Events & Classes
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NATURALISTS’ ENRICHMENT LECTURE
Wolf Recovery in Wisconsin, 1980-2010 & Ojibwe Tribal Perspectives on Wisconsin Wolf Policy
Thursday, March 11 • 9 am – 11:30 am
Speaker: Adrian Treves, Professor, and Tory Shelley, Graduate student, The Carnivore Coexistence Lab, UW-Madison Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, March 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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CLASS
Designing Native Gardens
Saturday, March 13 • 12 pm – 3:30 pm
Held on two consecutive Saturdays, this class helps homeowners discover what native wildflowers might be used for gardens in the home landscape. The first session discusses how to analyze your property to determine an appropriate native landscape including design considerations. The second session focuses on site preparation, planting and maintenance and a discussion of individual projects. Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at uwarboretum.org
Register for this class ($40)
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
End of Winter
Sunday, March 14 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Next Saturday marks the end of astronomical winter with the spring equinox. We can look for signs of the end of winter weather even if it is still cold—plants have buds, birds and mammals are preparing for spring.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Mud
Sunday, March 14 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Mud isn’t just for pies, it is a great place to see animal tracks. What is mud anyway, and why is there so much of it in the spring?
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NATURALISTS’ ENRICHMENT LECTURE
Wisconsin Frogs, Toads and Salamanders
Thursday, March 18 • 9 am – 11:30 am
Speaker: Randy Korb, Author/wildlife educator, St. Croix Wildlife, Inc.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Saturday, March 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (NIGHT)
Equinox
Saturday, March 20 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Join the naturalist for sunset on the first day of spring, half-way between the winter and summer solstices
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CLASS
Effigy Mounds of Dane County
Sunday, March 21 • 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
From 700-1200 AD, earthen mounds of various shapes and sizes—including effigies of birds, panthers, bears and turtles—were built by native people, mostly in southern Wisconsin. View and learn more about some of these mounds while discussing what we know and don’t know about the environment, lifestyle and culture of the people who built them. Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at uwarboretum.org
Register for this class ($28)
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Signs of Spring
Sunday, March 21 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Listen and look for signs of spring, such as the return of sandhill cranes and indications of mole and worm activity in the thawed soil.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, March 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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CLASS
All About Bluebirds
Saturday, March 27 • 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Walk along the Arboretum’s 20-year-old bluebird trail in Longenecker Gardens while learning about the fascinating life of the bluebird, bluebird behavior, the reasons for bluebird decline, and the restoration efforts that are currently being employed. Dress for the weather.
Register for this class ($13.50)
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WALK (NIGHT)
Skydance
Saturday, March 27 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
The American woodcock is a funny-looking bird that has an amazing spring ritual for attracting mates. We can never guarantee that wildlife will appear on cue, but we can usually hear and see woodcock performances near the Arboretum Visitor Center. Naturalists will talk about the woodcock and other rites of spring that can be seen on a March evening.
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
Living with Wild Things, Learning from Aldo Leopold
Sunday, March 28 • 12:30 pm – 4 pm
At this drop-in event, learn about Aldo Leopold’s love of wild things and efforts to restore the land. Create models of what the land was like at different times in history. A naturalist-led walk takes place from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Early Migrants
Sunday, March 28 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Birds are returning from the south. Neo-tropical migrants spend the winter in Central and South America then return here to nest. We will look for early migrants and early nesters among yearlong residents.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Nature’s Second Chance—Meet the Author
Sunday, March 28 • 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Steven J. Apfelbaum, author of the widely acclaimed “Nature’s Second Chance: Restoring the Ecology of Stone Prairie Farm,” will read from his book, sign copies and answer questions.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (WINGRA SAVANNA)
Wingra Oak Savanna
Saturday, April 3 • 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Early Spring
Sunday, April 4 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
The earliest spring wildflower on the prairie is the Pasque flower – we will hunt for them on this Easter which is also the date of the earliest average time to see them.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, April 10 • 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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SPECIAL EVENT
The Man Who Planted Trees
Saturday, April 10 • 11:20 am – 12:20 pm
Come to the Overture Center in Madison where the Arboretum will present a workshop on trees between performances. At this free event, Arboretum naturalists will lead an activity called “making a woodland habitat.”
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SPECIAL EVENT
Life Cycle of a Tree
Sunday, April 11 • 12:30 pm – 4 pm
In collaboration with the Overture Center, the Arboretum offers a drop-in event where families will explore trees during their different stages of growth: from seed to seedling to maturity to death to decomposition and then all over again. Participants can pot a tree seedling to take home and dissect a decaying log. The Arboretum book store will offer a 15 percent discount for anyone who attends with ticket stubs from the April 10 Overture performances.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Walk on the Wet Side
Sunday, April 11 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Visit wetlands near the Arboretum Visitor Center to discover life emerging as the ice leaves the ponds and marshes.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Frogs
Sunday, April 11 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Frogs make wonderful sounds in the spring and on summer nights—and they have fascinating life cycles. This will be an introduction to the frogs of the Arboretum.
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract Earth Day Project
Saturday, April 17 • 9 am – 12 pm
Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering for restoration activities. Tools and training are provided. Time slots for groups are available with advance notice. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot. For more information: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM EVENT
Spring Sprint for the Arb
Saturday, April 17 • 10 am – 3 pm
Featuring a 5k run on Arboretum roads and a 1-mile family friendly, naturalist-led nature walk through Curtis Prairie, this fundraiser for the Arboretum offers beautiful scenery and exercise for a good cause. Registration required.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Early Spring Wildflowers
Sunday, April 18 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Spring ephemerals may carpet the woodland floor. We may see bloodroot, toothwort, spring beauty and others along the trails in Gallistel Woods.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Spirits of Earth—Meet the Author
Sunday, April 18 • 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Robert A. Birmingham, author of “Spirits of Earth—The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes” will read from his book, sign copies and answer questions.
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CLASS
The Mystery of Migration
Saturday, April 24 • 9 am – 12:30 pm
Learn about bird migration, an event that has captivated the imagination, and how to identify some of our early spring migrants. This class has an indoor and outdoor component. Dress for the weather. Binoculars and a bird field guide recommended. Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at www.uwarboretum.org
Register for this class ($25)
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Arboretum Earth Day Project
Saturday, April 24 • 9 am – 12 pm
Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering for restoration activities. Tools and training are provided. Time slots for groups are available with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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WALK (NIGHT)
Spring Sunset
Saturday, April 24 • 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Enjoy the wildflowers, and stay for the rising of the moon and woodcock dances.
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
Life Cycle of a Tree
Sunday, April 25 • 12:30 pm – 4 pm
At this drop-in event, explore trees during their different stages of growth—from seed to seedling to maturity to death to decomposition and then all over again. Pot a tree seedling to take home and dissect a decaying log. A naturalist-led walk takes place from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Woodland Wildflowers
Sunday, April 25 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
This can be a peak time for spring ephemerals such as trout lily and wood anemone. It is also time to look for returning migrant birds such as house wrens, brown thrashers and kingbirds.
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TOUR (NATIVE PLANT GARDEN)
Early Signs of Spring
Wednesday, April 28 • 7 pm – 8 pm
As trees and shrubs begin to leaf out, Dutchman’s breeches, anemones and rue-anemones might be blooming in the woodland gardens. In our prairie gardens, we may find Pasque flower, prairie smoke and bird’s-foot violet—sure signs of spring.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (WINGRA SAVANNA)
Wingra Oak Savanna
Saturday, May 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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SPECIAL EVENT
Badger Trolley Tours
Sunday, May 2 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. See what’s in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum’s history and purpose.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Spring Wildflowers
Sunday, May 2 • 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Walk with naturalists through the woodland wildflower restorations near the Visitor Center.
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TOUR (LONGENECKER GARDENS)
Flowering Woody Ornamentals
Wednesday, May 5 • 7 pm – 8:15 pm
This tour, led by UW-Madison Professor of Horticulture Laura Jull, will include the yellow and little girl series magnolias, early lilacs and rhododendrons, and other spring flowering plants.
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CLASS
Drawing and Painting Plants
Thursday, May 6 • 1 pm – 4 pm
Held on five consecutive Thursdays, this class starts out with pencil drawing and then moves to watercolors. Instructor Bici Pettit-Barron has taught painting and drawing at Harvard for many years. Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at uwarboretum.org
Register for this class ($168.00)
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FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM EVENT
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 8 • 9 am – 2 pm
More than 100 species of quality prairie plants, woodland plants, shrubs, vines and trees are available for purchase under one tent. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. Proceeds support Arboretum projects.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Birding Before Brunch
Sunday, May 9 • 8 am – 10 am
Enjoy the chorus of returning migrants establishing their nesting territories through song and the songs of birds that are just stopping by on their way north.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 9 • 10 am – 2 pm
Treat Mom to a delicious selection of organic and/or sustainable foods at one of the most beautiful locations in Madison. Reservations required. Call the Arboretum at 608-263-7888 for information or go to www.uwarboretum.org
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SPECIAL EVENT
Badger Trolley Tours
Sunday, May 9 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. See what’s in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum’s history and purpose.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
Arboretum Sampler
Sunday, May 9 • 1 pm – 2 pm
Explore an Arboretum woodland, wetland and prairie for a sampler of what is happening near the Visitor Center.
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WALK (FAMILY)
Spring Is Here
Sunday, May 9 • 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
This naturalist-led walk is tailored to families with young children and explores the prairies, woodlands or wetlands near the Visitor Center.
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TOUR (LONGENECKER GARDENS)
Flowering Crabapples and Lilacs
Wednesday, May 12 • 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Emeritus Professor of Horticulture Ed Hasselkus, curator of the Longenecker Gardens, will concentrate on the Arboretum’s excellent collection of flowering crabapples and present highlights in the Gardens’ large lilac collection.
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CLASS
Introduction to Restorative Permaculture Design
Thursday, May 13 • 6 pm – 8:30 pm
This 3-session class combines permaculture design and ecological restoration and covers definitions, principles and practices of permaculture with a native, edible plants focus—with a mix of classroom talks, hands-on activities, and site visits. Registration required by May 3; participants will be sent a design questionnaire to complete before the first class. The other two sessions are held May 15 and 22 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Register for this class ($120)
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (GRADY TRACT)
Grady Tract
Saturday, May 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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SPECIAL EVENT
Badger Trolley Tours
Sunday, May 16 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. See what’s in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum’s history and purpose.
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Oak Openings and Restored Prairies
Sunday, May 16 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Look for wildflowers and see what makes Greene Prairie one of the most spectacular prairie restorations. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot, located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway.
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TOUR (LONGENECKER GARDENS)
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Wednesday, May 19 • 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Dr. Deb McCown, a specialist in woody ornamentals, will review the Gardens’ collection of azaleas and rhododendrons and discuss the care of these plants in the Madison area.
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VOLUNTEER WORKDAY (CORE AREA)
Core Area and Curtis Prairie
Saturday, May 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: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
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EARTH PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES
Plants and Animals with Wet Feet
Sunday, May 23 • 12:30 pm – 4 pm
At this drop-in event, learn about wetlands and the plants and animals that depend on them. Use a microscope for a close up view of water critters. Try a mapping activity marking the pathways of migrating waterfowl. A naturalist-led walk from 1:30-2:30 p.m. goes to a pond for dipping into the water for hands-on discovery.
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WALK (VISITOR CENTER)
West Curtis Prairie and Noe Woods
Sunday, May 23 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Noe Woods is a 41-acre white oak/black oak woods typical of those that developed on former savannas. Many of the trees date back 150 years, a time when European settlers put an end to the fires that had maintained the savannas.
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TOUR (LONGENECKER GARDENS)
Small Ornamental Trees
Wednesday, May 26 • 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Jeff Epping, Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, will highlight some of the Gardens’ interesting, and unusual, ornamental small trees.
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SPECIAL EVENT
CCC Day at the Arboretum
Saturday, May 29 • 1 pm – 4:30 pm
An afternoon of history and inspiration begins with a presentation and discussion by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) historian and author Robert Moore, followed by the Milwaukee Public Theatre and Voices Theater performance of “Camp We-Kan-Tak-It,” a musical that explores the legacy of the Wisconsin CCC and the Works Progress Administration on their 75th anniversary. At 3 p.m., Emeritus Professor and Arboretum Historian Frank Court, leads a post-show reflection followed by a tour of the Arboretum’s Curtis Prairie and CCC Barracks.
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WALK (NIGHT)
Sunset Serenade
Saturday, May 29 • 8 pm – 9:30 pm
Take in the sights and sounds of a late spring evening with a prairie or woodland sunset at 8:30 followed by an hour of twilight time.
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WALK (GRADY TRACT)
Greene Prairie Spectacular
Sunday, May 30 • 1 pm – 3 pm
Look for wildflowers and see what makes Greene Prairie one of the most spectacular prairie restorations. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot, located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway.