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.

  • Saturday, August 15

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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 mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, August 16

    Family Nature Program: Pollinator Party

    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.

  • Wednesday, August 19

    Dragonfly Walk

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Join the Arboretum and the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to learn about dragonflies and damselflies. Participants can practice identifying species and collecting data for the Arboretum’s dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) monitoring project. No experience required. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place monthly, June through September, but may be canceled for rainy or cool weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, August 22

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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 mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, August 23

    Scenic Stroll

    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.

  • Sunday, August 30

    Nature Hike

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, this walk may cover 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.

  • Wednesday, September 2

    Dragonfly Walk

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Join the Arboretum and the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society to learn about dragonflies and damselflies. Participants can practice identifying species and collecting data for the Arboretum’s dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) monitoring project. No experience required. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Walks take place monthly, June through September, but may be canceled for rainy or cool weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, September 5

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Wingra Oak Savanna

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for habitat restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at Arbor Dr. parking lot, off Monroe St. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, September 6

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

  • Monday, September 7

    Visitor Center closed

    All day

    The Visitor Center will be closed for the Labor Day holiday. Arboretum grounds remain open.

  • Thursday, September 10

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract Seed Collecting

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by September 7: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. (No restroom facilities. Location subject to change.) Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, September 12

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for habitat restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, September 13

    Nature Hike

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, this walk may cover 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.

  • Thursday, September 17

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract Seed Collecting

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by September 14: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. (No restroom facilities. Location subject to change.) Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, September 19

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, September 20

    Community Mycoblitz

    12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Join a community mycoblitz in collaboration with the Madison Mycological Society, UW–Madison Forest Ecology students, and UW Teaching Professor George Meindl. Participants will attend guided walks to identify and collect data about mushrooms and fungal diversity at the Arboretum. Event capacity is limited. Free, register through Eventbrite by September 16: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, September 20

    Family Nature Program: Fun with Fungi

    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.

  • Thursday, September 24

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area Seed Collecting

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by September 21: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Meet at the Visitor Center (location subject to change). Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, September 26

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, September 26

    Fall in the Native Plant Garden
    Garden Tour

    1 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. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Saturday, September 26

    Full Moon Night Walk

    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 (full moon September 26). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by September 22: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, September 27

    Scenic Stroll

    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.

  • Thursday, October 1

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Faville Prairie Seed Collecting

    9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by September 28: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Site is a high-quality prairie east of Madison, volunteers must provide their own transportation. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, October 3

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for habitat restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, October 4

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

  • Thursday, October 8

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area Seed Collecting

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by October 5: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Meet at the Visitor Center (location subject to change). Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, October 10

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, October 10

    Conifers
    Garden Tour

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Join Neil Schmidt, garden horticultural specialist, for a ramble through the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens pinetum – the largest and most diverse conifer collection in the state. Designated an American Conifer Society reference garden since 2015, the collection presents a stunning array of conifers from around the country and the world. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, October 11

    Sustainability Walk

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Join students from Helios UW–Madison and Arboretum staff to visit and learn about sustainability projects at the Arboretum, both indoors and outdoors. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, advance registration through Eventbrite is required: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Registration closes October 7 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Tuesday, October 13

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Faville Prairie Seed Collecting

    9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by October 10: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Site is a high-quality prairie east of Madison, volunteers must provide their own transportation. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Thursday, October 15

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract Seed Collecting

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by October 12: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Hwy. and W. Beltline Frontage Rd. (No restroom facilities. Location subject to change.) Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, October 17

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, October 17

    Fall Color
    Garden Tour

    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

    Join David Stevens, garden curator, for a vibrant stroll through Longenecker Horticultural Gardens. He will highlight sensational seasonal colors and share the science behind this natural phenomenon. Free, space is limited. Advance registration is required and opens September 1: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Registration closes October 13 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, October 18

    Family Nature Program: Mighty Migrations

    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.

  • Saturday, October 24

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Curtis Prairie Area

    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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, October 24

    Full Moon Night Walk

    5:30 p.m. – 7 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 October 25). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by October 20: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.

  • Sunday, October 25

    Touring the Lost City

    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 21 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center. See also November 1 tour.

  • Sunday, November 1

    Touring the Lost City

    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 28 or when full. Meet at the Visitor Center. See also October 25 tour.

  • Saturday, November 7

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for habitat restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, November 7

    Class: All About Owls

    1 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: $25. Register by November 3. Meet at the Visitor Center.

    Register for this event ($25)

  • Sunday, November 8

    Nature Hike

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, this walk may cover 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.

  • Saturday, November 14

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for habitat restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Sunday, November 15

    Family Nature Program: Turkey Time

    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.

  • Saturday, November 21

    Ecological Restoration Work Party
    Grady Tract

    9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

    Volunteer for habitat restoration activities in prairies, savannas, and woodlands. 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. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.

  • Saturday, November 21

    Class: History of the Arboretum’s Lost City

    1 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. 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: $25. Register by November 17. Meet at the Visitor Center.

    Register for this event ($25)

  • Sunday, November 22

    Scenic Stroll

    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.

  • Thursday, November 26

    Visitor Center closed

    All day

    The Visitor Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Arboretum grounds remain open.

  • Sunday, November 29

    Nature Hike

    1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, this walk may cover 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.

  • Tuesday, December 1

    Mycoblitz Student Poster Session

    1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

    Come learn about the importance and diversity of fungi at two December poster sessions with UW–Madison students from a forest ecology class. The students will share information about fungal diversity and summarize findings from a September mycoblitz at the Arboretum, organized in conjunction with George Meindl, UW–Madison associate teaching professor, and the Madison Mycological Society. Free, no registration required. Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium.

  • Thursday, December 3

    Mycoblitz Student Poster Session

    1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

    Come learn about the importance and diversity of fungi at two December poster sessions with UW–Madison students from a forest ecology class. The students will share information about fungal diversity and summarize findings from a September mycoblitz at the Arboretum, organized in conjunction with George Meindl, UW–Madison associate teaching professor, and the Madison Mycological Society. Free, no registration required. Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium.