The Arboretum University of Wisconsin - Madison
GENERAL 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, 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.
May Exhibit in the Visitor Center Gallery - "Nature: the Photogenic" Photographer Ted Thousand draws his inspiration for the rich variety of birds that inhabit or pass through Wisconsin.
Public Events for May 2008
May 3 - 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: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
May 3 - Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: "Ted Thousand Artist Reception." The public is invited to meet the artist featured in the current Steinhauer Trust Gallery exhibit, "Nature: the Photogenic" in the Arboretum Visitor Center.
May 4 - Sunday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Arboretum Class: "Meet the Sedges of the Arboretum." Dr. Andrew Hipp, author of Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges, will lead an in-the-field hike/class focusing on the sedges of the Arboretum. Sedges are among the world's most diverse and ecologically important plant families, with almost 200 species in Wisconsin and 50 in the Arboretum. The class introduces participants to the form, identification and habitats of some of the most common species. Fee $20 ($16 for members of Friends of the Arboretum). Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at
www.uwarboretum.orgMay 4 - Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
Arboretum Public Lecture: "Common Sedges and Their Habitats."
Dr. Andrew Hipp, author of the recently published Field Guide to Wisconsin Sedges, provides insight into common Midwestern sedges and their ecological context -- information especially valuable to those want to include sedges in their native gardens. Afterwards, Hipp will be available to sign his book.
May 4 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Woodland Wildflowers." What better way to spend a May Day? Take a walk with naturalists through the woodland wildflower restorations near the Visitor Center.
May 4 - Sunday, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Arboretum Tour: Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. See what's in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum's history and purpose.
May 7 - Wednesday, 7 p.m.-dark
Arboretum Longenecker Gardens Walk: "Magnolias and Other Early Bloomers." Enjoy earlier-blooming species of many types, notably the Garden's spectacular collection of Asian and hybrid magnolias, and the first of the flowering crabapples. Laura Jull, UW-Madison professor of horticulture, will examine these and other plants particularly suitable for home landscapes.
May 10 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale. Over 100 species of quality prairie plants, woodland plants, shrubs, vines and trees under one tent. Experts on hand to answer questions. Proceeds support Arboretum projects. For more information: 608-263-7760
May 10 - Saturday, 6-8 p.m.
Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families: "Children's Wildflower Gardens." Explore the Arboretum's children's garden and help plant some wildflowers. Parents can earn how children view gardens and children can take home a plant to start their own garden. Dress for the weather, we will be outdoors.
May 11 - Sunday, 8-10 a.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Birding before Brunch." Enjoy the chorus of returning migrants establishing their nesting territories through song. Birds that are just stopping by on their way north will also be practicing their songs.
May 11 - Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mother's Day Brunch at the Arboretum. Treat Mom to a delicious selection of organic and/or sustainable foods at one of the most beautiful locations in Madison. Reservations required. Call the Arboretum at 608-263-7888 for information or go to
www.uwarboretum.orgMay 11 - Sunday, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Arboretum Tour: Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. See what's in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum's history and purpose.
May 11 - Sunday, 1-2 p.m.
Arboretum Mother's Day Walk: "Arboretum Sampler." Explore an Arboretum woodland, wetland and prairie for a sampler of what is happening near the Visitor Center.
May 11 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Family Walk. This naturalist-led walk is tailored to families with young children and explores the prairies, woodlands, or wetlands near the Visitor Center.
May 11 - Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Special Event: "Talk to the Naturalist in Longenecker Gardens." Arboretum naturalist Ken Wood will be in the Arboretum's Longenecker Gardens to help visitors learn about the trees and shrubs in bloom, which should include lilacs and crabapples.
May 14 - Wednesday, 7 p.m.-dark
Arboretum Longenecker Gardens Walk: "Flowering Crabapples." Emeritus Professor of Horticulture Ed Hasselkus, curator of the Longenecker Gardens, will concentrate on the Arboretum's excellent collection of flowering crabapples, and present highlights in the Garden's large lilac collection..
May 17 - 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: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
May 17 - Saturday, 6:30-8 p.m.
Arboretum Night Walk, "Spring Evening." For those who can't attend our Sunday afternoon walks, this is an opportunity to see spring wild flowers and hear evening birdsongs.
May 18 - Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "West Curtis Prairie and Noe Woods." Noe Woods is a 41-acre white oak/black oak woods typical of those that developed on former savannas. Many of the trees date back 150 years, a time when European settlers put an end to the fires that had maintained the savannas.
May 18 - Sunday, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Arboretum Tour: Free narrated tours aboard the Badger Trolley begin at the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. See what's in bloom in Longenecker Gardens, view our prairies and woodlands in spring color and learn more about the Arboretum's history and purpose.
May 21 - Wednesday, 7 p.m.-dark
Longenecker Gardens Tour: "Azaleas and Rhododendrons." Dr. Deb McCown, a specialist in woody ornamentals, will review the Gardens' collection of azaleas and rhododendrons and discuss the care of these plants in the Madison area.
May 24 - 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: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
May 25 - Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: "Oak Openings and Restored Prairies." Look for wildflowers and see what makes Greene Prairie one of the most spectacular prairie restorations. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot, located at the southeast corner of the Beltline and Seminole Highway.
May 28 - Wednesday, 7 p.m.-dark
Longenecker Gardens Walk: "Shade Trees." Oak wilt, maple decline, emerald ash borer, gypsy moths, Japanese beetles, adelgids, aphids...the list of problems facing our street and shade trees continues to grow. Richard Rideout, state coordinator of urban forestry for the Department of Natural Resources, will look at several types of large trees and discuss their care.
