Events
Upcoming Events
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Arboretum Curtis Prairie Area Seed Collecting
September 24th, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by September 21: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Meet at the Visitor Center (location subject to change). Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.
Find a Research Mentor Workshop
Learn how to get started with undergrad research
September 24th, 5:30pm–6:30pm
STEM Commons (Room 126), Steenbock Library
Are you interested in doing research as an undergrad, but aren’t sure how? Get started on your research journey with help from WISCIENCE Peer Leaders! Hear from fellow undergrads who’ve been doing research for at least a year—and they have plenty of advice and experiences to share. We’ll cover: • The benefits of doing research as an undergrad • How to find research experiences at UW–Madison • How to choose the right mentor for you • Resources to help you navigate the process
Ecological Restoration Work Party
Arboretum Curtis Prairie Area
September 26th, 9:00am–12:00pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Visitor Center. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited, please arrive by 9 a.m. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.
Fall in the Native Plant Garden
Arboretum Garden Tour
September 26th, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Color, fruits, seeds, late blooming plants, late-season insects – we will find these and more in the diverse native plant gardens around the Visitor Center. Susan Carpenter, garden curator, will lead this tour. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Full Moon Night Walk
Arboretum
September 26th, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, listen to the night sounds, and experience the darkness on this naturalist-led walk (full moon September 26). Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, register through Eventbrite by September 22: uw-madison-arboretum.eventbrite.com. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Scenic Stroll
Arboretum
September 27th, 1:00pm–2:00pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
This gently paced walk explores ecological communities near the Visitor Center. Themes may include the land, plants, animals, other organisms, phenology, and ecology. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
AI in Energy Science
Forward in Energy Forum
September 29th, 4:30pm–5:15pm
1115 Wisconsin Energy Institute
Artificial Intelligence is changing the world in ways both promising and concerning. Many researchers are already using AI tools to unlock new capabilities in their research, accelerating discoveries and gaining new insights from massive data sets. This forum will explore how AI can enhance energy research and how academic uses may differ from personal and commercial applications.
2026 Fall Community Conversation: How Food Shapes Brain Health As We Age
Hear insights from experts including researchers from Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago and the University of Wisconsin, as well as a chef from Wisconsin’s Ho-Chunk Nation. Attend in person or online.
September 29th, 4:30pm–7:30pm
This annual community educational event shares the latest science on how your diet supports brain health. You’ll learn how to navigate confusing nutrition claims and take away simple, brain-healthy eating tips you can start using at your next meal. Dr. Art Walaszek will moderate the panel discussion and Q&A. Free and open to everyone. Register to attend in person or to view the livestream.
Environmental Fieldwork Programs: Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI)
Resource Table
September 30th, 11:30am–3:00pm
Experience the American West on an intensive field program featuring backpacking trips, kayaking expeditions, bike tours, & meetings with community members who call these places home. Meet with Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI) and IAP staff to learn more and get your questions answered about studying away through WRFI!
CANCELED – Ecological Restoration Work Party
Arboretum Faville Prairie Seed Collecting
October 1st, 9:30am–11:30am
Help gather native wildflower seed for Arboretum prairie and savanna restorations. Tools and training provided. Advance registration through VolunteerMatters is required by September 28: go.wisc.edu/4evdkt. Site is a high-quality prairie east of Madison, volunteers must provide their own transportation. (No restroom facilities.) Event capacity is limited. More information: (608) 265-5214 or mkloppenburg@wisc.edu.