Nature Net is proud to support the Nature Everywhere Initiative—a nationwide effort to increase equitable access to nature wherever children live, learn, and play. We recognize the vital role nature plays in early childhood development and are committed to supporting children’s health through stronger, more equitable connections to the outdoors. In recognition of this, this June 1st we’re celebrating Nature Everywhere Day by promoting all of the amazing (and mostly free!) ways to get outside and connect with nature!
Nature Net CalendarJune 1st 2025 – Nature Everywhere Day
Nature Everywhere Day – Family Night Hike
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Dane County Parks – Lussier Family Heritage Center
Have you ever been out at dusk to listen for animals that are out at night? Now is your chance! Join us under the full moon to explore different parks for animals that are out at night. This program will engage those of all ages through interactive activities about creatures of the night. We will end after the estimated 0.5 mile walk through the park with mild inclines.
Location: Lake View Hill Park
FREE
All ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult
Registration required here
“Summer in a Marsh” Guided Bird and Nature Adventure
1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Madison Parks – Cherokee Marsh
“Summer in a Marsh” Free Guided Bird and Nature Adventure! Enjoy a free fun family friendly naturalist guided walk at Cherokee Marsh North, 6098 N Sherman Avenue Sunday June 1, 1:30-3pm. See cityofmadison.com/parks and Madison FUN on Facebook to join free fun welcoming family friendly guided Bird and Natures every weekend year round.
Location: Cherokee Marsh North Unit
FREE
All ages, families and kids welcome
Contact:
Paul Noeldner
608-698-0104
Nature Everywhere Day: Children, Nature, and Us
12:00-3:00 p.m. – Children, Nature, and Us
Come to Hoyt Park June 1st between 12-3pm! Be guided through fun, adventure, play, and outdoor exploration with local small business owners. Join us for a picnic (BYOB) at the Roys Shelter at noon. At 12:30 we’ll have an author ready story followed by child-led free play, a plant walk, a traditional oral story, and a game. Come and go at any time! Full schedule available here. Children, Nature, and Us is a collaboration of small nature businesses. This event is hosted by Storytelling Naturalist, LLC/OASIS, Naturing in Madison, Healing Roots Collaborative, and Playful Acorns.
Location: Hoyt Park – Roys Shelter
All ages and families welcome
Contact:
coraltells@gmail.com
Family Nature Walk
1:30-2:30 p.m. – UW Arboretum
This walk is a fun, fascinating way for families with children elementary age and younger to explore the natural world. Adults must attend. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and come prepared for weather and insects. Walks canceled for unsafe conditions.
Location: Arboretum Visitor Center
FREE
Nature Everywhere Makes Sense! Garden Challenge
10:00-2:00 p.m. – Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Celebrate Nature Everywhere Day at Olbrich Botanical Gardens by exploring nature through all eight of your sensory systems. These important systems allow us to: Look, Listen, Touch, Taste, Smell, Move, Balance, and Self-Regulate. Grab a map in Olbrich’s visitor center and create your own adventure through various Nature Everywhere Makes Sense challenges in different garden spaces. Complete all challenges for a treasure to take home!
Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
All Ages
Contact:
Kim North, Director of Education
knorth@cityofmadison.com
Gratitude in Nature: Goats and Yoga
10:30-2:00 p.m. Madison Parks – Turville Point Conservation Park
We’ve partnered with the Friends of Olin Turville (FOOT) for a unique experience blending yoga, goat education, and volunteerism! Stretch, learn about goats, and contribute to local conservation efforts. This event offers something for everyone—yoga lovers, animal enthusiasts, and nature advocates alike! Sessions The event features two identical sessions. Yoga class is limited to 30 participants. Session I 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Yoga with Devonna Peters 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Goat talk with Paul Quinlan 12:00 – 12:30 PM: Volunteer activity, installing goat cages with Friends of Olin Turville Session II 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Yoga with Devonna Peters 1:00 – 1:30 PM: Goat talk with Paul Quinlan 1:30 – 2:00 PM: Volunteer activity, installing goat cages with Friends of Olin Turville.
Location: Turville Point Conservation Park
All Ages
Registration required here
John Weichelt; Volunteer Coordinator
jweichelt@cityofmadison.com
Explore More with Trailside Backpacks!
Trails open from dawn to dusk, facility open 10-2 p.m. – Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Celebrate Nature Everywhere Day with a hands-on outdoor adventure for the whole family! Discover the beauty of our oak savanna, wetland, prairie, and woodland ecosystems while engaging your senses and curiosity. Stop by the front desk or the outside cabinet to check out a Family Trailside Backpack—packed with nature ID books, fun activities, and simple tools to help you explore like a naturalist. Whether you’re birdwatching, identifying trees, or simply taking a closer look at the world around you, Trailside Backpacks provide everything you need for a memorable and educational adventure.
Location: Aldo Leopold Nature Center
FREE
All ages
Learn more:
- Nature Everywhere Page: Find out more about the Nature Everywhere Initiative
- Children & Nature Network: Discover more about one of the networks behind the initiative!
Let Us Know How You Celebrate!
Post comments and photos of your Nature Everywhere Day experiences on Nature Net’s Facebook page.