Skip to main content

Naturalist-in-Residence

Call for Submissions Opens March 1

Image
Apply to be the next Naturalist-in-Residence at Madison Public Library in 2025. Applications accepted March 1-31

Madison Public Library is looking for a new Naturalist-in-Residence for the summer of 2025. Educators, gardeners, scientists, writers, biologists and more are invited to apply to the six-week residency, which will take place from June 15 to July 26. The selected Naturalist will highlight the beauty of Madison’s diverse natural areas, as well as bringing the outdoors into Library spaces. Naturalist programs are an opportunity for participants to explore, learn, and reflect upon the natural world in new ways, and learn to incorporate nature into their daily lives.

The Naturalist-in-Residence will work with library staff to create eight to ten programs encouraging patrons to get in touch with nature. Successful programming can include any of the following topics: 

  • Gardening
  • Nature Education
  • Food Independence
  • Environmental Justice
  • Cultural Practices
  • Urban Naturalism
  • And more…

The Naturalist-in-Residence will also work with library staff to create booklists highlighting books in our collection for patrons, and will be encouraged to conduct media interviews to promote the residency.

The library will be accepting submissions from March 1-31, 2025. Please fill out the form below to apply!

2025 Residency Details

Naturalist Stipend: $1,940-$2,300, plus stipend for media interviews.

Residency Dates: This six-week residency will be held June 16-July 26. The Naturalist must be available for project planning in May.

Applications accepted through March 31, 2025.

Media/Collaboration Inquiries

Are you interested in working with or interviewing the Naturalist-in-Residence? Please fill out our inquiry form, the library will pass on the request, and the Naturalist will reach out to you when they have capacity.

Other Questions?

Contact community@madisonpubliclibrary.org
 

Sponsors and Partners

Look Back at Previous Naturalist Programs

Madison Public Library’s popular Naturalist-in-Residence program returned for its third year in 2024! In partnership with Madison Parks, nature-based programs for all ages took place in libraries, parks and natural areas across the city of Madison. 

You can learn even more about last year's residency on the 2024 Residency: Find Your Way Back to Nature page.

Past Years

Image
Naturalist-in-Residence Alex Booker 2024

Alex Booker

2024 Residency Theme: Find Your Way Back to Nature

Image
Qwantese Dourese Winters Madison Public Library Naturalist-in-Residence 2023

Qwantese Dourese Winters

2023 Residency Theme: Rooted in Nature

Image
Madison Public Library Naturalist-in-Residence John C. Newman stands among the trees with a prairie in the background at the UW Arboretum

John Newman

2022 Residency Theme: Nature is for Everyone