Summer in the park is anything but boring. The pool/splash pad is open, wildflowers are blooming, and the sun almost refuses to set. June was a whirlwind of events and we’re just getting started. The summer is full of music and excursions for all park adventurers.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click on the event below or visit the “Events” tab to get more details about each upcoming event. Contact [email protected] with questions.
- Saturdays, July 6 – August 31
Music on the Mound - July 11 & 23
Prairie Restoration Volunteer Days - Saturdays in July & August
Junior Explorers Program - Weekends in July & August
Park Naturalist Events
Music on the Mound
Bring the whole family out for FREE live music on Saturdays in July and August from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Blue Mound State Park amphitheater. These events are FREE with park admission.
In the event of inclement weather, performances will take place in the Friends Shelter.
JUNE EVENTS RECAP
Blue Mound Trail Run
A rainy day couldn’t dampen the enjoyment of the over 300 runners taking part in the 2024 Blue Mound Trail Run on Saturday, June 1st. This was the 20th edition of this run, the oldest event in the popular Savanna Series of trail runs around Dane County. The proceeds from the run benefit the Friends of BMSP.
20K Winners
Ariel Webber 1:55:42
Michael Quesnell1:27:42
10K Winners
Kate Cole 47:54
Riley Spahn 44:12
Congratulations to all the runners for sloshing their way around the park and a huge shout out to the more than 20 volunteers and first responders who made it all possible. More information, photos, and results at www.wisconsintrailruns.com.
Horribly Hilly Hundreds
It was a beautiful day for “The Toughest One-Day Challenge Ride in the Midwest”. Almost 1,050 riders, representing 24 states and 3 countries, successfully completed the 21st Horribly Hilly Hundreds bike ride. Despite the last-minute course changes, riders met the challenge of new climbs including Roberts Road!
The event is the flagship annual fundraiser for the Friends. Proceeds go toward continued work to preserve the natural resources and improve the visitor experience at Blue Mound State Park.
We want to thank everyone who participated, sponsored, and volunteered. It was a fantastic day and Focal Flame Photography captured some great moments. Participants can find photos for purchase at www.focalflamestore.com.
PARK UPDATES
Prairie Restoration Update
There were some definite highlights during recent field days; including flowering purple milkweed (pictured), tall thimbleweed (pictured), lots of gentian, and native thistles.
The crown vetch was thick in much of Swain Prairie so there will be significant zones of dead plants in the interest of the long-term welfare of the prairie. You may have noticed some mowed areas on the prairies. Adaptive Restoration and volunteers mowed the reed canary grass (before going to seed) in the couple of areas it exists in the Swain and Walnut Prairies.
These prairies are already looking better and they will continue to improve as we burn, spray, mow, and interseed in the coming years. The next work sessions are happening on July 11 at 8:00 am and July 23 at 6:00 pm. We plan to clean up some of the missed weeds at that time and assess how the prairies are responding to the previous treatments.
Let us know if you can make it to one of the upcoming work days.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the mission of Friends of Blue Mound State Park. There are many opportunities to get involved, from assisting with our events to maintaining trails and helping keep our park beautiful. Visit our volunteer page to get started.
