Welcome

Our facility will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
Our building will reopen to the public at 10am on Saturday, July 6th.

As always, our grounds and trails featuring self-guided tours are free and open daily from dawn until dusk.

Our facility is open on weekdays from 9am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm.

As always, our grounds and trails featuring self-guided tours are free and open daily from dawn until dusk.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus

330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
(608) 221-0404

The Monona Campus, with its gentle, glaciated patchwork of oak savanna, wetlands, prairies and woodlands provides a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life that surrounds it. Here, visitors are invited to explore local flora and fauna on the trails and see how their observations connect to global phenomena through interactive exhibits.

January 1970

Exhibits and Building Closed for Labor Day

January 1, 1970 @ 12:00 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

ALNC will be closed in observance of Labor Day August 31-Sept 2 except on Sunday, Sept 1 for a special free Founder's Day Celebration.

Find out more »

April 2013

Earth Day Celebration

April 20, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
$5.50

Celebrate the Earth with us! Get ready for spring by learning about seasonal changes and spring appearances in our phenology center; then, hike our trails and see what you can find. Check out a Family Trailside Backpack filled with tips and tools for exploring outdoors – included in exhibit admission this weekend only!* In our awesome theaters, you can view Earth from space, travel the globe, and watch a special Excellent Earth planetary playlist to enjoy the beauty and importance…

Find out more »

Aldo Leopold, Phenology and Climate Change

April 24, 2013 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

A public lecture on "Aldo Leopold, Phenology and Climate Change" at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona on April 24 at 6:00PM. Aldo Leopold, UW professor best known as the author of A Sand County Almanac, was a keen observer of the natural world.

Find out more »

The BIG Climate Event – Building Involvement Globally

April 28, 2013 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
Free

Find your voice in the growing Madison climate movement with a fun, collaborative day of action: explore the Aldo Leopold Nature Center's amazing climate exhibit; find your climate voice in words, art or music – and record it in the studio; learn how to start a climate conversation with your elected officials or in your community; find a climate volunteer opportunity and much more. Fun for the whole family! Contact Jennifer Feyerherm, jennifer.feyerherm@sierraclub.org, 608-257-4994. Sunday, April 28th OPEN HOUSE 1:00 - 5:00.

Find out more »

May 2013

Otter 501 Movie Screening and “Wonderful Wildlife” Exhibit Event

May 11, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
$5.50 – $501

Join us for a FREE movie screening of Otter 501, a documentary telling the remarkable survival story of a young Wisconsin woman visiting California who discovers an orphaned baby otter. The film will be followed by a special Q&A with Otter 501’s human co-star – a Madison local!

Find out more »

June 2013

Fishing Fun Month in the Exhibits

June 9, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every 7 days that begins at 10:00am, repeating until July 5, 2013

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
$5.50

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! June's theme is Fishing Fun, featuring fishing demonstrations, pond dips and more! Admission into the exhibits and themed activities is FREE for ALNC Members and $5.50/person for Non-Members.

Find out more »

3rd Annual Madison Area Pond Tour

June 22, 2013 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8.00 – $39

Watch the experts from The Bruce Company build a pondless water feature at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center the day of the event.

Find out more »

Fishing Fun Month in the Exhibits

June 29, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every 7 days that begins at 10:00am, repeating until July 5, 2013

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
$5.50

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! June's theme is Fishing Fun, featuring fishing demonstrations, pond dips and more! Admission into the exhibits and themed activities is FREE for ALNC Members and $5.50/person for Non-Members.

Find out more »

July 2013

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 6, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 7, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 13, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 14, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 20, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 21, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

ALNC Closed for Private Event

July 27, 2013
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
Find out more »

Buggin’ Out Month in the Exhibits

July 28, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Each month, our interactive exhibits will feature a different theme and offer special activities on the weekends for all ages along with new presentations in the Science On a Sphere and much more! July's theme is Buggin' Out. Special Programs: Change & Wonder: A Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis – Orientation Theater – all weekend View this detailed butterfly metamorphosis in close-up chronological view, showing transitions from egg, caterpillar growth, chrysalis formation, butterfly development, and emergence. Creepy Crawly CritterCast – Kids’ Climate…

Find out more »

August 2013

Global Climate Crisis: Risks & Opportunities for Public Health

August 20, 2013 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
Free

Considering the many pathways through which climate change can adversely affect our health, global climate disruption poses enormous risks to human and societal health. At the same time, interventions to combat climate change by choosing more sustainable energy sources can offer potentially large health dividends and lives saved. These opportunities, along with climate change health risks, will be discussed in this presentation by Dr. Jonathan Patz, Professor & Director of the Global Health Institute at UW-Madison.

Find out more »

Exhibits and Building Closed for Labor Day

August 31, 2013 - September 2, 2013
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

ALNC will be closed in observance of Labor Day August 31-Sept 2 except on Sunday, Sept 1 for a special free Founder's Day Celebration.

Find out more »

September 2013

Monona Founder’s Day Celebration at ALNC

September 1, 2013 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
FREE

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the City of Monona with a very special Founder's Day Celebration! Listen to live music, shop the craft vendors, feast on tasty foods and participate in a variety of FREE activities for all ages!! Hands-on pioneer activities for all ages Live music from local Irish and Americana band The Black Velvet Native American drummers Chainsaw carving demonstrations by GET Carving (1:30 & 3:30pm) Try your hand throwing pottery on the wheel with Fired Up Pottery…

Find out more »

ALNC Exhibits Open

September 2, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States

Engage your imagination as you travel through time and explore planet Earth as the astronauts see it—suspended in orbit 22,000 miles above its surface! Explore global temperatures from prehistory through the future and see how they shape our planet. Innovate and discover your inner “green inventor” as you learn about cutting-edge renewable energy solutions! Imagine a sustainable future and take a step to making it a reality by contributing your observational data to national citizen science databases! All these eco-adventures…

Find out more »

Color Me Mad

September 6, 2013 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $15

Experience a fusion of music, mad science, art, dance, and glow fun at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center on Friday, September 6 for our second adult event, Color Me Mad, celebrating all things color!

Find out more »

Mad Science Month in the Exhibits

September 7, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

To celebrate the Wisconsin Science Festival, we are turning into mad scientists all month long! Unleash your inner innovator with special programs that will get you experimenting, tinkering, and learning -- and see just how fun science can be!

Find out more »

Wisconsin Science Festival Mad Science Saturday

September 28, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Are you mad about science? Put on your thinking caps and delve into the exciting world of science with hands-on experiments and activities at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center just for the Wisconsin Science Festival!

Find out more »

October 2013

Wild About Weather Month in the Exhibits

October 5, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather with ongoing programs, special guests, and activities centered on weather phenomena and climate in Wisconsin and around the globe. Hear from meteorology experts, take your own weather measurements, give your own weather forecast, and immerse yourself in our Storms360 Theater.

Find out more »

Wild About Weather Month in the Exhibits

October 6, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather with ongoing programs, special guests, and activities centered on weather phenomena and climate in Wisconsin and around the globe. Hear from meteorology experts, take your own weather measurements, give your own weather forecast, and immerse yourself in our Storms360 Theater.

Find out more »

Wild About Weather Month in the Exhibits

October 7, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather with ongoing programs, special guests, and activities centered on weather phenomena and climate in Wisconsin and around the globe. Hear from meteorology experts, take your own weather measurements, give your own weather forecast, and immerse yourself in our Storms360 Theater.

Find out more »

Fire Cider for the Winter Months with Laura Ash

October 19, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map

Fire Cider is a traditional cold remedy with deep roots in folk medicine. The tasty combination of vinegar infused with powerful immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, decongestant, and spicy circulatory movers makes this recipe especially pleasant and easy to incorporate into your daily diet to help boost the immune system, stimulate digestion, and get you nice and warmed up on cold days. In this class we will prepare Fire Cider with medicinal foods and local roots to help boost your immune…

Find out more »

November 2013

Plant Power Month

November 2, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Unleash the power of plants! This month, learn about global energy crops, cuting-edge biofuel research here in Wisconsin, and how these renewable living energy sources are part of the climate solution. Special programs and activities include: Exciting films throughout the exhibits including Cellulosic Ethanol, an animated film from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center;  Innovation Nation, focused on new biofuel innovations; and Harvesting for Fuel, one farmer’s story of how his 190-year-old family farm became part of a sustainable renewable…

Find out more »

Plant Power Month

November 3, 2013 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Unleash the power of plants! This month, learn about global energy crops, cuting-edge biofuel research here in Wisconsin, and how these renewable living energy sources are part of the climate solution. Special programs and activities include: Exciting films throughout the exhibits including Cellulosic Ethanol, an animated film from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center;  Innovation Nation, focused on new biofuel innovations; and Harvesting for Fuel, one farmer’s story of how his 190-year-old family farm became part of a sustainable renewable…

Find out more »

December 2013

Polar Express Month

December 7, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Saturday, repeating until December 28, 2013

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Check out our hands-on exhibits, hear about glacial explorations, watch amazing ice sheet footage in our giant theaters, and more. It’s a great time of year to learn more about the North (and South) Pole!

Find out more »

Polar Express Month

December 8, 2013 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Sunday, repeating until December 29, 2013

Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5.50

Check out our hands-on exhibits, hear about glacial explorations, watch amazing ice sheet footage in our giant theaters, and more. It’s a great time of year to learn more about the North (and South) Pole!

Find out more »

Arctic Avalanche

December 13, 2013 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$2 – $15

Experience a stunning, virtual trip to the ends of the Earth at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center on Friday, December 13 for their third adult event, Arctic Avalanche! REGISTER HERE! Guests 21+ will enjoy: Multi-media displays and ant/arctic-themed art from local artists of all ages Stunning 360º views of the northern lights in ALNC’s immersion theater A polar photobooth Icy, interactive crowd-sourced art projects Live music from Circus Fires Delicious craft brews and light snacks Displays and firsthand reflections on polar…

Find out more »

January 2014

Candelight Snowshoe Hike

January 18, 2014 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
FREE

The Aldo Leopold Nature Center, City of Monona and City of Madison are teaming up for a candlelight evening snowshoe through the trails at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Woodland Park and Edna Taylor Conservation Park.

Find out more »

Barrow Tales: Climate & Culture in the Arctic

January 23, 2014 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
Free

Visit the Aldo Leopold Nature Center on January 23, 2014 for the next in our lecture series on nature, climate and culture. Dr. Cathy Middlecamp (UW-Madison) and Dr. Robert Rabin (NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory) will share their experiences teaching at Ilisagvik College in Barrow, Alaska, through photos and stories of earth, air, ice, fire, and water that connected them, their students, and the arctic landscape.

Find out more »

Off the Beaten Track (Tuesday)

January 28, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Learn about animal tracks while playing games and singing songs. Discover ways to beat the winter blues and make your own tracks!

Find out more »

Snow Birds

January 28, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Not all birds migrate south for the winter time. We will walk through the habitats of the nature center in search of these brave birds and learn how they survive the long winter.

Find out more »

Off the Beaten Track (Wednesday)

January 29, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Learn about animal tracks while playing games and singing songs. Discover ways to beat the winter blues and make your own tracks!

Find out more »

February 2014

Starry Skies

February 1, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Saturdays and Sundays in February 2014
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

Experience life as a virtual astronaut as you leave Earth's atmosphere and explore the worlds beyond – navigate your way through an astronomical photo exhibit, learn about satellites, fly across Earth’s surface, orbit other planets, and enjoy activities and adventures that are sure to be out of this world! View a stunning display of beautiful images from NASA, with additions from local astronomers, on loan from the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department (with explanations in English, Spanish, and Hmong). Fun…

Find out more »

Starry Skies

February 2, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Saturdays and Sundays in February 2014
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

Experience life as a virtual astronaut as you leave Earth's atmosphere and explore the worlds beyond – navigate your way through an astronomical photo exhibit, learn about satellites, fly across Earth’s surface, orbit other planets, and enjoy activities and adventures that are sure to be out of this world! View a stunning display of beautiful images from NASA, with additions from local astronomers, on loan from the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department (with explanations in English, Spanish, and Hmong). Fun…

Find out more »

Get Your Frost On (Tuesday)

February 4, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

“I see” fun times are on your way. Come experience the science-side of winter under the full snow moon.

Find out more »

Wisconsin’s Natural History

February 4, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Wisconsin has been a home to many outdoor enthusiasts who loved spending time outdoors and wanted to protect nature. We will learn about some of Wisconsin’s famous conservationists, from Aldo Leopold to John Muir and Gaylord Nelson.

Find out more »

Get Your Frost On (Wednesday)

February 5, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

“I see” fun times are on your way. Come experience the science-side of winter under the full snow moon.

Find out more »

Starry Skies

February 8, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

Experience life as a virtual astronaut as you leave Earth's atmosphere and explore the worlds beyond – navigate your way through an astronomical photo exhibit, learn about satellites, fly across Earth’s surface, orbit other planets, and enjoy activities and adventures that are sure to be out of this world! View a stunning display of beautiful images from NASA, with additions from local astronomers, on loan from the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department (with explanations in English, Spanish, and Hmong). Fun…

Find out more »

Under the Starry Skies

February 8, 2014 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$5

In the dark days of winter, there is much to be seen and heard!We’ll spend the evening hiking under the night sky to listen for owl calls during their peak winter courtship and viewing the Orion and Crab nebulas, Jupiter, and several other constellations through a telescope on the deck (weather permitting). In between sky viewing and night hiking, warm-up by the fire and participate in some indoor activities relating to owls and the night sky. Use our star map…

Find out more »

Starry Skies

February 9, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Saturdays and Sundays in February 2014
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

Experience life as a virtual astronaut as you leave Earth's atmosphere and explore the worlds beyond – navigate your way through an astronomical photo exhibit, learn about satellites, fly across Earth’s surface, orbit other planets, and enjoy activities and adventures that are sure to be out of this world! View a stunning display of beautiful images from NASA, with additions from local astronomers, on loan from the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department (with explanations in English, Spanish, and Hmong). Fun…

Find out more »

Love Birds (Tuesday)

February 11, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Open your hearts and minds to some fowl facts and fun!

Find out more »

Ice World

February 11, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Our planet is covered by more water than anything else. We will learn all about the properties of ice and the different ways ice is found in nature.

Find out more »

Love Birds (Wednesday)

February 12, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Open your hearts and minds to some fowl facts and fun!

Find out more »

Starry Skies

February 15, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Saturdays and Sundays in February 2014
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

Experience life as a virtual astronaut as you leave Earth's atmosphere and explore the worlds beyond – navigate your way through an astronomical photo exhibit, learn about satellites, fly across Earth’s surface, orbit other planets, and enjoy activities and adventures that are sure to be out of this world! View a stunning display of beautiful images from NASA, with additions from local astronomers, on loan from the University of Wisconsin Astronomy Department (with explanations in English, Spanish, and Hmong). Fun…

Find out more »

You Otter Believe It! (Tuesday)

February 18, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

River otters will fill you with glee. Why? Because these playful creatures play and slide all year round.

Find out more »

Phenology through Photography Part I

February 18, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

We will learn about phenology and the connection Aldo Leopold had with recording observations over time. Then, we will use technology to record observations and compare them to others taken before.

Find out more »

You Otter Believe It! (Wednesday)

February 19, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

River otters will fill you with glee. Why? Because these playful creatures play and slide all year round.

Find out more »

Far Out!

February 21, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $22

It’s time for some out of this world exploration. We’ll take a look at each of the planets in the solar system and what makes each unique.

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Lunch Bunch

February 21, 2014 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$7 – $10

Add lunch bunch to "Far Out!" or "Clues on Snowshoes" to extend your time with us or to stay for the whole day!

Find out more »

Clues on Snowshoes

February 21, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $22

We’ll learn how Wisconsin’s mammals adapt to the harsh winter as we strap on snowshoes to search the trails for signs of wildlife wintering in the woods.

Find out more »

Whoo? Whoo? It’s You! (Tuesday)

February 25, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Whoo is this lesson all about? Owls! Whoo is coming? You!

Find out more »

What Lies Underneath

February 25, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Winter is a time when animals like to burrow underground and sleep, or hibernate, for the winter months. We will dig up some facts about burrowing animals and why they choose to make burrows.

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Whoo? Whoo? It’s You! (Wednesday)

February 26, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Whoo is this lesson all about? Owls! Whoo is coming? You!

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March 2014

Spring Wonder Bugs Tuesday Package

March 4, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $114

Save with our Spring Package! Introduce your toddler or pre-school aged child to a safe and wonderful natural world! This package includes each individual Tuesday Wonder Bug Session from March 4, 2014 to June 3, 2014 (14 sessions total).

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Fox Trot (Tuesday)

March 4, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but around here it’s the fox you have to look out for. Join us for a fascinating foxy adventure!

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May the Source Be With You!

March 4, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

The sun is the source of all energy on earth and makes life here possible. We’ll learn all about the benefits the sun provides as we track the movement of the sun with a shadow plot, hold an ice race, and take temperatures throughout the Nature Center’s habitats.

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Spring Wonder Bugs Wednesday Package

March 5, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $114

Save with our Spring Package! Introduce your toddler or pre-school aged child to a safe and wonderful natural world! This package includes each individual Wednesday Wonder Bug Session from March 5, 2014 to June 4, 2014 (14 sessions total).

Find out more »

Fox Trot (Wednesday)

March 5, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but around here it’s the fox you have to look out for. Join us for a fascinating foxy adventure!

Find out more »

Nature Journaling

March 8, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Saturdays and Sundays in March 2014
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

What kinds of plants and animals live in your backyard? How does nature change over the seasons, and how are these seasons changing over time? How did Aldo Leopold and his family use journals to study their world? Learn how keeping records can improve your relationship with nature and provide a unique perspective on our planet’s systems and cycles.            This month, you and your family can have fun with phenology – explore a variety of nature records and techniques,…

Find out more »

Nature Journaling

March 9, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Saturdays and Sundays in March 2014
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

What kinds of plants and animals live in your backyard? How does nature change over the seasons, and how are these seasons changing over time? How did Aldo Leopold and his family use journals to study their world? Learn how keeping records can improve your relationship with nature and provide a unique perspective on our planet’s systems and cycles.            This month, you and your family can have fun with phenology – explore a variety of nature records and techniques,…

Find out more »

Chew It Up (Tuesday)

March 11, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Little termite, chew it up. “Woodn’t” you know it? These little insects are big on biting up fun. Explore and discover the non-stop, jaw-dropping world of termites. Come on- let’s chew it, chew it, chew it together.

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Meteorology

March 11, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a meteorologist? We will step into their shoes as we learn about and collect the data needed to make a forecast.

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Chew It Up (Wednesday)

March 12, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Little termite, chew it up. “Woodn’t” you know it? These little insects are big on biting up fun. Explore and discover the non-stop, jaw-dropping world of termites. Come on- let’s chew it, chew it, chew it together.

Find out more »

Sweet Home Wisconsin (Tuesday)

March 18, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

What makes Wisconsin so sweet? Come to this lesson and learn about making maple syrup and brewing tea. See what it was like to live like a pioneer. Love the seasons and nature, Wisconsin style!

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Outdoor Art

March 18, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Imagine all of the different art that can be made using natural materials! We will use what nature has provided us to make beautiful creations.

Find out more »

Sweet Home Wisconsin (Wednesday)

March 19, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

What makes Wisconsin so sweet? Come to this lesson and learn about making maple syrup and brewing tea. See what it was like to live like a pioneer. Love the seasons and nature, Wisconsin style!

Find out more »

Super Squirrel (Tuesday)

March 25, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Is that a bird? A plane? No, it’s super squirrel to the rescue! Come get carried away by these furry flying squirrels. You’ll be amazed at what these little critters can do!

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Maple Syruping

March 25, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Join us for a seasonal favorite! We'll learn basic tree identification, try tools used by pioneers to “tap a tree,” taste the sap from maples and cook it down to syrup. Through stories and historic artifacts, we will teach the history of maple syrup making from past to the present.

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Super Squirrel (Wednesday)

March 26, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

Is that a bird? A plane? No, it’s super squirrel to the rescue! Come get carried away by these furry flying squirrels. You’ll be amazed at what these little critters can do!

Find out more »

Nature Journaling

March 30, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$3 – $4

What kinds of plants and animals live in your backyard? How does nature change over the seasons, and how are these seasons changing over time? How did Aldo Leopold and his family use journals to study their world? Learn how keeping records can improve your relationship with nature and provide a unique perspective on our planet’s systems and cycles.            This month, you and your family can have fun with phenology – explore a variety of nature records and techniques,…

Find out more »

Spring Break Full Week Package I

March 31, 2014 @ 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $265

Your child has off of school – now what? SAVE with this full week package and bring them for a week of exciting learning and adventure! This package includes all 5 spring break classes for the week of March 31st - April 4th.

Find out more »

Earth & Beyond

March 31, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $55

Our solar system is vast and contains many different worlds. Earth is unique because of one precious resource: water! Join us as we learn about why we have water on our planet, take some weather measurements and compare our planet with other planets in our solar system. Get ready to step into the shoes of an astronaut as we explore outer space!

Find out more »

April 2014

Mud Pies in the Skies (Tuesday)

April 1, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

As the ground begins to thaw we will dig and we will draw. There is more to soil than meets the eye. Come learn about fun critters that live in the mud. We’ll play and sing until we say bye-bye.

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Nature’s Tricksters

April 1, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Nature is full of April fools! We’ll learn about adaptations such as mimicry and camouflage that animals use to fool us and each other. We’ll even learn about the ultimate tricksters – carnivorous plants!

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Pioneer Days

April 2, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $55

Turn off the TV and join us for some old-fashioned fun! We’ll spend the day playing pioneer games; have sack races and much, much more. From firewood to food, we’ll also learn how pioneers lived off the land through fun and exciting explorations.

Find out more »

Mud Pies in the Skies (Wednesday)

April 2, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

As the ground begins to thaw we will dig and we will draw. There is more to soil than meets the eye. Come learn about fun critters that live in the mud. We’ll play and sing until we say bye-bye.

Find out more »

Wetland Wake-Up

April 3, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $55

Become a wetland ecologist for the day! We’ll visit the pond and marsh to listen closely for croaks, chirps, trills, and whistles of frogs and toads to learn how to identify them. We’ll also bird watch with binoculars and try to find some spring migrants, peek in the pond to see what creatures have emerged, and explore all areas wet and muddy in this “ribbiting” investigation!

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Eco Play Day

April 4, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $55

Aldo Leopold was well known for his “land ethic,” and teaching about the importance of caring for the outdoors. We will learn how we can help nature and then, the rest of the day will be spent enjoying time in nature! We will play games using natural materials and enjoy spending time outside on a spring day.

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Think Skink (Tuesday)

April 8, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

What is five-lined with a blue tail? Why a skink of course! Come sing and play today. Learn all about these colorful reptiles and don’t be left holding this tail!

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Green Thumbs

April 8, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Spring is a time for new growth, and what better way to start that new growth than by planting the garden at ALNC! We will put on our work gloves, fill our watering cans and head out to the greenhouse and garden to start the growing season.

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Think Skink (Wednesday)

April 9, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

What is five-lined with a blue tail? Why a skink of course! Come sing and play today. Learn all about these colorful reptiles and don’t be left holding this tail!

Find out more »

2052: A Global Forecast for the Next 40 Years

April 10, 2014 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
Free

Visit the Aldo Leopold Nature Center on April 10, 2014 for the next in our lecture series on nature, climate and culture. Hear Dr. Richard Steeves, UW-Madison Radiation Oncology Faculty and International Crane Foundation Board Member, discuss the fascinating global treatise of Norwegian professor Jorgen Randers.

Find out more »

Spring Break Full Week Package II

April 14, 2014 @ 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $265

Your child has off of school – now what? SAVE with this full week package and bring them for a week of exciting learning and adventure! This package includes all 5 spring break classes for the week of April 14th - April 18th.

Find out more »

Earth & Beyond

April 14, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $55

Our solar system is vast and contains many different worlds. Earth is unique because of one precious resource: water! Join us as we learn about why we have water on our planet, take some weather measurements and compare our planet with other planets in our solar system. Get ready to step into the shoes of an astronaut as we explore outer space!

Find out more »

Between Earth and Sky – AM Session

April 14, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

Natural Resources are all around us and we use them for so many things in our lives. We will discover the natural world around us and learn about some fascinating plants and animals that call Wisconsin home.

Find out more »

Between Earth and Sky – PM Session

April 14, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

Natural Resources are all around us and we use them for so many things in our lives. We will discover the natural world around us and learn about some fascinating plants and animals that call Wisconsin home.

Find out more »

Duck Duck Cute (Tuesday)

April 15, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

You’re it! Waddle this way for waterfowl adventures and games. These birds are sure to “bill” you with delight. Come take a quack at it!

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Fantastic Flowers- AM Session

April 15, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

Spring is a great time to see new flowers emerging from the ground. Join us as we venture into the world of flowers, full of beautiful colors and aromatic smells.

Find out more »

From Roots to Leaves – AM Session

April 15, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

As the temperatures are warming during Spring, trees are starting to show off their new leaves. We will learn about the wonderful world of trees and how to tell trees apart from one another while exploring the many uses of trees and how to protect trees and forests.

Find out more »

Fantastic Flowers- PM Session

April 15, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

Spring is a great time to see new flowers emerging from the ground. Join us as we venture into the world of flowers, full of beautiful colors and aromatic smells.

Find out more »

From Roots to Leaves – PM Session

April 15, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

As the temperatures are warming during Spring, trees are starting to show off their new leaves. We will learn about the wonderful world of trees and how to tell trees apart from one another while exploring the many uses of trees and how to protect trees and forests.

Find out more »

Great Eggspectations

April 15, 2014 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10

Legend has it that every spring a rabbit would visit children’s homes during the night and leave a woven nest with an egg in it as a sign that spring had arrived. Learn to dye eggs naturally with berries, spices and other natural dyes to mimic the variety of colorful eggs found in nature!

Find out more »

Pioneer Days

April 16, 2014 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$10 – $55

Turn off the TV and join us for some old-fashioned fun! We’ll spend the day playing pioneer games; have sack races and much, much more. From firewood to food, we’ll also learn how pioneers lived off the land through fun and exciting explorations.

Find out more »

Duck Duck Cute (Wednesday)

April 16, 2014 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$9 – $10

You’re it! Waddle this way for waterfowl adventures and games. These birds are sure to “bill” you with delight. Come take a quack at it!

Find out more »

Natural Painting – AM Session

April 16, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Monona Campus, 330 Femrite Drive
Monona, 53716 United States
+ Google Map
$8

Learn how to paint an outdoor landscape, try painting without a brush and even work together to paint a mural! Bring your creativity and nature will provide the rest.

Find out more »
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