Anderson Park Friends, Inc.

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Spring Festival

Sunday, May 4, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anderson Farm County Park
914 Union Road, Oregon, WI
Website: andersonparkfriends.org

Spring Magic Comes to Life at Anderson Farm County Park Festival, May 4

OREGON, Wis. — Families are invited to step into a world of whimsy and wonder at the 4th Annual Spring Festival, happening Sunday, May 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event promises a joyful afternoon filled with fairy tale fun, creativity, and outdoor adventure—perfect for children ages 2 to 9.

Young explorers can search for 20 hidden fairy doors tucked along the forest and prairie trails and join the alphabet-inspired hunt for 70 hand-painted rocks, each decorated with cheerful colors, flowers, and letters. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as fairies or woodland critters to fully join in the fun!

Festival-goers won’t want to miss the towering kite activities and fairy-themed story walks. Children can let their imaginations soar with face painting by local artist Desere Mayo—back by popular demand after drawing long lines last year. Plus, enjoy bubble zones, hands-on crafts like fairy wand making and bead braiding with Boryana Hauge, and a seed-starting activity sponsored by the Oregon Nature Alliance.

Ready to take to the skies? Join the Oregon-Brooklyn Optimists and the Wisconsin Kiters for the ever-popular “Go Fly a Kite” activity. Free kites will be available while supplies last—come early to snag yours and see how high you can fly!

Live music by Randy Plunkett will keep the atmosphere lively, while families enjoy complimentary bottled water courtesy of Middleton Crossing Senior Living. Tauni Koch, Middleton Crossing’s Marketing Director, is also donating fairy houses to add a touch of enchantment to the event.

This free, community-powered event is hosted by Anderson Park Friends, Inc., and the Oregon-Brooklyn Optimists Club, with support from the Oregon Wellness Coalition and the Oregon Public Library. Art contributions are provided by 14 South Artists and others. Local businesses Inkworks (Stoughton), Culver’s, Wisco Industries, and Kwik Trip are proud supporters.

“No one wanted to leave last year,” said Roe Parker, President of Anderson Park Friends. “We were thrilled to welcome more than 150 guests, and we expect an even bigger turnout this year. With so much for kids to see and do, it’s a perfect way for families to kick off spring.”

Note: This event is weather-dependent. No rain date is scheduled.

For event details, contact Jann Kalscheur at 608-220-8716.

Learn more about Anderson Farm County Park at andersonparkfriends.org or visit Dane County Parks for general park information.

Jeff Olson - 2024 Arbor Day

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jeff Olson

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jeff “Ole” Olson, a beloved member of the Oregon-Brooklyn community, who passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 63.

Jeff’s unwavering dedication to our community left an enduring mark. Through his business, Arbor Systems, and his personal passion for giving back, he played an instrumental role in the development of Anderson Farm County Park. As a certified arborist and long-time business partner to Chris Heise, Jeff built a successful tree service company, often providing non-profit discounts and extending a helping hand wherever needed.

The APF Board is accepting donations for a memorial in Jeff's name to be installed at Anderson Farm County Park. 

Make a Lasting Tribute

To honor Jeff’s memory, Anderson Park Friends, Inc. (APF) will work with the Olson family and the Foundation for Dane County Parks to create a meaningful memorial at Anderson Farm County Park. Jeff was a frequent partner with the Dane County Parks Department. Your donation will help bring this tribute to life. Any additional funds will support tree-related projects at the park, continuing Jeff’s legacy of care for our natural spaces.

To contribute online, please use the secure donation form on our page dedicated to the Jeff Olson Memorial. Go to: https://bit.ly/4c5U2aD or use the navigation bar. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference. Checks can be sent to APF at this address:

Barbara Hill, APF Treasurer
876 Jean Circle
Oregon, WI 53575

Donations will be used for a memorial. APF will work with the Foundation for Dane County Parks to plan and install the memorial. Any funds above the cost of the memorial, will be applied to tree projects in 2025.

Note: Tentative plans are underway for a Jeff Olson Memorial Day at Anderson Farm County Park on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Photo Credit: Chris Heise, Arbor Systems, Arbor Day, 2023

Upcoming...

Below is a summary of work, educational and recreational events scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. Check our calendar page for more information and to R.S.V.P. for a specific event.

Event

Date

Time

Location/Notes

Food Pantry
Kick-off Event

April 15, 2025

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Work event to plant the 1/4 acre garden. Spring vegetables will be the focus. 

 Arbor Day

April 25, 2025

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Co-sponsored with Arbor Systems, Rome Corners 6th graders. Explore trees day.

Spring Festival

May 4, 2025

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Co-sponsored with the Oregon Brooklyn Optimists, Oregon Wellness Coalition.

 

APF Work Day(2nd Sat., each month)

May 10, 2025

8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Anderson Farm. Co. Park. Contact Jay Bonnell (608-835-6973) for the gathering location. Work: Forest and Food Pantry Garden Tasks.

Additional Events

  1. General Workdays: 2nd Saturday of each month, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (914 Union Road, Oregon, WI 53575, some locations may be different)
  2. Food Pantry Workdays (Seasonal-April through November): Each Tuesday, 4/01/24-10/22/24 , 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., (805 Union Road, Oregon, WI 53575)
  3. Forest, Prairie, Ames Bluebird Trail, Native Gardens Teams: Ad hoc schedule, (Seasonal-April through November)

Oregon Area Volunteers Are Special!

As we look back on a year of remarkable accomplishments, we’re filled with gratitude for the support that has made it all possible. Thanks to members like you, our efforts to preserve, restore, and enrich our beloved park have flourished, creating vibrant spaces for our community to enjoy and our ecosystem to thrive.
Now, it’s time to renew your commitment to the future of Anderson Park! Your annual membership renewal for 2025 is an essential investment in the park’s development, helping us expand our impact and continue as effective stewards of your generous contributions. By renewing or joining us for the first time, you’re not only supporting conservation efforts but also gaining access to enriching experiences, volunteer opportunities, and a meaningful connection to local nature.
2024 Highlights: A Year of Impactful Achievements
With your support, we’ve made incredible progress across a variety of projects:
  • Oregon Food Pantry Garden: Despite challenges, we’ve consistently delivered fresh produce to the pantry, meeting local food needs sustainably.
  • Sholts Woods Restoration: Following our 2024 land management plan, we removed invasive species and thinned specific tree areas to enhance the oak woodlot. Over 40 trees have been replanted since the project started, paving the way for a healthier forest ecosystem.
  • Native Flower Gardens: With our dedicated volunteers, we maintained 15 mini-gardens and collaborated with Girl Scout Troop 7720 to install a new monarch butterfly garden, supporting pollinators and native flora.
  • Prairie Maintenance: Our highly acclaimed  prairies (over 40 acres) flourished, with invasive species like thistle and wild parsnip effectively managed to preserve the ecosystem’s integrity.
  • Youth Engagement: We continued our tradition of sponsoring K-12 educational events, including Maple Syrup Day for Brooklyn 2nd graders and a prairie seed collection event with Oregon High School’s National Honor Society students.
  • Wildlife Habitats: Our efforts to provide essential wildlife habitats continued with maintained bluebird, kestrel, and bat houses throughout the park.
  • Community Events: Our annual bonfire (November 2nd) was a huge success. We parked over 240 parks and more than 810 people attended.
  • Join Us in 2025

We’re excited to take these achievements even further in the coming year, but we can’t do it without your support. Letters have been mailed to current members, and renewing or joining us is simple: visit https://www.andersonparkfriends.org/joinus to secure your 2025 membership.

Stay connected with us on our website and Facebook page for updates on volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and the latest news. Together, let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet!


Anderson Park Friends is a 501 (C) (3) organization recognized by both the US Internal Revenue Service and is tax-exempt under WI state statutes. We are recognized as one of the most dynamic conversation and agricultural organizations in southern Dane County.

Food Pantry Garden Update

The need for fresh produce has never been more urgent. We are continuing our mission in 2025 to feed kids, seniors and those in need in the Oregon and Brooklyn, WI area.

Meet you neighbors, have some fun, and feel that you’re making a difference. Call Barb Hill at 608-835-9090 to volunteer. A variety of shifts exist between 1 to hours.

​🌽🥕🌶️ Now is the time to let us know of your interest in volunteering. If you can’t volunteer, donate to APF! Go to the basic donation page (Note:  All donations over $25 will receive a family membership to APF. Conservation activities receive a portion of these donations.)

Anderson Park Friends, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) charitable non profit organization located in Oregon, WI. All donations are tax deductible.


Volunteer today. Project Priorities: Forest Restoration, Prairies, Native Plant Gardens, Food Pantry Garden, Community Gardens (23)

 

The development of the park has a Master Plan. Click here to read the Master Plan.

Join Us!

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Roe Parker, President
1560 Partridge Hill Drive
Oregon, WI 53575
608-835-3580
[email protected]