Join us for a free guided tour of one of Madison Parks beautiful conservation parks. Tours are held once a month from April through October with a special paddle trip in August. The tours are led by a Madison Parks staff member and co-sponsored by the Madison Audubon Society.

Wednesday, April 15 - South Cherokee, Wheeler Rd & Ilene Ln intersection 6:30pm
Witness the rebirth of oak savanna habitat along the shores of glacial Lake Mendota.  Ponds constructed nearby in 2012 treat urban storm water while providing wildlife habitat.  We’ll look for early migrating birds in and around the ponds.
 
Wednesday, May 13-Turville Point Conservation Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Ct. 6:30pm
Explore this beautiful downtown park along the shores of Lake Monona.  Spring ephemeral wildflowers carpet the “tip” of the peninsula.
 
Wednesday, June 17 - North Cherokee Marsh, 6098 N. Sherman Ave. 6:30pm
Diverse natural habitats in a large landscape provide a mecca for birds and other wildlife.  Walk through a large oak savanna restoration which attracted 3 nesting pairs of red-headed woodpeckers in 2014.
 
Wednesday, July 15 - Prairie Ridge, 2406 Berkley Dr. 6:30pm
Goat prairies and oak savanna restorations cover this glaciated ridge providing a snapshot of a landscape that once dominated Dane County.
 
Saturday, August 8 - Upper Yahara paddle trip at South Cherokee (bring your own paddle craft), School Rd. boat launch 8:00 am 
Paddle through the “fragrant thickets” of American Lotus Water Lily looking for a variety of wetland birds and other wildlife.
 
Wednesday, September 16 - Edna Taylor, 802 Femrite Dr. 6:30pm
Walk on a glacial drumlin with large open grown oaks with numerous linear mounds and one panther effigy originating from another time in human history.
 
Wednesday, October 14 - Owen, 6021 Old Sauk Rd. 5:30pm
Learn about the natural and human history of this 100 acre natural gem “hidden” on the west side of Madison.  View outstanding fall color with oaks and maples that cover this glacial moraine.

Mark your calendar now to get out and play Madison Parks!