On May 7, a Madison Parks conservation crew discovered extensive damage at Meadow Ridge Conservation Park: construction of multiple bike jumps and trails, significant erosion, leaf litter disturbed and removed, and great swathes of unique native plants damaged or killed. Bicycles and motorbikes are prohibited prohibited in conservation parks, both on designated walking trails and off-trail, by Madison ordinances. Bikes and motorbikes should be ridden only on main vehicular en

More than 1000 people of all ages attended the 2026 Madison Bird & Nature Festival on April 26 at Warner Park

I think about both of my daughters taking flight as I walk Cherokee Marsh and delight in the return of the tree swallows. The birds dip and glide across blue skies, chirp and chatter in the tree knots, and make ballets in the clouds, so many that there are clouds of swallows. An iridescence of joy. A presence of happiness. Of home.

High winds, heavy rains, and hail in mid-April of 2026 brought both welcome moisture and some damage in the Parks.