
Loving Nature
Family Nature Program1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1–2 p.m., nature activities: 2–3 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come seasonally prepared for weather and insects. Walks take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 19
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 19
History of the Arboretum’s Lost City
Class1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn about the fascinating history of the failed Lake Forest development project and the land that became part of the Arboretum. This indoor class will explore the personalities involved, why the project didn’t succeed, and the status of the area now. Includes a video tour of the site. Instructor: Kathy Miner, Arboretum naturalist. Fee: $20. Register by November 14. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Sunday, November 20
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 take place except in unsafe weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
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Saturday, November 26
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 27
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 except in unsafe weather. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.