The Current, January-February 2026 Midvale Messenger 1.12 MB pdf file can be accessed by one of these links: download or display in browser.

In this issue, learn more about what Midvale Heights Community Association has planned for 2026 and what the MHCA Green Team is planning in February, get updates from Alder Bill Tishler, Dane County Board Representative Keith Furman, the Friends of Sequoya Library and the MHCA Baseball Association, and more.

Due to the high volume of comments received so far, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is extending the public comment period to January 31, 2026, for the recent public meeting held for the Beltline Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study. The Study covers approximately 20 miles of US 12/14/18/151 (Beltline) from US 14 (city of Middleton) to County N (town of Cottage Grove) in Dane County. At the meeting the study team presented an overview of the information included in the Draft Beltline PEL Study Summary Report and the Preferred Strategy Package. The materials from the meeting, including the recorded presentation, meeting handout, and exhibits can be found on the public involvement (PI) page of the study website at the link below.

Beltline PEL PI Page

If you haven’t already, please consider providing feedback by filling out the online comment form. A direct link to the comment form can be found on the public involvement page of the study website.

WISCONSIN MASTER NATURALIST TRAINING OPORTUNITY

MADISON – Love Nature? Become a Wisconsin Master Naturalist!

Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to give back? Turn your curiosity into action by joining the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program.

Through expert-led sessions and hands-on field experiences, you’ll explore Wisconsin’s natural history, tackle conservation issues, and gain skills to be an effective volunteer.
Training Details

Where: Dane County Extension office, 5201 Fen Oak Drive, Madison
When: May 7-August 20, 2026
Cost: $300 (Includes 40 hours of training and all materials)
Reduced fees are available for financial hardships.

Local Info: Students will be immersed in the diverse array of natural areas Dane County has to offer through the lens of local experts. Highlights of our time together will include prairie walks, rainfall simulators, fish shocking, soil coring, nature journaling, birdwatching, monitoring for bumble bees and dragonflies, and much more. Additionally, many of the activities done by the group will be connected to volunteering opportunities from local Dane County organizations.

Make a Real Difference
As a certified Master Naturalist, you’ll be able to provide service to a variety of organizations through education, stewardship, and citizen science activities. To stay certified, volunteers report 40 hours of service and 8 hours of advanced training annually.

Join a community dedicated to Wisconsin’s natural world!

For more information about the Master Naturalist program, please visit www.wimasternaturalist.org.

Go to wimasternaturalist.org/training/volunteer-training/danecounty2026/ to register for this training beginning on Monday January 12, 2026 at 9 a.m. This training will sell out fast!