Programs & Events
All FOPFC programs are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise stated, these events will take place at Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 West Old Sauk Road, meeting in the lower parking lot. If you like planning events or bringing people together, then we invite you to join our Programs Committee! Please fill out our Online Volunteer Form.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Masks and social distancing are not required at Pope Farm outdoor programs. However, if you have recently been exposed to someone with Covid-19 or are feeling unwell on the day of a program, please do not attend to ensure the safety of other attendees.
2024 FOPFC PROGRAMS
Nature Photography Contest 2024
Spring & Summer 2024 – Entries due July 20th, 2024
Join us in celebrating the splendor of nature through the art of photography!
The Friends are hosting a photo contest this year to celebrate the seasonal beauty of Pope Farm Conservancy! Our Nature Photography Contest invites amateur photographers of all ages to showcase their talent, creativity, and appreciation for Pope Farm Conservancy. This is a great opportunity to share your unique perspective and passion for the conservancy and the beauty of the seasons.
Our partners at PhotoMidwest will evaluate submissions based on creativity, composition, technical skill, and adherence to the theme. Winners will be announced and awarded at the Friends’ annual summer picnic in late August. The Camera Company will be donating mounted prints to the winners.
Entries due are due by July 20th. For further information, click the button below.
“Ho-Chunk History: Past, Present & Future” with William Quackenbush (Nąąwącekğize)
Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 (6:00PM)
Speaker: William “Nąąwącekǧize” Quackenbush, Ho-Chunk Nation Preservation Representative
Location: Pope Elementary School, 816 Schewe Rd., Middleton, WI 53562 in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room
The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy invite you to join us for an exciting presentation about the Ho-Chunk History with guest speaker William (Bill) Quackenbush (“Nąąwącekǧize”), Ho-Chunk Nation Preservation Representative. For over 24 years, Bill has been an asset to his tribe through his diligent work in Cultural and Heritage Preservation. During this presentation, Bill will walk us through the past, present, and future of the Ho-Chunk Nation. He will also share his thoughts regarding dugout canoe technology and the recent discoveries and extraction of dugouts from within Mendota Lake. Joining us that evening will be State Archaeologist Dr. Amy Rosebrough who will introduce our guest speaker.
Winter Walk at Pope Farm Conservancy
Sunday, February 18th, 2024 (1:00-2:00PM)
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
The Friends will be hosting a Winter Walk at Pope Farm Conservancy on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, at 1PM. Come enjoy the stark beauty of winter at the conservancy. Bring your own gear (snowshoes, cross-country skis, or hiking boots) and join us for a one-hour adventure through this beautiful winter wonderland. Let’s hope for some nice winter weather! This walk is free and open to the public – no registration is necessary. Learn More…
Nest Box Trail Walking Tour
Saturday, May 25th, 2024 (1:00-2:00PM)
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
Presenters: Pat Ready (President of the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin)
Embark on an exciting adventure into the world of avian conservation with our Nest Box Trail Tour. This immersive experience invites participants to discover the hidden lives of cavity-nesting birds and learn about the vital role of nest boxes in supporting their populations. Learn first hand what species use these nest boxes and the type of habitat they need. This is a great program for families and nature enthusiasts of all ages. Free and open to the public – no registration is necessary.
Spring Migration Birding Tour
Saturday, June 1st, 2024 (7:30AM – 9:00AM)
Speaker: Mike McDowell, Nature Photographer and Local Birding Expert
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
Join us for an early morning avian adventure at Pope Farm Conservancy with local birding expert Mike McDowell! With Mike’s expert guidance and keen insights, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of migratory birds as they head north after their winter sojourn. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice enthusiast, this tour promises unforgettable encounters with nature’s winged wonders amidst the stunning landscapes of the conservancy.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary spring migration experience! This walk is free and open to the public – no registration is necessary.
Ice Age Animals Talk
Saturday, June 8th, 2024 (9:30AM – 11:00AM)
Speaker: Rich Slaughter, University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the UPPER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
Step back in time and learn about the Ice Age mammals that once roamed Wisconsin from Rich Slaughter, Director of the UW Geology Museum. From lumbering mammoths to herds of caribou, explore the variety of creatures that inhabited the Midwest 15,000 years ago. This talk is free and open to the public – no registration is necessary. Great event for families.
Speaker Bio: Rich Slaughter loves making people more curious, especially about geology. In this pursuit, Rich has spent the last 20 years leading the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum. To reach as wide an audience as possible, Rich also promotes geology at unconventional venues for science outreach. This includes minor league ballparks, breweries, corn mazes, sunflower fields, and the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Forest Bathing at Pope Farm Conservancy
Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 (5:30-7:00PM)
Speaker: Marian Farrior, Restoration Work Party Manager at UW-Arboretum
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
About: Indulge your senses and rejuvenate your spirit with a transformative Forest Bathing experience. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” this immersive journey invites participants to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the healing power of trees. Through mindful sensory experiences and guided invitations, discover the restorative benefits of spending time in the natural world, while cultivating a deeper appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of the Pope Farm Conservancy.
This talk is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Max participants: 12 (If the registration is full, please email janie@popefarmconservancy.org to join the waitlist. Be sure to include your name and contact info.)
Please wear sturdy shoes (for both walking and standing at length), dress for the weather, and bring your own insect repellent, sunscreen, and water bottle.
About the Speaker: Marian Farrior is the Restoration Work Party Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Arboretum, where she coordinates a volunteer leadership training program for implementing ecological restorations. She also works as a consultant and facilitator for a variety of environmental and social change organizations, as well as an edible landscape gardener. She has taught workshops in permaculture, forest garden design, patterns in nature, biomimicry, and herbalism. She has co-taught a Permaculture Design Certificate course and Permaculture Teacher Training Certificate course in association with Madison Area Permaculture Guild. Marian holds a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.S. in Sustainable Systems with an emphasis in Permaculture. She has additional training in medical herbalism, social artistry, and as a nature and forest therapy guide. Her passion is apprenticing with nature and helping people to fall in love with Earth.
Summer Walk
Saturday, August 17th, 2024 (9:00am-10:30am)
Guide: Gina Zabrowski, FOPFC Programs Committee
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
Immerse yourself in the beauty of summer at the Pope Farm Conservancy with our Summer Walk event. Join us for a leisurely stroll along lush prairies, vibrant wildflowers, and a variety of crop fields. We’ll explore the diverse ecosystems and scenic landscapes of this beloved conservation area. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape into nature, this walk offers the perfect opportunity to connect with the natural world and appreciate the wonders of summer. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy’s Programs Committee.
FOFPC Annual Picnic
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 (5-7PM)
Location: Kalscheur Park Hall in Pine Bluff, 3734 County Rd P, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Join us for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship as we come together to celebrate our contributions to the enrichment of Pope Farm Conservancy as a community and educational asset. The winners of our Photo Contest will be announced and award at the picnic. This event open to members of the Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy, their families, and anyone wishing to join the Friends group. RSVP appreciated but not required. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Monarch Butterfly Tagging at Pope Farm Conservancy
Early to Mid-September 2024 (Exact dates TBD)
Volunteers Needed: Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. Registration required.
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
The FOPFC Monarch Butterfly Tagging Project is aimed to contribute to monarch butterfly conservation efforts through citizen science participation. Come learn about monarch butterflies, their migration patterns, and the importance of tagging for research purposes. This volunteer opportunity is free and open to the public – registration is required. Great for all ages and families. Exact dates & times are to be determined. Check back in mid-summer for more info.
Fall Migration Birding Tour
Saturday, September 7th, 2024 (7:30AM)
Speaker: Mike McDowell, Nature Photographer and Local Birding Expert
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
Join us for a fall birding tour at Pope Farm Conservancy with local birding expert Mike McDowell! Bird watching enthusiasts and nature lovers will have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of fall migration, as millions of birds journey southward to their wintering grounds. This program is free and open to the public – no registration is necessary. Great for all ages and families!
“The People and the Land” Talk with Dr. Amy Rosebrough
Saturday, September 14th, 2024 (10:00AM)
Speaker: Dr. Amy Rosebrough, WI State Archeologist
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy invite you to join State Archeologist Dr. Amy Rosebrough as she leads an archeological tour of how the landscape of Pope Farm Conservancy and southern Wisconsin influenced, and was used by, Indigenous peoples and European settlers. This walking tour will invite visitors to contemplate the impact of the land around them on human history. What resources were available to local communities, and how were they used? How did ice and water determine where and when people came to stay? From the Ghost Ports of Lake Michigan to the Gulf Coast trade, the land shaped Wisconsin’s people and the people shaped the land.”
Prairie Seed Collection
Fall 2024 – Dates TBD
Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot off Old Sauk Road **
Our Fall Prairie Seed Collection offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the beauty of native prairie landscapes. The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy welcomes community members to join this collaborative endeavor and make a positive impact on our environment.
Open to the public – no registration required. Participants will be guided by conservation experts on how to properly identify and collect seeds from native prairie plants.
Past Programs – Archived Videos
History of the Civilian Conservation Corp
at Pope Farm Conservancy
January 26, 2022
Speakers: Historian Robert Moore and Jim Bolitho
Attracting Eastern Bluebirds
to Your Yard
April 20, 2021
Speaker: Pat Ready, Director of BRAW
Planting, Growing and Feeding:
Forward Garden in 2021
April 10, 2021
Speaker: Matt Lechmaier, Farm Manager
Pope Farm Conservancy:
A Learning Lab for Elementary School Kids
March 29, 2021
Speaker: Alex Schutz, Science Specialist
at Pope Farm Elementary School
Monarch Butterfly Habitat and Migration
September 14, 2020
Speaker: Karen Oberhauser,
Director of UW-Madison Arboretum and
the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
Native American Spirituality
and Care for the Earth
October 4, 2020
Speaker: Katherine Heskin,
Theologian and Adjunct Professor at Edgewood College
Do you have ideas for event topics and/or presenters that would be a good fit for Pope Farm Conservancy?
Please reach out to Diane Smidt with your thoughts and ideas.