Year-round free public field trips are one of the most valuable contributions the Friends make to the Preserve. Field trips are all led by Friends volunteers. Many are professional naturalists and emeritus faculty and staff. The Friends also partner with other environmental organizations for field trips.

Join us to learn about the ecosystems and cultural history of the Preserve and meet fellow community members.

Upcoming Field Trips

Early Bird Migrants

Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:30–3:00 PM

Chuck Henrikson leads you into the woods and onto the prairies to scan the lands & waters for the early waves of birds returning north for the late spring and summer.

Picnic Point Entrance Kiosk, 2000 University Bay Drive

Science Expeditions Exploration Stations

Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 1:30–3:00 PM

As part of the annual UW–Madison Science Expeditions, join us for interactive stations about trees, birds, bats, and more. Discover the joys of nature that surround us every day in Madison.

Picnic Point Entrance Kiosk, 2000 University Bay Drive

FLNP Annual Meeting

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30–8:30 PM

Join the Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve for our 25th annual meeting. The keynote speaker will be Therese Hanson, the lead architect for the new Frautschi Center that will soon be built near the entrance to Picnic Point. Come learn the latest about the design, timeline, and features of the Center that will help visitors connect with the lands, waters, wildlife, and histories of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. We will also hear updates from Brad Herrick, the director of the Preserve. Free and open to all. Please bring a friend! Refreshments provided.

If you have questions, contact preservefriends@gmail.com or Friends President Tom Zinnen at 571-294-5689.

Unitarian Meeting House, 900 University Bay Day Drive, Madison, WI

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Do you have an idea for a future field trip? If so, please email Tom Zinnen at preservefriends@gmail.com.