Past Programs

Sustain Dane has launched many programs that are interwoven in the fabric of Dane County sustainability, including the MPower Champions program.

Past Program Impact

Connecting Working from Home & Sustainability

In 2021 we conducted a scoping study on telework in partnership with the Greater Madison MPO and made possible by Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change’s Clean Energy Economic Development Grant Program. The study worked to understand the opportunities and challenges of long-term teleworking options as an important component of reducing vehicle miles traveled in Dane County. The Dane County Climate Action Plan targets a 15% reduction in vehicle miles traveled by 2050. Working with a cohort of local businesses, organizations, and individuals, we’re identifying teleworking best practices, equity considerations, and available tools for entities implementing telework and telecommuting policies. 

Outdoor Classrooms

Comprised of diverse local educators, parents, volunteers, and district leaders, the Outdoor Learning Network works to expand our local classrooms outside. The network connects educators to resources in the community to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Wisconsin Green Schools took over this program in 2019, follow them on facebook.

Yahara Watershed Academy

The Yahara Watershed Academy is a training and leadership-development experience that aims to empower a regional network of leaders for the Yahara River Watershed by supporting the creation of locally led initiatives benefiting our watershed. Clean Lakes Alliance now owns this program, learn more.

Step Up: Equity Matters

Step Up: Equity Matters has been working for a just economy since 2014 through facilitating learning, dialogue, and self-reflection at public workshops, private trainings, and speaking events. Step Up is now run by previous program partner Latino Professionals Association.

Sustainability Snapshot

Sustainability Snapshot was a resource to understand the state of sustainability in the Greater Madison Region in 2015. By measuring indicators of sustainability, this innovative tool illustrated the connections within our community, economy, and environment and helped inspire actions toward a more sustainable future. Learn about the Snapshot’s findings.

Ho-Chunk Resident Panels for Imagine Madison

In 2017, Sustain Dane and Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison facilitated panels to provide an opportunity for Ho-Chunk residents of Madison to influence city planning through the participatory process Imagine Madison. Read Imagine Madison’s report.

 

Rain Barrels

From 2005 to 2011, Sustain Dane helped to sell thousands of rain barrels in Dane County and nationally. The program increased awareness about the power of individual action for the health of our lakes. Sustain Dane no longer sells or installs rain barrels.