Slow News Week Thursday

The slow news week continues, so I have to make my own . . . luckily I have some material you won’t be reading about in the paper, yet.

SUSTAINABLE AG ON COUNTY BOARD AGENDA TONIGHT
The county moved at a city pace on this one, but it was well worth the wait!

IT’S OFFICIAL!
First “This Side of Town” or “Brenda’s Blog” show was taped yesterday. It will be played for the first time Saturday at 1:00. If you like it, please donate to WYOU, make sure you mention my show. If people show interest, it could continue, but only if WYOU continues to exist and it can only do that with your support!

SERIOUSLY?
They bought the story, hook. line. and sinker. How’s that for a nice Wisconsinesque reference? For the real details, see here. It’s not Madison politics that are lopsided, but this article and the survey. It’s almost ridiculous.

NEW DIRECTOR OF PLANNING COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Know anyone who would be good?

Employment Opportunity: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agency: Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development
Category: PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL
Salary: $103,253 – $139,392 annually
Date Posted: 3/30/2010
Application Deadline: 4/30/2010
Residency: Legal Residence within the City of Madison is a Condition of Employment for this Position.

Job Announcement Details

LANDMARKS EDGEWATER MEETING
A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4/14 room 260 at 5:00 and:

Madison City Channel will cover the April 14th meeting live on our channel as well as stream it live on our website of www.madisoncitychannel.com. Thanks.

So you won’t have to be there and can still follow along from the comfort of your own home where you will likely be able to hear what is going on better.

ORDER YOUR NATIVE PLANTS TODAY

Spring has sprung and thoughts are turning to outdoor projects. If you or your group are considering planting a rain garden, replacing turf with natives or restoring prairie in a park or elsewhere, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides plants and seed for less than half of retail prices.

Go to http://www.myfairlakes.com for an online application and more information. Orders may be placed through May 15th, 2010.
Plants will be delivered on June 26th.
Now in its 6th year, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides homeowners, schools and nonprofit organizations with native plants, seeds and information to establish rain gardens and restore prairies through a gift from the Graham-Martin Foundation.

The Plant Dane! Program has provided tens of thousands of plants, resulting in hundreds acres being planted with native species throughout Dane County. Plan your rain garden or prairie restoration today!

EXCITING NEWS FOR RIDE THE DRIVE
I’m not sure if there is more news beyond what they state here, but the successful ride the drive looks to expand.

Join Mayor Dave and the City of Madison, along with John Burke of Trek Bicycle as they announce some VERY exciting news about this year’s Ride the Drive events.

Wednesday, April 7
UW Arboretum Visitor Center
9:45am

We will have a short press conference at the Arboretum and then a group bike ride to Vilas Park where refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

RSVP is appreciated – ridethedrive@cityofmadison.com

About Ride the Drive
Ride the Drive is a celebration of Madison’s commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. This community event is an invitation to leave their cars behind to experience some of Madison’s most scenic byways a whole new way – by riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of Madison’s most beautiful streets.

Following the success of last year, we are pleased to announce TWO dates for 2010:

Sunday, June 6
Sunday, August 29

Learn more at cityofmadison.com/ridethedrive

LAKE LEVELS
This might be of interest to some and its FREE!:

NELSON INSTITUTE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM

Water levels in the Yahara Lakes are heavily influenced by a number of physical factors, both natural (precipitation, groundwater levels) and human-made (paved surfaces, bridges, dams and other land uses). This forum will explore the complex river system that includes the Yahara Lakes and examine how it responds to these influences.

Forums are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Water Levels in the Upper Yahara Lakes:
Surface and Groundwater Influences

Presentations:
KENNETH POTTER, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chair, Water Resources Management Program
JEREMY BALOUSEK, Urban Conservation Engineer, Dane County Office of Land and Water Resources
SUE JOSHEFF, Basin Supervisor, Division of Water, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources
PETER HUGHES, Assistant Center Director, Wisconsin Water Science Center, US Geological Survey

TUESDAY, APRIL 6
5:30 – 7:00 PM
1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG.
1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15.
Free parking in Lot 17.

Sponsored by:
Yahara Lakes Association, Dane County Office of Lakes and Watersheds Civil and Environmental Engineering Department

For more information: www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums
Event Contact: lambersonphi@wisc.edu