There’s a place about an hour away from Madison where one can wander in a fairy-tale-like wilderness. Many (of my friends and acquaintances) have heard of it, but few have taken full advantage of Kettle Moraine State Forest in Southeastern Wisconsin. Neither had I, until a few weeks ago. Read more at Tone Madison.
The 300-acre headquarters of the ICF reopens in May after two years — the first for renovation and the second for COVID. The ICF’s work to protect cranes from extinction and their habitats from destruction reaches around the globe. It also has a sweet spot here at home. Read more and see video at Tone Madison.
Amid a swiftly changing regulatory environment, Madison Dane County Public Health has been caught in a pivotal position. The organization must not only translate federal and state pandemic information to residents, but also work with local nonprofits to disseminate information to vulnerable populations and adjust their message based on feedback. Read more at Madison Magazine.
Madison is the most mound-rich urban center in the United States. So who built them and why? Learn how to give effigy mounds the respect these ancient earth sculptures deserve at Tone Madison.
Recycling standards vary by city, making this waste habit tricky at times. Here’s an in-depth look at what Madison recycles, how the city recycles and where our waste goes. Read more at BRAVA Magazine.
Luckily, the Madison area is rife with parks and nature-y zones—prime safer places to be outside of your home. For this reason and more, I present to you a new monthly column, Making The Nature Scene. It’s currently the only scene I have access to without the aid of a computer, and for that, I love it all the more. Read more at Tone Madison.
Jasmine Banks is building community in Madison through education and entrepreneurship. She runs life skills programs through Operation Fresh Start that assist disconnected youth in preparing for and gaining employment. Banks is also building her all-natural personal care products business to leave a legacy for her daughter and granddaughter. Read more at BRAVA Magazine.
As president and CEO of the Latino Chamber of Commerce in Dane County, Jessica Cavazos preaches and practices economic inclusivity. “Whether they’re workers or entrepreneurs or both, our economy is much better because they’re in it and they’re playing a part,” Cavazos says. Read more at BRAVA Magazine.
Starting with one fridge on East Johnson Street, the project is expanding its network.
Madison’s newest hot spot for fresh foods is also a hub for mutual aid.
Since late July, a fledgling grassroots group called Madison Community Fridges has been stocking a refrigerator on the lawn at 1005 East Johnson St., near the intersection with Brearly Street. Some of the residents at the address who work at Troy Farm fill the fridge with leftover produce. A small pantry for perishable goods also sits next to the fridge. Madison Community Fridges invites neighbors to add food and community members to help themselves. “Take what you need, leave what you can,” is their motto. Read more at Tone Madison.
Poetry and music combine in this year’s live-streamed event.
This year, with the arts at a near standstill as venues remain closed and artists are unable to tour due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, Irvin re-thought the Black Arts Matter Festival’s mission and presentation.
“My goal was to safely present artists and to support artists. Believing ‘Black arts matter’ means paying Black artists,” Irvin says. “My goal this year was to definitely give a platform for them. It’s an opportunity to feel community from wherever you are.” Read more at Tone Madison.
