Naturalist-in-Residence Programs led by Alex Booker Begin at Madison Public Library

Badger Rock Neighborhood Center [501 E Badger Rd]

Learn about the ways Alex was shaped by green spaces and why he chose the theme "Find Your Way Back to Nature" for this year's residency. Alex's own nature journey began with a gardening program hosted at a local Madison community center, so he wanted his first program to be held at the Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, where he currently serves as the manager. Enjoy a tour of the urban farm as well as a Q&A with the naturalist!

Central Library

Explore the art of creating herbal tea blends for medicinal purposes. You'll learn to layer herbs, measure out ratios, and prepare different blends for different ailments - each participant will leave with their own custom tea blend, as well as instructions on how to steep their tea.

Lakeview Library

Learn how to use the local flowers, herbs, and greenery available outside your front doors to create beautiful floral arrangements that can liven up your interiors without having to purchase cultivated blooms.

Owen Conservation Park - 6021 Old Sauk Rd

This workshop is a chance to see our local parks in a different way. Nature walks can help us be present in our daily lives. By taking a moment to notice how environments need each individual organism to fulfill its purpose in order for the larger ecosystem to thrive, we can see how our own actions impact the local ecosystem we interact with daily. 

Turville Point Conservation Park - 1202 Olin-Turville Ct

This workshop is a chance to see our local parks in a different way. Nature walks can help us be present in our daily lives. By taking a moment to notice how environments need each individual organism to fulfill its purpose in order for the larger ecosystem to thrive, we can see how our own actions impact the local ecosystem we interact with daily. 

Hawthorne Library

Did you know that many of the plants we consider “weeds” actually have nutritional and medicinal properties? Plus, they also taste pretty dang good! This workshop will highlight some of the common weeds you can consume and different ways you can prepare them. We will be making a pesto created from edible weeds like Lambs Quarters to show how to incorporate them into some of your kitchen staples. 

Rennebohm Park - 115 N Eau Claire Ave

Join the Naturalist-in-Residence, Alex Booker, at Oscar Rennebohm Park for a special storytime! Alex will read some of his favorite books, as well as some new titles recommended by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center on disabilities to help kick off the Go Big Read community read: Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig! Alex will give a tour of the accessible playground and community gardens.

Stricker's Pond - 7214 Longmeadow Rd

Finding Your Way Back to Nature includes getting to know different bugs that help our green spaces thrive. This mindfulness activity will challenge you to look past the fear and see all of the great things bugs do for us!

Elver Park - 1250 McKenna Blvd

If you are looking for a way to connect to nature on a different level, you're in the right place! Alex will discuss the benefits of sound baths and participants will have a 25-minute sound bath from Earthly Temptation’s Sarah Branch. Afterwards we will take a moment to notice the natural soundscapes around us and how to tap into the sound bath of nature.

Pinney Patio

For many years people have been using plants to dye clothing and make art. This workshop will show participants various ways to make your own natural dyes and use them to stain clothing or create a beautiful art piece sustainably.