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What is the Lakeshore Nature Preserve?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve permanently protects the undeveloped lands along the shore of Lake Mendota where members of the campus community have long experienced the intellectual and aesthetic benefits of interacting with the natural world.

The Preserve shelters biologically significant plant and animal communities for teaching, research, outreach, and environmentally sensitive use, and safeguards beloved cultural landscapes.

The Preserve symbolizes not just the beauty of UW-Madison, but its core values as one of the preeminent environmental research universities in the world. The Preserve is as essential to the university as its lecture halls, laboratories, and playing fields. It contributes to a powerful sense of place and fosters an ethic of stewardship to promote mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the rest of nature.

Read our Mission Statement ...

Read about our Guiding Principles ...

Read the 2006 Master Plan ...

How can we visit and explore the Preserve?

1. If you are new to the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, we urge you to explore the Interactive Map first.
2. Then, browse the Plan a Visit webpage to get ideas for your type of visit.
3. Looking for NEW places to explore? Start with the Place Index or the Reading the Landscape webpage.

How can I get more involved with the Preserve?

Volunteers are always welcome, whatever your talents or interests. See our Volunteer webpage for more information.

You can also become a member of the Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, a non-profit organization for everyone who cares about this special place.  The Friends conduct regular field trips, hold meetings about the Preserve, organize volunteer activities, publish a newsletter, and generally do wonderful work to make the Preserve a better place.  Information about membership can be found at http://waa.uwalumni.com/lakeshorepreserve. 

What if I want to offer financial support?

Thank you! Please join the growing community of donors who sustain the Lakeshore Nature Preserve across the seasons and generations, year in and year out. Please see our Giving webpage for details.