While composting is most effective as a year-round endeavor, spring is as good a time as any to get started. Today, we’re breaking down — no pun intended — composting 101 in the 608.
What is composting?
Composting accelerates the natural breakdown of organic matter (food scraps included), producing a natural fertilizer that is nutrient-rich and beneficial for soil and plants.
Give them your food scraps, and they’ll do the composting:
Curbside Composter | Your food waste will provide rich soil for local farms.
Green Box Compost | Get a bucket for your individual/single-family home, or talk to your landlord about getting a bin that your whole building can use.
Additionally, residents are welcome to bring their food scraps to either of these farmer’s market sites:
Market Site 1 | South Madison Market |1602 S. Park St. Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m., May 23-October 31 Market Site 2 | Eastside Market | 202 S. Ingersoll St. Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m., April 25-October 31
Congratulations to Wendy A. for winning a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main. Did you know you could be our next winner? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to score a gift card!
Mental Wellness Workshop Series: Building Self-Esteem | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 5-7 p.m. | Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | Free | This workshop walks attendees through evaluating where their self-esteem is and how they currently see themselves.
Q-Cinema | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center, 2701 International Ln., Madison | Free | Join this social film group for a screening of “Anything’s Possible,” with snacks and drinks provided.
Thursday, March 23
Tight Like That Roaring ‘20s Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Louisianne’s, 7464 Hubbard Ave., Middleton | Free | Lynnea Godfriaux + Brad Pregeant return to Madison for this one-time performance.
Trivia Night | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Madison’s, 119 King St., Madison | Free | Buzz into this general knowledge trivia game with gift cards for winners.
Friday, March 24
SPAYghetti No Balls Dinner | Friday, Mar. 24 | 3:30-7:30 p.m. | Wisconsin Community Veterinary Clinic (WCVC), 4475 Roberston Rd., Madison | $15-$65 | Enjoy some pawsta while supporting the WCVC’s Spay It Forward Program.
The Big Lebowski Party | Friday, Mar. 24 | 5-11:59 p.m. | State Line Distillery, 1413 Northern Ct., Madison | Free | Get your cardigans and soft pants out for Lebowski themed cocktails, big bowling, “cigars,” and more
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset
Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, andrightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀
The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
Regent Street will close from Friday, March 24-Sunday, March 26 between Park Street and E. Campus Mall to accommodate a tower crane. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, March 27 + Tuesday, March 28, it will also be closed between N. Franklin Avenue and Highland Avenue for tree pruning.
Development
It’s your last chance to give your two cents on the Lake Monona Waterfront Redesign Challenge. Keep reading today’s newsletter to learn more about each design proposal before you take the survey.
Community
Brush Collection season is right around the corner — find your collection schedule here. A reminder that brush includes wood material over 18 inches trimmed from trees, shrubs, or bushes. It does not include yard waste, as that has a separate collection schedule.
The Madison Fire Department (MFD) appointed a new fire marshal. Bill Sullivan has worked with MFD for 16 years and will now be overseeing the Fire Prevention Division. (Channel 3000)
Outdoors
Keep your eyes peeled. Whooping cranes are slowly making their way back up north as Wisconsin thaws into spring. The Baraboo International Crane Foundation tracks some of these federally endangered birds and has already spotted four in Southern WI. (Madison.com)
Holiday
This evening marks the start of Ramadan, a month of reflection and fasting in Islam. Observe and learn more by checking out the Madinah Community Center or the Islamic Center of East Madison. We wish you all a peaceful month, and we’ll see you on Eid al-Fitr starting Friday, April 21.
Shop
It’s that time of year to freshen up your home’s aroma, and our online shop (Six & Main) has the perfect candles. Drift away to scents such as woods + berries by The Rustic House or ripe juniper in a reusable vessel by Plant Based Candles. That smells just about right.
Seasonal
Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, this wipeable tablecloth is just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.
The Lake Monona Waterfront planning initiative has pitches from three professional design teams for Law Park, the John Nolen Drive causeway, and the northern portion of Olin Park.
The aim of the project is to create a master plan that will guide future waterfront projects along the Lake Monona shore.
Design reports
Take a peek at each project proposal — one of them may become reality inMadison.
Did anyone else used to be obsessed with Rachael Ray’s talk show? Writing today’s lead piece reminded me of her garbage bowl method. I love to cook, and now that those food scrap drop-off sites are opening up, I think I’ll be taking advantage of them. Making Mother Earth and Rachael Ray proud — two equally important women in my life.
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