Parks, Land & Water Volunteer Portal

Seed Collection at Walking Iron

Join our Natural Areas staff for a morning in the prairie as we collect seeds from Wild Lupine. Seeds are collected to plant and enhance lands in other natural areas for pollinators, wildlife, and land restoration. Join us for what will be a unique and rewarding experience. No prior experience is needed. All tools and training will be provided. Children under 16 are welcome if chaperoned. Groups (students or other) need to contact staff directly to register and talk over logistics.

Location:

Walking Iron County Park - Beckman Rd. entrance

6064 Beckman Rd., Mazomanie 53560 

• There's a small gravel parking lot off of Beckman Road with a Walking Iron County Park sign. Volunteers can drive through the open gate and down the grassy road leading into the park to meet us in the field near the park's information kiosk, or feel free to park in the gravel lot and walk down.
• We begin promptly at 9am, those arriving late can call Lars or Shane to get to directions to our working area.

How to Prepare: 

What to Know:

• All tools and training are provided.
• Bring drinking water (extra if hot out)
• 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: 

We will be walking off trail in tall vegetation potentially encountering poison ivy, wild parsnip, mosquitos, ticks, or chiggers. 

• Close-toed shoes (boots or sneakers are good choices).
• Breathable, loose-fitting clothing is best in the summertime.
  • long pants and long sleeves are recommended.

Accessibility:

• Volunteers should be comfortable with walking on uneven terrain.
• View our Open Restrooms webpage 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.
  
  

Questions?

• Lars Higdon, Botanist/Naturalist
• (608) 286-9497 higdon.lars@danecounty.gov
• Shane Otto, Botanist/Naturalist
• (608) 575-0396 otto.shane@danecounty.gov
• Leah Kleiman, Land Restoration Specialist
• (608) 843-1863 kleiman.leah@danecounty.gov