Sip and Seed Member Event, SwampLovers’ Preserve, Table Bluff Segment, Dane County

A social volunteer event to harvest native prairie seeds followed by refreshments at sunset.

Seeds, Sunset, and Stewardship: Welcome to the Golden Hour Ice Age Trail Alliance Members*—You’re invited! * Not a member? That’s okay— join today and be part of the fun! Immerse yourself in fall splendor at SwampLovers’ Preserve—a 433-acre native prairie showcase, perched atop the rolling hills of southwestern Dane County. Help harvest seeds from exuberant stands of native wildflowers, including cream gentian, goldenrod, and sky-blue aster. Alliance staff and experienced volunteers will be on hand to guide you, making it easy and fun to learn what to pick and where to find it. Your efforts directly support habitat restoration by boosting plant diversity and creating vital food sources for struggling pollinators. Drop by anytime between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. for this relaxed, open-house-style event. Connect with fellow Alliance members, share your passion for conservation, and lend a hand caring for the prairie. Starting at 6:00 p.m., enjoy snacks, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages —and stay to savor the golden hour as the sun sinks behind the distant Blue Mound. * Not a member? That’s okay— join today and be part of the fun! Event Details: Where: SwampLovers’ Preserve, Table Bluff Segment, Dane County When: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Time: Open-house-style, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Beverages and snacks begin at 6:00 p.m. Parking and Check-In: Table Bluff South Trailhead parking Terrain: Expect a steep climb as you walk from the parking lot to the top of Table Bluff where seed collecting will happen. What to Bring: Gardening gloves Closed-toed shoes Sun hat/sunscreen Bug spray Long pants, long-sleeve shirt (we will be in tall grass) Personal drinking water and container Rain gear – we will work in light rain; please check the forecast Camp chair and/or blanket (limited seating is available) Volunteer Agreement Form: If you are new to volunteering or haven’t filled out a Volunteer Agreement form in the last 12 months, please complete an agreement before attending this event. Please email your completed agreement to the National Park Service ( iatr_vip_ice_age_trail@nps.gov ) to establish your Individual Volunteer Agreement. Questions about the Volunteer Agreement Form?: Email Dan Watson, Volunteer Coordinator, National Park Service – Ice Age Trail: Daniel_Watson@nps.gov