Nature Everywhere, an event series run by the City of Madison, will return on June 6 for its third annual celebration, with events running from June 5-7.
The weekend is one part of a grant-funded effort to continue working with community partners and libraries, provide educator training and professional learning opportunities and increase access to green spaces. The organization has partnered with over 100 communities nationwide to expand children’s access to nature since 2024.
“The initiative helps communities advance equitable access to nature, so that every child can experience the benefits of nature-based learning and play,” Autumn Demet, Madison Nature Everywhere program manager, said in a statement to The Daily Cardinal. “The City of Madison was among the first communities to join this national effort through a partnership with the Children & Nature Network and KABOOM!”
Madison launched its inaugural Nature Everywhere day in 2024, but what started as a single day of free outdoor programming has continued to grow as more organizations joined the effort.
“The growth of Nature Everywhere in the Madison region has been driven by our incredible partnerships,” Demet said. “We have a coalition of organizations, schools, libraries, community groups, educators and individuals who bring their own expertise, creativity and passion to this work.”
Demet credited the program’s growth to the dedication of the committed organizations.
“No single organization could do this alone,” she said. “Our long term goal is for everyone to have easy access to nature and high quality nature experiences. We’ll continue building partnerships and finding new ways to reach people, because everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of nature.”
This year’s celebration will feature activities for a variety of interests, ages and experience levels with a “mix of self-guided adventures and educator and naturalist-led experiences,” according to Demet. “We’re offering a little bit of everything this year, in hopes that everyone can find something that fits their interests, schedule or neighborhood,” she said.
Events include the Lake Wingra Nature Everywhere Challenge, nature crafts and scavenger hunts, pond explorations, habitat restoration projects and educator-led outdoor experiences.
For community organizers, the weekend is about more than just recreation.
“Spending time in nature helps people develop a stronger connection to place and community. It builds curiosity, empathy, and a sense of stewardship for the world around us,” Demet said. “When people care deeply about their environment and feel connected to where they live, it makes our entire community stronger.”
She also mentioned there are physical benefits associated with time spent outdoors, including lowered stress levels, improved mood, increased physical activity and better sleep.
Demet said organizers hope attendees leave the weekend feeling that nature is accessible in the spaces around them.
“You don’t need expensive gear, a long drive or a major outdoor adventure to benefit from time outside. Sometimes it's as simple as visiting a neighborhood park, taking a walk or sitting by the water,” Demet said. “If this weekend inspires people to spend a little more time outdoors throughout the summer, we’ll consider that a huge success.”
