Conservation Park Events

Conservation staff and volunteers host a number of events, workshops and projects throughout the year, including guided nature walks April through October.

Upcoming Dates

• Sunday, June 4, 2023
  1:30pm to 3:00pm

  Bird & Nature Adventures | Cherokee Marsh, North

  Wildflower Wander ~  Cherokee Marsh is Madison’s largest conservation park with three units - North, South, and Mendota. Each month, year-round we explore the north unit's beautiful trails through the woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies along the Yahara ‘Catfish’ River. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Sierra Club and Madison Audubon Society. Follow North Sherman … Read more

• Saturday, June 10, 2023
  9:00am to 11:00am

  Sticker's Pond Volunteer Day

  Madison Parks is seeking volunteers in conservation to assist in removing invasive plants in Sticker's Pond Conservation Park. Participants will learn plant identification, conservation methods, ecological restoration efforts and methods, as well as park history.  MEETING LOCATION: 7214 Longmeadow Rd., 53717 The event is ideal for ages 10 years and older when accompanied by an adult. You may … Read more

• Saturday, June 10, 2023
  2:30pm to 4:00pm

  Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen

  Walk in the Woods ~  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, Madison Audubon Society, and the Friends of Owen Conservation Park. Free, family-friendly guided nature walks at Owen … Read more

• Sunday, June 11, 2023
  1:30pm to 3:00pm

  Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point

  Explore Turville Trails with Melissa Kesling ~  Follow rolling hiking paths through the Turville Point Conservation Park woodlands and prairie with beautiful vistas of Lake Monona and Monona Bay. Walks at Turville Point held on the 2nd Sunday every month are co-sponsored by Madison Bird City FUN partners, Madison Parks, Friends of Olin Turville, and Madison Audubon Society. Meeting Location: … Read more

• Saturday, June 24, 2023
  10:00am to 11:30am

  Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor

  Baby Bird Bonanza ~ Join a naturalist for an easy family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walks through the Edna Taylor Conservation Park are held on the 4th Saturday, 10-11:30am of each month and begin at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive. Meet outside at the Children's … Read more

• Saturday, July 8, 2023
  9:00am to 11:00am

  Sandburg Woods Volunteer Day

  Madison Parks is seeking volunteers in conservation to assist in removing invasive plants in Sandburg Woods Conservation Park. Participants will learn plant identification, conservation methods, ecological restoration efforts and methods, as well as park history.  MEETING LOCATION: 2902 Independence Ln., 53704 The event is ideal for ages 10 years and older when accompanied by an adult. You may … Read more

• Wednesday, July 12, 2023
  6:00pm to 7:30pm

  Conservation Park Tour | Cherokee Marsh South

  Moving downriver from the North Unit, we can observe different land uses and challenges for protecting the natural resources at this conservation park.  Come and learn about efforts to maintain this habitat within the context of our modern landscape.   Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Event … Read more

• Wednesday, August 9, 2023
  6:00pm to 7:30pm

  Conservation Park Tour | Prairie Ridge

  Broad, sweeping views across this glacial ridge provide a glimpse into the landscape of the past.  Come see how we are stewarding it into the future. Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Event starting times vary, depending on the sunset. and typically last about 90 minutes. Walks are held rain or … Read more

• Wednesday, September 13, 2023
  5:30pm to 7:00pm

  Conservation Park Tour | Edna Taylor

  Tucked in the southeast corner of Madison, this hidden gem is part of an important urban natural area. Trails in Edna Taylor Conservation Park connect with the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.  Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Event starting times vary, depending on the sunset. and typically last about … Read more

• Wednesday, October 11, 2023
  5:00pm to 6:30pm

  Conservation Park Tour | Sandburg Woods

  This 30-acre tract is extremely valuable to resident wildlife and migratory birds.  Renewed management efforts aim to restore and maintain herbaceous plant species while guiding forest succession. MEETING LOCATION: Sandburg Park sign, 3151 Sunbrook Road (east of Sandburg Elementary School) Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd … Read more

• Saturday, January 13, 2024
  4:30pm to 7:30pm

  Candlelit Snowshoe Hike

  In partnership, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona Parks & Recreation & Madison Parks present this wonderful snowshoe event! Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails through Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Edna Taylor Conservation, and Woodland Park. Snowshoe or hike and enjoy a roaring bonfire outside. All ages are welcome. •PARKING INFO & FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE: Only handicap parking … Read more