Earlier this summer, some members of our team visited State Street to view the temporary Downtown Street Art and Mural Project by local artists -- including those who have been affected by racial injustice and violence. Of the 100 or so murals that covered storefront windows and sides of buildings, we started to notice a distinctive style featuring the silhouette of Black girls’ faces with pops of bright colors and words of affirmation among a few of the displays. Also featured on the beautiful artwork near Goodman’s Jewelers and the Overture Center for the Arts were the hashtag #DefendingBlackGirlhood and Instagram handle @LiladasArt. 

These pieces of art were created by Lilada Gee, a lifelong Madison resident who has rediscovered the healing

Groundswell Conservancy began as a collaborative effort with the city, county, university, local nonprofits, and individuals nearly 40 years ago to protect Wally Bauman Woods (part of the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve) from condominium development along Lake Mendota. Since then, this Madison-based nonprofit has continued using a partnership mentality to permanently preserve hundreds of other special places throughout Dane County and the seven surrounding counties. 

College students with the Prairie Partners ecology restoration summer internship program crew remove invasive species at Patrick Marsh near Sun Prairie. Photo by Ben Jones.

One of more than 50 land trusts in the state, Groundswell Conservancy often consults the Dane County

As rental rates and home prices rise in Dane County, it’s becoming more difficult for some people to find safe, affordable housing options.

Several local organizations are trying to bring awareness to these issues and make a difference in the community, such as Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Project Home, and the Dane County Housing Initiative, which you can learn more about on our blog.

Our newest team member Ann Raschein works with compassion, diligence, and professionalism to ensure that all families have the opportunity to become a homeowner. She volunteers her time on the board of both Habitat for Humanity and Dane County’s Home Buyers Round Table, a group of industry professionals that networks, listens to speakers, and coordinates and

The mission of Waunakee Neighborhood Connection is to provide programs and resources that engage neighbors to support and empower one another. It is best known for its “free store,” which graciously accepts certain clothing items, accessories, shoes, games, books, media, and other household goods and cleaning supplies. 

COVID-19 Updates 

• (5/29/2020): Waunakee Neighborhood Connection reopened for donations and onsite services on May 27th using a phased approach with safety protocols.
  
  
• (3/25/2020): Waunakee Neighborhood Connection is working with Waunakee EMS to coordinate a supply drive for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If you or your company have any masks, face shields, paper gowns, or cloth gowns that could be donated for use by our

COVID-19 Updates

The Lussier Community Education Center’s operations are continuing in their new form through summer. Its mission is still to be a place for people from different walks of life to come together, share gifts, and build community. That typically includes enrichment activities for all ages, games, art, tutoring, hot meals, a food pantry, farmers market, job clinic, radio shows, activism opportunities, and more. During these times, LCEC is practicing social distancing and social solidarity by continuing its food pantry program and K-12 summer camps in a modified way. 

• (6/29/2020): Modified K-12 summer camps got underway today, and the Support and Solidarity Network continues to connect with neighbors and mobilize to meet specific

The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County is to help more people get into homes so they can have a more stable family life and help stabilize the community. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses for people in need throughout Dane County. Habitat ReStores, which sell used and new donations of furniture, doors, wood, cabinets, electrical, appliances, building supplies, lights, and fans, have kept over 7,870 tons of building materials out of landfills, and their proceeds have helped build nearly a quarter of Habitat homes in Dane County.

COVID-19 Updates

• (4/2/2020): Habitat defers homeowner mortgages amid Safer at Home initiative. Read more here.

The mission of Czar’s Promise, a volunteer-run nonprofit, is to provide funding for companion animal cancer research at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine and pediatric cancer research at American Family Children’s Hospital, as well as to provide emotional, educational, and financial support for families whose companion animals have been diagnosed with cancer.

COVID-19 Updates

• (3/16/2020): Czar’s Promise made the decision to reschedule its spring Inspiring Hope Dog Walk fundraising event to the fall, so please consider marking your calendars for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Winnequah Park, Monona. In the meantime, donations can be made here.
• (3/10/2020): Czar’s Promise is in need of items used for Woof Packs, customized

The mission of NAMI Dane County is to provide education, support, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness in Dane County with a vision of ensuring a stigma-free community where all people affected by mental illness find the help, hope, and support they need.

COVID-19 Updates

• (4/2/2020): A free 24/7 helpline sponsored by Safe Communities MDC is available for Dane County residents thinking about using alcohol and/or other substances or struggling with substance use issues during the coronavirus epidemic. Call (608) 228-1278
• (4/2/2020): How to protect your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more here. 
• (3/23/2020): If you need crisis support, text NAMI to 741741. Find more resources for people affected by mental

The mission of the Foundation for Dane County Parks is to strengthen the endowment fund, grow and support the volunteer program, and fund projects that ensure our Dane County parks, trails, and open spaces are cared for, not only today but for generations to come. 

COVID-19 Updates

• (4/3/2020): Explore Stewart Lake County Park virtually through a Foundation grant-funded Watershed Explorers Series hosted by the USRWA at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.
• (3/21/2020): Tag @DaneCountyParks or use #danecountyparks to show creative ways for how you are protecting yourselves out in the parks. Here is an example.
• (3/19/2020): Getting outside is good for mental and physical well being, but please practice the following park safety tips from Public Health

After a rush of post-Thanksgiving shopping events, from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the focus turns to giving rather than getting today. Each year more people join the Giving Tuesday movement to help others through the gift of their time, donations, goods, or voice, according to www.givingtuesday.org.

There are countless local, national, and global organizations to support, and each have their respective merits. This year, our team has made a commitment to giving back to area parks by partnering with the Friends of Dane County Parks Endowment.

You may have seen some of our blog posts and photos of several Dane County parks, forests, and trails this fall, including the new Lower Yahara River Trail that connects Madison to McFarland, the