Photo essay: Picnic Point

As winter approaches, many lovers of the outdoors take advantage of any decent weather by visiting Picnic Point. They go for walks and jogs, enjoy fall foliage, plan bonfires or watch the last few sailboats on Lake Mendota.

What originally began as a farm now is Picnic Point, purchased by the university from lumberman Edward Young in 1939. Today, Picnic Point is part of the UW–Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve, an area of more than 300 acres that consists of natural woods and wetlands, restored prairies and savannas, open fields and trails.

In addition to recreational activities, Picnic Point is home to scholarly pursuits. Students study and identify plants and animals, analyze physical systems such as soils and topography, and explore peoples’ relationship to the land through art, landscape design and poetry. There also are opportunities for restoration research.

Photos: Jeff Miller

Setting the mood for a special night on Picnic Point, a toasty campfire helps temper a brisk wind coming off Lake Mendota. The occasion was a surprise dinner celebrating Bob and Nan Schaefer’s 31st wedding anniversary, an event planned by Bob with the help of his three daughters and one daughter’s fiance. The Schaefers are alumni of the university and residents of Madison. The campus fire pits are managed by Physical Plant and can be reserved free of charge by calling 263-3333.

An autumn walk is that much more pleasant with conversation.

Fall hues and Lake Mendota make a rich palette.

A runner enjoys the autumn colors and the crunch of leaves.

A blue sky sets off a tree canopy of orange-colored leaves. Several of the blurred, impressionistic views here and above were created as the photographer rotated or moved the camera during a time exposure.