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Get rooted in nature with Madison’s Naturalist-in-Residence program

Re-educate and reintroduce yourself to nature by participating in the second annual Naturalist-in-Residence program.

August 17, 2023 • 
Ally Geiger
Qwantese Winters, Madison's 2023 Naturalist-in-Residence.

Qwantese Winters, Madison’s 2023 Naturalist-in-Residence. | Photo via City of Madison

Madison’s second annual Naturalist-in-Residence program kicks off in two weeks. Free nature-based activities will take place in local libraries and natural areas every weekend in September to help Madisonians connect with the outdoors as well as each other.

Meet the Naturalist

This year’s Naturalist-in-Residence, Qwantese Winters, chose the theme “Rooted in Nature” to encapsulate the month-long experience. Qwantese wears many hats in her work as a doula, writer, agriculturist, and artist. You may have seen her on PBS Wisconsin’s “Let’s Grow Stuff” helping locals traverse the art of home gardening.

In the press release announcing her new title, Qwantese said she chose “Rooted in Nature” as “a way to extend a heartfelt invitation to all those who have felt detached from the land or who have lost their wonder when engaging with nature...to reconnect with the land, to embrace their heritage, and to rediscover the awe-inspiring wonder that resides within each of us when we are one with nature.”

kayak on the water

Do you prefer enjoying nature by land or water? | Photo by Europa Christoffel

Schedule of events

If required, registration will open two weeks before each event.

Weekend one:

  • Friday, Sept. 1 | Meet the Naturalist | 6-7 p.m. | Troy Farm, 502 Troy Dr.
  • Saturday, Sept. 2 | Infusion Workshop: Rosemary and Rose Petal Hair Rinse | 2-3 p.m. | Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St.

Weekend two:

  • Friday, Sept. 8 | Nature Writing and Meditative Walk | 6-7 p.m. | Edna Taylor Conservation Park, 802 Femrite Dr.
  • Saturday, Sept. 9 | Weeds and their Bounty | 1-2:30 p.m. | Meadowridge Library, 5726 Raymond Rd.

Weekend three:

  • Friday, Sept. 15 | Nature Writing and Meditative Walk | 6-7 p.m. | Heritage Prairie, 5414 Queensbridge Rd.
  • Saturday, Sept. 16 | Infusion Workshop: Digestive Bitter | 2-3 p.m. | Meadowridge Library, 5726 Raymond Rd.

Weekend four:

  • Friday, Sept. 22 | Foraged Friends | 6-7:30 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave.
  • Saturday, Sept. 23 | Nature Study Workshop | 2-3 p.m. | Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd.

Weekend five:

  • Friday, Sept. 29 | Infusion Workshop: Herbal Tea Blend | 2-3 p.m. | Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N. High Point Rd.
  • Saturday, Sept. 30 | Nature Study Workshop | 2-3 p.m.| Goodman South Madison Library, 2222 S. Park St.