02.05.2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

42º | Cloudy | 8% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:08 a.m. | Sunset 5:15 p.m.

🦋 The butterfly effect

Have you been to Butterflies in Bloom at Olbrich? | Photo by Europa Christoffel

The National Wildlife Federation Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Team recently recognized Madison as part of its leadership circle.

What does this mean?

Monarch butterflies are vulnerable to extinction. The City of Madison has been recognized for going above and beyond when it comes to curating an environment that supports monarchs and other pollinators.

Some examples include:

Requiring stormwater land in new developments to have native plants
Hosting invasive species removal programs
Providing educational events and resources for residents with community partners
Creating 10 acres of monarch butterfly habitat in public green spaces
Dedicating specific staff to support pollinator conservation

volunteers in a wooded area pulling invasive weeds — Help local pollinators by getting involved with the city’s conservation programs. | Photo by City of Madison

How can you help?

Install a rain garden | Rain gardens are small, shallow areas filled with (ideally) native plants. They’re meant to reduce polluted runoff from entering Wisconsin’s waters, and they also double as a butterfly habitat. Pro tip: Be sure to call the digger’s hotline (811) before breaking ground on your property.

Invasive species control | Monarch butterflies are already vulnerable, so the presence of invasive species only further threatens the winged critters. Remove unwanted plants from your yard. You can also apply for the Engineering Division’s seasonal Conservation Ecology Trainee position (applications close Thursday, Feb. 8).

Plant native flora | Native plants provide food and shelter for Wisconsin native wildlife, including pollinator species. Check out the Friends of the Arboretum Inc. Native Plant Sale. Online ordering closes Sunday, March 31.

Events

Monday, Feb. 5

2-Person Best Ball | Monday, Feb. 5-Sunday, Feb. 11 | PinSeekers, 6909 River Rd., DeForest | $20 | Each tournament participant will receive an 18-hole voucher for the putting course.

Tuesday, Feb. 6

“Melges: The Wizard of Zenda” | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6:15-8:15 p.m. | Marquee Cinema at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., Madison | $10 | Watch a documentary about Wisconsin’s own Buddy Melges, a world-renowned sailor.
Opera On Tap | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Delta Beer Lab, 167 E. Badger Rd., Madison | Free | Drink witbier while listening to Wagner.

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Nerd Nite | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Nerds can gather to meet, drink and learn something new.
Natural Makeup Lesson | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6-7 p.m. | Library, 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg | Get tips from local makeup artist Alexa Rogers.

Thursday, Feb. 8

Inspired by Wright: Galentine’s Edition | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | $20 | Make some glass art with your gal pals.
Vaccine Clinic | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 3-5 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Updated doses of Pfizer and Moderna available while supplies last.

Friday, Feb. 9

Adult Swim: Winter Weirderland | Friday, Feb. 9 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton St., Madison | $20-$25 | Get weird with Bigfoot, crafts, Shakespeare sonnets, and more.
Bizarre Bazaar, Vol. 2 | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Madison Circus Space, 2082 Winnebago St., Madison | $12-$30 | You’ll flip out over this acrobatic event.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Award

Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison is back. Round one ends Thursday, Feb. 29, and is write-in only. Categories include local news websites (wink wink), museums, burgers, and cleaning services.

Civic

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes and Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway reported positive trends in crime reduction during the annual State of Public Safety address. Barnes outlined priorities for 2024, including further reducing homicides and firearm-related crimes. (Channel 3000)

Arts

Local sculptors are encouraged to apply to help enhance Monona Terrace through Art on the Rooftop. Five chosen artists receive $1,500 and have their sculptures displayed from May to October. One will be selected for year-round display, earning $2,600. Those interested must apply by Saturday, March 3. (NBC 15)

Community

Stop by the Northside Community Resource Fair this Thursday, Feb. 8 at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Enjoy free pizza and learn about public health services, voting information, Reindahl Park’s Imagination Center, and more. The event is free and open to all.

Environment

The MacKenzie Environmental Center faces closure as the DNR proposes ending wildlife exhibits due to funding concerns. Friends of MacKenzie is advocating for modifications, increased funding, and the preservation of exhibits to maintain the center’s unique educational value.

Active

Cindy Kuhrasch, UW’s Physical Education Teacher Education program coordinator, introduces enCourage. This free app is geared toward educators and aims to foster inclusive and positive student interactions via 300+ activity options. Download it on the Apple and Google Play stores.

Cause

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office and 30x30 Fundraising are seeking donations to support safety needs. Originating from Keeping K9s in Kevlar, 30x30 aims to fund education courses for police K9s and handlers, enhancing community safety. (NBC 15)

Voices

📝 Newbies, take note

Madison locals give advice to newcomers

State Street from above. | Photo by @thecolorfulkid

Last week, we ran our 608 101 City Guide which outlines resources and tips for those who are new to the Madison area.

We then asked our Instagram followers what advice they’d give to newcomers. They had a lot to say:

“Avoid the University and Park intersection at all costs during the school year.”

“YakTrax are worth the investment.” City Editor Ally can attest to this.

“On the bitterest cold days, still look out for bike riders.”

“Embrace the kindness.” We’re not ranked as the most caring city in the US for no reason.

“Keep an open mind, whether it’s food, people, or the arts.”

“Take advantage of all the parks and trails!” Don’t mind us, just shamelessly plugging our parks and trails City Guides.

“Procure a bicycle, a hammock, and a small drum to maximize your enjoyment of the city and participate in a drum circle or three!”

The Buy

The Buy 2.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

These cowgirl boot stir sticks from Coco Cadeaux’s collection. They’re festive, pink, and perfect for your Galentine’s Day celebration (bonus: they’re also BPA free).

Answered

Last week, we asked you which scholarly topic you’d like to learn more about from local professionals. Here’s what you said:

Poll: Science 25%, Art 25%, Math 12%, History 38%

It looks like we have more history buffs than math geeks among our readers. May we suggest the Wisconsin Historical Society’s online exhibits to help satisfy your curiosity?

MANUAL CTA BUTTON TO QUALTRICS

Share 608today

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_4}} friends are tapped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

I was pretty bummed that the Frozen Assets Festival had to cancel Kites on Mendota this weekend. Luckily, the US National Snow Sculpting Championship carried on at Lake Geneva’s Winterfest.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY