The Arboretum Issue
The Arb through the ages
Once a farm, almost a subdivision, the UW Arboretum has never been static.
Apr 19, 2018
Nature projects
Chuck Henrikson is an avid birder. He’s also a citizen scientist, reporting all of the birds he sees and hears to an international database. It’s one of the many ways citizen science happens at the UW Arboretum.
Apr 19, 2018
The Arboretum Issue
The UW Arboretum is a 1,200- acre swath of prairie, woods and wetland smack dab in the city of Madison. It is a recreation destination, a refuge for people seeking solace in nature and a world-class research facility.
Apr 19, 2018
Beer + oddball fruits
A collaboration between the UW Arboretum and Funk Factory Geuzeria makes unique use of botanical samples from Longenecker Gardens. But kids, don’t try this at home — you need a permit.
Apr 16, 2018
So you think you know the Arb
Put your knowledge of Madison's beautiful outdoor laboratory to the test with our pop quiz.
Apr 19, 2018
Madison’s drain
The Arboretum isn’t just a natural treasure in the middle of our city. It’s also the “drain” for some 500 million gallons of the city’s stormwater each year.
Apr 19, 2018
Unlikely friends
Fox and coyote coexist peacefully at the Arboretum, according to researchers from the UW-Madison Urban Canid Project. It’s a rare phenomenon.
Apr 19, 2018
In silhouette
The Arboretum’s distinctive visual look comes from one of its early enthusiasts, Albert Gallistel. Artists working there today, like metal artist and sculptor Michael Burns, look to Gallistel for inspiration.
Apr 19, 2018
Virgin territory
In the middle of a major city are 1,200 acres of natural living history, including effigy mounds, tallgrass prairies, savannas, wetlands and several forest types. One Dane County resident had never visited.
Apr 19, 2018
Natural facts
The bookstore at the UW Arboretum will set you up with hyperlocal guidebooks and classics of U.S. environmental literature. You might also leave with a set of scat identification cards.
Apr 19, 2018
Living laboratory
Everybody knows that the UW Arboretum is a great place to recreate and enjoy nature. But it’s also a living laboratory where scientists are constantly observing the environment and conducting cutting-edge experiments.
Apr 19, 2018
In the June issue
SummerTimes 2025
Don’t squander it! Isthmus wants you to enjoy your summer, because what else is summer for? South central Wisconsin is beckoning.
Pressure mounts on UW animal research
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are claiming victory in forcing UW-Madison’s Food Research Institute to create a separate fund for corporate donors that don’t want to support research that uses animals.
The cheese tour
You are in Green County — cheese country. You’ll find a surprising variety of cheese for sale as well as beer, pastries, meat sticks and clever gift-ables in homage to cows, cheese and Wisconsin.
All the state’s a stage
Wisconsinites don’t have much time to enjoy their summer, so it makes sense that theater, like dining, moves outdoors. Here’s a roundup of plays presented al fresco throughout the state.
Lavender farms thrive near Madison, and midsummer’s the best time to visit
Visiting a lavender farm means vibrant color, soothing aromas, scenic beauty and maybe even a lavender latte.