Bird & Nature Adventures

people in forest looking up at nature and birds

Discover nature by foot, paddle or pedal with a free and family-friendly Bird & Nature Adventure! These volunteer-led events are held in parks year-round throughout the city. 

Upcoming Events

    • Tenney Beach
      1330 Sherman Ave.
    • Turville Point Conservation Park
      1202 Olin Turville Court
    • Owen Conservation Park
      6021 Old Sauk Road
    • Warner Park
      2930 North Sherman Avenue
    • Aldo Leopold Nature Center
      330 Femrite Drive
    • Warner Park Community Recreation Center
      1625 Northport Drive

Typically 90 minutes of easy-paced walking, Bird & Nature Adventures are volunteer-led, rain-snow-or-shine, year-round events for all ages to learn about birds and nature with subjects and volunteer leaders changing throughout the year. Periodically the events are offered as a pedal -- biking adventure or a paddle -- canoe or kayak adventure with a couple of the events onboard a pontoon. Most meeting locations and times are the same each month, but can occasionally change. Check the individual event to confirm the meeting location and other details. Pets are not allowed.

No registration is required. Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather and the outing. Binoculars and cameras are welcome. Pets are not allowed. 

Ongoing Schedule

Day of the MonthTimeLocation
1st Saturday2:30 - 4pmTenney Park Beach, 1330 Sherman Ave. 
Exact meeting location may vary, see event listing.
1st Sunday1:30 - 3pmCherokee Marsh Conservation Park, North
6098 N. Sherman Ave. 
Meet at the end of the gravel road, near the restroom building.
2nd Saturday2:30 - 4pmOwen Conservation Park, 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
2nd Sunday1:30 - 3pmTurville Point Conservation Park, 1202 Olin-Turville Ct.
Meet at Turville Point parking lot, entrance at E. Olin stoplight.
3rd Saturday10 - 11:30amStarkweather Creek Area
Meeting location varies, see event listing.
3rd Sunday1:30 - 3pmWarner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
4th Saturday10 - 11:30amEdna Taylor Conservation Park
Meet at Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Dr.

See Madison Friends of Urban Nature for additional locations, including Pheasant Branch Conservancy and UW Lakeshore Preserve, adventure topics and educational tools. See Madison Parks Foundation to help support the Friends of Urban Nature.

Was this page helpful to you?