Educational public outreach is a strong component of Renewing the Countryside – Wisconsin, spurring imaginations, giving hope and fostering dialogue for all who take pleasure in Wisconsin’s countryside and want to see it sustained for future generations.  Please see the calendar below for Renewing the Countryside – Wisconsin events (you will need to sign-in to Google to view the calendar). 

Upcoming Events (Both events are free and open to the public);

Friday, Dec. 7, 2007
Event: Book Release Party
Location: 26 East Main Street (The Woolen Mill), Reedsburg
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Contact: Donna Neuwirth, Wormfarm Institute, wormfarm@jvlnet.com, 608-524-8672 or 608-415-0347
Description:  Through engaging stories and captivating photographs, Renewing the Countryside - Wisconsin explores how the state is leading the nation in sustainably grown food, environmentally responsible business and home-grown, forward-looking answers to the challenges facing today's rural economy and communities.  Celebrate the book's release with a presentation and opportunity to meet several of the local case studies featured in the book, including Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain; Turkey Ridge Apple Orchard, Gays Mills; Growing Power, Milwaukee; Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, East Troy; Vermont Valley Community Farm, Blue Mounds; Justin Trails B&B, Sparta; David Ogren- Windsor Chairs, Rock Springs; Fall Art Tour, Baraboo, Spring Green and Mineral Point; and Reedsburg’s own Wormfarm Institute.  Refreshments will be served.  Books will be available for purchase with free sustainable gift wrapping. 

Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007
Event:  Book Release Event
Location:  Willy Street Coop,
Time:  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contact:  Lisa Kivirist, Renewing the Countryside, lisa@rtcinfo.org, 608-329-7056
Description:  Discover the dynamic stories of the creative, hard-working people, organizations and businesses that are bringing new energy and visionary approaches to the Wisconsin countryside, drawn from the newly released book, Renewing the Countryside – Wisconsin, along with ideas on what we can all do to see Wisconsin’s countryside sustained for future generations.   Several of Willy Street vendors are profiled in this book, including Organic Valley Family of Farms, Igl Farms, , Willow Creek Farm, Cedar Grove Cheese and Vermont Valley Community Farm.  Other Madison-based organizations are also featured in this book, including Dane County Farmers’ Market, REAP and the Ice Age Trail.

Calendar of Renewing the Countryside Wisconsin Events: 

Would your organization, library, chamber of commerce, bookstore or other venue be interested in hosting a Renewing the Countryside – Wisconsin event?  An inspiring 45-minute PowerPoint presentation showcases the book’s engaging stories and captivating photography.  The presentation, personally facilitated by one of the book editors or case studies featured in the book, wraps up with tangible action steps that anyone can take to help continue Wisconsin’s rural renaissance.  For more information, contact Lisa Kivirist at lisa@rtcinfo.org.