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• Tour of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

  • When
    April 08, 2026
  •  
    1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    30 West Mifflin Street, Madison
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  
  

  Tour of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

  Wednesday, April 8 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

  Free to PLATO members and guests

  Registration is required

  Registration Deadline - April 6

  The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the veterans of Wisconsin who served in the United States armed forces. A docent, and military veteran, will guide us through the exhibits and dioramas illustrating how Wisconsinites – both men and women – participated in American history from the Civil War through the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. Exhibits include many personal and military artifacts and a “Huey” helicopter that flew during Vietnam. You can hear, in their own words, veterans recount everyday military life as well as their part in historic moments. This museum has won awards from the American Alliance of Museums and is affiliated with the Smithsonian.

  Please meet in the lobby of the museum about 10 minutes before the tour starts to meet our tour guide.

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  Transportation Options:

  Bicycle:  Bike racks are available.

  Bus: The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Route A and Route B buses run every 15 minutes and stop on State street.

  Parking:   The State Street Capitol Garage is located at 200 N. Carroll St, just a two-block walk to the museum.

  For further information, contact Joyce Knutson at k2pmw@sbcglobal.net or 608-238-4279.

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• Nature Walk at Oakwood Village University Woods

  • When
    May 06, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    6209 Mineral Point Road, Madison
  • Spaces left
    15

  
  

  
  

  Nature Walk at Oakwood Village University Woods

  Wednesday, May 6, 2025 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Rain Date - Thursday, May 7 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Registration will open in early April

  Free to PLATO members and guests

  Registration is required and is limited to 15 people

  The Oakwood Nature Preserve is an 8 acre conservation park maintained by residents of the Oakwood community and the Oakwood horticulture staff. We will walk along the three-fourths of a mile wood- chipped Rustic Path among tall trees. The path goes beside Trillium Corner (a spring ephemeral garden), the prairie plots and a vernal pond and there are some short but steep slopes.

  We will have a one-hour walk followed by a social hour with lemonade and cookies in the Oaks Community Room. There will be listening devices for all participants. Unfortunately, the trail is not accessible for people with disabilities.  Bring water, sunglasses, a walking stick if you use one and dress for the weather. Sandals are not appropriate footwear. There are restroom facilities at the start and end.

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  Transportation Options:

  
  

  Parking:  Parking will not be in the usual spots for PLATO events at Oakwood since the nature preserve is on the west end of the campus. Do not enter the underground parking garages.  After entering the Island Drive entrance turn immediately to the right.  Park near The Oaks residence hall on the west end of campus (see map below). There is plenty of surface parking. Look for signs and somebody showing you where to park. 

  
  

  
  

  Bicycle: Bike racks are available.

  
  

  Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  

  
  

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  Nature Walk Coordinator/Leader: The tour will be led by Barb Littlewood, a PLATO member, Oakwood resident and member of the Oakwood Nature Preserve committee. If you have questions, contact Barb at barb.littlewood@gmail.com  or 608-283-9905.

  
  

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• Dane County Landfill Tour

  • When
    June 02, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    3656 County Highway AB, McFarland, WI
  • Spaces left
    20

  

  Dane County Landfill Tour

  Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  

  Free to PLATO members and guests.

  Registration is required.

  Registration opens in early May

  We had a wait list for last year's Dane County Landfill Tour so we are repeating it in 2026.

  Ever wonder what happens to your trash after it leaves the curb? Join us for an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes field trip to our local landfill and waste management facilities — a fascinating journey into the world of recycling, renewable energy, and responsible disposal.

  Tour highlights Include:

  • Clean Sweep Facility: See how hazardous household materials like paints, cleaners, and batteries are safely collected and handled.
  • Construction & Demolition Recycling Center: Learn how building materials are sorted and reused to keep tons of waste out of landfills.
  • Renewable Natural Gas Plant: Discover how organic waste is turned into clean, renewable energy that powers homes and vehicles.
  • Active Landfill Site: Get a rare, firsthand look at how today’s landfills are engineered to manage waste while protecting the environment.

  Why You Should Come:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of where your waste goes — and why it matters.
  • Learn how to reduce your own environmental footprint.
  • Perfect for  sustainability advocates and curious minds of all ages.

  Space is limited and spots fill quickly, so register today for this unique, educational experience that just might change the way you see your garbage!

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  Safety information:  The health of our visitors and staff is important to us and we have implemented the following policies and procedures for our tour program:

  - Safety vests will be provided and must be worn at all times during the tour.

  - No sandals or open toed shoes. 

  - Bathroom access is extremely limited, please plan accordingly.

  Weather: Tours proceed rain or shine, so tour attendees should dress for the weather. 

  Directions:  Please meet at Hope Park  (3656 County Highway AB, McFarland, WI) directly outside our landfill facility where our mobile Trash Lab exhibit is located. The Trash Lab exhibit will be parked out front, with a "tours" sign to mark where we will be gathering. Visitors will have a chance to explore the Lab prior to getting on our Waste + Renewables bus for the grounds tour. 

  
  

  For further information, contact PLATO trip leader, Cynthia Moore,  eron99c@gmail.com , 608-228-8836.

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