Cars should park at Westport Meadow Park, 4338 Beilfuss Dr., where the group will meet to start the tour. This walk will be held rain or shine (except for lightning storms and tornados). It is free to attend, easy-paced, and open to all ages. No registration is required. No restrooms on site. As always, dogs and pets are prohibited in all conservation parks.

The Mendota Unit has lowland forest with large-diameter red and white oak, black cherry, red maple, hackberry, and box elder. In spring, the forest floor has expanses of wildflowers including Dutchman’s breeches, cut-leaf toothwort, and white trout lily. Also present are areas of shrub-carr, a wetland community of tall shrubs such as red-osier dogwood, aspen, and willow. The marsh-to-woodland boundary contains an alder thicket, a rare vegetation type for Dane County. Birdlife includes barred owl, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, woodpeckers, and wood-warblers in migration. 

The park’s wetlands extend to the shoreline of Lake Mendota. Just south of the park is a carry-in canoe/kayak landing at 4106 Veith Ave.

Conservation Park Tours are educational, guided walks led by Madison Parks conservation staff. The tours are held in various parks on the second Wednesday, May–October. See https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/events/conservation-park-events