University of Wisconsin-Madison
We are delighted to welcome Shelly Shaw as the new Area Director for UW–Madison Extension Dane County. Shelly brings a broad background in public health, with experience ranging from infectious disease epidemiology to leading community-based efforts that support healthy, active lifestyles for children. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from North Central College […]
In early spring, green patches in farm fields are often cover crops, which help prevent soil erosion and keep nutrients from washing away. One common cover crop, winter cereal rye, survives through winter and is very effective at holding nutrients in the soil. However, it can also use a lot of nitrogen, which may reduce […]
The 2026 Dane County Plat Book is now available.
Looking to build a stronger bond with your child and connect with other fathers?
Our Natural Resources Educator, Wade Moder, partnered with Dane County Land and Water to host 90-minute Native Garden Design Workshops for neighborhood associations, gardening clubs, first-time home buyers, and the general public. Participants use 3D-printed plant tokens that show plant size, bloom time, and color to design native pollinator gardens, making planning more approachable and […]
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 […]
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.
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Yes, this time of year we often see some leaf damage courtesy of some garden friends and garden foes (as well as hail!). Holes are not necessarily a reason to panic and pull out the insecticide sprayer. In fact, they can be an indicator that your ecosystem is healthy and functioning as it should. The […]
