We Have a New VITA Scheduler!
María Romero Hortas joins us as the new Scheduler for the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) Site, bringing with her a deep commitment to service and a wealth of administrative experience.
Latest News
Welcome Our New Interim Director
Chrissy Wen recently joined the Dane County team as Interim Director, while continuing in her role as Director for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth Counties.
Green Thumb Gardening Winter 2026 Vegetable Series
The 10-session live, online Green Thumb Gardening class series offers in-depth and engaging gardening information on a variety of topics. From starting seeds to composting to managing insect pests, this gardening class series will help home and community garden vegetable gardens to thrive. Speakers will include Extension Horticulture Educators and UW–Madison Dept. of Extension campus outreach specialists.
Winter Sowing Native Wildflower Seed
Winter sowing is a way to provide a cold, moist period for native plant seeds that require it for germination, something akin to what they’d experience outside in winter. This is called stratification. Some native plant seeds don’t require a cold moist period at all and will germinate in a warm moist situation inside the […]
Retirement Planning Today Workshops
Discover the keys to a successful retirement and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. Whether you’re just starting to plan or looking to refine your strategy, this class can help. You will learn about maximizing Social Security benefits, investment strategies, healthcare considerations, and much more. You’ve worked hard to provide for your family and […]
Celebrating Carrie Edgar’s Leadership as Dane County Extension Director
After more than 27 years in Extension leadership, Carrie Edgar, Dane County Extension Director, will retire in early 2026.
New Room Use Policy for 2026
New policy beginning January 2026. Rooms are available for meetings and events associated with municipal, county, and state government, including UW Extension-related groups. Rooms are for government-related business only. Rooms are not available for rent to the public or outside groups.
Wintersown Seed Starting of Wildflowers and Cold-Tolerant Vegetables Workshop
This class will include a lecture portion on the art and science of germinating wildflower seed using two techniques for the winter-sown method, as well as information on starting cold, hardy vegetable seed in DIY mini greenhouses. The lecture portion will be followed by a hands-on activity in the Dane County Extension Teaching Garden Greenhouse […]
Expansion of a Senior-Focused Food Access Program
Dane County is fortunate to have dozens of local farm stands and farmers markets. However, income, transportation, and mobility barriers can render them inaccessible, especially for low-income seniors. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) supports low-income seniors in accessing fresh produce by providing seasonal vouchers they can redeem at participating markets and farm stands. […]
The TEAMs Program: Supporting Farm Career Pathways
Hired managers play a crucial role on vegetable farms. They provide leadership to the farm crew, share responsibilities with the farm employer, and ultimately can strengthen the health of the farm business. However, conversations with farmworkers showed that their limited access to formal training opportunities in leadership and employee management was making them second guess […]
A Community-Centered Initiative to Develop a Comprehensive Regional Food Plan
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our local (and national/global) food system, it revealed and amplified weaknesses and inequities in our food system. It was clear that there was a critical need to strengthen our local and regional food system against future disruptions. In 2021 the Dane County Food Council with Dane County Extension’s Community Food […]
Richard Dilley Tax Center Providing Access to Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Since 2005 Dane County UW Extension has been involved in the free tax preparation initiative known as the Richard Dilley Tax Center. This collaborative effort is possible through a partnership with many incredible volunteers, the UW Madison South Madison Partnership, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue with funding support from the Internal Revenue Services through […]
