For individuals who want a hands-on experience in land management and restoration, the natural areas program organizes a group of volunteers to assist and lead restoration management activities. These Natural Areas Volunteer Stewards (see below) are community volunteers interested in learning more about, and participating in land management and restoration efforts. Stewards participate in educational programs and work activities that are also open to anyone interested in learning more about natural areas. As they work, volunteers develop a community of knowledgeable stewards of the land, who train and lead other volunteers and thus support community involvement in the long-term management of urban natural areas.

People who are interested in supporting our overall management efforts are also invited to join any of our land care and planting activities. The most important ingredient for this work is to bring your energy, enthusiasm, and your interest to learn!

We also have opportunities for individuals to help us expand our educational outreach efforts in the natural areas. If you are interested in education within the natural areas and would like to contribute your energies, this is the place for you!

To join our efforts to include natural areas as a fundamental component of the urban setting, follow the link below or contact our Natural Areas Coordinator at 240-0409.

Contact us

Become a Troy Gardens Natural Areas Steward!

Be part of our effort to make natural areas a fundamental part of the urban landscape! Bring your energy and enthusiasm to this unique, hands-on opportunity to gain skills in woodland and prairie restoration and management at Troy Gardens.

The Troy Gardens Natural Areas Volunteer Steward Program is designed to provide participants with an understanding of ecological restoration, hands-on training in restoration and management techniques, and the opportunity to put these skills into practice at ongoing workdays.

Ongoing hands-on workshops provide Troy Gardens Natural Areas Volunteer Stewards with:

• an introduction to ecological restoration principles and practices,
• training in native woodland and prairie plant identification, including planting and management techniques,
• an opportunity to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with other like-minded individuals dedicated to preserving Madison’s urban natural areas, and
• the satisfaction to see the result of your efforts in action!

The season for Volunteer Stewards runs from March through October and includes workshops that focus on tools and concepts used in restoration and adaptive management. We then take these ideas and implement them on the ground, learning from the earth as we monitor our efforts.

Join us now! Our restoration efforts are successfully moving forward thanks to the commitment of our volunteer stewards!

Click here to see our 2007 Schedule.

To find out more, contact our Natural Areas Coordinator::

Rm 171 Bldg 14
3601 Memorial Drive
Madison, WI 53704
608-240-0409
naturalareas at troygardens.org