MAY 2007
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, 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.
Steinhauer Trust Gallery
May 1 - June 28
“Songs of Spring: Wood Warblers of the Arboretum.” Artist James Miller presents a series of exquisitely rendered colored pencil drawings of the warblers that nest in or migrate through the Arboretum.
The Arboretum in May
May is one of the most beautiful times in the Arboretum. Early in the month you can see a carpet of wildflowers along the trails of Wingra and Gallistel woods. The best places are near the effigy mounds in both woods and the trail in Gallistel Woods that leads from the panther mound to the CCC stone building.
It is also a pleasant time to walk from the effigy mounds in Wingra Woods to Big Spring. Be sure to look up now and then for migrating warblers.
May is also the most popular month to visit Longenecker Gardens. People come from all over to see the crabapple display and lilacs. Lilacs are usually blooming by May 15. The showiest time for crabapples is just before the lilacs bloom.
By the middle of May, Greene Prairie puts on a spectacular show with acres of lupine. Mixed in among the grasses are thousands of blue-eyed grass and yellow star flowers. In mid-May there are usually more than 40 species of plants in bloom and you can see up to 25 species of birds.
In late May, walk into Leopold Pines to see plantings of northern wildflowers. You’ll find them along the service road in the middle of the woods, and along the trails marked by signposts D7 and D8.
Public Events for May 2007
May 2 - Wednesday, 7 p.m.- dark
Arboretum Longenecker Gardens Tour: "Magnolias and Other Early Bloomers." UW-Madison Professor of Horticulture Laura Jull will examine forsythias, serviceberries and magnolias.
May 5 – 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 5 - Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Arboretum Class: “All About Bluebirds.” Walk along the Arboretum’s 19-year-old bluebird trail in Longenecker Gardens while learning about the fascinating life of the bluebird. Topics include bluebird behavior, reasons for bluebird decline, and restoration efforts that are being employed. Dress for the weather. 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 May 6 – 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 6 - 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 8 - Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
Arboretum Class: “How to Identify Spring Wildflowers.” Uncover the secrets to wildflower identification through the understanding of plant patterns and plant terminology. Participants will gain valuable wildflower identification skills that can be applied in a multitude of contexts. This class will have an indoor and outdoor component. Please dress for the weather. Recommended reading, Spring Woodland Wildflowers of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum by Andrew L. Hipp. 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 May 9 - Wednesday, 7 p.m.-dark
Arboretum Longenecker Gardens Tour: "Flowering Crabapples." Emeritus Professor of Horticulture Ed Hasselkus, curator of Longenecker Gardens, will concentrate on the Arboretum's excellent collection of flowering crabapples.
May 12 – 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: 263-7760
May 12 - Saturday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families: “Spring Beauties and Sky Dancers.” This is the time of year when wildflowers are blooming in the woodlands, and woodcocks are performing in the prairie. While it’s still light, we’ll seek out the flowers in their forest homes; as the sun sets, we’ll watch and listen for that very special bird, the American woodcock, beloved by Aldo Leopold and many others. Bring your jacket; May evenings can be cool.
May 13 - Sunday, 8-10 a.m.
Arboretum Walk: “Birding before Brunch.” Enjoy the chorus of returning migrants who will be establishing their nesting territories through song. Birds that are just stopping by on their way north will be practicing their songs.
May 13 - 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.
May 13 – 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 13 - 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 13 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Family Walk. The naturalist will offer a special walk for families with children to see prairies, woodlands, or wetlands near the Visitor Center.
May 13 - Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
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 by now should include lilacs and crabapples.
May 16 - Wednesday, 7 p.m. - dark
Arboretum Longenecker Gardens Tour: "Lilacs." Inhale the fragrance and enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Gardens' fine collection of lilacs. The tour emphasizes newer cultivars and the diversity of species in the genus Syringa.
May 19 – 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 20 – 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 20 - 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 23 - Wednesday, 7 p.m. - dark
Arboretum Longenecker Gardens Tour: "Azaleas and Rhododendrons." Dr. Deb McCown, owner of a micro-propagation lab and nursery specializing in woody ornamentals, will review the Gardens' collection of azaleas and rhododendrons.
May 26 – 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: 265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu
May 26 - Saturday 6:30-8 p.m.
Arboretum Night Walk. For those who can’t attend our Sunday afternoon walks, this is an opportunity to see wild flowers and hear evening birdsongs.
May 27 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Arboretum Walk: “Grady Tract.” 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 30 - Wednesday, 7 p.m. - dark
Longenecker Gardens Tour: "Big Trees." With emerald ash borer threatening one of our most important groups of shade trees, this is a good time to take a serious look at big-tree use. Richard Rideout, DNR state urban forestry coordinator, will discuss the problem and alternatives in the Gardens' excellent collection of large trees.
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Pat Brown
University of Wisconsin Madison-Arboretum
Publications and Public Relations
Phone: 608.265.3355
Fax: 608.262.5209
