Transform Your Backyard into a Wildlife Haven: UW Expert to Keynote Annual Meeting

OREGON, WI — Local homeowners can learn how to turn their yards into thriving ecosystems for birds and pollinators at the Anderson Park Friends, Inc. (APF) Annual Meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The free, community-wide event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Oregon Hall (1138 Union Road, Oregon, WI). Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

This year’s featured speaker is David Garison Stevens, the prestigious Ed Hasselkus Curator of the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens at the UW-Madison Arboretum. In his presentation, "Native Shrubs and Trees For the Birds and the Bees," Stevens will share insider secrets on using native Upper Midwest greenery to attract and sustain local wildlife. As only the third curator of the state's largest woody plant collection since 1935, Stevens brings world-class expertise ranging from tree breeding to managing his own 130-acre organic farm.

"We want to give our neighbors practical, exciting ways to bring local nature right to their doorsteps," said Roe Parker, APF President. "David's talk is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the state's leading horticultural experts."

Because this highly anticipated presentation is an in-person exclusive and will not be streamed virtually, attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early. Neighbors can RSVP directly on the APF calendar page at andersonparkfriends.org.

• In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will get an insider look at the future of their local green spaces with Park Project Updates for Anderson Farm County Park.
• The evening will also include the election of two Board Directors (Vice President and At-large positions, each carrying a two-year term).

Founded in 2013, Anderson Park Friends, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and protecting Anderson Farm County Park.

2026 Food Pantry Garden - Join Us!

It's the growing season and we need your volunteer time and/or financial support. Your 2025 financial supported the 2,700 pounds of fresh produce.

The APF garden supports 2 food pantries in Oregon (primary) and the Badger Prairie Needs Network [antry in Verona WI.

🌱🌟 Join Us at the Anderson Farm Center Food Pantry Garden! 🌟🌱

💚 How You Can Help:

• Volunteer: Join us for a fun, rewarding morning of gardening.
• Donate: Funds support seeds, vegetable seedlings, tools, organic fertilizer, and cover crops (soil improvement). Make a donation from our donation page (Click here.) to support the food pantry garden.

Labor is 100% volunteer. Your time is needed for 1-2 volunteer shifts on Tuesday mornings (8:30 -10:30 a.m. You’ll benefit by helping feed children, seniors, and those in need. Fresh produce is always in short supply at the pantries. Group opportunities available.

✨ Why Volunteer?

• Small Time, Big Impact: Just 1-2 shifts on Tuesday mornings (8:30 - 10:30 a.m.) make a huge difference. Other days and times of the week are available.
• Community Impact: Your efforts help ensure everyone has access to healthy food.

Business, Church, and Nonprofit Opportunities to Fight Hunger: APF will work with businesses, churches, and/or nonprofits to organize a work event on your schedule.  Our common event schedule is based on Tuesday mornings (8:30 -10:30 a.m.  Volunteers typically plant seeds, weed and water the vegetables, as well as harvest the crops.

Together, we can grow hope and nourish our community. Let's make 2026 our best year yet!

Call Barb Hill, 608-835-9090 for more info and to volunteer.

APF partners with the Oregon Area Food Pantry, Oregon School District, and Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens to plan and operate the garden.

Upcoming...

Below are work/educational/recreational events scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2026.

Additional Events

1. General Workdays: 2^nd 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,, 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), Each Monday, starting May 19th, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.