Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen

Nature Photography ~ Join naturalists Sylvia Marek and Kathy Henning for a guided walk to enjoy changing colors and native plants going to seed and learn about nature photography. Join them for a brief discussion of nature photography and November phenology followed by a photo walk around Owen. Bring your camera or cell phone and a willingness to learn through the lens as well as your senses.  There is much to learn when we focus!  Sylvia is a long-time local naturalist with a deep knowledge of Owen Conservation Park. She has kept phenological records here for decades and is an unmatched guide to the plants and animals of the park in all seasons, including autumn.

Kathy is a Middleton resident who worked as a Communications instructor at Gateway Technical College and in retirement pursued a passion for photography, particularly macro photography. She is co-leader of Madison's PhotoMidwest Nature Group. The Middleton Historical Society featured her photography in Middleton's May 2026 gallery walk, and the Madison Christian Community hosted her "insect wall" and insect talks in summer 2025.  St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Middleton, hosted her "What My Camera Has Taught Me About Insects" talk in October 2026. Her camera serves as her teacher and portal to nature's marvels.  

Explore Owen Conservation Park on gentle trails through historic oak openings on a hillside with an Ice Age kettle and along restored prairies with beautiful vistas on this high point overlooking the west side of Madison. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks and the Friends of Owen Conservation Park. Free, family-friendly guided nature walks at Owen Conservation Park are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, year-round 1:30-3pm. Free, welcoming, healthy, fairly accessible, family and kid friendly, educational, no registration required, no pets. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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