We are presently limiting our outreach activities until the fall. Please see our prairie stewardship workday opportunity below if you are interested in volunteering with the Friends. Thanks for your continued support of the Friends and interest in Capital Springs Recreation Area!
Close-to-home nature and outdoor recreation throughout the seasons
Capital Springs is a 2,500-acre, urban-edge park centrally located in Dane County.
Extending from Fish Hatchery Road to the western shore of Lake Waubesa, visitors enjoy miles of undisturbed lakeshore, large stretches of wetlands, prairie, Nine Springs Creek and mature oak woodlands. With eight park units encompassed in the Recreation Area, there’s amenities for all interests: a 22-acre dog park, modern camping, miles of paved biking trails, hiking trails with high vistas, cultural interest areas, boardwalks, shelters, and so much more.
3101 Lake Farm Road
Madison, WI 53711
email | Facebook | Naturalist Clare
We look forward to seeing you!
The Friends of Capital Springs
Our purpose is to support, assist and promote all units within the Capital Springs Recreation Area (CSRA), including William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, Jenni & Kyle Preserve, Lewis Nine Springs E-Way, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Capital Springs State Park, Lussier Family Heritage Center, and the Capital City and Lower Yahara River Trails.
FOCSRA hosts and develops community outreach programming, volunteer opportunities, community science focused on environmental education and nature connection. We also create on-site interpretive materials and content for park users and lead land stewardship projects.
| Thank you for supporting FOCSRA’s nature-based community outreach programming! Donate or become a Friend. Questions about the Friends? Contact the Friends at capsprings@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you      |
Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area
Through a variety of programming opportunities – nature exploration, citizen science, educational programming, and stewardship – the Friends provide experiences for every interest.
In 2022, the Friends offer citizen science connected to bumble bee and American Kestrel conservation, water monitoring, and a year-long park bird count. The Friends co-host a Waubesa lakeshore clean-up, conduct weekly volunteer prairie restoration days and woodland stewardship, lead nature walks, and will host a Wisconsin Master Naturalist training course. A special opportunity this year includes collaboration with the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin in youth programming and a traditional plant-use project. Capital Springs Recreation Area is the ancestral homeland of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin.
The Park:
The Capital Springs Recreation Area is located south of Madison and extends from Fish Hatchery Road to the western shore of Lake Waubesa.
Park Map
At Capital Springs, visitors enjoy miles of paved bike trails and natural hiking trails, shelters with playgrounds, camping facilities, wildlife observation, a boat launch on Lake Waubesa, multiple paddle launches, fishing, groomed ski and snowshoe trails, a dog park, a disc golf course, educational and interpretive resources, and more, all located within minutes to downtown Madison.
The park consists of eight distinct units within its boundaries. Dane County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, the City of Monona, and other local communities maintain different areas within CSRA.
The 2,500-acre park is home to a variety of quality natural landscapes, including oak savanna, prairie, mixed woodland, and many acres of wetland for excellent wildlife observation. =
What to do: Enjoy miles of multi-use and hiking trails, shelters with playgrounds, camping, a boat launch, fishing, paddle sports, ski trails, a dog park, a disc golf course, interpretive resources, and more.
Our Mission:
The Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and its mission is to assist Dane County, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and other partners in the implementation of the Park’s Master Plan. 
The Friends connect visitors to the Park’s diverse natural resources through educational, recreational, scientific, and archeological opportunities. 
Join the Friends and mailing list by completing our online membership form or contact Naturalist Clare with your interest areas.
Visit the Friends events page for upcoming stewardship, community science, nature walks and other event opportunities.
Support FOCSRA Today
Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area
3101 Lake Farm Road
Madison, WI 53711
The Friends are on Facebook
capsprings@gmail.com
