PLATO upcoming events

Nature Walk at Oakwood Village University Woods (May 06, 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Nature Walk at Oakwood Village University Woods

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 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.

Mansion Hill East Walking Tour (May 31, 2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Mansion Hill East Walking Tour

Sunday, May 31 from 4:00-5:15

Registration is required.

Registration will open in early May

Join us as we collaborate with the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation on a guided walking tour through the historic Mansion Hill East neighborhood. Travel through time to see the stately sandstone mansions built by Madison’s early elite, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, home to 17 Wisconsin governors. Other highlights include the “architectural gem of Mansion Hill,” now Mansion Hill Inn, and the Gates of Heaven Synagogue.

The tour will accommodate up to 18 pre-registered guests and will last approximately 75 minutes. Meet outside the Edgewater Hotel at the upper level restaurant entrance. The tour will begin promptly at 4 p.m.

The guided tour is approximately 1 mile in length and covers some paved but hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes for walking are strongly recommended. Tour participants are encouraged to bring water with them as the tour will be taking place entirely outdoors and shade will vary. Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella. There are no restrooms on the tour.

Leading the tour will be PLATO Board member Steve Sparks. A certified Toastmaster, he holds a master's degree in journalism and mass communication. In retirement Steve is doing consulting work in communications and indulging his interest in history by working as a tour guide at the Wisconsin State Capitol and as a docent for the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace and for Historic Architecture Walking Tours through the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

Registration: Cost is $20/person with all the registration money donated to the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

The registration deadline is Thursday, May 28. PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.

A tour may be cancelled for extreme weather or lightening. We will alert guests at least four hours in advance by email. Purchased tickets will be refunded.

Parking: You can park on the street or in the Edgewater Hotel parking ramp which has a public parking rate of $4/hour.

Questions? - Contact tour organizer Steve Sparks at 608-692-3302 or swsparks@charter.net

Dane County Landfill Tour (June 02, 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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.