Events & Classes
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TOUR (NATIVE PLANT GARDEN)
Native Grasses
Wednesday, August 20 • 7 pm
As summer ends and fall approaches, we will take a closer look at our native grasses, from tiny mustache grass to big bluestem. Find out how to identify these attractive plants and grow them in your native garden.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, August 23 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Curtis Prairie
Sunday, August 24 • 8:30 am – 10 am
At this time of year, you can walk the prairie and imagine what it was like for settlers to see prairies for the first time—with grasses and flowers towering overhead—unlike anything in Europe.
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Prairies and Savannas on the Grady Tract
Sunday, August 31 • 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Enjoy early asters, sunflowers and goldenrods mixed among the grasses. Meet in the Grady Tract parking lot located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway intersection.
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CLASS
Fall Migration
Saturday, September 6 • 8 am – 11 am
Learn about bird migration, an event that has captivated the human imagination, and also how to identify some of this area’s fall migrants. This class has an indoor and outdoor component. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
Register for this class ($$13.50)
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (WINGRA SAVANNA)
Wingra Oak Savanna
Saturday, September 6 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the gravel parking lot along Arbor Drive just off Monroe Street. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Sunday, September 7 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Enjoy white and blue asters, goldenrods, sunflowers and gentians. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, September 13 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
The Scavenger Squad
Saturday, September 13 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Vultures, crows, beetles, flies and microbes are the scavengers. It’s a tough job, but it’s got to be done. See a live vulture and learn about the important role they play in the nutrient/food cycle. Dress for the weather, we will take a hike.
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WALK (NIGHT)
Twlight Time
Saturday, September 13 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Fall brings fewer hours of daylight, so night walks feature nature from twilight to moon light.
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CLASS
Native by Design – A How-To Conference for Gardeners
Sunday, September 14 • 9 am – 4:30 pm
Using the Arboretum’s Wisconsin Native Plant Garden as an outdoor classroom, seminars are combined with expert advice and living examples to guide those wishing to become successful native gardeners. Fee: $50 ($43 for Friends of the Arboretum; $25 for students). Registration required.
Register for this class ($50)
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
More than Mushrooms
Sunday, September 14 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
See and learn about the fifth kingdom and other species in the gardens and woodlands at this time of year.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Fun with Fungi
Sunday, September 14 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
This family friendly walk investigates mushrooms growing in the Arboretum’s natural areas.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Saturday, September 20 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Sunday, September 21 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Enjoy white and blue asters, goldenrods, sunflowers and gentians. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway.
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WALK (NIGHT)
Equinox
Monday, September 22 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Watch the sun set on the autumnal equinox on this naturalist-led tour and learn more about this annual occurrence.
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FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM EVENT
Chasing the Ghost Birds: Saving Swans and Cranes from Extinction
Tuesday, September 23 • 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
This Luncheon-Lecture is presented by David Sakrison. Registration required. Contact Sara Minkoff at 608.263.7760 or friends@uwarboretum.org
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, September 27 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Arboretum Sampler
Sunday, September 28 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
See what is going on in the restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies near the Visitor Center.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (WINGRA SAVANNA)
Wingra Oak Savanna
Saturday, October 4 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the gravel parking lot along Arbor Drive just off Monroe Street. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Butterflies and Flowers
Sunday, October 5 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Butterflies make stops for nectar on fall-blooming asters, adding to the beauty of the prairie. We will look for the five species of gentian that grow here as well as asters and goldenrods. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot located at the southeast corner of the West Beltline and Seminole Highway.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, October 11 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
B-B-Bats…the only mammal that can take flight
Saturday, October 11 • 1 pm – 3 pm
B-B-Bats….fearsome and dangerous OR fascinating and beneficial? Come to the Arboretum to see live bats and learn the reality of bats, and how you can help these amazing mammals.
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WALK (NIGHT)
Red Lanterns
Saturday, October 11 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Blackberry leaves turn bright red and, according to Aldo Leopold, are places to look for woodcock and grouse when hunting. We don’t have grouse, so we will look for fall color, migrating white-throated sparrows and other fall delights.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Woodlands
Sunday, October 12 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Enjoy what is usually the peak for fall color in the restored woodlands of the Arboretum
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SPECIAL EVENT
Badger Trolley Tour
Sunday, October 12 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. View the prairies and woodlands in beautiful fall color and learn more about the Arboretum’s history and purpose.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Why do Leaves Change Color?
Sunday, October 12 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Families can learn how to appreciate and understand the wonder of fall color in native trees and prairie grasses.
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CLASS
Corps of Discovery Series – Communicating Nature
Saturday, October 18 • 9 am – 4 pm
This unique opportunity for interested, committed citizens offers preparation for documenting the Arboretum’s biodiversity and the dramatic and spectacular changes that constantly occur here. A series of four workshops include skill-building activities in writing, photography and sketching/drawing. Registration required.
Register for this class ($$100.00)
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Saturday, October 18 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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CLASS
All About Owls
Saturday, October 18 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Look, listen, and learn about the fascinating world of owls. This class includes a slide show, owl “music” and stories. Registration required.
Register for this class ($13.5)
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Fall Color
Sunday, October 19 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Join the Arboretum naturalist for an exploration of the restored maple woodlands near the Visitor Center.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Badger Trolley Tour
Sunday, October 19 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. View the prairies and woodlands in beautiful fall color and learn more about the Arboretum’s history and purpose.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, October 25 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Tour of the Lost City
Sunday, October 26 • 1 pm – 3 pm
While we always tour this area around Halloween, there is really nothing spooky about this abandoned dream of a “Venice of the North.” Learn more about this failed 1920s residential area and how understanding the land can be important for proper development.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Badger Trolley Tour
Sunday, October 26 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. View the prairies and woodlands in beautiful fall color and learn more about the Arboretum’s history and purpose.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (WINGRA SAVANNA)
Wingra Oak Savanna
Saturday, November 1 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the gravel parking lot along Arbor Drive just off Monroe Street. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Effigy Mounds
Sunday, November 2 • 1 pm – 3 pm
The Arboretum contains some rare, intact mound groups out of the thousands built in our area more than 1,000 years ago. On this tour, which features the mounds in Wingra and Gallistel Woods, you’ll learn about these ancient earthworks and the cultures that built them.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, November 8 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
Ingenious Seeds On the Move
Saturday, November 8 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Fall harvest is the perfect time to investigate one of the most important missions of the plant world—seed dispersal. In Curtis Prairie, the oldest restored prairie in the world, go on a scavenger hunt and collect prairie seed. Dress for the weather.
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WALK (NIGHT)
Stars and Night Sounds
Saturday, November 8 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
The waxing moon will be about 78 percent full lighting the way for this night walk. It’s a good time to look for stars if the sky is clear and listen for night animal activity.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Glacial Geology
Sunday, November 9 • 1 pm – 3 pm
The Arboretum has many features that illustrate the glacial geology of the Madison area. Explore the drumlins, moraines, erratics and glacial lake beds that are visible here.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Preparing for Winter
Sunday, November 9 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Animals and plants that live here need to prepare for winter long before the first snow flies. This short walk introduces young people to how plants and animals cope with the cold.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Saturday, November 15 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Thinking Like an Arboretum
Sunday, November 16 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Aldo Leopold’s essay, “Thinking Like a Mountain,” is the basis for this tour about the relationship between predators and prey, and the diversity of ecosystems.
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FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM EVENT
American Wildlife Art
Thursday, November 20 • 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
The Luncheon-Lecture program is presented by David Wagner. Registration required. Contact Sara Minkoff at 608.263.7760 or friends@uwarboretum.org
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, November 22 • 9 am – 12 pm
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Sampler
Sunday, November 23 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Join our naturalist and see what is going on in the restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies near the Visitor Center.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Winter Woods
Sunday, November 30 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Most deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, so it’s a good time to see tree forms and the birds and animals that live in them year-round.