From free field trips throughout the region, to hands-on conservation career training, we're passionate about sharing our love for Wisconsin's birds and natural places.
We know that the more people experience and enjoy nature, the harder they'll fight for it. Which is why Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) staff and volunteers work so hard to share our passion and knowledge with our communities. To see what we mean, check out the "GET INVOLVED" tab above, and join us on a bird or butterfly walk, at an evening speaker series, or for a special event. See you in the field!
A field trip to Black Earth Prairie on a beautiful summer evening. Photo by Matt Reetz
FIELD TRIPS
A longtime tradition of our organization! Our field trips offer year-round opportunities to get outside, experience new areas, and broaden your knowledge of the natural world. Our trips are led by a cohort of volunteers who are experts in their field. From birds to butterflies to wildflowers and natural history, our wide variety of trips offer something for everyone.
Members receive a print Field Trip Calendar quarterly in our newsletters. Join us today to get the next calendar in your mailbox!
Cranes descend on Rowe Audubon Sanctuary. Photo by Arlene Koziol
Speaker series
Each spring and fall, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SoWBA) hosts several free public lectures. Event topics vary with each event, covering a wide range of local and global conservation or environment-related topics. From monarch conservation to biodiversity research around the globe, speakers bring new perspectives and greater awareness to our communities.
Programs are traditionally held each February, March, April, September, October, and November, but may be subject to change due to speaker availability.
OPERATION FRESH START CONSERVATION ACADEMY
Brian Wahl, urban forestry coordinator with the Wisconsin DNR, shows Conservation Academy participants the subtle differences between oak tree species during his talk about urban forestry careers. Photo by Emily Meier
Since 2014, our organization has partnered with Operation Fresh Start, a local organization committed to providing disconnected youth with practical job training. During the summer, SoWBA’s Conservation Academy aims to help disconnected youth in Dane County gain inspiration and learn skills to enter the conservation workforce. We partner with Operation Fresh Start to host five career-oriented sessions with local conservation experts. The topics range from urban forestry and wildlife to invasive plants and biodiversity, and include conservation leaders from the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
This program is supported by generous grants from the Alliant Energy Foundation and the Evjue Foundation.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND OUTREACH
Throughout the year, our organization hosts and co-sponsors a variety of special events. Don't miss these fun opportunities to celebrate birds, butterflies, and more! Our signature events include:
BIRDS, BIKES, AND BREWS - a celebration of birding, cycling, and good beer!
MONARCH TAGGING at our Goose Pond Sanctuary
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to Chicago's FIELD MUSEUM
...and more!
For the most up-to-date news on SoWBA’s special events, be sure join us as a member and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
