Where paths cross, communities thrive.
Join Us for Wisconsin Idea Week! 🌍✨
Celebrate the power of community, collaboration, and civic engagement during Wisconsin Idea Week, happening from April 7–11 right here in Winnebago County! This exciting week will highlight the many ways the University of Wisconsin works with local partners to make a real impact.
From thought-provoking events to inspiring partnerships, there’s something for everyone. Come see how together, we’re shaping a brighter future for all.
Don’t miss out – be part of this incredible celebration! 🎉
Registration is encouraged but not required.
March 31st – April 11: Mapping The Need Hygiene Drive
8:00am-4:30pm, Monday thru Friday: Help support our community by participating in our two-week Hygiene Drive! We’re collecting essential items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, feminine products, and more to benefit those in need. Bring your donations to Extension Winnebago County (625 E CTH-Y) between March 31 and April 11. Together, we can make a meaningful impact—one item at a time!
Monday, April 7: Laying The Path
5:30-7:30pm: Join Extension Winnebago County for an evening of fun at our Outdoor Learning Center! We’re excited to kick off the growing season, and we need your help preparing the garden and crafting unique concrete stepping stones for our sensory walk. Come out for a day filled with community spirit and hands-on activities—let’s make our garden bloom and our space shine! Participants are invited to create their own concrete stepping stone that will be used for a sensory walk in the Outdoor Learning Center.
Tuesday, April 8: Building Foundations
10:00-11:00am, Planning AHEAD: End-of-life planning is the ultimate gift you can give your loved ones. Don’t know where to start? Learn about the Planning AHEAD program and take the first step to prepare for the end of life for yourself or a loved one, and why it’s important to have a plan in place.
6:00-7:00pm, Credit. Credit? Credit!: Credit is a fact of life. How we build our credit and how our credit history is used in making decisions about us can be confusing and frustrating. Learn all about credit reports, credit scores, and what you can do to build and keep good credit.
Wednesday, April 9: Nourishing Together
5:00-6:30pm: Join us for a free FoodWIse cooking class where we’ll prepare a delicious, nutritious meal together—and you’ll get to take it home to enjoy! This hands-on experience is open to everyone and is a great way to learn new recipes, practice cooking skills, and connect with others in your community. All ingredients and supplies will be provided, so bring your appetite and let’s get cooking!
Thursday, April 10: Bridging Communities
5:30-8:00pm: Join us at Extension Winnebago County’s Program and Partner Fair for a day of wellness and community connection! We’re bringing together a variety of our trusted community partners to share valuable resources and information. Plus, enjoy a special Badger Talk on “How Wisconsin Became the Cheese State” to explore the rich history of Wisconsin’s beloved cheese industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about local resources, engage with experts, and enjoy a lively and informative event!
Friday, April 11: Strengthening Connections
10:00am – 12:00pm, Reach Your Audience with Plain Language The Introduction to Plain Language course is to improve communication skills including videos and interactive discussions. It is intended for anyone communicating with the public including government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. The course is facilitated by Community Development Educator Mia Ljung, and prerecorded video content is provided by UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistic Services.
What will you learn?
- Identify verbal strategies to communicate effectively with native and nonnative English speakers
- Communicate the benefits of using Plain Language in the workplace
- Identify written strategies to communicate effectively with native and nonnative English speakers
5:00 – 6:30pm, Seed Starting for Success Get ready for spring with a free seed starting workshop! Learn how to start seeds indoors for vegetables, herbs, and flowers while gaining tips and tricks to grow healthy plants. This hands-on workshop will guide you step-by-step, and you’ll leave with your own planted seed tray to kickstart your garden. All supplies are provided, so come ready to dig in and grow your gardening skills!
Media Kit: will be available soon
