Wisdom Prairie Summer Tour

Join us Jul. 23 for the annual Wisdom Prairie Summer Tour – one of four free, guided seasonal prairie tours at Holy Wisdom Monastery, one of the most peaceful places near Madison, WI.

Whether you’re an experienced nature enthusiast looking to discover a new trail with a beautiful view of Lake Mendota and the Wisconsin State Capitol, seeking to deepen your relationship with this land or wanting to add more grounding, outdoor activities to your mental wellness routine, there will be something for you on this unique tour!

Environmental education on each guided nature walk will be tailored to the trails you visit and what you encounter along the way.

Frequent tour topics include:

• Native prairie plants and pollinators
• Butterflies, birds and wildlife habitats
• Oak savanna and wetland ecology
• Wisconsin seasonal changes
• Environmental stewardship and local history
• Mindfulness and connection with the natural world

We hope you will join us for this restorative outdoor experience and that our local bird watchers and hikers in attendance will find their new favorite spot at Holy Wisdom Monastery! Slow down, reconnect with nature and discover one of Middleton’s most beautiful outdoor spaces by signing up today.

Cost

There is no cost to participants for this tour. Donations to Care for the Earth are always welcome.

Register

Please register so we have enough tour guides and can contact you in case we need to cancel due to weather.

If you registered for this event but can no longer attend, please fill out this form to let us know of your cancellation.

FAQ:

What will I see on the Wisdom Prairie Summer Tour?

Summer – The summer landscape at Holy Wisdom Monastery is full of native plants with colorful flowers. Wildlife such as turkeys and deer are frequently active. Insects including butterflies and bees work to pollinate.

Are the Holy Wisdom Monastery trails open to the public? 

Yes; Holy Wisdom Monastery’s trails are open to the public! In addition, we have many other opportunities to engage with our land including environmental events, volunteering, nature brochures, trail maps, and more.

What do I need to know about accessibility for this event?

The tour will cover 1-1.5 miles on walking trails at a leisurely pace. Various tour lengths will be offered. Elevation and trail conditions may vary depending on recent weather. Must be able to walk one mile on mowed hiking trails. Please dress for the weather and consider bringing a walking stick if helpful.

Directions

Meet at the kiosk in the monastery building parking lot (take the right fork in the driveway). Tours will take place in small groups. We will proceed with the tour in the event of light to moderate rain or snow but will cancel for thunderstorms or other severe weather.

Thank you!

This tour is hosted for free by knowledgeable tour guides from the Holy Wisdom Monastery staff and our Friends of Wisdom Prairie volunteers.