Madison Reporter

Alex Booker announced as the 2024 naturalist-in-residence for Madison Public Library

Jun 6, 2024

MADISON, WI – Madison Public Library and Madison Parks have introduced Alex Booker as the 2024 Naturalist-in-Residence.

Booker, a native of Madison, expressed that his passion for nature began at a young age. "One of my most fond nature memories is going to my family farm in Mississippi, being amongst family, and riding in the back of my great-grandpa’s pickup truck," said Booker. "There were different types of critters down there and bigger bugs, too! I’ve always enjoyed exploring different types of wildlife and plant life."

The theme of Booker's residency is “Find Your Way Back to Nature,” focusing on reconnecting with local ecosystems. The naturalist programs will include nature walks, tea blending, flower arranging, sound baths, and more. These activities will take place in parks and libraries across the city. Specific programs will be announced on Madison Public Library’s website in July.

“My goal is to help people hear the messages nature is trying to give us by exploring traditional ways of connecting to the land,” said Booker. “The lessons we learn by observing the natural ecosystem can help people take steps to become the person they want to be in our community ecosystem.”

Over the past four years, Booker has worked in nonprofit sectors focusing on food insecurity and urban agriculture. Currently serving as Manager of the Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, he started as an Assistant Farm Education Manager.

“[In that role], I worked with a middle school class on gardening and different food and cooking activities, as well as working with community gardens,” explained Booker. “Community gardens mean a lot to me because I actually started my own agricultural journey by being part of the East Madison Community Center gardening program when I was in elementary school.”

Additionally, Booker has been part of Firm Footing Farms in Black Earth, WI for three years. The farm offers free space for Queer BIPOC farmers to start or learn agricultural practices. He commutes weekly to manage chickens, beekeep, and tend various crops.

“Growing up in Madison, I’ve been going to the library for as long as I can remember," noted Booker. "I have utilized workshops on cooking, arts and crafts activities... As I’ve gotten older... our libraries have put an emphasis on learning about nature through things like the Seed Library... so I’m excited to add to that knowledge."

Booker plans to incorporate items he grows at Firm Footing Farms into library programs during his residency.

Learn more about Alex Booker and the Naturalist-in-Residence program at madpl.org/naturalist.

The Naturalist-in-Residence program is supported by Nancy Leff & Kenneth Lerner.

Madison Public Library has promoted education, literacy, and community involvement for over 140 years. Visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org or @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Started in 2022, this program connects residents with natural landscapes through various events led by a selected Naturalist each year.