The Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter is a collection of local, regional, national and international articles related to a variety of sustainability subjects focused on helping people learn about issues, research and events that impact sustainability in Central Wisconsin. Topic areas include food, farming, sustainable energy, and environmental health covering issues involving land, air and water. A separate topic area provides articles on more in-depth pesticide research.
You can sign up to receive a bi-monthly bulletin that highlights recent articles posted to the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter website. Upcoming local community events are also noted in the bulletin.
Upcoming Events
Climate Change Forum II
Community Solutions: It’s Time to Act
Thursday, October 3, 2019
McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids
Clean Green Action will hold its Climate Change Forum II from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 3rd at McMillan Memorial Library in the All Purpose Room. The first hour will consist of presentations by Wood County UW-Extension Community Development Educator Nancy Turyk, Mayor Zach Vruwink, and Wood County Board Chair Doug Machon on visions for and actions taken by the city, county and state. During the second hour attendees will separate into groups to brainstorm possible solutions and discuss motivating factors. Refreshments will be served and there will be a drawing for door prizes. This event is free and open to the public.
Climate_Change_ForumII_poster.
2019 Solar Group Buy
The deadline to participate is October 1st of 2019.
Time is limited for interested home and business owners in central Wisconsin to take advantage of significant discounts and rebates on solar electric systems through the popular solar group purchasing program, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin. The program has far surpassed its last milestone of 150 kilowatts (kW) of solar with a total of 217.31 kW of solar contracted through the program. That’s enough clean energy to offset CO2 emissions from 198,398 lbs. of coal burned in one year alone.1 All participants will now receive $.15 per/watt rebate on their system, totaling $1,250 for the average customer.
MREA and MSTC are hosting a series of free ‘Solar Power Hour’ information sessions to provide resources to attendees so they can decide if solar is right for them. The attendees can then register for a free, no obligation site assessment from North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative. The MREA encourages any Central Wisconsin residents interested in solar to attend the remaining Solar Power Hour information sessions prior to October 1st of 2019. For the full list of upcoming Solar Power Hour information sessions please visit www.cwsolar.org.
1 Data calculated from EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator.
Women Caring for the Land
July, August, September
Local Wisconsin Sustainable Farms Tours
Women Caring for the Land was created by the Women Food & Agriculture Network to serve women farmland landowners interested in learning more about conservation. The events provide women landowners an opportunity to network with peers and learn from resource professionals.
Registration and networking kick off a half hour before each event’s start time. All will include a potluck (main dish provided) so bring a dish to pass. Please dress for walking in fields. Men are welcome to join for the farm tour portion of the day; however, we do request that the learning circle space is for women only. The Women Caring for the Land series was developed by the Women, Food and Agriculture Network.
For a list of farms, locations and dates, download the Women Caring for the Land 2019 Flyer
Please RSVP at 715-723-5561 or at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events.
12th Annual Farmer Tribute Dinner!
Saturday, November 9th, 2019
5:00 – 8:00 pm at Farmshed
Farmer Tribute Dinner invites the Farm Fresh Atlas producers to dine on a locally sourced meal in celebration of the harvest. Community members attend and sponsor the farmers’ meals as a tribute to their hard work.
Each year, Farmshed members and the regional local food community invite Central Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas farmers to a complimentary meal as we celebrate the end of another growing season.
Community members are encouraged to join in the celebration by purchasing tickets to the dinner and sponsoring a farmer. In addition to the yummy food, a silent auction, music, and dancing round out the evening’s fun.
