July 7, 2023 11:05 AM

While the current anticipated outbreak of spongy moth is alarming to witness and does cause stress to many trees, long-term management of this species and our urban forest requires a broad focus. Unfortunately, the spongy moth is well-established throughout most of Wisconsin. From a statewide and … [read more]

June 21, 2023 9:01 AM

Madison Parks is seeking volunteers to assist with daily goat checks. Goat checkers will ensure the goats and their area are in good condition, ideally each morning and after a storm. Duties include: Patrol the entire fence to ensure it is intact and no branches are leaning against … [read more]

March 17, 2023 3:04 PM

To better maintain and expand the tallgrass in Kettle Pond Conservation Park, Madison Parks hired Field and Stream Restorations to "forestry mow" in the northern portion of the park. Forestry mowing uses larger equipment to cut and grind rough overgrowth leaving shredded stems, which slows and … [read more]

December 29, 2021 12:19 PM

Glenway Guests and the Community, We need your help. As we move into winter and enjoy the fun of snow-related activities, we look for your assistance in helping share our important message with the public. The progress at the improved Glenway Golf Park is on schedule and shaping up for a great … [read more]

June 21, 2021 1:22 PM

Have you noticed large numbers of Canada Geese at Vilas Park lately? What about Tenney Park, Cherokee Park or Yahara Hills Golf Course? The overabundance of these waterfowl is a common complaint received by park users and a problem left for many municipalities to resolve. A problem ultimately … [read more]

November 10, 2020 3:32 PM

Take a walk in nature this fall! As we continue to follow safety guidelines from Public Health Madison & Dane County, and are unable to promote guided Bird & Nature Outings, our volunteer nature experts created these suggestions for self-guided walks. Explore beyond these tips, check out … [read more]

October 3, 2020 9:14 PM

Take a self-guided walk in nature any day this fall. As we continue to follow safety guidelines from Public Health Madison & Dane County, and are unable to promote guided Bird & Nature Outings, our volunteer nature experts have created these suggested walks. Follow and tag us on … [read more]

August 27, 2020 12:40 PM

For anyone, starting a new job can be exciting and maybe a bit stressful. For Laurel Franklin, her new role in Madison Parks offers her a place to shine and put her years of experience to work. As Madison Parks newest Land Stewardship Technician and the first woman in the role, Laurel manages the … [read more]

July 1, 2020 3:56 PM

Celebrate National Park & Recreation Month by exploring Madison Parks with a self-guided nature walk on any day in July. Tenney Park, 1330 Sherman Avenue Butterflies and Their Host Plants Take a beautiful nature walk at Tenney Park to enjoy looking at the native Wisconsin flowers, … [read more]

May 15, 2020 12:09 PM

You've probably heard about garlic mustard. While sometimes used to make a pesto or as a salad topping, this invasive plant dominates and displaces quality native plants and vegetation. In its first year, garlic mustard has basal, heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. By the second year, … [read more]

May 8, 2020 10:15 AM

Beginning Birding with Nancy Frozen What's so fun about birding? Nancy Frozen, Master Naturalist and Bird & Nature Outing guide shared her thoughts. Nancy says, "Birding is fun and challenging to look for those flighty, skittish birds and remember shape, size, color, beak, songs, and … [read more]

May 7, 2020 4:27 PM

Volunteers are needed for the Canada Goose management program. Madison Parks is seeking volunteers to assist with weekly counts of numbers of geese at specific parks, beaches, golf courses, and greenways in the city. Volunteers are also needed to help discourage geese from using certain … [read more]

April 22, 2020 11:43 AM

So much has changed in how we approach nearly every aspect of our lives since COVID-19. Including how we honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. While we cannot celebrate with our typical Earth Day Challenge given the Safer at Home Order, we have a few suggestions for things you can do on your … [read more]

April 2, 2020 11:20 AM

In a perfect world, Madison Parks volunteer nature experts would provide guided walks each weekend as part of the on-going, year-round Bird & Nature Outing series. Today, we must learn to adapt to these unique times, in order to stay safe and still enjoy nature. We encourage you to … [read more]

January 3, 2020 1:27 PM

2019 is in the books, and with it a lot of fond memories made in Madison Parks. Millions of visits across the system with people enjoying themselves, nature, and each other. I thought I would borrow from a fellow native Hoosier and make a top ten list. There are certainly more than 10 laudable … [read more]

September 5, 2019 2:59 PM

Progress for pollinators continues in the city and in particular in Madison Parks, Golf Courses and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Parks Division uses a number of strategies to protect and enhance habitat for pollinators. Our primary focus is to properly manage land, which we do according to … [read more]

May 23, 2017 8:29 AM

On Monday, May 15, conservation parks staff hosted students from John Muir Elementary School at Owen Conservation Park for a pond exploration day. About 175 students from 11 classes, spanning 1st through 5th grades, made the two-block journey from the school to the ponds at the south end of the … [read more]

May 1, 2017 11:20 AM

Where are coyotes? You may be surprised (or not) to learn of their existence in our urban areas. The UW Urban Canid Project, led by Dr. David Drake of the UW-Madison Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, aims to learn more about the coyote and red fox population in Madison. The number of … [read more]

October 28, 2016 8:03 AM

As the growing season draws to a close, we here at Madison Parks are shifting gears and turning our focus from mowing and trail maintenance to hayrides and the upcoming ski season. Somewhere in between, our conservation parks section is hoping the weather will be just right for using a favorite … [read more]