February 8, 2024 9:57 AM

Madison Parks is updating its Park and Open Space Plan (POSP) and seeking input from area residents. The purpose of the POSP is to guide and inform public park policies and park facility decisions in the city of Madison. Parks staff is working with a consultant planning team led by MSA … [read more]

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]

June 21, 2023 9:01 AM

Madison Parks is seeking volunteers to assist with daily goat checks. Goat checkers will ensure the goats and their area are in good condition, ideally each morning and after a storm. Duties include: Patrol the entire fence to ensure it is intact and no branches are leaning against … [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]

May 26, 2022 10:54 AM

When Madison Common Council approved the Yahara Hills Neighborhood Development Plan Amendment and Land Sale & Use Agreements with Dane County for portions of Yahara Hills Golf Course on May 10, 2022, the future of golf at the course became a frequent question. … [read more]

December 29, 2021 12:19 PM

Glenway Guests and the Community, We need your help. As we move into winter and enjoy the fun of snow-related activities, we look for your assistance in helping share our important message with the public. The progress at the improved Glenway Golf Park is on schedule and shaping up for a great … [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]

April 22, 2020 11:43 AM

So much has changed in how we approach nearly every aspect of our lives since COVID-19. Including how we honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. While we cannot celebrate with our typical Earth Day Challenge given the Safer at Home Order, we have a few suggestions for things you can do on your … [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]

October 28, 2016 8:03 AM

As the growing season draws to a close, we here at Madison Parks are shifting gears and turning our focus from mowing and trail maintenance to hayrides and the upcoming ski season. Somewhere in between, our conservation parks section is hoping the weather will be just right for using a favorite … [read more]

February 4, 2016 2:26 PM

In 2008, years before the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered in Madison, the City of Madison established an EAB Taskforce. The taskforce was created to coordinate and plan various response strategies to the looming EAB threat. After numerous meetings and recommendations, the final EAB Plan … [read more]