Naturalist in Residence Programs led by Alex Booker Begin at Madison Public Library

MADISON, WISCONSIN - The Naturalist-in-Residence program hosted by Madison Public Library in partnership with Madison Parks begins today on Monday, July 15 with programs led by Madison native and local naturalist Alex Booker.

Booker, who currently serves as the Manager of the Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, will facilitate 10 nature-based programs in libraries and green spaces across Madison over the next six weeks.

The theme of Booker's residency is "Find Your Way Back to Nature" and will focus on ways to reconnect with the ecosystems that surround us.

"My goal is to help people hear the messages nature is trying to give them by exploring traditional ways of connecting to the land," said Booker. "The lessons we learn by observing the natural ecosystem can help people take steps to become the person they want to be in our community ecosystem."

While several programs focus on how to incorporate plants, herbs, flowers and natural materials into everyday life (Cooking with Weeds, Rustic Floral Arranging, and Making Art with Natural Dyes), others encourage people to get out into nature, explore mindfulness activities, and try new things.