Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, has deep roots in Wisconsin, being founded by former Governor Gaylord Nelson in 1970. Madison continues this legacy with a variety of events and activities that honor and protect our planet. Here are some notable ways to celebrate and enjoy Earth Day in Madison:

University of Wisconsin Arboretum

The UW Arboretum is an extension of the University of Wisconsin and is a teaching and research facility of historic ecological restoration. It was designated as a National Landmark in 2021. The Arboretum features diverse ecosystems including prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and savannas. Notably, it houses the world's oldest restored prairie, Curtis Prairie. The Arboretum serves as a vital research and teaching facility, offering more than 17 miles of trails and the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens, which contain Wisconsin's largest collection of woody plants.

Earth Fest (UW Madison)

From April 21-29, The University of Wisconsin-Madison is hosting Earth Fest, a weeklong celebration of our planet through a series of lectures, workshops, and interactive exhibits focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. Admission is free and activities cater to students, alumni, faculty, and community members.

Lakeshore/Picnic Point

If you’re looking for a slice of nature in the middle of the city, you can hike the lakeshore path up to Picnic Point. This little peninsula is in the middle of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve on Lake Mendota is located on the near-west side of Madison on the University of Wisconsin campus near UW Hospital. Many picnic sites are along the lake and nestled amongst a forest of mature trees.

Olbrich Gardens

Managed by Madison City Parks and Olbrich Botanical Society, Olbrich Gardens is a 16 acre outdoor botanical garden and 1,000 square foot conservatory on Madison’s east side near the Atwood neighborhood. Visitors can explore a variety of themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, and the unique Thai Pavilion—the only one of its kind in the continental U.S. surrounded by a garden . The Bolz Conservatory, a 50-foot-high glass pyramid, offers a tropical escape with exotic plants, a waterfall, and free-flying birds . Olbrich is also recognized for its commitment to sustainable horticulture, selecting plant species that support local ecosystems and biodiversity .

Madison City Parks

Wisconsin’s capitol city is known for its green spaces, and Madison’s city parks are a part of that legacy. The city owns more than 280 parks, totaling nearly 6,000 acres altogether. Each park is unique with some being near the lakes with beaches, some in the middle of historic neighborhoods or carrying their own history. Many include playgrounds, picnic spaces, areas for exercising dogs, and fields for playing sports or other types of games.

Want to give back to Mother Nature? You can join a community-wide volunteer effort called the Earth Day Challenge to help clean up local parks. Tasks include trash pickup, raking, weeding, and removing sticks. Supplies such as gloves, garbage bags, and rakes are provided.​ This event does require advanced registration.

Dane County Parks

Aside from city parks, there are many Dane County parks in the Madison area in which you can enjoy the great outdoors. The system includes 25 recreation parks (with 8 designated dog parks), 20 wildlife areas, 14 natural resource areas, 4 historical or cultural sites, and 2 forests . With over 100 miles of trails suitable for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding, the parks cater to outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Additional amenities include five campgrounds, canoe and kayak launches, disc golf courses, and accessible fishing piers . The Natural Areas Program focuses on restoring and preserving prairies, wetlands, oak woodlands, and forests, fostering a deeper connection to the region's natural resources . Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, Dane County Parks provide a rich tapestry of natural settings to explore.​

Bikeability

Madison has a reputation for being one of the most bike-friendly cities with over 200 miles of bike trails. ​Madison, Wisconsin, is celebrated for its extensive and interconnected network of bike trails, offering cyclists a variety of scenic and urban routes. The 17-mile Capital City State Trail serves as a central artery, linking Madison to regional trails like the Military Ridge and Badger State Trails, and traversing diverse landscapes including wetlands and woodlands . On the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path provides a picturesque 2.2-mile ride along Lake Mendota, accommodating both cyclists and pedestrians.

Participating in these events and adopting sustainable practices not only honors the spirit of Earth Day but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations. Madison's rich history and ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship make it an ideal place to celebrate and take action this Earth Day.