Gardening & Landscaping - Women's* Stormwater Basin Planting at Babcock
Women and Gender Minorities Stormwater Basin Planting at Babcock County Park
It can often be hard for women, folks who are non-binary/transgender, and other gender minorities* to feel comfortable in male dominated fields such as forestry and conservation. This workday is focused on creating a safe space to learn about stormwater management and native plants – and build community by volunteering.
Join Dane County Land and Water Resources Department staff to help plant a stormwater basin at the Babcock County Park boat launch! We will be planting native plant plugs (small, 2.5" pots) into an existing bioretention basin that has been cleared of persistent invasive species and is ready for a vegetation overhaul. This type of basin has sandy, engineered soil, which makes planting a breeze! No prior experience is needed. All tools and training will be provided. Groups (students or other) need to contact our Volunteer Program directly to register and talk over logistics.
*This workday is open to anyone for whom it would be an appropriate space to learn and work in. The Women and Gender Minorities workdays are made possible in part through funding from the Foundation for Dane County Parks and A Fund for Women by the Madison Community fund.
Location:
Meet at the far south end of the Babcock Park boat launch parking lot - 2909 US-51, McFarland, WI 53558
(See map)
How to Prepare:
What to Know:
- Tools and training are provided, but if you're a gardener with your own hand tools and/or gloves, please bring them.
- Bring a water bottle (extra if hot out) - we will have extra water available for filling water bottles.
- A snack if you'd like
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray (if bugs bother you)
- In case of cancellation due to weather, a notification will be made via email and/or phone to participants who have signed up.
What to Wear:
Wear clothes that you can work in and don't mind getting dirty.
- Close-toed shoes (boots or sneakers are good choices).
- Breathable, loose-fitting clothing is best if it's hot out.
Accessibility:
- View our Open Restrooms web page for bathroom availability. If there is no bathroom at a workday site, either use one before the workday or ask staff to suggest a nearby public location.
- This shift requires some bending, kneeling, and walking over uneven terrain.
- Our department is committed to providing meaningful access to our programs and resources to all individuals, regardless of primary language or ability. If you need language assistance services or an accessibility modification for this program, please email parksvolunteer@danecounty.gov a minimum of 10 business days before the program to make the request. Please note, it is not possible for all programs to be modified.
Questions?
- Jo CordonHill, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
- (608) 220-9678 Cordonhill.Johannah@danecounty.gov
- Theresa Nelson, Water Resource Engineer
- (608) 577-4879 Nelson.Theresa@danecounty.gov
Schedule Summary
This activity has the following schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
