Nature Net Members
Aldo Leopold Foundation
Located at the historic Shack property in Baraboo, the Aldo Leopold Foundation strives to inspire an ethical, caring relationship between people and nature through the legacy of Aldo Leopold.
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Located in Monona, ALNC's mission is to engage and educate current and future generations, empowering them to protect, respect, and enjoy the natural world. With 20 acres of hiking trails through native Southern Wisconsin habitats, ALNC features wetland, woodland, and prairie ecosystems and connects two city conservation areas, creating 100 acres of natural area.
Bethel Horizons Nature Center
Bethel Horizons consists of 550 acres of diverse plant and animal communities with over 8 miles of hiking trail and several mountain biking trails ideally situated adjacent to Governor Dodge State Park.
Cave of the Mounds
Nicknamed the “jewel box of America’s major caves,” Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark offers cave tours, field trips & group programs, and above-ground activities—all year ‘round!
Cherokee Marsh
Cherokee Marsh is the most diverse of all nature study areas with a mosaic of wetlands, southern Wisconsin woodlots, old fields, restored prairie and oak savanna, two glacial drumlins and the Yahara River.
Dane County Parks
The official website for the Dane County Parks Division. Dane County Parks offer you countywide locations for quick get-aways from urban settings and offer custom-built recreational facilities amid splendid natural beauty.
Dane County Lussier Family Heritage Center
A multi-use educational and interpretive facility providing opportunities for youth and adult learning, volunteerism, outdoor recreation, and special events.
Henry Vilas Zoo
Dane County's free zoo is nestled in the heart of Madison and open year-round. Spend time with your family while exploring nature. Live animal presentations available year-round.
Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center
Horicon Marsh is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States, providing a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating birds. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, as both Globally and State Important Bird Areas and is also a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve.
International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to conserve cranes and the wetland and grasslands communities on which they depend.
MacKenzie Center
MacKenzie has interpretive trails, a Wisconsin wildlife exhibit, museums, and educational programs available for school and youth groups, with a goal of teaching the public about the natural world.
Madison Children's Museum
Madison Children’s Museum connects children with their families, their communities, and the world beyond through discovery learning and creative play.
Madison Parks
Nature is abound in Madison Parks! 279+ parks and more than 20 conservation parks are ready to explore in every season. Conservation parks are uniquely managed lands, restoring native plants and animal communities, while providing education. Explore on your own or join one of the guided outings, planned throughout the year.
MMSD - Jackson School Forest
The 287 acre Madison School Forest includes the Olson Oak Woods State Natural Area, a prime example of a Wisconsin southern dry forest with remnants of pre-settlement days.
MMSD - Planetarium
The MMSD Planetarium provides immersive experiences from our home planet, or across the universe, bringing out-of-this-world concepts down to Earth.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A spectacular tropical conservatory, open for year-round enjoyment, 16 acres of outdoor specialty gardens, and a botanical center.
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a regionally significant natural area located on the north side of Middleton. The restored wetlands, prairies and forests of PBC offer respite to the individual and educational opportunities for all ages.
Rooted at Troy Gardens
Grow your own food in the organic community gardens provided, play and learn in the Kids' Garden or even explore the prairie in this 31-acre Community Garden.
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
A 330-acre year-round retreat center, camp and environmental education center nestled between the sandstone formations and Wisconsin River of the upper Dells.
UW-Madison Arboretum
Explore opportunities for nature appreciation, environmental education, and ecological research at the Arboretum.
U.W. Geology Museum
The museum displays minerals, rocks, fossils, a 6-foot globe, and a walk-through model of a Wisconsin limestone cave.
Welty Environmental Center
Welty is a place to learn about sustainable use of our natural resources and enjoy hands-on encounters with nature.
At a Glance – What to do & when
| NATURE NET SITE | Attractions | Hours |
| Aldo Leopold Foundation | ET | Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 10am-4pm |
| Aldo Leopold Nature Center | TG | Building: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat & Sun, 10am-2pm - Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| Bethel Horizons | AEGT | Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| Cave of the Mounds | EGT | Cave & Grounds: Daily, 9am - 5pm - See website for Cave Tour entry times |
| Cherokee Marsh | T | Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| Dane County Parks | T | Grounds: Daily, 5am-10pm |
| Henry Vilas Zoo | AE | Buildings: 10am-4pm; Grounds: 9:30am-5pm |
| International Crane Foundation | AT | May-Oct: Daily, 9am-5pm |
| Lussier Family Heritage Center & Capital Springs Trails | T | Building: 8am-4:30pm; Grounds: Dawn-10pm |
| MacKenzie Center | AET | Building: Daily, 10am-4pm; Nov-Apr: closed weekends - Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| Madison Children's Museum | AEG | Thur-Sun, 9am-4pm |
| Madison Conservation Parks | T | Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| MMSD Jackson School Forest | T | Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk - Park in School Forest Lot/Olson Oak Woods State Natural Area |
| MMSD Planetarium | E | Public show times & dates vary; visit the website for more info |
| Olbrich Botanical Gardens | EGT | Conservatory & Gift Shop: Daily, 10am-4pm - Grounds & Lobby: Apr-Sep: 10am-6pm; Oct-Mar: 10am-4pm |
| Pheasant Branch Conservancy | T | Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| Rooted | GT | Grounds: Daily, dawn until dusk |
| Upham Woods | T | Open by reservation; visit website for more information |
| UW-Madison Arboretum | GT | Building: Weekdays, 9:30am-4pm; Sat & Sun, 12:30-4pm - Grounds: 4am-10pm |
| UW Geology Museum | E | Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm; Sat, 9am-1pm |
| Welty Environmental Center | EGT | Building: Open for programs only; visit website for more info - Grounds: Daily, dawn-9pm |
A = Animals E = Exhibits G = Gardens T = Trails