TIME TO THINK COMPOST! This is the last really free lunch on the planet–at least for your garden. You can pay for a composter by avoiding the purchase of just three bags of lawn fertilizer. Compost is much better than chemical fertilizer because it adds structure to soil and releases nutrients slowly. Why […]
Compost: Nature’s Recycling Read More »
As our loyal Friends, we know that you’ve heard from us before about the problem of road salt contaminating Lake Wingra. Environmentalists can easily visualize how road salt in the water supply is bad for biodiversity. The problem is, most people link deicers to winter safety and struggle to see how their overuse
The Danger of Using Too Much Deicer Read More »
Spring cleaning is just around the corner and we want to help your home feel fresh and safe, for your family and for the environment! Check out these cheap and easy DIY cleaning solutions that will leave your house smelling lemony fresh. 1) All-purpose cleaner: Cuts grease & deodorizes 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup
5 Tips for Do-It-Yourself Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Read More »
Phosphorus is natural and essential, but when present in excess it can cause algal blooms, fish deaths, and decreases in water clarity. Phosphorus is currently one of the biggest challenges facing Lake Wingra so it’s time to get creative about finding solutions. Through my graduate studies at UW-Madison, I had the opportunity to design an
Floating Plant Islands Offer Phosphorus Reduction & Food Read More »
Rain gardens are a beautiful way of making our watershed a happier and healthier place. This year, Friends of Lake Wingra received a grant from the Natural Resources Foundation to spread the appreciation for all our dedicated rain garden care takers. Some of you may have noticed the bright orange butterfly rain garden signs
Education, Awareness, Beauty: A Happy Note to Brighten Your Day Read More »
A majority of Americans believe climate change is real and caused by human activity. Yet Donald Trump has said climate change is a hoax. Our current political climate is a challenge to all environmentalists. Even the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has recently removed references to climate change from their website. Given this
Climate Change – Citizens Must Lead Read More »
Happy New Year! As Friends of Lake Wingra transitioned from 2016 to 2017, we looked ahead to the coming year, and saw immense opportunity, often balanced by immense challenges. Opportunities and their associated challenges lead to change, and we embrace a year of coming change with optimism. Some changes will be obvious,
New Year’s Challenges and Opportunities for the Friends Read More »
Black ice is relatively smooth, hard, and clear. Packed snow eventually turns to black ice, especially when it rains, or when there’s a thaw, followed by freeze. You must completely remove packed snow if you want to prevent ice buildup. Black ice is most slippery when water is present. Then it can be very
Black Ice – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Read More »
We’re looking for homeowners to help demonstrate salt-free methods for clearing snow from sidewalks, including solar snow removal. We’re testing some improved methods. But you can use any method, provided no salt and that it’s a showcase job. All the snow doesn’t have to be cleared at once. We’ll provide you with a small sign
Volunteers needed for Salt-Free Sidewalk demo Read More »
Key ideas… Prevent packing of snow Scrape so remaining snow lets light through to the pavement Let the sun evaporate the rest (ice can evaporate without melting) Forecast Two more days of sun before the next snow. Use that time to clear all packed snow. In the morning, scrape or brush any snow
Solar Forecast: Clear the Snow Without Salt Read More »
The future of water and people depends on the choices we make today – and the ideas we share with each other. Two new resources by the UW-Madison Water Sustainability and Climate project help communities think about what they can do to make sure the future is one they’d want. Changes and Choices in
New Resources for the Future Read More »
Winter is a season associated with distinct feelings for all of your senses. There’s the smell of pine, the taste of apple pie, the sighting of the fist snowflake, and the crunch of rock salt beneath your boots. While we often give little thought to the last one, it’s certainly something we’re all familiar with.
Winter is Coming! Here’s What We Know About Road Salt Read More »
