Gratitude in Nature: Habitat Restoration, Animal Encounters & Yoga
Event Description
Madison Parks has partnered with Friends of Olin Turville (FOOT), Dane County Trash Lab, Dane County Parks and Devonna Peters, a Registered Yoga Teacher, for a unique outdoor experience that blends yoga, animal education, accessibility and hands-on conservation. This event is part of the Nature Everywhere initiative and regional Nature Everywhere Day, which expands in 2026 for a weekend of events exploring and participating in nature.
An accessible portable restroom will be available for the event, as well as the restroom building open in Olin Park.
Schedule of Events
The following events require advanced registration that may be done online or by calling Madison Parks 608-266-4711.
- 9:00am - 9:45am: Beginner Yoga
- 10:00am - 10:45am: Animal Adaptations
- 11:00am - 11:45am: Beginner Yoga
- 12:00pm - 12:45pm: Beginner Yoga
Yoga Class
Enjoy a 45-minute outdoor, beginner yoga class led by Devonna Peters on the grassy area of Olin Park. Class size is limited to 30 participants and advanced registration is required. Devonna Peters has practiced yoga for nearly two decades and has been teaching for the past two years. She earned her 200-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification through Inner Fire Yoga in 2024.
- Three beginner classes offered
- 9:00am - 9:45am
- 11:00am - 11:45am
- 12:00pm - 12:45pm
- Wear comfortable easy to move in clothing
- Wear sunscreen there is little to no shade in the open grass area
- Bring something to lie on such as a yoga mat towel or bedroll
- Bring a bottled water
Yoga Class Online Registration
Animal Adaptations & Restoration
The Animal Adaptations program led by Dane County Parks staff features a meet and greet with their ambassador animals. Exact animals to be determined but may include Nina, the turtle and/or Pebble, the toad. Staff will discuss what is an adaptation and what wild animals do to survive. The program is limited to 50 participants and advanced registration is required.
- 10:00am - 10:45am
Animal Adaptations Online Registration
All-Terrain Wheelchair
Dane County Parks is bringing their all-terrain wheelchair - Action Trackchair® designed to help people of all ability levels access the outdoors. To use onsite, advanced reservations are requested.
Volunteer & Restoration
Guests will also learn about Madison Parks working goats specialized animals that help clear invasive brush and restore wooded areas across city parks in an environmentally friendly way. The experience is in conjunction with the Friends of Olin Turville helping remove invasive plants and care for this special conservation area.
Trash Lab
Visit the Dane County Trash Lab, a mobile education experience housed in an upcycled cargo trailer. This imaginative exhibit was created in 2021 in collaboration with the Madison Children’s Museum to encourage individuals of all ages to rethink our relationship with waste, protect our environment and redesign our production and waste systems. Visitors to the Trash Lab can connect with information about Dane County’s landfill design, recycling and renewable energy programs through over ten interactive learning stations. The Trash Lab is wheelchair accessible and Spanish language materials are available.