It's almost time to dip our toes into the weekend! With both in-person and virtual events taking place, there will be something for everyone. If the air quality is holding you back, take this weekend to visit some of our indoor sites and get your Nature Passport stamped!

This week's Bird of the Week is the Song Sparrow, one of the most familiar North American sparrows. Although you've likely heard these male birds singing their songs, it may not be as commonly known that this song is used to not only attract mates but also defend territory

This Bird of the Week is the Eastern Screech-Owl! Eastern Screech-Owls are feisty animals. While they typically mate for life, it is also common for males to mate with two different females, with the second female potentially evicting the first. bit.ly/41vXnsJ

It's time for a very special Wildlife Wednesday... the Badger! It's no surprise that the University of Wisconsin-Madison claimed the mascot as the badger is known to be ferocious and aggressive. Keep your eyes peeled this winter to see if you can spot their tracks in the snow!

Learn about ocean pollution and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in this month's Nature Net News. ow.ly/O59W50P5G1J #OceanExploration #BeTheChange #SaveTheOceans #SkipTheStraw

It's almost time for Blooming Butterflies at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. From July 13th - August 6, visit the Bolz Conservatory to make connections with up to 19 different species of free-flying butterflies! See you there, and more info at olbrich.org

Did you know we have a blog? Each month our Nature Net Director and Intern work together to release an informative and fun blog including seasonal topics and resources for families and educators. Sign up here! bit.ly/3CUliYR

It's World Snake Day! Did you know that snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica? There are 3,500 species of snakes around the world, but only 25% of them are venomous. Check out our old Wildlife Wednesday post on the Garter Snake: bit.ly/444hzUz

Happy Monday! It's time for Bird of the Week! This week's spotlight goes to the Tufted Titmouse. Tufted Titmice are regulars at backyard birdfeeders, so i's likely you've heard their peter-peter song before! Check out other birds through Nature Passport: bit.ly/41vXnsJ

This Wildlife Wednesday we are exploring the Eastern Musk Turtle! Although you may not see them as often as their fellow turtle friends, springtime is when our luck is the strongest. However, considering they are nicknamed the "stinkpot," it might be best to keep our distance.

This Wildlife Wednesday we are exploring the Eastern Musk Turtle! Although you may not see them as often as their fellow turtle friends, springtime is when our luck is the strongest. However, considering they are nicknamed the "stinkpot," it might be best to keep our distance.

Itching to try something new? Check out our calendar events to see the options waiting for you this weekend. Did you know that Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered during a quarry blast? Learn more on this event and others here: bit.ly/3JcV0VJ

Keep your eyes peeled for this Bird of the Week! As you likely won't see them in your backyard, take a drive to look for this week's feature, the Red-tailed Hawk. While they're more numerous in the winter, these birds are very common in North America bit.ly/41vXnsJ

Today is World Nature Conservation Day! Stressing the need for preserving a healthy environment, today encourages us to take action towards saving plants and animals who are facing the threat of extinction. Check out our blog post for tips and tricks: bit.ly/3PCxbtY

Familiar to most, this week's Bird of the Week is the Bald Eagle! Being the national emblem of the US since 1782 and a symbol for native people for longer, you've likely encountered this lovely animal several times. While they used to be endangered, they are now flourishing!

Did you know Nature Net hosts a Jobs Board? Available positions at area nature-based organizations are all posted in one convenient place! Find your future dream job at: ow.ly/u2IK50PuXun

Today is World Lion Day! The folks at World Wildlife Fund note that "previously, lions roamed throughout all of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe." Take some time today to learn more about lions - or visit the lions at Henry Vilas Zoo!

Gracias to our friends at LACIS for their commitment to sharing Spanish language resources in our community. LACIS helped produce the Spanish version of our popular Nature Passport. Over 3,000 of these little blue books are out "in the wild"! ow.ly/Fshg50PvkGc

How do Wisconsin wildlife species interact? Find out by using trail cameras! Our friends at Snapshot Wisconsin Wisconsin DNR use trail cameras to understand wildlife populations & animal behavior. Apply for your own trail camera and volunteer here: ow.ly/29EL50Px4Ez

Today is World Honey Bee Day! The folks at The Xerces Society note that while honey bees are not endangered, many native bees are. You can help bees of all types by growing pollinator gardens. Tips on gardening for bees from our friends at the UW-Madison Arboretum: ow.ly/thKS50PyeJG