Don't Miss the Cranes!
Every year, thousands of sandhill cranes gather on the Lower Wisconsin River as they prepare to migrate south for the winter. On Saturday, November 2nd, from 4:30pm-6pm, join us for DALC's annual viewing of this incredible natural spectacle from a bluff above the river, and learn about the history and conservation of sandhill cranes from Jeb Barzen, who directed the Field Ecology Department at the International Crane Foundation for many years.
This event takes place at a private residence. More details on location will be sent via email prior to the event. Space is limited, so sign up today!
Learn More about the Driftless Trail
Want to hear more about where this exciting project is headed? Mark your calendars! This Monday, October 28th from 4:30-5:30 pm, DALC is presenting “The Driftless Trail – Why, What and Where” at the Barneveld Public Library’s community room to update the public on the trail’s progress. Come hear about the three trail segments that are now open for public use, a fourth segment that will likely open next year, and the general direction we hope the trail will go. In the meantime, find more information on the Driftless Trail and guides for hiking the open segments here.
"Defining the Driftless"
How was the Driftless Area created? What makes it so incredibly unique? On Thursday, November 14th, in Platteville, join geologist Dr. Eric Carson to learn about the origins of our spectacular landscape and how recent research officially defined its boundaries. Following the presentation, grab a pizza dinner with Dr. Carson before heading to the historic Avalon Cinema for a special screening of Decoding the Driftless, a documentary about our region's geological and natural wonders. The screening will be introduced by Tim Jacobson, President of Sustainable Driftless Inc., who will join Dr. Carson for a Q&A afterwards. Find more details here!
Students Are Solar Messengers
DALC’s Clean Local Energy Alliance – Now! (CLEA-N) project has used a variety of approaches to assist area school districts in exploring ways to lower their energy costs and carbon footprints. The latest project: a student poetry contest! The Shine-On Solar Energy Slam aimed to both educate and inspire students and the wider community about the benefits solar can bring to their districts. Learn more about this innovative way to spread the word about sustainable energy, and read the winning poems.
Volunteer Opportunities
Head outside and make a difference! Join our outdoor workdays:
Weekends at Wild Oaks: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 11/2, 11/16
Sundays at Sardeson: 3rd Sundays of the month. Upcoming dates: 11/17
Wednesdays at the Wetland: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Upcoming dates: 11/6, 11/20
Find more details and let us know you're coming at our Volunteer page.
Notes From the Field
with Natasha Rank
Lately, on recent hikes and time outside, I see and hear fall familiars: the crunch of leaves underfoot, fiery colors all around, and marching “woolly bears.” Fun fact, “woolly bears” or “woolly worms” are actually a caterpillar and the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella). And a tidbit of lore, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac: the wider the rusty brown section, the milder the coming winter.
Since the crunch of leaves seemed to come early this year, I checked the gardens for moisture - do they need more water to prepare for winter? Once the march of woolly bears started, I began counting the days to the first snowflakes - will it be an early and mild cold season? Another fall familiar at my house as the daylight lessens and nights cool off is the re-emergence of soup, stew, and chili recipes. The presence of cool nights equals harvest time which equals simmering pots of goodness, which generally start with a familiar recipe in my kitchen followed by an adaption of whatever food is on hand or has been shared.
Whether any of these are familiar fall sights and sounds to you, I think all seem to be in a state of adaptation, possibly influenced by climate change, or just seasonally, or maybe because they are cyclic. I’m guessing most of you have noticed slight changes to your fall familiars. Try to embrace it by adapting in your own way. Like the fiery leaves around us, what sparks a fall familiar for you to embrace and adapt?
Natasha Rank
Operations Manager
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