The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has provided $980 in grant money to the city of Middleton Conservancy Land Committee to support the Citizen Survey of Blanding’s Turtles.

The funding will facilitate the expansion of citizen monitoring efforts of the last two years.

The money will cover the costs to put radio transmitters on the turtles and track their movements and their habitat needs.

“Our Foundation works to save endangered wildlife, protect natural lands, and promote conservation education," said Charlie Luthin, executive director of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. "The Besady Grants are specifically for small-scale projects that have a big impact in local communities. This year, we gave away nearly $25,000 to 28 projects across the state. We’re pleased to support the great work of city of Middleton Conservancy Land Committee and Middleton citizen volunteers."

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as an Energy Star leader for superior energy efficiency in each of its ten schools for 2010.  

The district received EPA’s Top Performer and 20 Percent awards.

"The students and staff of MCPASD should be proud that their efforts and commitment to conserving energy is being recognized beyond our community" said Tom Wohlleber, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. "Our goals of increasing student and staff awareness/knowledge regarding energy usage in our schools, integrating energy management with energy education, and applying knowledge gained from classroom experience to the day-to-day operation of district facilities is being realized in a big way."

The damage and concern in the Midwest surrounding the Emerald Ash Borer is well-documented, and on Thursday, a discussion will be held at the Middleton Public Library to talk about what steps the city of Middleton is taking to protect the city's ash trees.

City Forester/Horticulturist Mark Wegner will provide information on the bug, it's preferred meal of choice, what Middleton is planning to do and what you as a homeowner or concerned citizen can do as well as part of the Green Thursday series at the Middleton Public Library.

Information for potential replacement trees will also be discussed. All questions related to Middleton's Urban Forest can be addressed as well, if desired. Please attend and get the get the facts straight from the front line.