July 7, 2023 11:05 AM

While the current anticipated outbreak of spongy moth is alarming to witness and does cause stress to many trees, long-term management of this species and our urban forest requires a broad focus. Unfortunately, the spongy moth is well-established throughout most of Wisconsin. From a statewide and … [read more]

March 17, 2023 3:04 PM

To better maintain and expand the tallgrass in Kettle Pond Conservation Park, Madison Parks hired Field and Stream Restorations to "forestry mow" in the northern portion of the park. Forestry mowing uses larger equipment to cut and grind rough overgrowth leaving shredded stems, which slows and … [read more]

December 1, 2022 7:48 AM

Door Creek Park sits in a small valley on Madison's far eastside. Trails run through the valley bottom, over hills and through the woods. In early 2022, several Madison Nordic Ski Club members walked areas of Door Creek Park with Conservation Resource Supervisor, Paul Quinlan. This onsite-walking … [read more]

March 23, 2022 11:20 AM

As you have likely heard, there are significant staffing/labor shortages occurring across the nation. Madison Parks is certainly no exception. We still have about 100 positions we would like to fill for this year. We have been working creatively to broaden our opportunities to attract talent by … [read more]

September 22, 2021 11:36 AM

As autumn begins, park visitors will begin to see pops of beautiful reds, oranges, and golds. One notable location is Forest Hill Cemetery, with its majestic oaks, maples, and other species forming shaded tunnels throughout the winding roads. While fall is especially beautiful and peaceful at … [read more]

June 21, 2021 1:22 PM

Have you noticed large numbers of Canada Geese at Vilas Park lately? What about Tenney Park, Cherokee Park or Yahara Hills Golf Course? The overabundance of these waterfowl is a common complaint received by park users and a problem left for many municipalities to resolve. A problem ultimately … [read more]

August 27, 2020 12:40 PM

For anyone, starting a new job can be exciting and maybe a bit stressful. For Laurel Franklin, her new role in Madison Parks offers her a place to shine and put her years of experience to work. As Madison Parks newest Land Stewardship Technician and the first woman in the role, Laurel manages the … [read more]

May 15, 2020 12:09 PM

You've probably heard about garlic mustard. While sometimes used to make a pesto or as a salad topping, this invasive plant dominates and displaces quality native plants and vegetation. In its first year, garlic mustard has basal, heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. By the second year, … [read more]

May 7, 2020 4:27 PM

Volunteers are needed for the Canada Goose management program. Madison Parks is seeking volunteers to assist with weekly counts of numbers of geese at specific parks, beaches, golf courses, and greenways in the city. Volunteers are also needed to help discourage geese from using certain … [read more]

April 23, 2020 3:28 PM

04/29/2020 UPDATE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS AN UPDATE FROM THE ORIGINAL POST (below), BASED ON THE MOST RECENT ORDER. In compliance of the latest Governor's order golf courses are allowed to rent golf carts with the following: GOLF CART USE GUIDELINES The use of motorized and … [read more]

April 14, 2020 4:18 PM

As Parks staff continue to do essential work during the COVID-19 outbreak, they have had to re-think how many of these tasks may be safely accomplished. Through creative thinking, Parks field staff developed a tree planting process accomplished by three staff members. Each role completed … [read more]

January 3, 2020 1:27 PM

2019 is in the books, and with it a lot of fond memories made in Madison Parks. Millions of visits across the system with people enjoying themselves, nature, and each other. I thought I would borrow from a fellow native Hoosier and make a top ten list. There are certainly more than 10 laudable … [read more]

September 5, 2019 2:59 PM

Progress for pollinators continues in the city and in particular in Madison Parks, Golf Courses and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Parks Division uses a number of strategies to protect and enhance habitat for pollinators. Our primary focus is to properly manage land, which we do according to … [read more]

July 2, 2018 7:17 AM

Have you heard about EAB? The Emerald Ash Borer or EAB is an exotic beetle first discovered in the United States in the summer of 2002 in southeastern Michigan near Detroit. As of May 2018, EAB has been confirmed in 33 states and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. The adult … [read more]

April 4, 2017 3:33 PM

As previously detailed, Parks staff inspected the area around the lagoon at Warner Park and confirmed more than 12 trees had irreparable damage or had recently fallen to beaver destruction. Staff also determined that a number of the damaged trees would need to be removed due to their now … [read more]

August 19, 2016 9:39 AM

The City of Madison Parks Division and Public Health of Madison and Dane County had the privilege of working with several Wanda Fullmore interns this summer. Six of the PHMDC interns focused their work on learning about how kids in Madison connect with nature by surveying youth around the City. … [read more]