In early May, you can see a carpet of wildflowers along the trails in Wingra and Gallistel woods. The best places are near the Effigy Mounds in both woods and the trail in Gallistel Woods that leads from the Panther Mound to the CCC stone building. This is a pleasant time to walk from the Effigy Mounds in Wingra Woods to the Big Spring. While in the area, look up now and then for the migrating warblers. May is the most popular month to visit Longenecker Gardens.
People come from all over to see the crabapple display and lilacs.
Lilacs are usually blooming by May 15th, although last year they were two weeks late. The showiest time for crabapples is just before the lilacs. By the middle of May, Greene Prairie puts on a spectacular show with acres of lupine in flower. There are often over 40 species of plants in bloom, and you can see up to 25 species of birds during a two-hour walk. In late May, walk into the Leopold Pines to see plantings of northern wildflowers.