We hope your family is safe and healthy. During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever to get outdoors and get some VitaminN. Nature Net is here to help! Here’s the current status of our Nature Net members. Please remember to practice social distancing. [Updated 2/11/2022]
| NATURE NET SITE | TRAILS OPEN | Special Notices for Visitors |
| Aldo Leopold Foundation | -- | Closed to visitors through March. See seasonal schedule HERE |
| Aldo Leopold Nature Center | Yes | Facility still closed to visitors but trails are open daily and programs are running, including summer camps - register for those HERE |
| Bethel Horizons | Yes | Summer camp registration is open now, see HERE for 2022 sign ups |
| Cave of the Mounds | Yes | Open to the public. Masks Required. Find a virtual educational resources HERE |
| Cherokee Marsh | Yes | See information on Cherokee Marsh Conservation Parks HERE |
| Dane County Parks | Yes | Open to the public. See seasonal schedules, restrooms, and trail closures HERE |
| Henry Vilas Zoo | Yes | Open to the public. Check out our virtual resource archives HERE |
| International Crane Foundation | -- | Reopening for the 2022 season May 1st. Plan your visit HERE and see virtual education resources and activities for kids HERE |
| Lussier Family Heritage Center & Capital Springs Trails | Yes | Public programs and events are happening! See HERE for full program listings. |
| MacKenzie Center | Yes | Open to the public. See HERE for detailed information. |
| Madison Children's Museum | Yes | Open Thursday-Sunday 9-4! Masks are required for everyone ages 2 and up. Register HERE for guaranteed entry. See HERE for links to social media and other resources |
| Madison Conservation Parks | Yes | See information on parks HERE |
| MMSD Planetarium | -- | Planetarium closed, but virtual events are scheduled - See HERE for upcoming events. |
| MMSD School Forest | Yes | Open and trails maintained |
| Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Yes | Open to the public. See HERE for detailed info on preparing for your visit. |
| Pheasant Branch Conservancy | Yes | Please be advised that trails maintenance is minimally staffed - please pack out any trash. Free, virtual conservancy days on the third Wednesday of each month. |
| Rooted (form. Community Groundworks) | -- | See Facebook page for virtual programming |
| Upham Woods | -- | Not open to the general public. Information on day use programs, residential groups, educator opportunities, and resources for community science available HERE. See at-home resources for all ages at HERE |
| UW Geology Museum | Yes | Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. |
| UW-Madison Arboretum | Yes | Open to the public. See more details HERE |
| Welty Environmental Center | Yes | Running programs and events, including summer camp registration. See the event calendar HERE |
What are Essential Activities?
DEFINITIONS [per State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services Emergency Order #12 Safer at Home Order]
- Essential Activities. Individuals may leave their home or residence to perform any of the following:
C. Outdoor activity. To engage in outdoor activity, including visiting public and state parks, provided individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined below. Such activities include, by way of example and without limitation, walking, biking, hiking, or running. Individuals may not engage in team or contact sports such as by way of example and without limitation, basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, or football, as these activities do not comply with Social Distancing Requirements. Playgrounds are closed.
Social distancing means minimizing contact with people and keeping a distance of at least six feet between you and others. These measures are put in place to help slow down or stop the spread of a contagious disease. On a large scale, examples of social distancing are limiting gatherings of 10 people or more, canceling events, and closing buildings. On a small scale, these measures include practicing good hygiene habits and limiting in-person contact with others. (From https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02620b.pdf)
- What Mask to Wear When You Go Out (New York Times) – A look at some of the types of masks you might encounter, how they work, what to consider when making your own and the level of protection they could provide.
