June 2016
Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Three Cheers for Ears! (Friday)
Close your eyes and let the natural world come alive around you. Turn up the audio today and discover the sounds of spring. It will be an experience like you’re never heard!
Find out more »Public Program: Fishing Family Fun!
Fishing was one of the activities most enjoyed by Aldo Leopold as a youngster; join us to learn why in this introduction to angling! You’ll see examples of different types of rods and reels, practice casting, learn how to tie basic fishing knots, and catch worms to use as bait as you fish in our pond!
Find out more »July 2016
July 2016 – World of Water
Water is life! This month, we are highlighting the wonders of water, how it travels through Earth’s systems, and how our local and global watersheds are impacted by things like weather, climate, and our daily usage. Visit our wetland nature nook, learn what lives in our pond, view conservation features in our facility and on our grounds, discover the wonders of the water cycle, and learn tips about how you can actively engage in taking positive steps to use, conserve, and enjoy…
Find out more »Puzzling Pond Critters (Family Public Program)
Join us to spend your morning at the pond! Our naturalists will show you how to use nets to catch and identify the critters that live, breathe, and eat underwater.
Find out more »August 2016
Geology Rocks!
Calling all rock hounds! Examine rocks, minerals, fossils, and learn about the landscape and awesome geological features of our planet. Explore our grounds, see the movements of Earth’s crust, and experience the world beneath our feet with our interactive theaters. Identify and categorize at hands-on geology exploration stations, and more! Geology Playlist – Science on a Sphere – Learn about the movements of Earth’s crust, view real-time earthquakes across the globe, and much more with stunning Science on a Sphere…
Find out more »Geology Rocks!
Calling all rock hounds! This month, examine rocks, minerals, fossils, and learn about the landscape and awesome geological features of our planet. Explore our grounds, see the movements of Earth’s crust, and experience the world beneath our feet with our interactive theaters. Identify and categorize at hands-on geology exploration stations, and more! Geology Playlist – Science on a Sphere – Learn about the movements of Earth’s crust, view real-time earthquakes across the globe, and much more with stunning Science on…
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs before programming from 8:30-9:00am and after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Monday, August 29th, 2016. You can drop off and pick up at any point within these time periods.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Finale!
New this year, ALNC will have 3 single day sessions leading right up to the first day of school! Come back for one or more days of all-ages fun, learning, and adventure.
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs before programming from 8:30-9:00am and after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Tuesday, August 30th, 2016. You can drop off and pick up at any point within these time periods.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Encore!
New this year, ALNC will have 3 single day sessions leading right up to the first day of school! Come back for one or more days of all-ages fun, learning, and adventure.
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs before programming from 8:30-9:00am and after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Wednesday, August 31st, 2016. You can drop off and pick up at any point within these time periods.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Epilogue!
New this year, ALNC will have 3 single day sessions leading right up to the first day of school! Come back for one or more days of all-ages fun, learning, and adventure.
Find out more »September 2016
September Forestry Month
Trees provide timber, food, energy, clean air, habitats, recreation, and resources for humans and animals. The health of our local trees and the diversity of our forests are also very important to our communities and in giving us clues about our environment. This month, learn about forest ecosystems of southern Wisconsin and examine how trees are like living history books, reflecting changes in their physical environment. Play in our tree hollow, learn about forest critters, practice hands-on tree identification and…
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Migration Madness (Tuesday AM)
Spread your wings and get ready to fly south for the winter. Play games and explore the world of migration.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Fall 2016 Package (Tuesday AM)
Save with our package option! Join us this spring to explore a different seasonal topic each week through hikes, outdoor exploration, music, puppetry, songs, stories and more. This package includes all of the Tuesday sessions September 6th through November 29th (13 sessions).
Find out more »Home School: 2016 Fall Semester Package (Ages 5-8)
Let us add an environmental education component to your home school curriculum with our package option (and save 10%!). This package includes all 14 sessions from September 6th through December 13th.
Find out more »Home School: 2016 Fall Semester Package (Ages 9-14)
Let us add an environmental education component to your home school curriculum with our package option (and save 10%!). This package includes all 14 sessions from September 6th through December 13th.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Team Building
Let’s kick off the fall semester by building our collaboration, cooperation and group challenges. These games and challenges will build the foundation for a semester or creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills for a group.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Team Building
Let’s kick off the fall semester by building our collaboration, cooperation and group challenges. These games and challenges will build the foundation for a semester or creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills for a group.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Fall 2016 Package (Tuesday PM)
Save with our package option! Join us this spring to explore a different seasonal topic each week through hikes, outdoor exploration, music, puppetry, songs, stories and more. This package includes all of the Tuesday PM sessions September 6th through November 29th (13 sessions).
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Migration Madness (Tuesday PM)
Spread your wings and get ready to fly south for the winter. Play games and explore the world of migration.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Fall 2016 Package (Wednesday)
Save with our package option! Join us this spring to explore a different seasonal topic each week through hikes, outdoor exploration, music, puppetry, songs, stories and more. This package includes all of the Wednesday sessions September 7th through November 30th (13 sessions).
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Migration Madness (Wednesday)
Spread your wings and get ready to fly south for the winter. Play games and explore the world of migration.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Fall 2016 Package (Friday)
Save with our package option! Join us this spring to explore a different seasonal topic each week through hikes, outdoor exploration, music, puppetry, songs, stories and more. This package includes all of the Friday sessions September 9th through December 2nd (13 sessions).
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Migration Madness (Friday)
Spread your wings and get ready to fly south for the winter. Play games and explore the world of migration.
Find out more »September Forestry Month
Trees provide timber, food, energy, clean air, habitats, recreation, and resources for humans and animals. The health of our local trees and the diversity of our forests are also very important to our communities and in giving us clues about our environment. This month, learn about forest ecosystems of southern Wisconsin and examine how trees are like living history books, reflecting changes in their physical environment. Play in our tree hollow, learn about forest critters, practice hands-on tree identification and…
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: C is for Chipmunk (Tuesday AM)
And cute (and cookies). Come “c” what these furry little friends are all about. Today will be fur-lined and packed with fun;
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Insect Habitats
This time of year many insects are making their final push to lay eggs, hibernate, or migrate to warmer climates! We’ll examine insects in the prairie, pond, and forest, and discover how each insect is adapted to survive in its habitat.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Insect Habitats
This time of year many insects are making their final push to lay eggs, hibernate, or migrate to warmer climates! We’ll examine insects in the prairie, pond, and forest, and discover how each insect is adapted to survive in its habitat.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: C is for Chipmunk (Tuesday PM)
And cute (and cookies). Come “c” what these furry little friends are all about. Today will be fur-lined and packed with fun;
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: C is for Chipmunk (Wednesday)
And cute (and cookies). Come “c” what these furry little friends are all about. Today will be fur-lined and packed with fun;
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: C is for Chipmunk (Friday)
And cute (and cookies). Come “c” what these furry little friends are all about. Today will be fur-lined and packed with fun;
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Leafin’ Safari (Tuesday AM)
Let’s go leafin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on take a leaf trip with us! Learn about trees, leaves and how they change with the seasons.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Bee Ecology
What’s the buzz about? Bees! We’ll investigate the lives of bees, which include not only these insects, but also people, plants and other animals. Learn the social roles of each bee in a hive, discover how honey is made and extracted.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Bee Ecology
What’s the buzz about? Bees! We’ll investigate the lives of bees, which include not only these insects, but also people, plants and other animals. Learn the social roles of each bee in a hive, discover how honey is made and extracted.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Leafin’ Safari (Tuesday PM)
Let’s go leafin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on take a leaf trip with us! Learn about trees, leaves and how they change with the seasons.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Leafin’ Safari (Wednesday)
Let’s go leafin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on take a leaf trip with us! Learn about trees, leaves and how they change with the seasons.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Leafin’ Safari (Friday)
Let’s go leafin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on take a leaf trip with us! Learn about trees, leaves and how they change with the seasons.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: How Shrewd of You (Tuesday AM)
This is no mouse! This pointy nosed critter is tiny in size but big in wonders. Come see how clever you are and discover the world of shrews.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Fall in the Garden
It’s time to prepare the ALNC Pioneer Garden for winter! We’ll learn all about gardening while we plant garlic, spinach and other cold-tolerant plants, compost old plants and prepare the beds for the long winter ahead.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Fall in the Garden
It’s time to prepare the ALNC Pioneer Garden for winter! We’ll learn all about gardening while we plant garlic, spinach and other cold-tolerant plants, compost old plants and prepare the beds for the long winter ahead.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: How Shrewd of You (Tuesday PM)
This is no mouse! This pointy nosed critter is tiny in size but big in wonders. Come see how clever you are and discover the world of shrews.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: How Shrewd of You (Wednesday)
This is no mouse! This pointy nosed critter is tiny in size but big in wonders. Come see how clever you are and discover the world of shrews.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: How Shrewd of You (Friday)
This is no mouse! This pointy nosed critter is tiny in size but big in wonders. Come see how clever you are and discover the world of shrews.
Find out more »October 2016
October – Weather Satellites
From storms to sunshine, heat waves to natural disasters, weather rules our world -- and weather satellites help us observe and monitor what’s happening at any moment across Earth’s atmosphere, detecting and observing environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, health, and property. Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather and serious about satellites with ongoing programs and activities centered on weather and climate monitoring in Wisconsin and around the globe. Join ALNC and the University of Wisconsin's Cooperative Institute…
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Digging Up Fun (Tuesday AM)
Do you like to dig in the dirt? So do badgers and moles and other critters! Dig up facts and fun about diggers while playing games, singing and of course, digging.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Prairie Restoration
The prairie is a community of plants and animals, each with a story to tell. Learn the history of Wisconsin’s prairies, learn about prairie fires and collect and spread seeds for a future ALNC prairie.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Prairie Restoration
The prairie is a community of plants and animals, each with a story to tell. Learn the history of Wisconsin’s prairies, learn about prairie fires and collect and spread seeds for a future ALNC prairie.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Digging Up Fun (Tuesday PM)
Do you like to dig in the dirt? So do badgers and moles and other critters! Dig up facts and fun about diggers while playing games, singing and of course, digging.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Digging Up Fun (Wednesday)
Do you like to dig in the dirt? So do badgers and moles and other critters! Dig up facts and fun about diggers while playing games, singing and of course, digging.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Digging Up Fun (Friday)
Do you like to dig in the dirt? So do badgers and moles and other critters! Dig up facts and fun about diggers while playing games, singing and of course, digging.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: The Good Oaks (Tuesday AM)
Lobed or simple. Serrated or smooth. Just leaf the details to us! Discover the crooked way of the oaks while we sing, craft, and play.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Apple Cidering
Let’s make apple cider! We will press apples as we learn about the historical use of apples and hike the woods to feed deer and other critters with our leftover apples. Bring an apple to press!
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Apple Cidering
Let’s make apple cider! We will press apples as we learn about the historical use of apples and hike the woods to feed deer and other critters with our leftover apples. Bring an apple to press!
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: The Good Oaks (Tuesday PM)
Lobed or simple. Serrated or smooth. Just leaf the details to us! Discover the crooked way of the oaks while we sing, craft, and play.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: The Good Oaks (Wednesday)
Lobed or simple. Serrated or smooth. Just leaf the details to us! Discover the crooked way of the oaks while we sing, craft, and play.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: The Good Oaks (Friday)
Lobed or simple. Serrated or smooth. Just leaf the details to us! Discover the crooked way of the oaks while we sing, craft, and play.
Find out more »October – Weather Satellites
From storms to sunshine, heat waves to natural disasters, weather rules our world -- and weather satellites help us observe and monitor what’s happening at any moment across Earth’s atmosphere, detecting and observing environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, health, and property. Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather and serious about satellites with ongoing programs and activities centered on weather and climate monitoring in Wisconsin and around the globe. Join ALNC and the University of Wisconsin's Cooperative Institute…
Find out more »October – Weather Satellites
From storms to sunshine, heat waves to natural disasters, weather rules our world -- and weather satellites help us observe and monitor what’s happening at any moment across Earth’s atmosphere, detecting and observing environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, health, and property. Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather and serious about satellites with ongoing programs and activities centered on weather and climate monitoring in Wisconsin and around the globe. Join ALNC and the University of Wisconsin's Cooperative Institute…
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Going Batty (Tuesday AM)
What do bats eat? Where do bats live? Do bats really have fangs? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Pioneer Living
Come celebrate the “Fall Harvest” season in full pioneer style! We’ll play some traditional outdoor games like Blindman’s Bluff, Drop the Handkerchief and Sack Races, as well as ‘pioneer dress up’!
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Pioneer Living
Come celebrate the “Fall Harvest” season in full pioneer style! We’ll play some traditional outdoor games like Blindman’s Bluff, Drop the Handkerchief and Sack Races, as well as ‘pioneer dress up’!
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Going Batty (Tuesday PM)
What do bats eat? Where do bats live? Do bats really have fangs? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Going Batty (Wednesday)
What do bats eat? Where do bats live? Do bats really have fangs? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Going Batty (Thursday)
What do bats eat? Where do bats live? Do bats really have fangs? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Going Batty (Friday)
What do bats eat? Where do bats live? Do bats really have fangs? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
Find out more »Girl Scout Program: Bugs Legacy Badge (Brownies)
Our world is full of many different types of bugs and insects. Some insects are so tiny you need a magnifying lens to see them while others may be as big as your hand! We will look under logs, on tall grass and even in the water on our insect hunt.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Pigeon Holed (Tuesday AM)
“Homing” your way, it’s all about these rock doves today. Pigeons make crop milk and coo. Want to learn more? You know what to do.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Math in Nature
If you were a frog, how far could you leap? How can we estimate the height of a tree? Is there a way to tell how old a tree is without cutting it down and counting its rings? How much grass does a groundhog need to eat to store up enough energy for the long winter?
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Math in Nature
If you were a frog, how far could you leap? How can we estimate the height of a tree? Is there a way to tell how old a tree is without cutting it down and counting its rings? How much grass does a groundhog need to eat to store up enough energy for the long winter?
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Pigeon Holed (Tuesday PM)
“Homing” your way, it’s all about these rock doves today. Pigeons make crop milk and coo. Want to learn more? You know what to do.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Pigeon Holed (Wednesday)
“Homing” your way, it’s all about these rock doves today. Pigeons make crop milk and coo. Want to learn more? You know what to do.
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs before programming from 8:30-9:00am and after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Thursday, October 27th, 2016. You can drop off and pick up at any point within these time periods.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Operation Migration
Many animals migrate with the change of seasons and fall is a great time to catch these animals in the act! We’ll learn all about fall migrators, learn how they know how to find their destination and when to leave.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Pigeon Holed (Thursday)
“Homing” your way, it’s all about these rock doves today. Pigeons make crop milk and coo. Want to learn more? You know what to do.
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs before programming from 8:30-9:00am and after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Friday, October 28th, 2016. You can drop off and pick up at any point within these time periods.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Apple Science
Apples today keep the no-school blues away! Come join us for a smorgasbord of science featuring a favorite fall fruit. We’ll learn how to use a cider press and make our own cider, explore different types of apples, bake an apple snack,
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Pigeon Holed (Friday)
“Homing” your way, it’s all about these rock doves today. Pigeons make crop milk and coo. Want to learn more? You know what to do.
Find out more »Girl Scout Program: Golden Honey Bee (Daisies)
Earn your Golden Honey Bee award as we plant a seed in your Daisy Flower Garden at ALNC! We’ll learn all about bees and do a “pollination dance”, visit with some ladybugs and other insect allies, and learn all about plants and how they grow up.
Find out more »October – Weather Satellites
From storms to sunshine, heat waves to natural disasters, weather rules our world -- and weather satellites help us observe and monitor what’s happening at any moment across Earth’s atmosphere, detecting and observing environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, health, and property. Throughout October, we’ll be wild about weather and serious about satellites with ongoing programs and activities centered on weather and climate monitoring in Wisconsin and around the globe. Join ALNC and the University of Wisconsin's Cooperative Institute…
Find out more »November 2016
Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Hibernation Station (Tuesday AM)
All aboard for Hibernation Station! Hoard facts about what animals do to prepare for winter while playing games, singing songs and making crafts.
Find out more »Blue Marble
Photo Credit: Andrew Jalbert For millennia, humans have stood on our planet and gazed out at the stars. This month, we are taking a step back to look at Earth from space – a relatively new concept, but something many in modern society take for granted. With countless ecosystems, overwhelming numbers of species, and billions of people, it’s easy to think about the seemingly endless resources and the vast differences and diversity that cover our globe. Heading out into space…
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Relationships 101
We’ll explore the relationships between earth’s life forms. We’ll search for examples of these many relationships on how different species interact in nature throughout the ALNC grounds.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Relationships 101
We’ll explore the relationships between earth’s life forms. We’ll search for examples of these many relationships on how different species interact in nature throughout the ALNC grounds.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Hibernation Station (Tuesday PM)
All aboard for Hibernation Station! Hoard facts about what animals do to prepare for winter while playing games, singing songs and making crafts.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Hibernation Station (Wednesday)
All aboard for Hibernation Station! Hoard facts about what animals do to prepare for winter while playing games, singing songs and making crafts.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Hibernation Station (Thursday)
All aboard for Hibernation Station! Hoard facts about what animals do to prepare for winter while playing games, singing songs and making crafts.
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs before programming from 8:30-9:00am and after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Friday, November 4th, 2016. You can drop off and pick up at any point within these time periods.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Weird Science
A day of weird and wacky science experiments are coming your way! We’ll learn some basic science principles of science while conducting science experiments, including reactions, volcanic eruptions, and many, many more! (MMSD Friends, please feel free to join us after your early release between 11am-12pm—see reduced rate below)
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: Hibernation Station (Friday)
All aboard for Hibernation Station! Hoard facts about what animals do to prepare for winter while playing games, singing songs and making crafts.
Find out more »Wonders of Water (Brownie Girl Scouts)
Learn to LOVE, SHARE, and SAVE water during this fun-filled program! We’ll help you earn your LOVE water journey award as we learn all about the water cycle and the importance of wetlands to water quality as we search for critters in the pond.
Find out more »Girl Scout Program: Outdoor Painting (Brownies)
Use your creativity to make your own paintings! We will work together to paint a mural, and then allow our own creativity fly as we paint using a variety of materials.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: LBJ All the Way (Tuesday AM)
We’ve got sparrows yes we do. We’ve got sparrows how about you? Come and root for the little brown jobs that sometimes get overlooked.
Find out more »Home School (Ages 9-14): Edna Taylor Discovery Day
Adjacent to the NatureCenter is the City of Madison’s EdnaTaylorConservationPark. Rich with wetland habitats, Edna Taylor is a wonderful place to observe the fall migrations of birds, including Mallard ducks, Blue-winged teals, and Sandhill cranes!
Find out more »Home School (Ages 5-8): Edna Taylor Discovery Day
Adjacent to the NatureCenter is the City of Madison’s EdnaTaylorConservationPark. Rich with wetland habitats, Edna Taylor is a wonderful place to observe the fall migrations of birds, including Mallard ducks, Blue-winged teals, and Sandhill cranes!
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: LBJ All the Way (Tuesday PM)
We’ve got sparrows yes we do. We’ve got sparrows how about you? Come and root for the little brown jobs that sometimes get overlooked.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: LBJ All the Way (Wednesday)
We’ve got sparrows yes we do. We’ve got sparrows how about you? Come and root for the little brown jobs that sometimes get overlooked.
Find out more »Vacation Day: Phenology Through Photography
Phenology is the study of changes over time and is happening all around us! Even though fall is settling in, there is still plenty happening outdoors to observe! We will learn about phenology and the connection Aldo Leopold had with recording observations over time.
Find out more »Vacation Day Add-On: Extended Day
This extended day session runs after programming from 4:00-5:30pm on Wednesday, November 9th, 2016. You can pick up at any point within this time period.
Find out more »Wonder Bugs Preschool Program: LBJ All the Way (Thursday)
We’ve got sparrows yes we do. We’ve got sparrows how about you? Come and root for the little brown jobs that sometimes get overlooked.
Find out more »
