Wonder Walks

A Walking Guide in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy

In 2016, members of the Senior Advisory Council to the Friends were asked an important question.  What would help to enhance their time in the Conservancy?  The advice we received from these older adults was to support their visits with interesting and engaging materials about the Conservancy.

The Accessibility and Use and the Education Committees have been working with Master Naturalists for the past few years to develop these materials for older adults and for all other age groups.  This task was originally called the Backpack Project, but it has grown and is re-titled Wonder Walks.  We now have Wonder Walk Backpacks that include tools, resources and mini-lesson/activities to encourage deeper engagement and exploration.

There are six different Wonder Walks exploration guides in the backpacks designed to enhance the experience you, your family or your small group have as you “slow walk” and learn about the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

Wonder Walk Backpacks are available to check out from the Middleton and Waunakee Public Libraries and the Middleton Senior Center.  Senior living residencies (Attic Angels, Heritage and Middleton Glen) also have backpacks for use by their residents.  Backpack materials include: trail guides, mini-lessons/activities, guest sign-in books, notepads, magnify glass, dip nets, bird identification books and much more.

Download Wonder Walk guides below.

Forest Bathing

Connect with nature through these meditative experiences.

Prairies

Explore the Conservancy prairie.

Landforms

The earth's history is long and complex.  Experience landforms in the Conservancy.

Vista Views

Explore the views of the Conservancy.

Water

Water from the Conservancy flows to Lake Mendota.  Explore the water sources in the Conservancy.

The Springs

The springs are an integral part of our groundwater systems that can also bring a sense of peace and renewal.

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