Aug

15

Farmers for the Upper Sugar River Watershed Field Day

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Join this field day and see planter and minimal tillage demos, cover crop test plots, and more. All farmers in the Upper Sugar River Watershed are also invited to participate in the cost-share program, which has $26,000 budgeted for 2018.

Aug

16

Madison Winter Salt WIse Certification Training - Parking Lots and Sidewalks

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This event will provide the necessary training to pass the Salt Certification Exam so that winter maintenance professionals can be listed as a certified salt applicator. The training will cover pre-storm preparation, equipment calibration guidance, application rates, de-icer selection and more. The goal of the training is to educate winter maintenance professionals on how to use the least amount of de-icing materials necessary to keep pavements safe throughout the winter.

Coffee, bagels, and lunch will be included with the registration fee of $12.00. Registration will be capped at 30 people for this training session. Four additional trainings are available this fall.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance of the training.

Aug

16

Winter Salt Certification Training Workshop

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This event will provide the necessary training to pass the Salt Certification Exam and have you listed as a certified salt applicator. The training will cover pre-storm preparation, equipment calibration guidance, application rates, de-icer selection and more. The goal of the training is to educate winter maintenance professionals on how to use the least amount of de-icing materials necessary to keep pavements safe throughout the winter.

Coffee, bagels, and lunch will be included with the registration fee of $12.00. Registration will be capped at 30 people for this training.

To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/madison-winter-salt-wise-certification-parking-lots-and-sidewalks-tickets-48415441890?utm_term=eventname_text

Aug

17

Prairie Planting Capital Springs Recreation Area

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Prairie Planting & Prairie Maintenance!

Interested in volunteering your time to help plant, water and care for a pollinator garden and prairie restoration dedicated to native pollinators and educating the public? The Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area and Madison Area Master Gardeners would love your help!

We will be working just outside the Lussier Family Heritage Center (3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison 53711), so volunteers can park close to the work area and use the restrooms in the Center.

SUMMER VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

· The next work day is Friday, June 15.

· We need volunteers to help plant 300 plants on July 6!

· Work parties set for the first and third Friday of every month through September. Come any of these work days for any amount of time that fits your schedule.

· 9 am to noon

· Meet at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison 53711.

· All tools are provided.

· Please bring drinking water, sun protection, and your own work gloves (if you choose – we have them as well).

· Contact Clare Carlson with your questions at carlson.clare@countyofdane.com and 608-513-3252.

Aug

18

Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Restoration Workdays

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Work parties meet the third Saturday of the month, April-October, to pull invasives, cut brush, or gather seed. Specific work will be announced by email before the work date. Additional dates are added throughout the season. All workdays are from 9 AM - noon.

June 16
July 21
August 18
Sept. 15
Oct. 20

Workdays are weather dependent; let us know you are coming at restoration@pheasantbranch.org, we will let you know if we have to cancel.

We hope you can join us!

Aug

18

Statewide Snapshot Day @ Festge County Park

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Join the statewide search for non-native plants and animals threatening WI rivers and lakes. This is a one-day search for aquatic invasive species across Wisconsin. You can help protect your local lakes and streams by showing up at a site near you. Working together we can prevent the spread of these invasive plants and animals before they choke out our waterways.

This event will get you out on Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes at monitoring sites selected by a local coordinator–these vary from public parks to small trout streams, from bridges to your local boat launch. At some sites, friendly waters will beg you to wade in to get a better look, while at others, you will monitor and gather specimens from the shore using binoculars and rakes. Whether you want to wade in or stay dry, there is a site for you.

No previous experience required–you will be given the training and tools you need that day. This is a free event. Family friendly. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule:
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Arrive and check in
9:00 am – 9:45 am: Get your materials and brief training
9:45 am – 12:00 pm: Search for invasive species in nearby sites
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Return to rendezvous site and share your findings

Location and Registration:
We will meet at Festge County Park, Shelter #1 for training and instructions before dividing up to monitor Black Earth Creek. Click here and select the Cross Plains site when you register. Registration is free. You will be emailed with more site-specific details prior to the event

Rain Date: August 19, 2018

Aug

19

Friends of Stewart Park Annual Celebration @ Stewart County Park

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There’s nothing like a late summer picnic celebration. Join the Friends of Stewart Park for food and live music by Lakeside Ramblers, Sunday, August 19, 2018, from 4-6PM. The celebration will be at the Stewart Park Shelter near the main parking lot, 3106 County Trunk JG.

The area that is currently named Stewart Lake County Park has been providing recreational, social and educational opportunities for over 100 years...it is Dane County’s first park.

To all who use and love Stewart Park, please join us. Enjoy a late afternoon gathering with brats and hot dogs at the shelter. A potluck dish to share would be welcome, but not required. Bring your own beverages. Larger groups, please RSVP w Carolyn White 608 437 4371

Come see the beautiful shelter and new informational kiosk, meet the Friends of Stewart Park board and learn about Friend’s activities including the Olive Thomson Native Shrub Project, Native Prairie Plant Demonstration, the FALL upcoming Driftless Reader book event, 2nd Annual Plein Air (open air) painting event, monthly work days, and much more.

Aug

20

Fall Prairie Seed Collection Volunteer Day

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Fall is a beautiful time of year to be out in the prairie! The colors are changing and prairie seeds are ripening on the stem. Join Dane County Parks for a fall harvest on the prairie as we collect seeds around the County at different parks each week. Seeds are collected to plant and enhance lands in other natural areas for pollinators, wildlife, and land restoration. Join us for what will be a unique and rewarding experience. No prior experience is needed. All tools and training will be provided. Groups (students or other) need to contact Lars directly to register and talk over logistics.

Please register at the following link: HERE

Schedule:

Meet at 9:00 am and collect seed till 12:00 noon

Monday, August 20, 2018 Lake Farm - Park accross from Lussier Family Heritage Center grass parking lot Lake Farm Rd.

Thursday, August 30, 2018 Schumacher Farm County Park (meet off Schumacher Rd)

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 E-Way (Lake Farm Rd)

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 Pheasant Branch Conservancy (County portion)

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 Donald County Park (Sutter Lane)

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Yahara Heights County Park (Caton Lane entrance)

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Swamp Lovers Preserve - 5053 County Road KP, Cross Plains, WI 53528

Thursday, September 27, 2018 Indian Lake County Park (Shelter 1)

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 Holy Wisdom Prairies (meet upper parking lot)

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 CamRock County Park (Shelter #3)

Friday, October 12, 2018 Ice Age Junction (Highway PD-parking lot with metal shed)

Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Ice Age Junction (Highway M – 8451 Flagtone Dr. & Hwy M Verona)

Friday, October 26, 2018 Ice Age Junction (Ice Age Reddan Soccer Fields)

For further questions contact:

Lars Higdon (608) 286-9497 higdon.lars@countyofdane.com

Or Rhea Stangel-Maier (608) 224-3601 stangel-maier@countyofdane.com

Aug

21

Nutrient Management Plan Writing Refresher Workshop

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Attend this workshop in order to maintain your eligibility to write your own nutrient management plan.

Topics will include:

New State requirements
Using SNAPMaps
Updates to the SnapPlus program

Aug

25

Barks for Parks! fundraiser for Dane County Dog Parks!

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Hot diggity dog, we had so much fun we're back again! In honor of Dane County Dog Parks, Wisconsin Brewing Company is hosting the 2nd Annual "Barks for Parks!" celebration at their facility in Verona. This afternoon of fun will include live music, food, and entertainment for both two- and four-legged friends and family. Food will be available for purchase at the event.

Proceeds from this celebration will support Dane County Dog Parks and be used for upgrades, expansion, and special projects. Please note that dogs must be on a 6’ static leash and be current on vaccinations. Dogs must be people and animal friendly. Complete list of "Barks for Parks!" Dog Rules.

Suggested donation for admission:
$5/person
Dogs are free!

Note that Veterinary Emergency Services will be on-hand to provide first-aid services.

Aug

25

UW Madison Arboretum Core Area/Curtis Prairie Work Party

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Help improve native habitat and help native plants thrive by removing invasive plant species in the Lake Wingra watershed. The UW-Madison Arboretum maintains one the oldest prairie restorations in the world. Groups interested in volunteering should contact Marian Farrior in advance to coordinate. Work parties are cancelled if it is raining or snowing.

Aug

30