Nature Center

308 Main St. Darlington, WI
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 1pm - 4pm
608-726-2143

Calendar of Events [PDF]

Bluebird Nest Nature Center
Nature Center The Bluebird Nest Nature Center opened in 2014. The Nature Center was created with the intention of providing a place where people of all ages can experience the wonders of Lafayette County's natural world. It is the only nature center in Lafayette county. The mission of the Nature Center is to provide to the public a facility that offers educational materials, classes, speakers and displays and the vision is to build a strong base of individuals who will support the ecosystem of Southwestern Wisconsin.

Sue Cashman The programs and displays are free and open to the public and are intended to increase the interest and awareness of the general public in specific areas of the natural world with the end result of building a strong base of individuals who will support the ecosystem of southwestern Wisconsin. The programs are focused on the Eastern Bluebird, native birds, threatened and endangered species, the driftless area, and the general fauna and flora in southwestern Wisconsin. The Nature Center is staffed by volunteers: Barb, Carol, Jeanne, Marilyn, Dale, Jim (Hatch), Lynne, Les, Linda, Pat, Lori, and Sue. We welcome new volunteers and ideas. Contact: Carol McDaniel or Sue Cashman.

Sue Cashman has been the manager since the nature center opened. Sue is a veteran teacher with the Darlington, Wisconsin School District. She still enjoys tutoring children during the school year. She finds that managing the nature center helps fulfill her desire to be a lifelong learner. Sue has an Eastern Bluebird trail and enjoys the weekly trips to check her nest boxes. She has a written a children's book about Eastern Bluebirds titled Teddy and the Bluebirds. She invites everyone to visit the Bluebird Nest Nature Center, enjoy the displays, and pick up a program schedule.

Displays
The Bluebird Nest Nature Center has a variety of interactive, hands-on displays that entertain and educate visitors.
Nature Center Display The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin sponsors a display. Designed and created by members of their Board of Directors, the display offers the visitor information they need to know about bluebirds and bluebird trails. Founded in 1986, the Association is relied upon by bluebirders everywhere for accurate and trusted practices used for bluebird production. Their members have played a big part in the comeback of the Eastern Bluebird to Wisconsin. The other displays are changed each year. Stop in soon and see what we have to offer. It took many hours and many hands to get the Center in operation; we want to thank everyone who helped in any way!

Programs and Presentations The Bluebird Nest Nature Center has many guest speakers and events throughout the year. Please check our calendar of events to see what we have! Our vision is to build a strong base of individuals who will support the ecosystem of Southwestern Wisconsin. We hope that area communities will show their support for the Center by attending our sessions or becoming a member or donating. There is no charge for events or programs.


Gift Shop
Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone? The Nature Center offers many unique items, such as, children's picture books, nature prints, hand-sewn fabric baskets, heart shaped boxes, hand painted necklaces, animal decorated stones and aprons, railroad memorabilia, and much more! Nearly all of the items are donated or made by local community members. This great love of birds and nature is what brings everyone together and has built our strong community.

  Bluebird Trail Essentials for Sale
We have bluebird houses for sale at the Bluebird Nest Nature Center for $25.00. The bluebird houses with the pole mounting system are $30. The pole mounting system maybe purchased separately for $10.00.