Good Oak is Partnering with Wild Ones Madison on a series of wildflower walks, to explore some of the great native plants in our local natural areas.
During this series of wildflower walks, we’ll visit a variety of natural areas in and near Madison and explore some of the earliest blooming plants of the year. You can learn to identify many species of native wildflowers. We’ll discuss the ecology of the habitats these plants are found in and the implications for plants and animals that rely on our urban and suburban natural areas for survival.
These hikes are free and open to the public. Wear clothing appropriate for walking on and off trails in naturals areas, such as sturdy boots/shoes and long pants, and be prepared to be outside in whatever the spring throws at us for weather for several hours. A drink and a snack are recommended. Ticks or mosquitos may be present, so take precautions as necessary.
Thursday, March 30th, 6-7:15pm
Skunk Cabbage, The Harbinger of Spring at the UW Arboretum
On this walk we will learn about the unique biology and ecology of Wisconsin’s earliest-blooming, and perhaps most unique wildflower. Along the way we’ll look for other early signs of spring.
Meet at the Wingra Springs Parking Lot, on top of the hill, south of the Arboretum's main Visitors Center.
Saturday April 22, 10am - 1pm
Earth Day Celebration: Hoyt Park Wildflower Walk, Garlic Mustard Pull, and Picnic
Wild Ones is teaming up with the Friends of Hoyt Park to join in on their annual garlic mustard pull, a short early spring wildflower walk and a picnic. Join us for all, or just one part of this event, we will be meeting back at the main shelter at Hoyt Park for each.
Schedule:
10:00am - garlic mustard pull!
11:45am-12:30pm - wildflower hike
12:00pm to 1:30pm: Picnic!
For the picnic, bring yourself, bring a lunch for yourself and food to share if you’d like.
Thursday May 4th, 6-8pm
Early Prairie Wildflowers at Westport Drumlin
Come and see pasque flower, prairie smoke, buttercups, violets and more at this unique remnant on a glacial drumlin. This walk will include over a mile of hiking, including on steep and rough terrain.
Meet at the parking lot for Empire Prairies State Natural Area - Westport Drumlin Prairie at the high point on Bong Road east of Waunaukee.
Thursday May 11th 6-7:30pm
Trillium Show at Heritage Sanctuary and Elvehjem Nature Sanctuary
The Heritage Sanctuary is famous for a carpet of great white trillium in the spring. These small East-Side hidden gems have a great diversity of spring wildflower to enjoy. Meet at the west side of Heritage Heights Park, with parking along Meadowlark Drive, Madison.
Wednesday May 17th, 6-8pm
Late-Spring Woodland Wildflowers at Reese Woods and the UW Lakeshore Preserve
We’ll check out some rocky, west-side woodlands to see a diverse mix of late-spring wildflower color. Columbine, yellow pimpernel, red trillium, Virginia bluebells, and more!
Park on Tally Ho Lane, near Highbury Rd. Meet near Reese Woods in Shorewood Hills. Park on Tally Ho Lane, near Highbury Rd. We plan to head over to Lakeshore Nature Preserve for additional wildflower viewing.
Check out the Wild Ones Madison Calendar for more events.
