Dear Friends,

 

I'm happy to announce the dates, locations and topics for our Spring 2001 Stewardship Training.

 

Stewardship Training will give you the tools you need to join the Yahara River Parkway Stewards as a volunteer. You'll learn about the history of the Parkway and why we are working to manage and restore the more than 40 acres that make up this treasured park in the heart of Madison's East side. We'll teach you the skills you'll need to identify trees and shrubs, and  how to prune and plant them.  You'll have the opportunity to join in on current projects, and to develop your own as well.

 

You are all invited to attend any or all of these workshops; however registration is required. Please see the bottom of this email for information on how to register.

 

For those interested in joining the Stewardship Program, attendance at all the workshops is strongly recommended, and we also ask that you be willing to make a committment to working with us on a regular basis for a minimum of a year. In exchange you gain access to tools, expertise,  resources,  and comraderie with a great group of folks dedicated to the Yahara River Parkway. (Oh, and we have a lot of fun, too.)

 

Workshop 1:  Project Introduction

Saturday, March 10th, 2001 9:30 AM to Noon

 

Our introductory workshop will give everyone a chance to meet and to catch up on what has been happening along the river in the past few years. We will be joined by Arne Alanen of the UW Department of Landscape Architecture, who will present a slide show on the original landscape design for the Yahara River Parkway and answer your questions.

 

Workshop 2:  The Landscape, Design Objectives and Environmental Management

Saturday, March 17 9:30 AM-Noon

 

This day we will talk about the art and science of managing landscapes,  and take a walking tour of the Parkway and our ongoing projects. We will also update you on this year‚s plan.  Our leaders for the day will be Geri Weinstein-Breunig from the Urban Open Space Foundation and Cultural Waters, Inc., and graduates of last year's Stewardship Training. Rain or shine, please come dressed for the weather, as we will be outside for about 2 hours.

 

Workshop 3:  Our First Workday

Tools and Plant Identification

Saturday, April 7 9:00 AM-Noon

 

Please come dressed for the weather as we will be outside for about 3 hours, working on a site to be arranged.

 

Workshop 4: Earth Day

Saturday, April 21, 2000 8 AM-Noon

 

On Earth Day, we work on a project such as pulling garlic mustard, that people of all ages can enjoy, one that permits many volunteers to join us. Meet at 8:00 today, and plan on working until noon. New stewards will pair up with last year‚s graduates to help supervise today’s volunteers.

 

Workshop 5: Working as a Group

Saturday, May 5 9:30 AM-Noon

 

For our last indoor workshop we will learn more about the role of the Parks Department, the Urban Open Space Foundation, and the Friends of the Yahara River Parkway and others in the restoration of the parkway,  and talk about what kinds of projects we want to work on over the next few years. Here‚s a chance to explore your special interests in the project, and for us all to learn more about how we can work together and what we want to accomplish.

 

If you are interested in registering or have any questions, please email or call Margaret Bergamini at mmb@chorus.net or 257-5718.

 

These workshops are made possible by the generous support of the Urban Open Space Foundation, The Madison Community Foundation, The Madison Parks Department, and the voluntary efforts of many people like you!

 

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