Events

Thursday, February 11th
Heart Fair off the Square
5:00-8:00 p.m. Free
Location: St Mary’s Hospital, Madison

PrairieFire Education Foundation hosts an information session and invites volunteers to join.
Thursday, February 11th
6-8pm at Willy Street Coop, Community Room
1221 Williamson Street, Madison
Call for details: 608-772-2284

We are seeking green-minded people to join our non-profit and help us get it off the ground. We need:
grant writers
administrative support
event planners and staffers
web site gurus
alternative energy enthusiasts
graphic designers and materials writers
leaders to serve on the Board

Chocolate, Cheese, and Beer pairings
6:30pm Thursday, February 11th
At Fromagination (12 S. Carroll, on the capital square)

Join local chocolatier Gail Ambrosius, along with Specialty Beverage and our own Fromagination cheesemongers, for a Valentines day tasting. Bring your Valentine sweetheart, or just a group of friends, to savor the amazing flavors created when artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, and craft beer meet. Truly an event for perfect companions!

$35/person. Space is limited. Advance registration required to guarantee your spot. Call 608-255-2430.

Friday, February 12th
The Art of Risotto (Vegetarian)
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. $25

Free FORUM ON CLIMATE CHANGE, HISTORY, AND SOCIETY

Well Adapted but Still Extinct: Lessons in Human Ecodynamics from the
Viking Settlement of the North Atlantic
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
4:00 PM
ROOM AB20, WEEKS HALL
1215 W. DAYTON ST.

Professor Dugmore is a physical geographer with extensive field experience in the North Atlantic.

Friday, February 12th
Sweet Valentine
4:30–6:00 p.m. $10
Come make the sweetest treat for your valentine! We will create homemade Valentines and delicious baked goodies to go with it. Surprise your favorite person with s ‘more cupcakes, decorated heart sugar cookies, and anything we can find to dip in chocolate! Ages 6-12

John Taylor Gatto Public Lecture

7pm February 12

Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa Street

February 13 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Core Area and Curtis Prairie." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. For more information: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:

Great Backyard Bird Count at Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Learn more about Wisconsin’s winter bird residents and join tens of thousands of everyday bird watchers for the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)! This national event, organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to engage in real citizen science. Participants will count birds and report their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. We will provide the binoculars and teach participants how!

Saturday, February 13th
Valentine Snack Time
2:00–3:30 p.m. $15
This class is perfect for some parent or grandparent and child bonding. Join Tara Verma, a local mommy, to learn how to make a fun and healthy snack together while showing your children the art of cooking and expressing themselves through food. This class will be fun and delicious. There will be time for eating and sharing stories with bonus healthy snack recipes to take home.

Musical Fundraiser

Featuring the Ripp-Dieter Family, Ancestra, Joe Dieter, and the award winning band, Del Preston.

The performance will be on Saturday February 13th, from 4 to 6pm at Unity Church of Madison, 601 Tompkins Drive, Madison, WI 53716.

The cost of the concert is a love offering of your chosen amount, and proceeds will go toward funding a trip to France with Hannah’s high school this summer.

February 14 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.

Arboretum Walk: "Winter Birds." Cardinals may be singing, chickadees and nuthatches changing their tunes, and woodpeckers drumming. Discover how our feathered friends have been doing this winter.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:
Events are open to the public, and tours take place regardless of weather unless the naturalist decides it would be unsafe. Call 608-263-7888 if in doubt. Unless otherwise noted, tours are free and begin at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Visit our Web site at uwarboretum.org

February 14 - Sunday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Arboretum Family Walk: "Animal Tracks." Animal tracks are easy to spot in the snow and mud. If neither are present, look for trails/traces animals make through the vegetation.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:
Events are open to the public, and tours take place regardless of weather unless the naturalist decides it would be unsafe. Call 608-263-7888 if in doubt. Unless otherwise noted, tours are free and begin at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Visit our Web site at uwarboretum.org

Monday, February 15th
Hablar y Cocinar
4:30–6:00 p.m. $5
Whether you have never spoken a word of Spanish or you are a natural, this class will be tons of fun. Learn how to make delicious empanadas! While we wait for our warm savory pastries to bake we will play Spanish games to practice our vocab! Take home your own set of French food flash cards to practice at home! Ages 7-12

Mardi Roots!
What: A mid-winter local foods meal followed by a screening of the new food movie,

New Thinking about What We’re Eating

Event details at: www.freshthemovie.com
When: February 16, 2010 (Mardi Gras)

Supper at 6 PM; Movie at 7PM

Where: Mt Vernon United Church of Christ

1693 Washington St.

Mt Vernon, WI 53593

Tuesday, February 16th
Transforming Stress
6:30–7:30 p.m. Free
Join Kelly Hora M.Ac. and learn how to transform stress and create a personal plan to respond to stress in a positive way. We will explore Acupuncture and Chinese medicine’s holistic approach to stress, as well as lifestyle choices you can make to support yourself. We will begin with an overview of the physiology of stress, then complete a self-reflection worksheet to generate new tools and approaches to stress and how we respond.

Thursday, February, 18th
Health Nuts
4:30–5:30 p.m. $5
In this class we will discover how delicious it is to eat healthy! We will make two afterschool snacks that kids can recreate by themselves at home. Then we will create a Veggie Lasagna with Ravioli that the whole family will love! Ages 6-12

Landscape Lighting Talk & Tour

at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

February 18 Thursday 6 – 7:30 pm

Registration Deadline: February 11

$11 Olbrich members/$13 public

Nighttime in the Jungle: Chocolate and the Cacao Tree

Ages 3 - 5

February 18 Thursday 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Registration Deadline: February 11

$8 Olbrich members/$10 public

Friday, February 19th
Indian Cooking
6:00-8:30 p.m. $25
Join Neeta Saluja in learning how to prepare fresh and authentic Indian food in your own home. The menu will include Chicken Biryani, a fragrant Indian version of Chicken and Rice Casserole. Learn to prepare Spinach Raita, a wonderful side dish for rice dishes. Finish your perfect winter menu with Hot and Spicy Tomato Soup, loaded with fresh ginger and curry leaves, this soup will be perfect to warm up during the cold months.

Join youth gardening experts from around the city for the first annual
Madison Youth Grow Local Conference

Saturday, February 20th, 8:30am – 1pm
Goodman Community Center

Connect with others who are involved in the youth gardening movement, learn about seed starting, cooking in the garden, hands on activities, school gardens, how to access community resources for your garden & much more!
Sponsored by Community GroundWorks at Troy Gardens, Community Action Coalition (CAC), and Goodman Community Center.
Stay tuned for more information or email elizabeth@troygardens.org

February 20 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Grady Tract." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the Grady Tract parking lot. For more information: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:

February 21 - Sunday 1-2:30 p.m.

Arboretum Walk: "About Mammals." Without coats, boots, hats and gloves to keep them warm, how do Wisconsin mammals get through winter? Our naturalist has the answers and will point out other discoveries on this walk.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:
Events are open to the public, and tours take place regardless of weather unless the naturalist decides it would be unsafe. Call 608-263-7888 if in doubt. Unless otherwise noted, tours are free and begin at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Visit our Web site at uwarboretum.org

February 21 - Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Monday, February 22nd
The Big Eat
5:30-8:30 p.m. $50
Location: Monona Terrace in downtown Madison
Join Whole Foods Market at this year’s Big Eat! The Big Eat brings together the delicious specialties of over 25 Madison area food purveyors for the sampling pleasure of the community to raise funds for Family Centers and its participating agencies in their efforts to keep kids safe and build strong and stable families. Feast on everything from entrees, appetizers, beverages, and desserts! Order tickets online at www.familycentersinc.org/BigEatTicketOrder.aspx

Moving Meditation

at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

February 22 – May 10 Mondays 6 – 7:30 pm

Registration Deadline: February 15

$120 per person

Come to the peace and beauty of the Gardens and enjoy moving with and being moved by Tai Chi and heart-centered, seated meditation practice. Led by Jody

--more--

Curley, MA, Certified Heart Rhythm Meditation Instructor and Tai Chi Chuan

Monday, February 22nd
Feeding the Sprout: The Adventures of Toddler Food
6:00-7:30 p.m. $15

"Weston A. Price Foundation - Madison Chapter"
Nutrient-Dense Foods - Education & Activism
Mon. Feb. 22 - Chapter meeting 7 pm, Wil-Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St., the
public is invited. For more info, call Carolyn at 221-8696 or see
http://my.madison.com/Groups/Madison_WAPF

Wind Energy Workshop to be held in Dodgeville

Harvest the Wind is a wind energy workshop for farm owners in southwest Wisconsin. The workshop will help those interested in potentially producing wind power go through a process of determining what makes a location a better (or worse) site for wind. Discussion on how to work with your utility will be included. There will be an opportunity to listen to one pioneering dairy farmers’ experience with on farm wind production.

Tuesday, February 23rd
Meditation Class (for beginners and seasoned meditators)
6:30–8:00 p.m. $5
Would you like to meditate but don't know how or think you can not? In this class, instructor Justin Thelen from Equilibrium introduces: The benefits of meditation; techniques to relax the body and calm the mind; breath and mind; and a simple but effective meditation practice so you'll be able to start practicing at home. This is a stand-alone class but also part of an ongoing meditation series.

More than Just a Pretty Face

at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

February 23 Tuesday 6:30 – 8 pm

Registration Deadline: February 16

$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Naturopathic Approaches to Treating Insomnia

at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

February 23 Tuesday 6:30 – 8 pm

Registration Deadline: February 16

$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Wednesday, February 24th
Pakistani Cuisine
6:00–8:00 p.m. $25
Explore Pakistani Cuisine with Huma Siddiqui, local author of White Jasmine Cuisine. The evening will begin with Zucchini Pakoras, a comforting appetizer of fresh sliced zucchini dipped in gram flour batter and deep fried. For the main course: Tandoori Shrimp, a succulent shrimp cooked with White Jasmine Tandoori Masala and fire roasted tomatoes; served with Raita and Pulao, basmati rice cooked with fragrant whole spices.

Thursday, February 25th
Gluten Free Gang: Baking!
4:30–6:00 p.m. $5
Join our new gluten-free kid’s cooking series! Whether you can’t have gluten or just want to find out how delicious it can be, this class will teach us the tricks of making gluten-free food fun and tasty! This week we will be baking up a storm with Brownies and Pumpkin Pie Muffins! Ages 6-12

Beyond Chives and Parsley

at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

February 26 Friday 6 – 8:30 pm

Registration Deadline: February 18

$36 Olbrich members/$45 public

Friday, February 26th
Whole Trade Desserts & Wine Pairing
6:30-8:00 p.m. $15
In celebration of Whole Trade month, join Whole Foods Market for a delicious exploration into Whole Trade desserts and wines. On the menu will be Jasmine Tea-Poached Pears, Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with Raspberries, Coffee Granita, and a fine assortment of scrumptiously sustainable wines.

Local Conference for Woodland Owners

February 27 - Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Arboretum Ecological Restoration Work Party: "Core Area and Curtis Prairie." Volunteer for restoration activities and learn about prairies and savannas. Tools and training are provided, and groups are welcome with advance notice. Meet at the front steps of the Visitor Center. 9 a.m. to noon. For more information: 608-265-5214 or mlfarrior@wisc.edu.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:

Saturday, February 27th
Cake Decorating 101: for teens!
12:00–1:30 p.m. $10
Come and discover the art of cake decorating! Learn how to assemble and frost a layer cake, and basic piping techniques, too. We will then explore the art of creating edible sculpture and figures for our cakes using marzipan. Ages 13-17

February 27 - Saturday, 1-3:30 p.m.

Arboretum Class: "Patterns in Nature." Learn about the fascinating world of patterns in nature; find out about the interplay between form and function of commonly found patterns. Practice observation skills and learn how these patterns are applied in garden designs. Indoor and outdoor activities are planned. Instructor: Marian Farrior, Arboretum Earth Partnership field manager. Fee: $18 ($15 for members of Friends of the Arboretum.) Registration required. Contact the Arboretum for a registration form, or register and pay online at uwarboretum.org

February 27 - Saturday, 6:30-8 p.m.

Arboretum Night Walk: "Sounds and Stillness." Though the great horned owls are quiet on their nests in February, barred owls may be calling. If all the owls are quiet, we can stargaze and listen for other creatures out and about on a late winter night.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:

Saturday, February 27th
Chair Massage in the Café
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Free
Enjoy a free chair massage in our café with massage therapist Justin Thelen.

February 28 - Sunday, 12:30-4 p.m.

Arboretum Earth Partnership for Families: "Winter Trees, Spring Trees: What's Happening on the Inside?" February family day at the Arboretum is a drop-in event where families can find the answer to the question: "What do trees do in the winter?" And with spring just around the corner "What's happening inside a tree as the days get longer and warmer?" Learn how to identify trees in winter and make bark rubbings. A naturalist-led walk takes place from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:

February 28 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.

Arboretum Walk: "Transitions." Late winter or early spring? It is hard to tell in advance what late February will be like, but nature is getting ready for a change in seasons. Look for clues today.

GENERAL ARBORETUM EVENT INFORMATION:
Events are open to the public, and tours take place regardless of weather unless the naturalist decides it would be unsafe. Call 608-263-7888 if in doubt. Unless otherwise noted, tours are free and begin at the Arboretum Visitor Center. Visit our Web site at uwarboretum.org

Nighttime in the Jungle: Chocolate and the Cacao Tree

Grades 3 - 5

March 4 Thursday 6:30 – 8 pm

Registration Deadline: February 25

$8 Olbrich members/$10 public

Leopold Discovery Day
Saturday, March 6 1- 2:30 pm
FREE

Bring the whole family to celebrate the life and legacy of Wisconsin’s premier conservationist, Aldo Leopold! Take a hike with our naturalists and learn how to “read the landscape” like Leopold did with his family. Enjoy selected readings and activities inspired by A Sand County Almanac, including “Good Oak” and “Pines Above the Snow.” Hear exciting Leopold family tales told by Aldo Leopold’s granddaughter, Trish Stevenson, inside the Children’s Shack and take home a “Where’s Aldo?” coloring poster.

Midwest Gardening Symposium: Green Gardening from the Ground Up

Saturday, March 13, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Registration Deadline: March 8

The second-annual Midwest Gardening Symposium celebrates “green,” low-maintenance gardening. Hands-on gardening experts will offer practical advice at the Midwest Gardening Symposium: Green Gardening from the Ground Up, at Olbrich Botanical Gardens on Saturday, March 13.

Saturday, March 13th:
FestivAle
Arthritis Foundation fundraiser

Special Session: 12:00-1:00 p.m. / Open Tasting: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: East Side Club, Madison