GENERAL UW ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:
Events are open to the public, and tours take place regardless of weather unless the naturalist decides it would be unsafe. Call 608-263-7888 if in doubt. Unless otherwise noted, public events are free and tours begin at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Visit our Web site at uwarboretum.org
Arboretum Visitor Center Hours: Weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Weekends 12:30 - 4 p.m.
December 2007 public events
December 1 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Wingra Oak Savanna." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the gravel parking lot along Arbor Drive just off Monroe Street. For more information: 608.265.5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
December 1 - Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Class: "Poetry, naturally." Those who like to hear and read poetry, especially if it's inspired by nature are invited to join Arboretum naturalists and poetry enthusiasts for a poetic smorgasbord amid the bountiful beauty of the Arboretum. Bring a favorite poem along -- we'll share them as time permits. Instructors: Kathy Miner and Sylvia Marek, Arboretum Naturalists. Fee: $13.50 ($12 for members of Friends of the Arboretum). Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at
www.uwarboretum.org December 2 - Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Conifers." The Arboretum is home to many species of conifers, and on this indoor and outdoor program you'll be introduced to a variety of them.
December 8 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Core Area and Curtis Prairie." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 608.265.5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
December 8 - Saturday, 1-3:30 p.m.
Arboretum Class: "Winter Tree Identification." While plants are still leafless and dormant, examine details of buds, twigs and bark for clues about last season's and next season's growth and explore ways to identify and learn about woody plants in winter. The class will be held indoors and outdoors (weather permitting). Fee: $18 ($15 for members of Friends of the Arboretum). Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at
www.uwarboretum.org December 8 - Saturday, 1 p.m.
Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families: "Remembering Laura Ingalls Wilder -- Long Winters on the Prairie." How did pioneer families survive winter on the prairie - cold, gray days, long dark nights, and blizzards that struck without warning? Let's look at the season through Laura's eyes. Dress for the weather; a hike is planned.
December 9 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Winter Birds." Chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays and others spend the entire year here. Other species consider our area "south" and come here for the winter.
December 9 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Family Walk: "Winter Birds." Because they are easier to spot, this is a good time for youngsters to learn about birds. Join the naturalist for a short walk to find our feathered friends.
December 15 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Grady Tract." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot. For more information: 608.265.5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
December 16 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Winter Woods." Enjoy the serenity and beauty of a winter walk among the trees.
December 22 - Saturday, 4-5:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Solstice." Join us for sunset on the shortest day of the year.
December 22 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Core Area and Curtis Prairie." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training provided. Groups welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. 9 a.m. to noon. For more information: 608.265.5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
December 23 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Sampler." Join our naturalist and see what is going on in the restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies near the Visitor Center.
December 30 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Winter Wonders." Even when the ground is frozen and the air is cold, there is beauty and activity in the natural world.
December 31 - Monday, 6-8 p.m.
Annual Arboretum New Year's Eve Walk. The Visitor Center will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. The walk begins at 6:15 p.m. After the walk, join us for a cup of hot chocolate as we welcome the new year in a quiet, peaceful way.
The Arboretum in December
This is a good time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a quiet walk in the Arboretum. Be sure to visit the reception area of the Visitor Center for a warm cup of hot chocolate after your hike or ski trip.
If you dress properly, you can enjoy a hike and pleasant surprises along the trails or in the gardens. Since evening comes early, you might encounter crepuscular (active at twilight or just before sunrise) animals such as whitetail deer. If there is snowfall, look raccoon, fox and mink tracks. A good spot to see tracks is near Teal Pond. In the conifers around Teal pond you can look for pine siskins, crossbills and purple finches.
You may even see a sign of spring: the hooting of great horned owls means it's mating time. The owls will lay eggs in January. Please do not use artificial means to call to them. We don't want them to think that some other owl has nested here.
Longenecker Gardens will still have a colorful display of fruit in the crabapple collection. Robins and cedar waxwings can be found feasting there.
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Pat Brown
University of Wisconsin Madison-Arboretum
Publications and Public Relations
Phone: 608.265.3355
Fax: 608.262.5209
