August 31, 2023 1:31 PM

As we close out the summer, as the new Parks Alive Coordinator, I am pleased to report the successful conclusion to Parks Alive 2023. Building stronger neighborhoods across Madison through Parks Alive was a continued interdepartmental effort in collaboration with local nonprofits, organizations … [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 1, 2022 7:48 AM

Door Creek Park sits in a small valley on Madison's far eastside. Trails run through the valley bottom, over hills and through the woods. In early 2022, several Madison Nordic Ski Club members walked areas of Door Creek Park with Conservation Resource Supervisor, Paul Quinlan. This onsite-walking … [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]

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]

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]