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Flora and Fauna

Smart ToursWhere would you like to start on your Flora & Fauna experience? Click on a site below to begin your customized planning or check out our Quick Pick and the planning is done for you!
Get Started Here: 

Aldo Leopold Foundation Aldo Leopold Nature Center Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth
Bethel Horizons Nature Center Cherokee Marsh Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Herny Vilas Zoo International Crane Foundation MacKenzie Environmental Center
Madison Children's Musuem Madison School Forest Olbrich Botanical Gardens
UW Arboretum UW Geology Museum
Quick PickAldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth to hike the unglaciated woods of Wisconsin and learn about native "Ecosystems".

Pack a picnic lunch and eat at Festge Park & Salmo Pond.

Then, take the 35 minute bus ride to...

UW Arboretum to "Compare & Contrast Ecosystems" or learn about "Prairie Ecology & Habitats"
Aldo Leopold Foundation   Aldo Leopold Foundation Grade Level
Middle, High, College
Program Topics
Tour of Aldo Leopold Shack & Farm

Tour of the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center

Ecology

Land Ethic

Environmental Heroes

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: varies (commonly, 10am or 1pm)

Length: 1, 2 or 3 hours

Fees: Shack or Legacy Center Tours: $2.50/student, $5/college student, $8/adult

Combined Shack and Legacy Center Tour: $4.50/student, $7/college student, $10/adult
Contact
Education Director:
Jennifer Kobylecky

(608) 355-0279 ext.6# 
Map
E13701 Levee Rd
Baraboo, WI 53913
    Lunch Options
Picnic grounds at International Crane Foundation

Culver's at 110 Linn Street, Baraboo

Other Area Attractions
Devil's Lake State Park

Mirror Lake State Park

Circus World Museum
Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Aldo Leopold Foundation:
International Crane Foundation 16 minutes
Upham Woods 23 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center 32 minutes
Olbrich Botanical Gardens 53 minutes
Cherokee Marsh 54 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center 56 minutes
Madison Children's Museum 56 minutes
Edna Taylor Conservation Park 56 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center 57 minutes
UW Arboretum 59 minutes
UW Geology Museum 60 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth 62 minutes
Henry Vilas Zoo 64 minutes
Owen Conservation Park 66 minutes
Madison School Forest 78 minutes
Bethel Horizons Nature Center 85 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.
Aldo Leopold Nature Center   Aldo Leopold Nature Center Grade Level
preschool, elementary, middle, after school
Program Topics
Habitats

Wetland/Pond

Plants & Animals

Pioneering

Maple Syrup

Winter Survival

Insects

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: (suggested) 8:45am, 10:45am, 12:45pm

Length: 1.5 hours

Fees: $30 per naturalist and 10-12 students per naturalist
Contact
Program Coordinator:
Virginia Wiggen

(608) 221-4038
Map
300 Femrite Drive, Monona
  Lunch Options
On-site picnic grounds

Picnic grounds at Winnequah Park, Monona

Noodles at 6520 Monona Drive

Other Area Attractions
Winnequah Dream Park

Monona Public Library

Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Aldo Leopold Nature Center:
Edna Taylor Conservation Park  1 minute
Olbrich Botanical Garden  7 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center  9 minutes
UW Arboretum  10 minutes
Madison Children's Museum  14 minutes
Henry Vilas Zoo  14 minutes
UW Geology Museum  15 minutes
Owen Conservation Park  20 minutes
Cherokee Marsh  24 minutes
Madison School Forest  30 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center  38 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  44 minutes
Aldo Leopold Foundation  56 minutes
International Crane Foundation  57 minutes
Bethel Horizons Nature Center  59 minutes
Upham Woods  64 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.

Aldo Leopold Nature Center
   Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth Grade Level
middle, high
Program Topics
Biomes

Forest Diversity

Service Learning Projects

Tree ID

Invasive Species

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: varies

Length: half-day, all-day, overnight

Fees: $30 per naturalist and 12 students per naturalist
Contact
Director:
Amy Workman

(608) 221-0495
Map
10648 Sutcliffe Road, Black Earth
  Lunch Options
Picnic grounds at Festge Park and Salmo Pond

Culver's at 2523 Main Street, Cross Plains

Other Area Attractions
Halfway Prairie School

Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth:
Owen Conservation Park  34 minutes
Madison School Forest  35 minutes
Bethel Horizons Nature Center  36 minutes
UW Arboretum  38 minutes
UW Geology Museum  43 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center  44 minutes
Edna Taylor Conservation Park  44 minutes
Henry Vilas Zoo  44 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center  44 minutes
Madison Children's Museum  47 minutes
International Crane Foundation  47 minutes
Olbrich Botanical Garden  50 minutes
Cherokee Marsh  53 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center  56 minutes
Upham Woods  60 minutes
Aldo Leopold Foundation  62 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.
Bethel Horizons Nature Center   Bethel Horizons Nature Center Grade Level
elementary, middle, high
Program Topics
Five Creatures

Pond Study

Nature Hike

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: varies

Length: half-day, all-day, overnight

Fees: $60 per naturalist or $5.50 per student (per day)
Contact
Education Coordinator:
Eric Volden

(608) 935-5885
Map
4652 County Road ZZ, Dodgeville
  Lunch Options
On-site picnic grounds

On-site scheduled food service

Picnic grounds at Dodgeville City Parks

Other Area Attractions
Governor Dodge State Park

Folklore Village

Taliesin

Cave of the Mounds
Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Bethel Horizons Nature Center:
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth 36 minutes
Madison School Forest  44 minutes
UW Arboretum  52 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center  58 minutes
Owen Conservation Park  59 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center  59 minutes
UW Geology Museum  60 minutes
Henry Vilas Zoo  60 minutes
Edna Taylor Conservation Park  60 minutes
Madison Children's Museum 64 minutes
Olbrich Botanical Garden 66 minutes
International Crane Foundation 71 minutes
Cherokee Marsh 80 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center 85 minutes
Aldo Leopold Foundation 85 minutes
Upham Woods 85 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.
Cherokee Marsh    Cherokee Marsh Grade Level
preschool, elementary, middle, high, college
Program Topics
Wetland Values

Pond Study

Birding

Seasonal Changes

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: varies

Length: 1.5 - 2 hours (flexible)

Fees: varies (call for details)
Contact
Tour Scheduler:
Nancy Fonzen

(608) 836-4522
Map
6098 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison
  Lunch Options
Picnic grounds at Warner Park

McDonalds at 2901 Dryden Dr.

Other Area Attractions
Warner Park
Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Cherokee Marsh:
Olbrich Botanical Garden  19 minutes
Madison Children's Museum  22 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center  24 minutes
UW Geology Museum  24 minutes
Edna Taylor Conservation Park  24 minutes
Henry Vilas Zoo  28 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center  29 minutes
UW Arboretum  31 minutes
Owen Conservation Park  32 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center  36 minutes
Madison School Forest 48 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth 53 minutes
Aldo Leopold Foundation 54 minutes
International Crane Foundation 55 minutes
Upham Woods  62 minutes
Bethel Horizons Nature Center  80 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.
Madison Conservation Parks    Edna Taylor Conservation Park Grade Level
preschool, elementary, middle, high, college
Program Topics
Ponds/Boardwalk

Volunteer Projects

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: self-guided

Length: varies

Fees: free
Contact
Parks & Community Relations:
Laura Whitmore

(608) 266-4711
Map
802 Femrite Drive, Monona
  Lunch Options
Picnic grounds at Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Picnic grounds at Winnequah Park, Monona

Other Area Attractions
Winnequah Dream Park

Monona Public Library
Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Edna Taylor Conservation Park:
Aldo Leopold Nature Center  1 minute
Olbrich Botanical Garden  7 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center  9 minutes
UW Arboretum  10 minutes
Madison Children's Museum  14 minutes
Henry Vilas Zoo  14 minutes
UW Geology Museum  15 minutes
Owen Conservation Park  20 minutes
Cherokee Marsh  24 minutes
Madison School Forest  30 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center 38 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  44 minutes
Aldo Leopold Foundation  56 minutes
International Crane Foundation  57 minutes
Bethel Horizons Nature Center  60 minutes
Upham Woods  64 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.
Henry Vilas Zoo   Henry Vilas Zoo Grade Level
elementary, middle
Program Topics
Mammals

Birds

Rainforest Animals

Reptiles

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: 10am, 11am and Noon

Length: 1.5 hours

Fees: $1 per student suggested
Contact
Education Coordinator:
Rick Bilkey

(608) 266-5922
Map
702 S. Randall Street, Madison
  Lunch Options
Picnic grounds on-site

Picnic grounds at Vilas Park, Madison

McDonalds at 1102 Regent Street, Madison

Other Area Attractions
State Capitol

Vilas Park
 
Second Nature Net Destination
Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
Approximate travel time from Henry Vilas Zoo:
UW Geology Museum 4 minutes
UW Arboretum 8 minutes
Madison Children's Museum 9 minutes
Lussier Family Heritage Center 13 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center 14 minutes
Owen Conservation Park 14 minutes
Edna Taylor Conservation Park 14 minutes
Olbrich Botanical Garden 16 minutes
Cherokee Marsh 28 minutes
Madison School Forest 28 minutes
Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth 44 minutes
MacKenzie Environmental Center 46 minutes
Bethel Horizons Nature Center 60 minutes
Aldo Leopold Foundation 64 minutes
International Crane Foundation 65 minutes
Upham Woods 72 minutes
Map to all Nature Net sites.
International Crane Foundation   International Crane Foundation Grade Level
preschool, elementary, middle, high, college
Program Topics
Cranes

Wetlands & Ecosystems

International Conservation

More...		   Tour Information
Start times: varies (between 9am and 3:30pm)

Length: 1.5 - 2 hours

Fees: Student Group (pre-K through High School): $2.00 each participant (21 students or more)

  • One complimentary admission with every 12 students (teacher or chaperone). Extra adults are $6.00 each.

  • Minimum charge: $40.00 (20 students or less. Covers JUST students) Adult fees same as above.


    • Adult Group (College, Adult, Senior): $6.00 each participant (8 adults or more)

  • Two complimentary admissions (group leader and bus driver)

  • Minimum charge: $40.00 (7 adults or less)
    		•
    Contact
    Lead Naturalist:
    Alyssa Rod

    (608) 356-9462 ext.127
    Map
    E11376 Shady Lane Road, Baraboo
      Lunch Options
    Picnic grounds on-site

    Picnic grounds at Mirror Lake State Park

    Dairy Queen at 825 Eighth St., Baraboo

    Other Area Attractions
    Devil's Lake State Park

    Mirror Lake State Park

    Circus World Museum
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from International Crane Foundation:
    Upham Woods 15 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Foundation  16 minutes
    MacKenzie Environmental Center  33 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  47 minutes
    Olbrich Botanical Garden  54 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh  55 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center  57 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park  57 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum  58 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center  59 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park  59 minutes
    UW Arboretum  60 minutes
    UW Geology Museum  62 minutes
    Henry Vilas Zoo  65 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center  71 minutes
    Madison School Forest  75 minutes
    Map to all Nature Net sites.
    MacKenzie Environmental Center   MacKenzie Environmental Education Center Grade Level
    preschool, elementary, middle, high, college
    Program Topics
    Wildlife Exhibits

    Nature Pond

    Oddities of Nature Museum

    More...

    In Partnership with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation    		   Tour Information
    Start times: 9am (typically)

    Length: 2 hours to all day, or overnight

    Fees: call for details - fee required for residential and day programs
    Contact
    Park Office:
    Ruth Lindert

    (608) 635-8110
    Map
    W7303 County Hwy CS, Poynette
      Lunch Options
    On-site picnic grounds

    Jamieson Park

    Other Area Attractions
    Parfrey's Glen

    Circus World Museum
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from MacKenzie Environmental Center:
    Aldo Leopold Foundation 32 minutes
    International Crane Foundation 33 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh 36 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center 38 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park 38 minutes
    Olbrich Botanical Garden 39 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center 41 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum 42 minutes
    Upham Woods 42 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth 44 minutes
    UW Arboretum 45 minutes
    UW Geology Museum 46 minutes
    Henry Vilas Zoo 46 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park 52 minutes
    Madison School Forest 60 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center 85 minutes
    Map to all Nature Net sites.
    
    Olbrich Botanical Gardens Olbrich Botanical Gardens Grade Level
    preschool, elementary, middle, high, college
    Program Topics
    Explorer Program

    Gardens

    Tropical Plants & Ecosystems

    Plants & Insects

    More...    		 Tour Information
    Start times: self-guided

    Length: 1.5 - 2 hours

    Fees: gardens: free; Bolz Conservatory: $1 per student; Explorer Program: $2 per student
    Contact
    Youth Program Coordinator:
    Anne Fisher

    (608) 245-5791
    Map
    3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison
    Lunch Options
    Picnic grounds at Olbrich Park, Madison

    Michael's Frozen Custard at 3826 Atwood Avenue, Madison

    Other Area Attractions
    Olbrich Park
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from Olbrich Botanical Gardens:Map to all Nature Net sites.
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center 7 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park 7 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum 10 minutes
    UW Geology Museum 14 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center 15 minutes
    UW Arboretum 16 minutes
    Henry Vilas Zoo 16 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh 19 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park 23 minutes
    Madison School Forest 34 minutes
    MacKenzie Environmental Center 39 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth 47 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Foundation 53 minutes
    International Crane Foundation 54 minutes
    Upham Woods 60 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center 66 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum   Madison Children's Museum Grade Level
    preschool, elementary
    Program Topics
    General Group Visit (self-guided)

    Focus Tour - featured exhibits (change with season)

    More...    		   Tour Information
    Start times: varies (between 9:30am and 3:30pm)

    Length: 1 hour (March-May), 1-2 hours (Aug-Feb)

    Fees: $3 per student ($.25 subsidized admission available to eligible groups)
    Contact
    Registration Coordinator:
    Adam Erdmann

    (608) 256-6445 ext.18
    Map
    100 State Street, Madison
      Lunch Options
    Picnic on the Capitol gournds

    Capitol Lunch Room

    The Great Dane at 123 E Doty Street, Madison

    Other Area Attractions
    State Historical Museum

    Veteran's Museum

    State Capitol
     
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from Madison Children's Museum:
    UW Geology Museum  6 minutes
    Henry Vilas Zoo  9 minutes
    Olbrich Botanical Garden  10 minutes
    UW Arboretum  13 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center  14 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center  14 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park  14 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park  14 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh  22 minutes
    Madison School Forest  32 minutes
    MacKenzie Environmental Center  42 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Foundation  56 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  56 minutes
    International Crane Foundation  58 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center  64 minutes
    Upham Woods  66 minutes
    Map to all Nature Net sites.
    Madison School Forest    Madison School Forest Grade Level
    preschool, elementary, middle
    Program Topics
    Trees

    Autumn

    Animal Homes

    More...    		   Tour Information
    Start times: varies (between 8:30am and 3:00pm)

    Length: 1.5 - 2 hours

    Fees: varies, call for details
    Contact
    Tour Scheduler:
    Laurie Benzine

    (608) 663-5201
    Map
    W. Fritz Road, Verona
      Lunch Options
    Picnic grounds on-site

    Picnic grounds at Fireman's Park

    McDonalds of Verona at WU Hwy 18 & Horizon Dr.

    Other Area Attractions
    Ice Age Trail

    Military Ridge Trail
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from Madison School Forest:
    UW Arboretum  20 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center  26 minutes
    UW Geology Museum  28 minutes
    Henry Vilas Zoo  28 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park  30 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park  30 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center  30 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum  32 minutes
    Olbrich Botanical Garden  34 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  35 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center  44 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh  48 minutes
    MacKenzie Environmental Center  60 minutes
    International Crane Foundation  75 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Foundation  78 minutes
    Upham Woods  85 minutes
    Map to all Nature Net sites.
    UW Arboretum  UW Arboretum Grade Level
    preschool, elementary, middle, high, college, adult
    Program Topics
    Prairie Ecology & Habitats

    Compare & Contrast Ecosystems

    History of Wisconsin, Arboretum & Conservation

    More...    		 Tour Information
    Start times: varies

    Length: 1.5 - 2 hours

    Fees: $39 per 15 students
    Contact
    Tour Coordinator:
    Kathy Miner

    (608) 265-5872
    Map
    1207 Seminole Highway, Madison
    Lunch Options
    Picnic grounds at Vilas Park

    Picnic grounds at Olin Park

    Rocky Rococo's at 1301 Regent Street, Madison

    Other Area Attractions
    Wisconsin Historical Museum

    Chazen Museum of Art
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from UW Arboretum:
    UW Geology Museum  8 minutes
    Henry Vilas Zoo  8 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center  10 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center  10 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park  10 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park  13 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum  13 minutes
    Olbrich Botanical Garden  16 minutes
    Madison School Forest  20 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh  31 minutes
    MacKenzie Environmental Center  45 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center  52 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Foundation  59 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  60 minutes
    International Crane Foundation  60 minutes
    Upham Woods  69 minutes
    Map to all Nature Net sites.
    UW Geology Museum  UW Geology Museum Grade Level
    elementary, middle, high
    Program Topics
    Rocks, Minerals & Fossils

    Wisconsin's Geologic History

    Mastodon skeleton & the Wisconsin Ice Age

    Museum Scavenger Hunt

    More...    		 Tour Information
    Start times: varies

    Length: 1 hour

    Fees: $1 per student suggested (minimum $15 per tour)
    Contact
    Outreach Director:
    Brooke Norsted

    (608) 262-1412
    Map
    1215 W. Dayton Street, Madison
    Lunch Options
    Picnic grounds at Vilas Park

    Bring sack lunches to Union South

    Cousins Subs at 1221 W Johnson Street, Madison

    Other Area Attractions
    State Historical Musuem Babcock Ice Cream Shop State Capitol UW-Madison Campus Tour
    Second Nature Net Destination
    Make the most of your travel day - book a second Nature Net field experience (and become eligible for Transportation Funding).
    Approximate travel time from UW Geology Museum:
    Henry Vilas Zoo  4 minutes
    Madison Children's Museum  6 minutes
    UW Arboretum  8 minutes
    Owen Conservation Park  11 minutes
    Olbrich Botanical Garden  14 minutes
    Lussier Family Heritage Center  15 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center  15 minutes
    Edna Taylor Conservation Park  15 minutes
    Cherokee Marsh  24 minutes
    Madison School Forest  28 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Nature Center - Black Earth  38 minutes
    MacKenzie Environmental Center  46 minutes
    Aldo Leopold Foundation  60 minutes
    Bethel Horizons Nature Center  60 minutes
    International Crane Foundation  62 minutes
    Upham Woods  70 minutes
    Map to all Nature Net sites.

     

    Nature ExpressDon't forget, with many Smart Tours, you may be eligible for transportation funding from Nature Express.


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