This is rescheduled to the rain date: Wednesday, June 30, 7:00pm!
Join us for a low-key evening “sit-spot” at Pheasant Branch Conservancy to enjoy the sunset and company of fellow-nature lovers! Carolyn will be painting the sunset with watercolors, and you're welcome to bring art supplies too! You could also bring a nature journal, write poetry, record what you see or hear with a notebook or camera, or just simply enjoy the evening. Carolyn will help with plant and bird ID. We'll also keep an eye out for insects, mammals, tracks, and scat.
The sit spot: A wide, mowed grassy area at the top of a hill. We'll be able to see the springs and wetland in the distance to the East, and Fredrick's Hill to the north. There are two Leopold benches in that area. You could bring a towel, blanket, or lawn chair to sit on. We will be practicing physical distancing while sitting.
What to bring: Wear clothes, shoes, and a hat that will keep you comfortable. Consider bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray as needed. Bring supplies for whatever you plan to do while we sit: art tools, notebook, binoculars, etc. A chair or blanket to sit on, a flashlight for the walk out (if you need it).
Timing: Sunset is at 8:41 pm. We'll plan to be at the sitting spot by 7:15. Carolyn, the trip leader, will be starting from the Northern Parking Lot on Pheasant Branch Rd (Marked with an "A" pin drop on this map) at 7:00 and will be walking to the sit spot. You're welcome to walk with her or reach the sit spot from whichever trail/direction you prefer! We'll likely disperse by 9pm.
The trail from Point A (above): wide, smooth, gravel trail eventually climbing a fairly steep hill. This type of trail is pretty consistent throughout the main part of Pheasant Branch, though some of the trails are wetter and there are a few wooden boardwalks.
A note about parking: If it's a nice evening, the Dane County Parking lot at 4864 Pheasant Branch Road may be full. As a matter of safety, it’s strongly discouraged to park on the shoulder of Pheasant Branch Road itself because it will be getting dark and it's hazardous. There is another county parking lot farther out at 5000 Pheasant Branch Road, at the driveway to the former Acker property. It will make for a longer walk to the meeting spot, but you would be much safer than parking on the road, assuming the lot is full.
Sit and enjoy a sunset with us! Photo by Carolyn Byers
FIELD TRIP LEADER: Carolyn Byers (carolyn.byers@madisonaudubon.org)
RAIN DATE: Wednesday, June 30, 7-9pm
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
Minimal walking required
Trail grade and #/type of trail impediments are ok for those with difficulty walking or wearing children in packs
Field trip leader is adept at birding by ear and can accommodate individuals with vision impairments
APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FOR WALKING: Less than 1 mile
COVID-19 NOTES:
We follow the CDC guidelines in place at the time of the field trip.
All of our field trip leaders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all participants to be fully vaccinated.
Children are welcome to attend, and required to wear masks when within 6’ of individuals not in their household.
RSVP REQUIRED? YES, participation limited to 12 individuals. Register below!
Cover photo by Carolyn Byers
