Close your eyes, imagine yourself frolicking through scenic prairies of Wisconsin on a beautiful summer's/autumn's day with your favorite volunteer coordinator. The birds are chirping, the brooks are babbling, and the fresh air fills you soul with a newfound appreciation for the simple things in life. This wistful dream could soon be a reality. Project Wingspan is an organization working to help support migrating monarchs and the imperiled rusty-patched bumble bee populations throughout the Midwest.

Michael Smith is now a certified team lead, and will be assembling a group of cows to journey out into the great unknown and collect native seeds throughout the coming summer and fall. If you are interested (as I suspect you are) the first step is to complete a ~2 hour training module linked here: https://www.pollinator.org/wingspan/seed-collection?fbclid=IwAR1OhynZzG5ThTLmtST5adDNK9HyDZUtxCJoZXYbDbHyfhHY1ynFv3nZ11c.

This module can be completed on your own time and will teach you about field protocols as well as plant identification (It is not difficult at all and would be a hoot to complete with a group of friends). Bonus: completing the module will count towards your volunteer hours (training hours can be logged here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Bkg02u6Dxui8UaXPN_BGc01zMPHD3X_7w_HaYrBGoL8/edit?usp=sharing

We will likely have 1-2 collection adventures a month Aug-Nov in which we will either carpool out to a site (Covid willing) or saddle up on our bicycles, so GET EXCITED. Even if you will not be in the Madison area, I encourage those interested in fall participation to get the training module completed sooner rather than later. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:).

New members

If you are a new member, make sure you sign up for IMLeagues. We do not use WIN anymore so it is important to not use that program. Watch this video to learn how to use IMLeagues. See how to join by following the links below

IMLeagues-App-How-To-Guide

Practice Sign Up IMLeagues (video tutorial)

ALSO... make sure you join Strava so you can virtually cheer on your fellow teammates of the Wisconsin Track Club!