Alli Wenman

Apprentice instructor
(she/her/hers)

Raised in rural Wisconsin, I've always been lucky to have ample access to the outdoors. From spending my high school years perfecting my front flip into the local lake, to my first backpacking trip in Olympia National Park when I was 12, and spending more than one college summer working in outdoor recreation, I love sharing my appreciation of the outdoors with others. I started rock climbing indoors during my time as an undergrad, but didn't fall in love with outdoor climbing until I climbed at Penitente Canyon in Colorado while I was working with Americorps. It was the gorgeous views, interesting rock formations, and opportunities to check out the natural world that hooked me. I also volunteer my time to co-chair Madison Women Climbers, a women's (trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks all welcome!) social group based in Madison, Wisconsin.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in botany (2016) and my master’s degree in environmental conservation (2021) from UW–Madison. I currently work part-time as the Arboretum’s Outreach Specialist, where I coordinate community engagement for a grant projects. You can find me gardening, cooking with my fiancé, or reading in my free time.