Aldo Leopold’s Shack and Legacy Center

Aldo Leopold is heralded as one of the fathers of modern conservation science, policy, and ethics. Learn about the history and philosophy of Aldo Leopold, walk through the landscapes that provided the inspiration for A Sand County Almanac, and see the famous Shack that was the center of one of our nation’s earliest attempts at land restoration. We will also tour the Leopold Legacy Center, which has received Platinum LEED ® Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and an ongoing commitment to land stewardship, the Leopold Center became the first carbon neutral building certified by LEED and is a net zero energy building, meeting all of its energy needs on site.
Please be aware of the following:

• Dress for the weather (multiple layers and rain gear strongly recommended)
• Poison ivy and ticks are very prevalent on the site. Closed toed shoes and long pants are recommended.

Fee of $25 includes entrance fee and coach bus transportation.

Aldo Leopold Foundation Website

Madison Gas and Electric Co-generation Plant with the University of Wisconsin

The Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E)/University of Wisconsin-Madison co-generation plant provides and excellent example of partnership and an opportunity to tour the co-generation facility to see how co-generation works on the University Campus. Officials from MG&E will be on hand to discuss many of their other innovations which includes the use of an Environmental Cooperative Agreement that provides flexibility in meeting environmental requirements in exchange for superior environmental performance, use of Environmental Management System at a power plant, one of the most innovative and long-running stakeholder participation group and many other creative ways to move along the path of sustainability.

2-hour tour of Madison Gas & Electric's West Campus Co-generation Facility

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

Since 1934 the University of Wisconsin - Madison Arboretum has been restoring the land, advancing ecological restoration, and fostering Aldo Leopold's land ethic. Widely recognized as the site of historic research in ecological restoration, the Arboretum includes the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world, including tall grass prairies, savannas, several forest types and wetlands. It also houses flowering trees, shrubs and a world-famous lilac collection. Efforts to restore or create historic ecological communities have continued over the years, with the result that the Arboretum's collection of restored ecosystems is not only the oldest but also the most extensive such collection.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum Tour

Brownfields Revitalization Tour

Wisconsin’s award-winning Brownfields program uses a wide range of financial and liability tools to assist local governments, businesses, lenders, and others to clean up and redevelop brownfields in the state. Visit urban and rural community projects at which these tools have been employed to accomplish environment and economic success along with community revitalization. Staff will also be on hand to discuss approaches applied at other sites around the state such as the Wisconsin Plant Recovery Initiative, the Wisconsin Initiative for Sustainable Cleanups (e.g. solar panels at a Superfund landfill), and the role of the Wisconsin Brownfields Study Group.

Wisconsin Farm Tour

Wisconsin’s farm families have been innovators and environmental stewards for a very long time. See how the tradition continues with innovative environmental approaches to not only the wholesome products produced but also the wastes generated. The modern dairy industry is a highly capitalized and highly competitive business but also one that provides opportunities for renewable energy generation, implementation of conservation practices, use of environmental management systems and on-farm processing into consumer goods.

Curling

Ever watch the sport on the Olympics or wonder what it would like to play with stones and brooms on ice? Enjoy a two hour foray into a recreational culture created by the Scots hundreds of years ago steeped with fair play, strategy, finesse and camaraderie. You will receive beginning instruction and have an opportunity to play a portion of a game at a nationally known indoor curling facility that has hosted Olympic Trials, and national and international curling championships.

Participants will need to bring a clean pair of athletic shoes (no heels and no smooth soles) and loose fitting but warm athletic clothing such as a sweat suit. The ice house is kept at about 32 to 40 degrees so light gloves are an option. All other equipment (brooms, sliders and stones) will be provided. Registrations in advance are required so that ice sheets can be reserved and instructors selected. If you are interested but still have questions, you can call Mark McDermid (608.267.3125). He can talk for hours about curling.

Fee of $30 includes entrance fee to the ice house and coach bus transportation.

Madison Curling Club