Aldo Leopold Nature Center

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Monona, WI
Aldo Leopold Nature Center

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Connecting kids & families with nature through fun, hands‑on education and free trails in Monona, WI.
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It is one thing to lead, but another to nurture – and the Aldo Leopold Nature Center does both. Through its programs and approach to education, ALNC provides a safe and positive environment for children and their families to explore the natural world – together. Whether it be discovering how tadpoles grow into frogs; investigating the variety of grasses in a prairie, or quietly soaking up the beauty of a summer sunset, ALNC provides an opportunity for children to connect to the land – to discover their own answers to life’s big questions and to create the relationships that will serve them for the remainder of their lives. Experiences at ALNC teach children the subtle, yet profound, lessons learned through nature. Our approach is grounded in Aldo Leopold’s philosophy: “...teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and enjoy what he understands.” Our work is experiential and hands-on -- teaching students to slow down, to rediscover their own senses, and to use those senses in uncovering the environment around them. We hope you will join us as we educate and engage current and future generations, empowering them to respect, protect, and enjoy the natural world. We want today’s children to become responsible stewards of the land and healthy, confident leaders in a sustainable future.

11/05/2026

While skeletons might seem spooky, the Wonder Bugs learned that there is actually nothing scary about them!

Thanks to Ms. Suzy and her skeleton friend “Bone-nita,” the Wonder Bugs learned about the importance of bones and how they keep us and other animals strong, supported, and protected.

The children were able to observe animal bones up close in the “bone museum.” Later, they hiked to the “bone box” to witness the natural process of decomposition and learn how bones are returned to the earth!

📷: Emily Udomtanapon, Aldo Leopold Nature Center

11/04/2026

Help a family enjoy a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. 🍽️

We are collecting food for the Thanksgiving Basket Drive organized by the Goodman Community Center! If you’re able, please consider donating items like canned vegetables, canned fruits, mac & cheese, gravy, cranberry sauce, broth, stuffing, and aluminum roaster pans. 🦃

📍 Drop off: ALNC lobby
📅 Now through Nov 13

We’re so thankful for everyone who helps make this community effort possible! 🙏

Learn more here: https://www.goodmancenter.org/

Goodman Community Center

11/04/2026

Did you know this native bug is considered smellier than a stink bug?

Lupine bugs (Megalotomus quinquespinosus) are members of the family Alydidae, also known as broad-headed bugs. This family is known for producing a defensive odor described as similar to bad breath.

They can be identified by their narrow, brownish bodies, long, pale legs with five to six spines on the hind femur, and dark-tipped antennae with a pale base. The triangular structure on their back, called the 'scutellum,' also has a white tip.

Lupine bugs have a 'proboscis,' an elongated, straw-like mouthpart that allows them to pierce developing seeds and feed on their contents. They feed mainly on plants in the pea family (Fabaceae), including lupines and soybeans.

📷: Stephanie Briand, Aldo Leopold Nature Center

11/02/2026

Make plans to get out and vote tomorrow!

📅 Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

At Aldo Leopold Nature Center, in addition to encouraging you to spend time exploring nature, we also encourage you to exercise your right to vote.

Polls are open from 7am to 8pm at polling locations throughout Wisconsin. Make time to get to your polling place and cast your vote.

Find your polling place here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place

11/02/2026

At the OAKS After-School Program, students get the opportunity to choose the activity that best suits their energy levels that day. Whether it’s an exciting round of hide-and-seek tag, a peaceful crafting session, or free play with fall leaves, there are fun activities for everyone!

📷: Emily Udomtanapon, Aldo Leopold Nature Center

11/01/2026

Celebrate the beauty of autumn leaves and bring a piece of the outdoors home with you! 🍂

This fall leaf wreath is a great activity to get outdoors, appreciate colorful fall foliage up close, and express your creativity.

Find the instructions here:https://aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/ALNC-Activity-Fall-Leaf-Wreath.pdf

10/31/2026

Who is the little mushroom with the gorgeous shaggy hairstyle? Well, it’s none other than “Coprinus comatus”, also known as the Shaggy Mane!

Shaggy Manes are identified by their white, cylindrical caps and shaggy, reddish-brown scales. The caps range from 3–5 cm long, while the stalks range from 6–20 cm long.

Within about 24 hours of emerging, the cap liquefies into an inky black liquid. This is the result of self-digestion, or “deliquescence,” of the mushroom’s cap and gills, a characteristic trait shared by members of this genus. The mushroom uses its own enzymes to digest itself, helping release its spores into the air! After this process, only the stalk remains.

📷: Stephanie Briand, Aldo Leopold Nature Center

10/30/2026

Dark-eyed Juncos are back in southern Wisconsin!

Juncos are a species of sparrow whose appearance varies by region. In Wisconsin, the “slate-colored” Junco variety is most commonly found. They are characterized by their round bodies, short pink bills, and long tails. Males have dark gray heads, chests, and backs with white bellies, while females are browner rather than dark gray. When in flight, the white outer tail feathers fan out and form a bright “V.”

They are also commonly referred to as “snowbirds” because certain populations migrate southward for the winter after breeding in Canada or Alaska.

The arrival of Juncos and other migratory birds makes us so excited for future winter birding hikes! Have you seen any Dark-eyed Juncos recently? Visit our trails to see if you can spot one yourself.

📷: Aldo Leopold Nature Center

10/30/2026

Big thanks to Quercus Land Stewardship Services for partnering with us to lead the last Land Steward Work Day of the year with a seed collection project!

Volunteers had a great time learning about the importance of sustainable seed collection. The group enjoyed a beautiful fall day while collecting a variety of seeds, including goldenrod, indigo, big bluestem, indiangrass, wild bergamot, mountain mint, purple coneflower, and more.

📷: Sarah Voss, Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Quercus Land Stewardship Services

10/28/2026

Pumpkin painting and flower pounding! 🎃🌼

Last week, Nature School students used pumpkins and flowers for their arts and crafts. Some students picked flowers from the Nature Center’s garden and transferred the plant pigments directly onto cloth using wooden mallets. One student said the final product reminded them of tie-dye! Other students expressed their creativity through pumpkin painting!

They also roasted pumpkin seeds as a tasty snack for later.

Video: Emily Udomtanapon, Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Address

330 Femrite Drive
Monona, WI
53716

Telephone

+16082210404

Website

https://aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org/

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