Events
Upcoming Events
Nature Hike
Arboretum
January 11th, 1:00pm–2:30pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Learn about the land, plants, animals, fungi, phenology, and ecology. Geared for adults, this walk may cover sloping terrain. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Quantifying Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change
Arboretum Winter Enrichment Lecture
January 15th, 10:00am–11:30am
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Michelle Probst, Land and Water Scientist, Dane County. Restoring or converting land to permanent perennial vegetation can enhance soil's ability to store carbon, playing a vital role in reducing greenhouse gases. This session will summarize the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department’s effort to quantify the climate benefits achieved by establishing perennial cover in Dane County Parks and on private lands. Fee: $10. Register by January 11.
Family Nature Program: Animal Signs
Arboretum
January 18th, 1:30pm–3:30pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
This program is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Nature walk: 1:30–2:30 p.m., activities: 2:30–3:30 p.m. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
How Reciprocal Restoration Fosters Cultural Revitalization
Arboretum Winter Enrichment Lecture
January 22nd, 10:00am–11:30am
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Ferin Davis Anderson, Natural Resources Manager, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Join Davis Anderson (Ojibwe) to learn about fire as an ecological and cultural tool to achieve beneficial and healing outcomes. We will discuss our relationship with fire and how we must find balance. It can be destructive but also revitalizing – it’s our duty to learn how to live with fire and be responsible stewards. Fee: $10. Register by January 18.
FULL – Class: Winter Woody Tree Identification
Arboretum
January 24th, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
With the vibrancy of leafy growth gone, the winter quiet invites closer inspection of Wisconsin native trees. Learn how the curious clues found in tree buds, bark, and branches can assist with tree identification. Indoor and outdoor class. Instructor: Micah Kloppenburg, Arboretum ecological restoration outreach coordinator. Fee: $20. Register by January 20. Meet at the Visitor Center. CLASS IS FULL. Email education@arboretum.wisc.edu to put your name on a waitlist.
Scenic Stroll
Arboretum
January 25th, 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. Routes are wheelchair accessible when weather allows. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
State Natural Areas at 75 Years: Charting a Meaningful Future in Challenging Times
Arboretum Winter Enrichment Lecture
January 29th, 10:00am–11:30am
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Matt Zine, Conservation Biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Wisconsin State Natural Areas program is the oldest and largest such program in the nation. Zine will speak about how this successful program aims to work through unprecedented challenges in pragmatic ways and still meet goals to support natural areas for education, research, and protecting biological diversity. Fee: $10. Register by January 25.
Water and Winter Salt Workshop
Arboretum
January 30th, 1:30pm–3:30pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
Learn about the importance of freshwater ecosystems, tips for using winter salt wisely, and opportunities to join citizen science projects. Indoor presentation followed by an option for an outdoor walk or indoor activities. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center. Presented in partnership with Friends of Lake Wingra as part of Winter Salt Week.
Generative AI throughout the Research Cycle: Ethical Considerations
A panel for the 2025-26 series on AI and Research in Language Studies
January 30th, 3:00pm
This panel provides a space for exploration and shared learning among researchers in language-based fields to discuss ethical concerns, evolving scholarly norms, and practical applications of generative AI at all stages of the research cycle, from identifying a topic and formulating research questions, to developing research instruments and protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and writing up findings.
Family Nature Walk
Arboretum
February 1st, 1:30pm–2:30pm
Meet at Visitor Center, UW–Madison Arboretum
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions. Free, no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.