Bird & Nature Adventures

people in forest looking up at nature and birds

Discover nature by foot, paddle or pedal with a free and family-friendly Bird & Nature Adventure! These volunteer-led events are held in parks year-round throughout the city. 

Upcoming Events

    • Tenney Beach
      1330 Sherman Ave.
    • Cherokee Marsh - North Unit
      6098 North Sherman Avenue
    • Owen Conservation Park
      6021 Old Sauk Road
    • Turville Point Conservation Park
      1156 Olin Turville Court
    • Olbrich Park
      3402 Atwood Avenue
    • Warner Park
      2930 North Sherman Avenue
    • Aldo Leopold Nature Center
      330 Femrite Drive
    • Warner Park Community Recreation Center
      1625 Northport Drive

Bird & Nature Adventures are 90-minute, volunteer-led events for all ages, held year-round in any weather. Participants learn about birds and nature, with topics and leaders changing throughout the year. Some events include biking or canoeing, with a few happening on a pontoon. Meeting locations and times are generally consistent but may vary. Be sure to check individual events for details. Registration is not required. Participants should dress for the weather and are encouraged to bring binoculars or cameras. Pets, including well-behaved dogs, are not allowed.

Ongoing Schedule

Day of the MonthTimeLocation
1st Saturday2:30 - 4pmTenney Park Beach, 1330 Sherman Ave. 
Exact meeting location may vary, see event listing.
1st Sunday1:30 - 3pmCherokee Marsh Conservation Park, North
6098 N. Sherman Ave. 
Meet at the end of the gravel road, near the restroom building.
2nd Saturday2:30 - 4pmOwen Conservation Park, 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
2nd Sunday1:30 - 3pmTurville Point Conservation Park, 1202 Olin-Turville Ct.
Meet at Turville Point parking lot, entrance at E. Olin stoplight.
3rd Saturday10 - 11:30amStarkweather Creek Area
Meeting location varies, see event listing.
3rd Sunday1:30 - 3pmWarner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
4th Saturday10 - 11:30amEdna Taylor Conservation Park
Meet at Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Dr.

See Madison Friends of Urban Nature for additional locations, including Pheasant Branch Conservancy and UW Lakeshore Preserve, adventure topics and educational tools. See Madison Parks Foundation to help support the Friends of Urban Nature.

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