Events & Classes
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SPECIAL EVENT
Wingra Oak Savanna Restoration and Monroe Street Environs Tour
Sunday, August 1 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
This restoration of oak savanna has been a cooperation between the Arboretum, the Dudgeon Monroe Neighborhood and volunteers since 1992. We will visit the restoration and also see the Wheeler Council Ring, designed by Jens Jensen and two of the springs that made this area a living site for native Americans for at least the last 4,000 years. Meet at the parking lot at the corner of Monroe Street and Arbor Drive.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (WINGRA SAVANNA)
Wingra Oak Savanna
Saturday, August 7 • 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)
Curtis Prairie
Sunday, August 8 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Yellow is the dominant color of prairie abundance this time of year—from sunflowers to goldfinches to swallowtail butterflies.
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TOUR (NATIVE PLANT GARDEN)
Native Grasses
Wednesday, August 11 • 7 pm – 8:15 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 14 • 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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CLASS
The Amazing World of Insects
Saturday, August 14 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Loved by some and feared by many, insects and arachnids have caused grief for farmers and stung many a bare foot; but they have the power to put a smile on the faces of the grumpiest of children. Explore the fascinating world of insects and arachnids, including lifecycles, while discovering the important and powerful role they play in our ecosystem.
Register for this class ($13.50)
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Sunday, August 15 • 1 pm – 3 pm
With lavender liatris and yellow coneflowers, the prairies are alive with color that attracts viceroy, monarch and other butterflies. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway intersection.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Pond Stuff
Sunday, August 15 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
This walk introduces children to the fascinating world of pond life.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Saturday, August 21 • 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 (NIGHT)
Insect Serenade
Saturday, August 21 • 8 pm – 9:30 pm
The fields echo with the sounds of insects, including the snowy tree cricket. Learn how to tell the temperature from the timing of their calls.
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
Pollination, the Story of a Partnership
Sunday, August 22 • 12:30 pm – 4 pm
Experience the exciting world of pollination through educational activities. Create different types of pollinating mouth parts and experiment with these to see what types of flowers match the type of mouth. There will be a self-guided “flower find” and information on the latest research concerning native pollinators. A naturalist-led hike takes place 1:30-2:30 p.m.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Sample of Dane County in 1834
Sunday, August 22 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Restored prairie, savanna and wetlands near the Visitor Center provide an example of what Dane County looked like in the 1830s. Restoration was an unknown adventure when started here in 1934. Many different trials have resulted in what is here today.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, August 28 • 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 (GRADY TRACT)
Prairies and Savannas on the Grady Tract
Sunday, August 29 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Now is a good time to see the contrast between the sandy, dry West Knoll and wet-mesic Greene Prairie. Meet in the Grady Tract parking lot located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway intersection.
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CLASS
How To Conference for Native Gardeners
Sunday, September 19 • 8:45 am – 4:30 pm
Using the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum’s 4-acre Wisconsin Native Plant Garden as an outdoor classroom, we’ll combine workshops, take-home tips and living examples to help you become an inspired and successful native gardener.
Register for this class ($60.00)