By Paul Noeldner
Madison FUN Partner Groups
Bird and Nature Festival
Celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day and Bird Day at the 6th Annual Bird and Nature Festival Sunday, April 15, from 1‒4 pm at the Warner Park Rainbow Shelter.
Children will love getting up close with “Bats Live!” Enjoy free presentations by DNR Conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell.
Bring friends and family family for an afternoon of educational exhibits, hands-on children’s activities and nature exploration. Explore the bat cave, be a bat biologist, Madison Parks hayrides, make nature art, discover Wild Warner by bike, What’s in the Pond, live reptiles, beginning birding, tree walks, prairie planting, face painting, nature group tables, food carts, bounce house and more for an afternoon of outdoor fun.
It’s free, family friendly, and no registration is required. No pets, please. Come by bike or park in the lot beside WPCRC, behind Mallards stadium.
This annual event is co-sponsored by Madison FUN (Friends of Urban Nature) partner groups, Madison Parks, Madison Audubon, Wild Warner, Friends of Cherokee Marsh and other local Friends groups and environmental groups.
Help support the birds and nature we love. Contact 608-698-0104.
Hometown Habitat Movie
Kick off Earth Week with an upbeat, educational “Hometown Habitat” movie and panel discussion at the WPCRC Meeting Room Saturday, April 14, 12‒2pm. This event is free. The movie will show you how and why to use native flowers, trees, and other plants for their beauty, to help pollinators such as monarch butterflies, and to help provide clean water in our lakes. Be inspired by success stories such as the Be A Habitat Hero Program, which teaches how to “wildscape” yards for the joy of seeing birds every day and connecting children with nature, and eco-artists, who are using art to help solve environmental problems.
Alex Singer of Wild Ones and restoration specialist Tom Murn will host a short panel discussion after the movie. Participants are invited to join Murn for a bird and nature outing at Owen Park at 2:30 pm to look at some native restorations first-hand. Sponsored by Madison FUN partner groups and Wild Ones. Space is limited to about 50, first-come, first-served, contact paul_noeldner@hotmail.com or 698-0104 if you wish to reserve a seat.