Created in 1983, the People for Parks program encourages citizens to take an active role in the maintenance and enhancement of our parks. Donated funds for specific projects are matched, allowing increased flexibility. Contributions of parkland, benches and trees have enhanced our parks. Stewardship efforts are visible through Earth Day clean ups, tree mulching, hiking trail repair, planting and weeding gardens, prairie seed collecting and assistance at special events. These activities involve individuals, community organizations, businesses, school groups and neighborhood associations throughout the community.
Individual or groups who have an interest in volunteering with Madison Parks should fill out the online New Parks Volunteer Interest Form.
Donate a little time in Madison Parks for some spring cleaning. Sign up below and join us for two upcoming volunteer work days.
Earth Day Challenge, April 21, 9am-noon
Volunteers may assist with cleaning up various parks, clearing brush, planting shrubs, or other beautification projects.
Sign to volunteer or host a project here
Garlic Mustard is a rapidly spreading woodland weed that is displacing native woodland wildflowers in Wisconsin. It dominates the forest floor and can displace most native herbaceous species within ten years. This plant is a major threat to the survival of Wisconsin's woodland herbaceous flora and the wildlife that depend on it.
If you are pulling Garlic Mustard in your own yards or other public space, please be sure to dispose of the weed in the garbage, not the compost. See the City of Madison Streets Dept website for more details.
Volunteers spend much of the spring pulling the plant in order to save the precious conservation land in our parks. Join up with a group and help stop the spread of Garlic Mustard.
Upcoming Volunteer Days
Below is a list of upcoming scheduled volunteer work days. If you are interested in volunteering on any of these days, please fill out the New Parks Volunteer Interest Form.
- April 15, Noon-3 PM, Elvehjem Sanctuary
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- April 21, 9 AM-noon., Elvehjem Sanctuary
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- Sunday, April 22, Noon-3 PM. Edna Taylor Park
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- April 28, 9:30-11:30am, Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Volunteers will meet at the Woodlawn entrance to assist with removal and/or thinning of invasive species including garlic mustard, burdock, and sumac.
- April 29, Noon-3 PM. Heistand Park
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- May 5, 9:30-11:30am, Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Volunteers will meet at the Woodlawn entrance to assist with removal and/or thinning of invasive species including garlic mustard, burdock, and sumac.
- May 6, Noon-3 PM., Heritage Sanctuary
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- May 13, Noon-3 PM. Turville Woods
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- May 19, 9:30-11:30am, Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Volunteers will meet at the Woodlawn entrance to assist with removal and/or thinning of invasive species including garlic mustard, burdock, and sumac.
- May 19, 10am-noon, Hoyt Park
Volunteers will assist with the overall beautification and preservation of the park including trash pick up, invasive species removal and other park projects.
- May 20, Noon-3 PM., Sandburg Woods
Join Madison Area Weed Warriors to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from our parks.
- May 25, 9:30-11:30am, Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Volunteers will meet at the Woodlawn entrance to assist with removal and/or thinning of invasive species including garlic mustard, burdock, and sumac.
- June 2, 9:30-11:30am, Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Volunteers will meet at the Woodlawn entrance to assist with removal and/or thinning of invasive species including garlic mustard, burdock, and sumac.
Find out more information about our various volunteer programs and ways to get involved.
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One time volunteers- volunteer by yourself or with a group
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Dog Park Clean Up Day- annual event in March
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Earth Day Challenge- annual event in April
- Flower Garden Volunteers- maintain a flower garden in one of our parks
- People for Parks- Adopt-a-Park
- Adopt Ice Program- volunteers maintain neighborhood ice rinks in the winter
- Ride the Drive- special event volunteers are needed at this annual bike event
- Park Watch- keep an eye on your park and report any problems or concerns
We have ongoing projects throughout the year that are coordinated by volunteers in our parks. Volunteer days are occur in various parks around the city.
For a complete list of all upcoming volunteer days, view the current volunteer pages.
All volunteers must fill out a volunteer release form when volunteering in Madison Parks. Please print, fill out, and return the form to:
City of Madison Parks, 210 MLK Jr., Blvd, Rm 104, 53701 or fax 608-267-1162
- Individual volunteers should fill out the Individual Volunteer Release Form (PDF)
- Groups of volunteers should fill out the Group Volunteer Release Form (PDF)
