Presenter: Claudio Gratton, Professor of Entomology and Landscape Ecology at UW-Madison Professor Gratton has focused on the importance of insects in our habitats. He will share his knowledge and help us promote them in our yards and the neighborhood.
HEY SUSTAINABLE HILL FARMERS! Join the Owen Peeps for an evening field trip to Owen Conservancy to learn about (https://jhua13.wixsite.com/friends-of-amphibian) monitoring efforts through Dr. Jessica Hua’s Lab at UW-Madison. Gail, Beth and Jane, otherwise known as the Owen Peeps will demonstrate the frog and toad survey they perform weekly March through September. Maybe you’ll even want to become an Owen Peep! Amphibians are widely regarded as the most threatened vertebrate group globally. Habitat change and diseases are identified as the top two drivers of amphibian declines. Our goal is to better understand how disease and human activities associated with urbanization influence amphibian communities by monitoring amphibian populations in urban ponds across Madison. Notes:- Will meet at the entrance to the Conservancy- For those with accessibility concerns, we will walk a short distance on a gravel path and there is a bench nearby to use.- Dress in layers as it can get chilly as daylight fades. - Rain date June 11.
Come to Katy and Dave's house to see the sustainability improvements they've made. Katy and Dave live in the neighborhood at 37 S Eau Claire Ave, on the corner of Eau Claire Ave and La Crosse Lane. They'll take you on a tour of the property and discuss the changes they've made and plan to make. This includes solar panels, an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), a rain garden, a food garden, harvesting wood from the property, and more! This is a family event. Kids are welcome.
In February, Wisconsin Master Naturalist Alex Singer did an inspiring presentation for us on what he’s done over the past decade to turn his suburban yard into a homegrown national park. We're invited to tour that yard while it is at its summer best. Please join us at his place (410 Luster Ave, Madison) on Sunday July 20 at 10am. There won't be a formal presentation, but we’ll have the opportunity to see what he’s done and ask questions. Alex lives on the north side of Madison so we can carpool or come on our own. Since we’ll be on the north side anyway, it would be easy to check out Troy Farm (https://rootedwi.org/troy-farm/) after and then the Lansing Food Forest (https://www.wisconsinfoodforests.com/lansing-food-forest/). If you're interested in coming to any or all of this, let Scott and Gloria know and we can plan from there.
If you've been curious about how beekeeping works, now's your chance to find out! Hill Farms beekeeper Chris Pierce has offered to introduce us to his bees and speak a bit about how they work and produce that fantastic Hill Farms honey. Join us in Chris's front yard Sept 20 at 3pm. The two hives in his front yard are accessible to all. He will have honey available for purchase.
This event focuses on the community aspect of sustainability. - How does a strong local community support sustainability?- What is the connection between consumer culture and building community?- How can we build greater well-being in the neighborhood? Let's explore and discuss these questions. Image used with consent from Michelle Tylecki https://www.michelletylicki.info/,
Get ready for gardening without spending a cent on seedlings. Bring your favorite seeds; leave with new ones
The presentors are Marian Farrior and Susan Hessel from PermacultureWorks Cooperative / Madison Area Permaculture Guild Join us for this introductory workshop on permaculture, a design process that uses ecological principles to create healthy and resilient food systems and communities. Last year Sustainable Hill Farms visited the Madison Area Permaculture Guild Food Forest to see permaculture design in practice. It was an inspiring display of abundance and diversity. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about permaculture basics and design principles and how you can apply them in your own back yard. Please come a few minutes early to visit, have a snack, and settle inThe workshop will begin promptly at 1:00
What: This is part of the Madison-wide Earth Day Challenge Initiative (https://www.cityofmadison.com/.../pro.../earth-day-challenge)When: Sat 4/25 10 AM - 12 (leave when you need to)Where: We'll meet at Rennebohm park at corner of Regent and Eau Claire Celebrate Earth Day with neighbors, friends, and family by volunteering to clean up Rennebohm Park. What we'll do: Stick Removal and trash pickupWe can work as a group or independently What to bring:Trash bag and gloves (grabbers are handy if you don't want to bend over a lot).We'll have extra trash bags in case you need more
MG&E ask-an-expert, Leah Samson, will present on smart electrical use and programs that can reduce your bill and your carbon footprint. There will be time for Q&A. Meet-n-greet-n-snacks followed by presentation. Topics will include:- Time of Use, energy efficiency tips- MGE’s renewable energy programs- State and federal rebates- Heat pumps- Electric vehicles- Net metering (solar)- Basic overview of how we, as energy producers and consumers, are part of the gas and electric distribution networks.
Join our swap for costumes and kids clothing! Bring your gently worn costumes and clothes, then leave with new treasures Can't make it but want to donate items? Contact Katy at 860.995.4854
Why keep that lamp, that printer, that air fryer, that ratchet set....? No cash, bring gently used items take what you want. Everything must be clean and in working order. Contact if you want to drop off ahead of time.
