By Paul Noeldner
Friends of Urban Nature Groups

On Sunday, April 28, from 1‒4 pm, bring friends, family and children to Warner Park and get up close. The 7th Annual Madison Bird and Nature Festival features live raptor presentations by Open Door Bird Sanctuary of Door County at the Rainbow Shelter. Children of all ages will enjoy celebrating Earth Day, Arbor Day and International Bird Day with lots of hands-on activities, educational exhibits and nature exploration. 

Take a Madison Parks hayride, learn about nature photography, try on a crane suit, make wildflower seed bombs, see live reptiles up close, draw chalk art, go on a tree walk, help make a bluebird house, discover tiny aquatics at the pond dipping table, stop for a face painting, grab a snack at the food cart, and lots more. This is a free, family friendly event; no registration is required; no pets please. 

Come by bus, bike or foot or enjoy convenient parking near the Rainbow Shelter between the Warner Park Community Recreation Center and Mallards Stadium. 

The Bird and Nature Festival is co-sponsored by Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) partner groups, including Madison Parks, Madison Audubon, Wild Warner, Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Friends of Starkweather Creek, and many other Madison area friends and environmental groups. Meet nature group volunteers at the event tables and displays, and learn about year-round nature activities. 

Visit cityofmadison.com/parks for more details. Contact 698-0104 for questions or to volunteer to help at the event.