Drought

There is no denying that southern Wisconsin, as well as many parts of the upper Midwest, is experiencing critical drought conditions with significant and, potentially, long-lasting implications to the success of the farming sector and to those who benefit from its production. 

In response to the various concerns arising from farmers and their communities, the UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension has developed on online guide, Drought 2012.  Visit this guide for news, maps, human health and livestock care.  Consult, additionally, with your Extension agents for advice on how to best manage resources in light of exceptional and challenging circumstances.

Summer Camp Reading

Be it campy or about camp, what would you recommend?

UW-Madison Libraries are looking for your recommendations about great reads (or even films)!  This week, post your favorite camping read (or film) on the Libraries’ Facebook page to be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 UW Bookstore gift card.

Keep visiting our sites.  Throughout the summer, the Libraries will be making additional calls for your recommendations about great summer reading.

Native by Design

Save the date!  This early fall, the University Arboretum will host a Native Gardening Conference (Sunday, September 23).  Its theme, "Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Future" will inspire the Midwest gardener to design and to plant spaces that support native wildlife, attract pollinators, and filter runoff. 

Visit the Arboretum Website to view the program brochure and to print a registration form.  Deadline for registering for the conference is September 14, 2012.

Bike the Barns, 2012

Benefit the Partner Shares program (FairShare/MACSAC) with a challenging, yet picturesque ride to local farms in the Verona, Cross Plains and Blue Mounds communities. 

The Sixth Annual Bike the Barns event is scheduled for Sunday, September 16.  Register soon as there is limited capacity!  At each farm stop, enjoy delicious treats provided by the Underground Food Collective. 

Visit the event site and its Facebook community for additional information regarding route, start-times, pledge-sheets, merchandise, and training opportunities.

Catch the CreativeBug!

DIY Crafters never fear--there are how-to videos for all of us!  The CreativeBug site has brought together a variety of craft artisans who share their inspiration, tips and tricks in video format so that you, at your own pace, may similarly craft a project.  While introductory chapter content can be viewed for free, subscribers to the site ($25.00 per month) enjoy unlimited access to all site workshops.  A percentage of monthly subscriptions are donated to a variety of non-profit arts programs.

But, if you are given to crafting among like-minded individuals, there are many venues in the Madison area (and some quite near to campus) where you can find supplies, take a workshop, or simply spark your creativity by browsing some fine examples.  See what these spaces have to offer:

Anthology

Glitter Workshop

LakeSide Fibers | Sow’s Ear (Verona)

Sewcial Lounge

What will you make today?  Reply to this post with your suggestions about other favorite crafting spots.

P. S. There are any number of titles from campus library collections (many to be found in Steenbock stacks) that can inform your creative endeavors. Run a search of the Library Catalog (try a "Words Anywhere" search) on your craft or hobby-of-interest or speak with your librarians for assistance. Should titles from our campus collections be out to other users, do consider searching the UW System or Madison Public Library.