By Paul Noeldner
Master Naturalist
Nature beckons all around us on Madison’s Northside with the trumpeting of sandhill cranes, the trilling of red-winged blackbirds and the songs of robins and other birds enjoying natural spots in our yards and parks. We all help create the world we live in. What can we do to help make our Northside healthy for birds and nature, and for ourselves? Here are a few simple things you can do:
- Mow less. Homeowners, landlords, schools, churches and parks can mow less and enjoy more nature, birds and butterflies. Make choices that burn less carbon and offer more value.
- Plant natives. Homeowners and landscapers should plant native Wisconsin trees, shrubs and flowers that our native Wisconsin bees, birds and butterflies depend on to survive. Check out the movie “Hometown Habitat” from Lakeview Library to learn why this is so important.
- Save natural areas. Tell your alderperson and other city officials that you value natural areas. Encourage them to save the entire historic wetland area behind Oscar Mayer as a nature park.
- Join the Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) and partner groups Wild Warner, Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Friends of Lakeview Hill, Madison Audubon and other local partner groups, which co-sponsor free, healthy, family friendly outings almost every week year-round. Help remove invasives and plant native prairies. Learn about the fascinating birds and nature around us. Visit cityofmadison.com/parks and the partner group Facebook pages and websites.
Take your love of nature up a notch this summer. Madison Parks and FUN partner groups are co-sponsoring a summer Wisconsin Master Naturalist class on six Saturdays in July and August, with a special focus on urban nature and connecting children with nature. Classes meet at Warner Park. Nature experts will take you on fascinating field trips each morning and afternoon. This class is great for personal enrichment, career enhancement, or giving something back to nature, our community and our children. Visit tinyurl.com/MadisonFUNMNC for a class flyer and sign up at wimasternaturalist.org/courses.