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June 19 - August 14:
Watershed Wanders and Wonders (With Goodman CC Youth)
By Carl Landsness
I had an extremely fulfilling (and challenging) experience guiding eight fourth and fifth graders (from Goodman CC) on the first two of eight "Watershed Wanders and Wonders" outings recently… to connect youth with the light and dark side of our Starkweather Creek watershed. The first was a four-hour excursion (by land) to both magical and marred examples of this highly modified (and abused) watershed… places that few know about or visit. The second was a two-hour excursion (by water) up the creek (with a paddle) to natural and human-made wonders (stimulating awe and glee of innocent children and enlightened elders).
What We Saw
Both children and elders expressed amazement and horror at the surprises they encountered… ranging from wildlife and beauty to human trash and abuse (in ways those on wheels never see or know). Some said it was the best thing they'd ever done.
Healing and Respect
I gained huge respect and empathy for today's youth and mentors… disconnected from the healing and uplifting gifts of nature due to technology, fear, rules, and judgments (per Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv) .
Thanks
Thanks so much to the adult mentors on these wanders: Sean Gere, Paul Noeldner, Chris Wood, Chris of Mad City Paddlers, Dominic Desano, Shaheen Sutterwala, and Deborah Crabtree. Their unique wisdom, caring, patience and playfulness catalyzed the kind of magic I cherish… giving me hope for our wounded youth and world. Thanks also to David Pulkowski for catalyzing this magical mystery tour, and to Allison Werner and Betty Chewing for their magic water chariots. There will be more updates on this program in our next newsletter.
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FSC Table at Solstice Celebration
(pictured is Rhonda Martin; Photo by Lance Green)
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Proposed Development on Far East Side
By Dea Larsen Converse
As part of our mission to promote responsible development near the creek, the Friends have been working with neighbors, alders and representatives of T Wall Enterprises to address the impact of a proposed development at 5422 Portage Road on the far-east side.
Concerns
Neighbors are concerned about the density of the proposed development on the border of an established neighborhood of single-family homes. FSC is primarily concerned about setbacks from the wetland, the possibility of runoff into the creek during construction, the loss of mature trees on the site, and public access. FSC formalized our concerns in letters to the Madison City Council. Here is a link to the letters.
Results of our Comments
FSC and neighborhood comments resulted in a small reduction in the density of the project, a survey of the trees by a certified arborist, and a commitment to educational signage in the greenway. However, the setback from the wetland is not part of the conditions put in place by the city. Reviews by the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) and the DNR are not yet complete; however, it is our understanding that the recent state budget may impact setback requirements in the area.
Future Work
Friends are continuing to meet with representatives from T Wall Enterprises, alders, the City of Madison, and neighbors as the project progresses. In particular, FSC is providing input on landscaping and educational signage for the greenway on the south half of the property, which contains the creek, wetlands, sections of forest and meadow, a sanitary sewer line and, eventually, a city bike path. T Walls has pledged to help with invasive removals, plantings and signage in this portion. The apartment buildings will be constructed in phases over the next few years.
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