Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

ON the yahara writing workshop
2022-09-13 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
The Poetry of Aldo Leopold’s Marshland Elegy
Full details and registration HERE

Monarch Tagging in Pheasant Branch Conservancy
2022-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Highland Way Entrance- Bock Forest, 5672 Highland Way, Middleton, WI, 53562
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 four family friendly events 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 Locations:
The Bock Forest: We will meet at the Kiosk located at the Highland Way entrance. Street parking is available on Highland Way.
Saturday September 10th, 1 – 3 pm at the Bock Forest

Dane County Unit: We will meet at the FOPBC equipment trailer. Parking is available in the Dane County lot at 4865 Pheasant Branch Rd, or at Orchid Heights Park.
Saturday September 17th, 1 -3 pm at Dane County Unit

Please register below to assist the Friends in planning for the correct number of participants:

Fill out my LGL Form!

Bock Forest Prairie Seed Collection
2022-09-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Highland Way Entrance- Bock Forest, 5672 Highland Way, Middleton, WI, 53562
Join us Wednesday September 7th, from 6 to 7:30 pm and Sunday October 9th, from 10 to noon to collect prairie seed at the Bock Forest unit of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. The seed we collect will be cleaned and dried and used for future seeding to expand the prairie and increase species diversity.
We’ll meet at the kiosk at the Highland Way entrance to the Bock Forest. Street parking is available on Highland Way. Volunteers should wear sturdy footwear and my wish to wear pants, long sleeve shirts, and gloves.
Please help us plan for the appropriate number of participants by registering for these workdays here:

Fill out my LGL Form!

Monarch Tagging in Pheasant Branch Conservancy
2022-09-03 13:00 - 15:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
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 four family friendly events 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 Locations:
The Bock Forest: We will meet at the Kiosk located at the Highland Way entrance. Street parking is available on Highland Way.
Saturday September 10th, 1 – 3 pm at the Bock Forest

Dane County Unit: We will meet at the FOPBC equipment trailer. Parking is available in the Dane County lot at 4864 Pheasant Branch Rd, or at Orchid Heights Park.
Saturday September 3rd, 1-3 pm at Dane County Unit
Saturday September 17th, 1 -3 pm at Dane County Unit

Please register below to assist the Friends in planning for the correct number of participants:

Fill out my LGL Form!

Prairie Seed Collection
2022-09-03 09:00 - 12:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Join us for native seed collection at the Dane County Unit of Pheasant Branch Conservancy from 9 am to Noon on Saturday September 3rd. All are welcome, Please register below!

Fill out my LGL Form!

Monarch Tagging in Pheasant Branch Conservancy
2022-08-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Highland Way Entrance- Bock Forest, 5672 Highland Way, Middleton, WI, 53562
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 four family friendly events 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 Locations:
The Bock Forest: We will meet at the Kiosk located at the Highland Way entrance. Street parking is available on Highland Way.
Wednesday August 31st, 4-6 pm at the Bock Forest
Saturday September 10th, 1 – 3 pm at the Bock Forest

Dane County Unit: We will meet at the FOPBC equipment trailer. Parking is available in the Dane County lot at 4865 Pheasant Branch Rd, or at Orchid Heights Park.
Saturday September 3rd, 1-3 pm at Dane County Unit
Saturday September 17th, 1 -3 pm at Dane County Unit

Please register below to assist the Friends in planning for the correct number of participants:

Fill out my LGL Form!

Make a Memory Day August- The Healing Power of Nature
2022-08-30 13:00 - 15:30 | Orchid Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd., Middleton, WI, 53562
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 (1:00 – 3:30pm)
Orchid Heights Park in Middleton, WI
Full Program Details Here

Make a Memory Day
2022-07-27 13:00 - 15:30 | Orchid Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd., Middleton, WI, 53562
Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 (1:00 – 3:30pm)
Orchid Heights Park in Middleton, WI
Full Program Details Here

RESCHEDULED ALL-IN (Active Lifelong Learners In Nature) SERIES Grassland Birds Citizen Science Project
2022-07-26 08:30 - 10:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
We will no longer be holding the event on Tuesday July 26th. Due to unforeseen health circumstances, we are unable to host the program on that date. We will be rescheduling. That date is yet to be determined and will be updated as soon as we have more information.

National Trails Day - A Celebration of the Outdoors
2022-06-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Orchid Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd., Middleton, WI, 53562
This is a community-wide, all Inclusive, family event on the trails and throughout the open lands of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
There will be many activities and presentations to participate in for all ages and abilities over a three-hour time period.

Nature Walks (short and long)
Scavenger Hunts
Displays
Madison Reading Project (free nature books; ice cream)

Location: Orchid Heights Park in Middleton and Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Hosted by the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, City of Middleton Parks & Recreation and Dane County Parks.

ALL-IN (Active Lifelong Learners In Nature) SERIES- Prescribed Fires in the Conservancy
2022-05-11 08:30 - 10:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Active senior adults are invited to join Robert Schubert, land manager for the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, as he shares how fire— which was once common across southern Wisconsin— is used to manage historic habitats for diverse native plants and animals.
Walk with Robert to observe and compare burned and unburned areas of the conservancy, and learn why the decision to burn at all, as well as the timing and frequency of prescribed fire, are important management considerations.
Participants may park at the county parking lot at 4864 Pheasant Branch Road and follow the gravel path to the original homesite. We will meet near the large green trailer.
Presentations will be shared along a walk of about a half mile.
Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. We will keep a waitlist.

REGISTER HERE

CANCELATION POLICY: We will proceed unless there is heavy rain, lightning or thunder. You will be notified by email if we need to cancel the event.
CONSIDERATIONS:
# A limited number of assistive hearing devices will be available
# Dress for the weather and protection from the sun, and for walking
# Bring a water bottle, binoculars and/or hiking poles, if desired
Please email our Education Coordinator, Cayla Matte, at education@pheasantbranch.org if you have any questions or need to change your registration.

Writing Workshop- Special Event with local author Catherine Young
2022-04-28 12:00 - 14:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Earthwords: The Poetry of Geosmin with Catherine Young
Thursday April 28 noon- 2:00 pm
Meeting place: 4864 Pheasant Branch Road
Please join Troy Hess out on the trail at Pheasant Branch Conservancy with the author of Geosmin, Catherine Young. We will take a short hike to the natural springs and discuss poetry from her book. Please bring writing materials to react to writing prompt. Instructor will send along a pdf. attachment including common reading.

Community Clean Sweep- Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event
2022-04-23 08:00 - 12:00 | Clark Street Community School, 2429 Clark Street, Middleton, WI, 53562
This Community Clean Sweep event will be held Saturday, April 23rd from 8am-12pm at the Clark Street Community School on 2429 Clark St. Middleton, WI 53562.
See full details HERE

Writing Workshop- Rivers, Birds and Trees: Finding Mary Oliver at Pheasant Branch Conservancy
2022-04-14 12:00 - 14:00 | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI 53562
Thursday April 14 at Noon-2:00 pm
Meeting place: 4864 Pheasant Branch Road
Troy Hess from On the Yahara Writing Center will use Mary Oliver’s prolific offerings of poetry about water, birds and trees to consider our own subjects found on previous visits to Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Troy will send along a pdf. attachment including common reading.
Registration required. Please register at the bottom of this page.

2022 FROG AND TOAD SURVEY kickoff event
2022-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 | *Please register to receive the Zoom link*
In 2021, the Friends of Pheasant Branch conducted its first frog & toad survey among a small group of Restoration and Management Committee staff as a trial run. This year, we are continuing the survey and are broadening participation to the general public!
Our 2022 Frog & Toad Survey will run from approximately April 1st to August 1st, 2022, with an introduction session provided at the start of the season.
Frog & toad surveys help us monitor the populations that use the conservancy as habitat and over time will help us understand how our restoration efforts and other changes to the land affect these populations. This is particularly important as the conservancy expands north, bringing water quality improvements with reductions in agricultural impact. Additionally, the survey provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the conservancy in a new way under the night sky.
If you would like to learn more about the survey, please join us for our online kickoff event on Thursday, March 10th at 6:30pm. This approximately 1 hour virtual event will include a presentation by Andrew Badje, Conservation Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR who will share some information about survey activities in our state. You can also learn more about our specific survey from survey coordinator Chris Kubiak who helped organize and conduct last year’s program.
Please register HERE for Zoom presentation
Thank you and we look forward to your support of community science initiatives at Pheasant Branch Conservancy!
If you would like to sign up to participate or ask any questions about the survey, please contact Chris Kubiak at survey@pheasantbranch.org

Book Club for Nature Lovers
2022-02-17 15:00 - 16:30 | Waunakee Public Library, 201 N Madison Street, Waunakee, WI, 53597, United States
This book club meets in person at the Waunakee Public Library the third Thursday of the month. February’s group will talk about the finish of “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Led by Troy Hess, founder of On the Yahara Writing Center, Madison, this group focuses on nature writing of all genres, including fiction, short stories, creative nonfiction, natural history and poetry.
Troy will send along a PDF attachment before each meeting with brief supplemental readings and discussion prompts. We will always keep the option open to do some writing on our own in response to our reading. If any participant would like to try to lead a segment of the book discussion, please let Troy know in advance in order to plan. This book group is meant for beginners and experienced readers of nature writing alike.

Registration is required for this program. Please see Waunakee Public Library Calendar and click on Book Club for Nature Lovers event to register. Please register to receive materials before class.

February Writing Workshop- Writing Mindfulness
2022-02-15 10:30 - 12:00 | *Please register to receive the Zoom link*
Participants will meet with Troy via Zoom. Please view full details and REGISTER HERE

SUSTAINABLE U-GREEN YOUR ROUTINE WITH BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
2022-02-08 18:30 - 19:30 | *Please register to receive the Zoom link*
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8TH, 6:30-7:30

*Please register to receive the Zoom link*

Join the Middleton Public Library and the city’s Sustainability Committee for a ongoing series to help Middleton residents learn about living sustainably — why it matters, what our city is doing, and how you can help.
This webinar will feature short talks on how to make your home and commute more sustainable. We’ll explore some ways to “green” your routine and discuss why going electric may be more attainable than you think.
Speaker bios:
Kathy Kuntz, Director of the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change, will provide an overview of how & why to “Green Your Routine With Beneficial Electrification.” Kathy has almost 30 years of experience implementing programs focused on resource efficiency and climate action. Prior to joining Dane County Kathy led Cool Choices, a nonprofit that worked with businesses and local governments to engage employees in sustainable practices and prior to that Kathy led Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program.
Susan Millar, co-leader of 350 Madison’s Community Climate Solutions Team (CCST), will provide a personal case study, discussing the steps she took to make her house “all electric.” leads CCST’s Madison Community Working Group, and participates in CCST’s State Policy Group. Prior to shifting all her volunteer time to 350 Madison, she was active in MOSES, a local organization working to reform the criminal justice system. A senior scientist emeritus at UW-Madison, she led research groups at the Wisconsin Center of Education Research, and established and led the LEAD Center, conducting evaluation research on projects designed to improve STEM education within higher education. She also directed the Education Research Integration Area of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.

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

Virtual Annual Membership Meeting
2022-01-08 09:00 - 11:00 | WI
The format for this meeting has changed from in-person to a virtual meeting via Zoom. Please register to attend the webinar, free of cost, using the link below. Keynote by Amy Rosebrough, State Historical Society Archaeologist and the leading expert on the Effigy Mound builders of Wisconsin. New board members will be elected and our 2021-25 Strategic Plan will be discussed.
Pre-registration is required.
Register here

FRIENDS OF URBAN NATURE (FUN) BIRD AND NATURE ADVENTURE: SIGNS OF LIFE
2021-12-25 13:30 - 15:00 | WI
Saturday December 25, 1:30pm
Meet in the Dane County Parking Lot, 4864 Pheasant Branch Road.
Join Master Naturalist Alex Singer and explore the prairie in winter. We might not see green or movement but life continues. You will be surprised by the activity still going on despite the freezing temperatures. Post pictures and comments on our Facebook page!
No registration is necessary for this free, family friendly, welcoming, educational FUN Bird and Nature Adventure. Pets are not allowed.
Monthly Bird and Nature Adventures at 1:30 on the 4th Saturday in Pheasant Branch Conservancy are co-sponsored by Madison FUN partners Madison Audubon and the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. These are welcoming, family friendly, educational, no registration required and no pets. See Madison Audubon and FOPBC webpages for more activities!
Contact 608-698-0104 for information about FUN Bird and Nature Adventures.

#GivingTuesday 2021
2021-11-30 00:00 - 23:30 | WI
#GivingTuesday is a GLOBAL day of giving to nonprofit organizations, including those with an environmental focus, celebrated in the U.S. on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Your donation to #GivingTuesday purchases REAL items! We met our goal last year and are asking you to save the date for our request for this #GivingTuesday November 30th 2021.

Conservancy Day: Are You Salt Wise? Pheasant Branch Creek Needs You to Be! with Allison Madison
2021-11-18 18:30 - 19:30 | 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.

2022 Phenology Calendar Pop-Up Sale
2021-11-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Stone Horse Green, 7550 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, WI, 53562
Looking for the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life? 2022 Phenology Calendars are now available for sale HERE and also will be available in-person at a Pop-Up Sale in the Stone Horse Green in Downtown Middleton this Saturday, Nov. 6, from Noon to 2 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to support our partnership with the Middleton High School and the student photographers whose photos are featured in the calendar. And don’t forget to visit some of the many locally owned businesses and restaurants while you’re downtown!
Calendars are $15 each. In-person sales are credit card or check only.
Can’t make the sale? Order yours online today!

Conservancy Day: Eagle-Eyed Citizen Science: Bald Eagle Nest Watch With Drew Cashman
2021-10-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Conservancy Day
Photo credit: Gail Smith
Virtual Event Please register below.
Through the tremendous power of on-the-ground volunteers, the Bald Eagle Nest Watch program has gathered important information about the health, productivity, and nesting success of approximately 100 Bald Eagle nests in Wisconsin in 2021. Join us on zoom to learn more about what these volunteers look for, and some highlights of the nesting season!
Bio: Drew Cashman is a volunteer with Madison Audubon, and the inspiration behind the Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program. Drew moved to Wisconsin in 2017, after living in and participating in a BENW program in New York and Colorado, and approached Madison Audubon about launching a similar program shortly after. He is a dad of 3 young boys, and helps run the BENW program each year. Both his kids and the program are growing like weeds! Drew enjoys hiking, birding, and spending time with his “eaglets”.
Registration required.

REGISTER HERE for ZOOM 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.

Birding with Access Ability Wisconsin
2021-10-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Orchid Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd., Middleton, WI, 53562
Madison Audubon is co-hosting a event with Access Ability Wisconsin on October 17th at Orchid Heights Park in Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
See full details and registration HERE

BIG RED READING BUS COMES TO THE CONSERVANCY
2021-10-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Highland Way Entrance- Bock Forest, 5672 Highland Way, Middleton, WI, 53562
The Friends in collaboration with the Madison Reading Project are bringing the Big Red Reading Bus to the Conservancy. We are inviting pre-K through 5th grade children to bring the adults in their lives to come out to celebrate trees and forests. Every child will leave with a free book and a craft project. There will be ice cream, too. Our naturalists will lead walks into the Bock Forest and tree-themed activities for everyone to take part in. Join us on October 2nd from 10:00 to 1:00 at the Bock Forest entrance to the Conservancy on Highland Way in Middleton!

Conservancy Day: Working Together Toward a Cleaner Energy Future with Leah Samson
2021-09-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Conservancy Day
Virtual Event please register below.
Did you know that Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has clean energy projects in Middleton and throughout Wisconsin? Join us as MGE’s Leah Samson talks us through your community energy company’s wind, solar and battery storage projects, and shares information on how MGE is working with customers to reduce our collective energy use, electrify transportation and achieve net-zero carbon electricity.
Biography:
Leah Samson has worked at MGE for 3 years helping residential customers understand their energy use, educating how to make their home energy efficiency and answering any other residential related questions. She has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the UW-Madison. She previously owned Madison Environmental Group, a sustainability consulting firm and worked at Placon in several positions during her 8 years there.
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.

Salt Wise Paddle
2021-09-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Marshall Park, 2101 Allen Blvd., Middleton, WI, 53562
Join in some citizen science fun on the water! All ages welcome at these hands-on events. State and local experts will guide inquiry-based investigations into salt concentrations in freshwater. Participants will go home with the tools to support local monitoring efforts.
BYOB (bring your own boat).

REGISTER HERE

CANCELED- Family Walkabout: Summer
2021-08-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Meet at parking lot opposite Gaylord Nelson Road. Google address: 3649 Pheasant Branch Rd, 3649 Pheasant Branch Rd
Even during the lazy days of summer life is busy in the Conservancy! Join a Pheasant Branch Naturalist on August 28 for an hour of exploration. During the Walkabout, we will search for birds and bugs in the tree tops and in the flowers to see what they are up to.
This is a family-friendly event designed especially for children in preschool through 5th grade, with an accompanying adult. Participation will be limited to the first 12 children who register. Adults are not counted. You will be notified by email if you are in the guided group. If registration fills up, join us at 9:55 to meet the naturalists and then set out on your own to explore.

REGISTER HERE
