Conservancy Day: Are You Salt Wise? Pheasant Branch Creek Needs You to Be! with Allison Madison
2021-11-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Conservancy Day
Virtual Event- Please register below
Pheasant Branch Creek is one of four waterbodies in Dane County, and over 40 waterbodies across Wisconsin, that are impaired by high chloride concentrations. Learn about the various contributors – it’s not just road salt, what’s being done to protect the creek, and how you can get involved.
Bio:
Allison Madison is the first-ever staff person at Wisconsin Salt Wise. Since assuming her role in June 2020, she has spearheaded statewide collaboration around salt reduction. Allison has 10+ years of experience in science and sustainability education in both formal and informal settings from the Appalachian mountains to Olympic National Park, classrooms in inner-city Milwaukee to the ponderosa pine forests of Colorado’s Front Range. Allison graduated from St. Olaf College and has a joint MS. in Environment and Resources and Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin. She’s passionate about protecting Wisconsin’s freshwater resources and celebrating their beauty by paddling, swimming, skiing, etc.
Registration required.

REGISTER HERE FOR VIRTUAL EVENT

Every Conservancy Day is:

Free — thanks to your donations and membership as a Friend
Open to the public
For all ages unless a specific age group is given in the program description
Diverse topics — More than 400 participants each year enjoy topics ranging from wildlife, science, resource management, natural and cultural history and current community issues

Mark your calendars for these inspiring and special events the third Thursday of each month, from January through November.

Conservancy Day: Wolf Conservation in Wisconsin: From Endangered Species to Hunted Species
2022-01-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Conservancy Day
Virtual Event Thursday January 20- Please register below
Join us on Zoom for a science-based discussion about the policy issues surrounding wolves in Wisconsin with experts from Wisconsin’s Green Fire. Wisconsin’s Green Fire supports the conservancy legacy of the state by promoting science-based management of Wisconsin’s Natural Resources. Learn how this organization is involved with Wisconsin Wolves and about the current issues, legislation and politics surrounding wolves in our state.
Presenters: Fred Clark- Executive Director of Wisconsin’s Green Fire and Adrian Wydeven- Certified Wildlife Biologist- Wisconsin’s Green Fire
Bios: Fred Clark joins Green Fire as the Executive Director from a 30-year career in Wisconsin conservation. Fred was previously the director of The Forest Stewards Guild – a national organization dedicated to sustainable forestry and forest science. He has worked as a forest ecologist for Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, as a forester for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and as a consulting forester and owner of a forestry contracting business. Fred received a B.S. from Michigan State University in 1985, and an M.S. in Forest Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1992.
Adrian Wydeven obtained a BS degree in Biology and Wildlife Management at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1976, and a MS degree in Wildlife Ecology from Iowa State University at Ames in 1979. In 1982 he returned to Wisconsin to work for the Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife manager in Oshkosh, Appleton, and Shawano 1982-1990. From 1990-2013 Adrian moved to Park Falls, heading up the state wolf recovery and management programs and other programs on non-game wildlife in northern Wisconsin. In February 2013, he began to work as a Forest Wildlife Specialist, promoting forest management practices that enhanced or protected habitat for various forest wildlife species working closely with foresters, land agencies and landowners. Adrian retired from the DNR on January 3, 2015. He worked part-time as coordinator of the Timber Wolf Alliance with the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (SOEI) at Northland College in Ashland, WI, from September 2015 through June 2017. He continues to volunteer as the Chair of the Timber Wolf Alliance Advisory Council, and does contract with the SOEI for workshops and talks; does volunteer wolf, bird, bat surveys, and Snapshot camera surveys for WDNR; and is active as a volunteer with Wisconsin Green Fire where he co-chairs the Wildlife Working Group.
Registration required

REGISTER HERE FOR VIRTUAL EVENT

Mark your calendars for these inspiring and special events the third Wednesday of each month, from January through November 2022.
Every Conservancy Day is:

Free — thanks to your donations and membership as a Friend
Open to the public
For all ages unless a specific age group is given in the program description
Diverse topics — More than 400 participants each year enjoy topics ranging from wildlife, science, resource management, natural and cultural history and current community issues

SEPTEMBER CONSERVANCY DAY- UTILIZING DRONE IMAGING
2022-09-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Conservancy Day Event!
Wednesday September 21 6:30-7:30 PM
Middleton Public Library
Full details HERE

JANUARY CONSERVANCY DAY- WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD A CLEANER ENERGY FUTURE
2023-01-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Full Program Details Here

Conservancy Day: Madison Audubon Society: Accessibility in Birding
2023-05-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Full details and registration HERE

CONSERVANCY DAY: ACKER FARM RESTORATION UPDATE
2023-07-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Details and registration HERE

CONSERVANCY DAY: Updating Wisconsin's Wolf Management Plan
2023-09-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Join Randy Johnson, large carnivore specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, for a discussion on all things wolves in Wisconsin. In this talk, Randy will focus on the recent efforts to update the state’s wolf management plan, including a summary of the plan’s key elements.
Join Randy Johnson, large carnivore specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, for a discussion on all things wolves in Wisconsin. In this talk, Randy will focus on the recent efforts to update the state’s wolf management plan, including a summary of the plan’s key elements and ultimately what it all means for Wisconsinites and for wolves.

Register Here

Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) Bird and Nature Adventure: Insect Superpowers
2023-09-23 13:30 - 15:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Join Master Naturalist Marjorie Rhine for a free fun family friendly guided walk to learn all about insects.
Location: Pheasant Branch Homestead Parking Lot 4864 Pheasant Branch Road
This is a free, welcoming, diverse, educational, fun and family friendly program.
Post your pictures and comments on our FaceBook and Instagram pages!
Monthly Guided Bird and Nature Adventures are on the 4th Saturday of each month at 1:30 in Pheasant Branch Conservancy. These events are co-sponsored by Madison FUN partners, Madison Audubon and the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. See the FUN webpage, and the Madison Audubon Webpage and FOPBC Webpage for more activities.
Contact 608-698-0104 for information about FUN Bird and Nature Adventures.

Conservancy day- Spring flowers & folklore
2023-11-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Wednesday, November 15, at 6:00pm
Location: Middleton Public Library- In the downstairs Archer Room
Imagine 75+ years ago a walk in the woods and pasture with your grandfather sharing stories about the wildflowers and stories of his youth.
Wayne Pauly spent 43 years as Dane County naturalist and restoration ecologist for the county parks, working with thousands of school children and adults restoring 800 acres of prairie and savanna woodlands.

REGISTER HERE

Conservancy Days: Citizen Science Water Monitoring in Pheasant Branch Watershed
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Learn about the Community Water Monitoring Network (CWMN) and the volunteer monitoring efforts that are happening in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy on Thursday, March 21 at 6pm.
Held at the Middleton Public Library this event is presented by:

Helen Schlimm, Center for Limnology at UW-Madison
Herb Garn, retired Professional Hydrologist from U. S Geological Survey, and Co-chair of Watershed Committee, Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Rick Eilertson, Consulting Engineer and Watershed Committee member, Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Register for a seat at midlibrary.org/events.

Conservancy Days: Birding by Ear with Tim Hansel
2024-05-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Join us for an immersive birding experience as we explore the world of birding by ear. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to identify bird species by their unique songs and calls. Delve into the fascinating melodies of our feathered friends, discovering the stories behind their vocalizations and the secrets they hold about their habitats and behaviors. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the world of birdwatching, this auditory adventure will deepen your appreciation for the avian wonders that surround us.
Timothy Hansel is the education coordinator for the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, an avid birder, and photographer. He is also a Wisconsin Master Naturalist and serves as a Wisconsin Master Naturalist instructor for The Prairie Enthusiasts. With a Ph.D. in philosophy, Timothy has 16 years of teaching experience, focusing on topics such as environmental ethics and critical thinking.
Registration required—sign up at midlibrary.org/events.
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: New Development and Runoff Issues for Pheasant Branch Conservancy with Amanda Niebur
2024-07-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.
Registration required—sign up at midlibrary.org/events.

Conservancy Days: Raptor Demonstration with Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center
2024-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562

Conservancy Days: Fire Ecology with Scott Fulton
2024-11-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
The ecological landscape of most of North America prior to European settlement was strongly influenced by widespread and frequent fires set by humans. Our more recent suppression of fire has profoundly altered the ecology of our region in many ways and efforts to restore pre-settlement natural communities such as prairies and oak savannas rely heavily on the use of prescribed fire. This talk will give a brief introduction to the ecology and history of landscape fire, as well as how prescribed fires are safely conducted in practice.
About the presenter: Scott Fulton is a Wisconsin Master Naturalist instructor and a past president of The Prairie Enthusiasts. He has worked as a volunteer prescribed fire crew member for over 20 years and is a member of the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, involved in fire education.
Registration required—REGISTER HERE
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Day: Wisconsin Wetlands
2025-01-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library- downstairs Archer Room
Join us as Tracy Hames, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wetland Association, will be presenting a compelling discussion on the importance and conservation of Wisconsin’s wetlands.

Register here

Conservancy Days: Moths of the Conservancy
2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Join Angus Mossman to share some awe and wonder at what might be happening just outside your window as darkness sets in. In addition to seeing some jaw-dropping creatures, this presentation will touch on the ecology and natural history of a variety of local moths and other nocturnal insects, and how they fit into the landscape of southern Wisconsin.
Angus Mossman grew up in Sauk Co. exploring the world alongside biologist parents Mike Mossman and Lisa Hartman. A few years travelling and studying around the world brought him back to the special place that is southern Wisconsin. By day, you can find Angus exploring the world with kids at Tower Rock Elementary School, and by night wandering around some prairie or swamp with a flashlight in hand.
Registration required—sign up at middleton.recdesk.com.
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: Birding by Ear with Tim Hansel
2025-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Join us for an immersive birding experience as we explore the world of birding by ear. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to identify bird species by their unique songs and calls. Delve into the fascinating melodies of our feathered friends, discovering the stories behind their vocalizations and the secrets they hold about their habitats and behaviors. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the world of birdwatching, this auditory adventure will deepen your appreciation for the avian wonders that surround us.
Timothy Hansel is the education coordinator for the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, an avid birder, and photographer. He is also a Wisconsin Master Naturalist and serves as a Wisconsin Master Naturalist instructor for The Prairie Enthusiasts. With a Ph.D. in philosophy, Timothy has 16 years of teaching experience, focusing on topics such as environmental ethics and critical thinking.
Registration required—sign up at recdesk.middleton.com.
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: Monarch Butterfly Tagging
2025-07-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.
Registration required—sign up at middleton.recdesk.com.

Monarch Tagging
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | The Bock Forest Kiosk: located at the Highland Way entrance
The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy are participating in the Monarch Watch monarch butterfly tagging program to help generate data on the insect’s migration and habitat. We’ll offer a family friendly event where participants will learn techniques for netting and tagging butterflies. No equipment or experience is necessary, but if you have your own butterfly net, feel free to bring it with.
Event Location: Bock forest kiosk

REGISTER HERE

Conservancy Days: Indigenous Life Before European Contact with Amy Rosebrough
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562

Conservancy Days: Photographic Tour of Pheasant Branch with Paul Ludden
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Registration required—sign up at middleton.recdesk.com.
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Day: Beavers - Architects of Healthy Streams
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
Join us for an engaging and eye-opening talk with conservation expert Bob Boucher as we explore the powerful role of beavers – Wisconsin’s extraordinary ecosystem engineers! As a keystone species, beavers transform landscapes through their dams and canals, creating dynamic wetlands that stabilize waterways, reduce flooding, and reconnect rivers to their floodplains. These wetlands also filter and clean water, recharge groundwater, and support steady stream flows. The habitats they create become biodiversity hotspots, sustaining a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife – comparable in richness to coral reefs and tropical rainforests. Come learn how these remarkable mammals help restore and sustain Wisconsin’s natural ecosystems!

Registration is not required, but preferred.

Nature lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and curious minds, this one’s for you! We look forward to seeing you there!

Conservancy Days:15 Years of Fighting Invasive Species at PBC with Tom Bernthal
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
This month’s topic: 15 Years of Fighting Invasive Species at PBC with Tom Bernthal
Registration is not required, but preferred—sign up at https://middleton.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library in the Archer Room, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: Birding by Ear-Warbler Edition with Tim Hansel
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
This month’s topic: Birding by Ear-Warbler Edition with Tim Hansel
Registration is not required, but preferred—sign up at https://middleton.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library in the Archer Room, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: Wacky Weather & Tree Health with Glen Staosz
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
This month’s topic: Wacky Weather & Tree Health with Glen Staosz
Registration is not required, but preferred—sign up at https://middleton.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library in the Archer Room, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: Prairies and Rain Forests with Paul Ludden
2026-09-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
This month’s topic: Prairies and Rain Forests – A photographic journey through different ecosystems with Paul Ludden
Registration is not required, but preferred—sign up at https://middleton.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library in the Archer Room, 7425 Hubbard Ave.

Conservancy Days: Owls of the Conservancy with Caitlyn Schuchhardt
2026-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562
This month’s topic: Owls of the Conservancy with Caitlyn Schuchhardt
Registration is not required, but preferred—sign up at https://middleton.recdesk.com/Community/Program
Conservancy Days occur at 6pm on the third Thursday of the month at the Middleton Public Library in the Archer Room, 7425 Hubbard Ave.
