National Recognition for Madison’s Efforts to Embrace Nature Everywhere

Last August, the Madison Region was named a Nature Everywhere community by Children and Nature Network and the National League of Cities. We’re one of nineteen communities focused on providing equitable access to nature everywhere children grow, play, and learn. This month, we celebrated this work and learning from others at the Nature Everywhere Conference hosted by the Children and Nature Network. Over 600 people from all around the world traveled to Madison to attend the conference at Monona Terrace, May 28-31, 2024. The Nature Everywhere Core Team and Madison Advisory Council are thrilled to welcome the Children & Nature Network to Madison. As Mayor it was great welcoming our guests to Madison!

OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS OPEN HOUSE - THURS. MAY 30

All conference attendees and the community were invited to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for nature-based activities. These included a behind-the-scenes tour during which attendees got to see how plants grow and are cared for at Olbrich Gardens, and how staff create the many educational offerings in the Education Office on the second floor. They could sit for a spell in the newly created Learning Center Loft for children of all ages and read a book or learn about the partnerships Olbrich Garden has with the Greater Madison Writing Project and Troy Gardens in the Frautschi Family Learning Center. Olbrich staff also presented green career videos and provided a guided tour of the gardens via tram.

NATURE EVERYWHERE DAY – JUNE 1ST

Spending time together outdoors brings families and friends closer and creates memories that last a lifetime. Enjoy some of your favorite outdoor activities or try something new! Stop by the Nature Everywhere Day activity hub at Olin Terrace (in front of Monona Terrace) to take the Vitamin N Challenge, enjoy arts and crafts, and learn more about nature-based activities happening across Madison. Activities run from 9am-3pm. 

I also wanted to share that Madison Parks Superintendent Knepp and I were featured in this National League of Cities article about Nature Everywhere. I think it’s worth a read to see our commitment to our continued efforts to embrace our love of our natural environment.