2024 FOOT Events & News
Free Dance Series in Olin Pavilion each Thursday in September, 2024
FREE dances return to the Olin Park Pavilion this September on Thursdays from 6 to 8 PM:
-- Dairyland Cowboys & Cowgirls line-dancing on Thursday, September 5th (Their 30th Anniversary!!)
-- MadCoCo contra dancing on Thursday, September 12th
-- Madison Tango Society on Thursday, September 19th
-- Madison Folkdance Unlimited on Thursday, September 26th
Each session includes instruction - no experience or partner necessary. And since the pavilion is sheltered, dances will proceed rain or shine. The Pavilion is located within Olin Park at 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI 53715
Free Concerts in Olin Pavilion each Wednesday in May, 2024
FREE concerts return to the Olin Park Pavilion this May on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 PM:
-- Ladies Must Swing on Wednesday, May 8th
-- Grouvin' Brothers (Frankie Lee) on Wednesday, May 15th
-- Mark Croft Duo on Wednesday, May 22nd
-- Cris Plata and Extra Hot on Wednesday, May 29th
Bring the family, bring a picnic - chairs and tables provided. Since the pavilion is sheltered, concerts will proceed rain or shine. But let's hope for really great spring weather! The Pavilion is located within Olin Park at 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI 53715
Looking for Ephemerals: Sunday, April 14, 1:30 PM
On Sunday, April 14th, join naturalist Alex Singer for a look at Spring Ephemerals in Turville Point. Meet up at the entrance to Turville Point Conservation Park at the southern Olin Turville parking lot. Trilliums, Trout Lilies and other beautiful early wildflowers take advantage of available sunlight before trees and bushes fully leaf out and provide important sources of nectar for bees before other plants bloom. Try using the Seek app to take a photo and help identify what you see along the trail! Note: Please stay on trails since this is a Conservation Park.
Post comments and pictures on the Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT) Facebook page and join the group to help support this wonderful Conservation Park in the heart of Madison! Free, fun, family friendly, welcoming, educational, no registration required, no pets. Join us the second Sunday of every month for guided Bird and Nature Adventures at Turville Point Conservation Park. These walks are co-sponsored by Madison FUN partners Madison Parks, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Four Lakes Sierra Club and Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT). See the partner group websites and Facebook pages for updates and more activities! Contact 608-698-0104.
How Animals Winter: Sunday, March 10, 1:30 PM
On Sunday, March 10th, at 1:30 PM, meet up at the entrance to Turville Point Conservation Park at the southern Olin Turville parking lot for "Animal Adaptations" a Bird and Nature Adventure.
Explore the beautiful lakeside trails of Turville Point on this free naturalist guided walk with Stephanie Brand and Kaitlin Knudson. Learn the three ways that animals survive cold winters. While some migrate to warmer climates, others hibernate to conserve energy. Still others have special adaptations to stay active while resisting cold temperatures and food scarcity. Learn all about Wisconsin wildlife and their adaptations for winter!
Dress warm. We may have a campfire with hot chocolate and smores after the walk. Free, fun, family friendly, welcoming, educational. No registration required, no pets. Join us the second Sunday of every month for Bird and Nature Adventures at Turville Point Conservation Park. These walks are co-sponsored by Madison FUN partners, Madison Parks, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT). See the partner group websites and Facebook pages for updates and more activities. Contact 608-698-0104
Bird & Nature Adventure: Sunday, January 14, 1:30 PM
On Sunday, January 14th, at 1:30 PM, meet up at the entrance to Turville Point Conservation Park at the end of the southern parking lot for "Magic of Winter" Bird and Nature Adventure.
Join Master Naturalists Sean Gere and Gregory Roliardi and Andria Blattner with Friends of Olin Turville (FOOT) for a free family-friendly guided nature walk or take a walk on your own to enjoy the beauty of winter at Turville Point on Lake Monona. Learn about snow! Use a cold dark colored surface such as a plastic dish to catch some flakes and examine them with a magnifier. As snow falls, drifts, compresses and melts it goes through transformations that help form shelter for a variety of bugs, birds and animals living in the 'subnivian' layer beneath snow covered plants that provides a warm place to hide and feed over winter.
We will also look for animal tracks and signs, Great Horned Owls nesting in the pines, and beautiful winter birds along the trails and lake. See http://tinyurl.com/MadisonFUNAdventures for a Map and Fun Facts about Snow and a Winter Bird Bingo Card. Post comments and pictures on the Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT) Facebook page!
Dress warm and enjoy a campfire with cocoa and smores after the walk. Free, welcoming, family friendly, educational, no registration required, no pets. Second Sunday every month guided Bird and Nature Adventures and suggestions for self-guided walks and activities at Turville Point Conservation Park are co-sponsored by Madison FUN partners Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance and Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT). See the partner group websites and Facebook pages for updates and more activities! Contact 608-698-0104
Archived FOOT Events & Announcements
The links below take you to archived FOOT Announcements and Events which are grouped by year as Google Docs.
Dance 'Learning Series' at Olin Pavilion May 6 & 7, 2022
As part of the Madison Parks Division's 'Learning Series', Parks and FOOT will be co-sponsoring two weekend dance sessions in early May. Each of the two sessions will be held from 6 to 8 PM in the historic Olin Park pavilion. No experience or partner necessary - this is just an easy, fun, and social learning opportunity. Or just come to listen, watch and enjoy. Register here for this free event.
Friday, May 6 - Madison Scottish Country Dancers Learn easy reels & jigs
Saturday, May 7 - Madison Contra Dance Co-op Easy, social and fun folk dances