“The more we learn about the land, the more we see that a good deal of the work of restoration consists in learning how to keep it intact.” -Aldo Leopold 

Join us at the UW Madison Arboretum as we help remove invasive plants and maintain the beauty of this natural space. There’s no better way to release some pre-finals stress than by cutting down invasive shrubs!

When:

• Saturday December 7th from 8:45 am-12:00 pm

 What we’ll be doing:

• Prairie and Oak Savanna Restoration - clearing invasive shrubs and small trees from the Arboretum's Wingra Oak Savannah
• Work will take place off trail on uneven ground

Where to meet:

• Arbor Drive Parking Lot 
• Joshua and I will be driving, please meet at the Memorial Union Parking Circle no later than 8:45am if you would like a ride - please let me know if you will not be riding with us so we're not waiting at the Union for you!
• You also can get there by taking the D bus line to the Monroe and Chapman stop, than walk to Arbor drive where the gravel parking lot will be located (will be right across the street from the bus stop)

What to wear/bring:

• Dress in clothes that are okay to get a little dirty.
• Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.
• Work takes place outdoors, please dress for the weather as it will be cold!
• Work gloves and tools will be provided.
• Please bring at least 1L of drinking water and snacks.

Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, concers, or fun plant facts at conservation@hooferouting.org!

Join the Hoofer Riding Club and We Outside for a trail ride! We will be taking a trail ride through the forests near WI Dells at the Woodside Ranch in Mauston, WI. Transportation will be provided to and from the event. 

Please plan to meet at Union South at 9:30am to travel to Mauston. 

Bring some friend and come and look through Ulices' Inventory of second hand clothing!!! Everything is $40 and under, and everything is cool!! You don't want to miss this!

Event Description: The lesson will cover techniques for safely launching and flying a kite on land. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding.

Prior to attending this class, students should review the Winter Kiting Manual and the following videos:

• Wind Window Introduction
• Trainer Kite Exercises
• Survival in the Ice

Location: This lesson takes place at University Bay Fields. Students should meet at the shelter at the Northwest end of the fields.

Prerequisites: Intro to Kiting Attendance (obtained by attending a Winter Kiting Classroom lesson). Students may attend without taking the classroom but must take the classroom before being granted the Kiting A rating.

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Winter Kiting Kite Flying (A) rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the instructor.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Event Description: The lesson will review kite flying techniques and cover safe usage of a kiting harness. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding. Tip: when snow cover is low, bring a water bottle or two to carry in your kite backpack; the heavy backpack can hold your kite in place when setting up and launching; see the side-launch video below. 

Prior to attending this class, students should review the Winter Kiting Manual and the following videos:

• Safety Systems
• Depower systems
• Launching and Landing
• Heavy Air Instructional Video
• Kiteboarding Safety Precautions - Though this video uses a water kiteboarding example, the information is equally applicable to snow kiting.
• Survival in the Ice
• Side-launching a foil kite - Watch the first 4:30; this is the technique to use when snow cover is low.

Location: This lesson takes place at University Bay Fields. Students should meet at the shelter at the Northwest end of the fields.

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Winter Kiting Harness (B) rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the instructor.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Let's get jolly at the jingle jog trail run!! Join me for a holiday spirit trail run to Tenney Park this Sunday at 10am. We will meet outside the Mendota Lodge, do a quick stretch circle, and run about 4-5 miles at a casual pace. Feel free to come in your holiday spirit gear (I'll be wearing holiday socks!) 

Event Description: The lesson will review kite flying techniques and cover safe usage of a kiting harness. Students will work in pairs with the guidance of their instructor to practice these skills. Students should come prepared with warm, comfortable clothing. Warm, waterproof shoes with good traction are recommended. You do not need to bring skis or snowboard; there will be no riding. Tip: when snow cover is low, bring a water bottle or two to carry in your kite backpack; the heavy backpack can hold your kite in place when setting up and launching; see the side-launch video below. 

Prior to attending this class, students should review the Winter Kiting Manual and the following videos:

• Safety Systems
• Depower systems
• Launching and Landing
• Heavy Air Instructional Video
• Kiteboarding Safety Precautions - Though this video uses a water kiteboarding example, the information is equally applicable to snow kiting.
• Survival in the Ice
• Side-launching a foil kite - Watch the first 4:30; this is the technique to use when snow cover is low.

Location: This lesson takes place at University Bay Fields. Students should meet at the shelter at the Northwest end of the fields.

Prerequisites: Winter Kiting A rating 

Students who take this lesson will be working toward earning their Winter Kiting Harness (B) rating. It may take several lessons to achieve proficiency in the skills that constitute the rating. Ratings are issued at the discretion of the instructor.

Post-Lesson Resources:

Instructor Evaluation Form

Incident & Accident Reporting

Have questions about the club? Want to brainstorm? Just wanna chat?

Feel free to drop into my online office hours! I will have office hours every week on Monday from 3-4 pm and Wednesday from 11 am-12 pm. Monday office hours will be online and Wednesday office hours will be in-person in the OUW offices (across from Mendota Lodge). These times and locations are flexible, just reach out to outingpresident@hoofers.org if you need a change. Also, please try to give me a heads up if you plan on attending.

Zoom link for Mondays: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99278337926

The new set of Racing Rules will go into effect January 1, 2025! Come join us for an overview on the changes to the Racing Rules. This will be a four part series as follows:

November 18: New Rules A (Sign up here: https://lessons.hoofersailing.org/event/111996)
November 25: New Rules B (Sign up here: https://lessons.hoofersailing.org/event/111997)
December 2: Brain Teasers! (Sign up here: https://lessons.hoofersailing.org/event/111998)
December 9: Questions & Answers (This event)

This is Part 4, Questions & Answers.

LOCATION: Memorial Union - Please check TITU for the room.

Whether you're a returning member or new to the club, this is the perfect chance to dive into the vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts at UW-Madison. We’ll introduce you to the exciting trips, workshops, and social events we have planned, including opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, and more. Whether you’re attending with friends or on your own, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers. Learn how you can get involved, meet like-minded people, start planning your outdoor escapades, and gear up for a season of exploration and fun in the beautiful outdoors!

LOCATION: The meeting will take place in the Mendota Lodge. It is a beautiful room right across from the OutdoorUW offices. From the Terrace, you can walk down the stairs towards the lake and take a left turn where you should see large glass windows looking into Mendota Lodge. If starting from inside Memorial Union, locate the Wheelhouse art studios on the west end of the building, walk down the stairs, turn right, and walk all the way down the hallway.

Have questions about the club? Want to brainstorm? Just wanna chat?

Feel free to drop into my online office hours! I will have office hours every week on Monday from 3-4 pm and Wednesday from 11 am-12 pm. Monday office hours will be online and Wednesday office hours will be in-person in the OUW offices (across from Mendota Lodge). These times and locations are flexible, just reach out to outingpresident@hoofers.org if you need a change. Also, please try to give me a heads up if you plan on attending.

Zoom link for Mondays: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99278337926

Join Outdoor UW for another informative course in the Outdoor Explorer Series (OES).  Learn and practice a new skill that will make you more comfortable and excited for your next adventure! 

OUTDOOR EXPLORER SERIES: Leading through Fun & Games

Upon completion of this class, participants will:

• Understand the role of stories in education and leadership
• Understand the role of games in education and building community
• Learn a variety of games that can be used to build group cohesion
• Learn situation specific games to fill different roles

--- Class is located in the Mendota Lodge on the water level of Memorial Union (along the lakefront and across from the Outdoor UW office) ----

*** If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation for this course, please contact our Dan Dunne, ddunne@wisc.edu ***

Meet with the Hoofer Riding Club President for any questions, concerns, or information about the club you would like to know!

Will be located in OUW office. Email me at ridingpresident@hoofers.org if you need access or would like to set up another time.

The Hoofer Outing Club will be hosting a fireside relaxation event for students heading into finals. The goal of this event is to offer a space for students to disconnect from academics both physically and mentally to recharge their attention and focus heading into final exams. On Thursday, December 12^th, we will be at Fire Circle #2 out on Picnic Point from 9am-3pm with a cozy arrangement of seat pads, hot drinks, and a warm fire. We will be providing hot water and have a limited amount of apple cider mix, hot chocolate mix, and tea bags. We want to warmly welcome you to join us for a minute, an hour, or all day.

Who: Members of each of the 6 Hoofer Clubs   

What: Warm Fire and Hot Drinks

When: Thursday, December 12^th, 9am-3pm

Where: Picnic Point Fire Circle #2 

Why: Getting away from screens and getting into nature can help refresh our ability to focus and process information. The rhythmic movement and sounds of a fire can be relaxing and comforting during stressful times.

FAQ

1. Does this cost anything? No, this is a free event. Optional costs might include: renting a B-Cycle, bringing your own hot drink/mix, and/or paying for parking.
2. What should I bring? Dress warm and keep an eye out for the weather on that day, depending on the number of people present will determine how close you can get to the fire. In an effort to reduce waste, bringing your own mug or container to hold a hot drink is recommended but not necessary
3. Is it rude if I come, drink a quick cup of something hot, and leave? Not at all. All are welcome, enjoy the time and space to your comfort level. Stay for a minute, an hour, or all day! Take some good vibes with you when you go.  
4. Do I need to sign up or register to attend? Registration is not necessary to attend.
5. Who do I contact if I have questions? Please email Pete at pbuscaino@wisc.edu

Take a break from studying for finals and join us for our last social of the semester, decorating cookies in Mendota lodge. Feel free to bring friends.

TAKE A BREAK and CLEAR YOUR HEAD by spending your evening outdoors and at the Terrace. Enjoy the leisurely hike in Picnic Point with our fun, energetic staff who will guide you on all the knows of the land all the way back to Memorial Union. After the hike, hang out with your new hiking friends and enjoy a beverage (using a $10 gift card provided by Outdoor UW) on the terrace (or in the Rath if it is too chilly) and enjoy some live music! Those 21 and over can enjoy an alcoholic beverage, so please bring your ID! Those under 21 will have just as much fun and can enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage!

Meet-Up Location/Logistics:

The Outdoor UW Crew will be meeting participants at the Picnic Point entrance gate located at 2000 University Bay Drive, and ending the hike at Outdoor UW (800 Langdon St).

The entrance of Picnic Point is located at 2000 University Bay Drive next to the B-Cycle parking/bike racks, Lot 130 Parking, and Bus Stop # 2881 ‘University Bay & Picnic Point (EB)'. Madison Metro route #80 is free and will take you from Memorial Union to Picnic Point. More info can be found here: https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/getting-here-and-parking/

**** Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event. 

**** If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our manager, ouwmanager@union.wisc.edu ****

Cancellation, Reschedule, and Refund Information

Participant Cancellation: When canceling at least 1 week before the event, a full refund will be possible (if the participant submits a refund request form). Within a week of the event, Outdoor UW staff reserves the right to give full, partial or no refund on a case by case basis.

Outdoor UW Cancellation:The event will be cancelled 24 hours in advance if inclement weather or poor lake conditions exist. In the event of a cancellation, full refunds will be issued. Refunds will not be issued if participants cancel within 24 hours of event.

Food and Equipment Information:

Some food may be provided for some these events (if indicated above), please let staff know before the event if you need us to make a reasonable food sensitivity or allergy accommodation for you.

Equipment/ Gear Required by Participant:

Equipment will be provided. Participants must dress accordingly and be prepared for variables seasonal weather conditions.

Join the HRC on a trip to North Winds Rescue and Healing for some holiday cheer! North Winds Rescue and Healing is a equine rescue located in Deerfield, WI. Enjoy hot chocolate, meet the rescue horses and take photos with Santa at their Jingle Mingle event!

Please contact ridingpresident@hoofers.org if you are willing to bring others to the event!

Who:  Hoofers Outing Club.
What: Come to house to listen to Christmas music and eat a little food, drink a little mulled cider, and eat a little chili.  Oh yeah and decorate some cookies!
Where: My house in Middleton.  Please e-mail me for directions!
When: Saturday December 14th starting at 1:00 and going till about 10:00 or a little later. Come and go as you wish, come for a while, go out skiing/ snowshoeing (We can wish, can't we?) and come back.
Why:  Do we really need a reason??

Bring something small to share if you would like.  I will be supplying cookies, cookie dough, and decorating supplies.  I will also have
a venison dish, and some hot cider. There will be a bonfire outside!
Oh yeah, I want to avoid paper plates and plastic utensils and plastic cups if I can.  I want to try something different this time.  Bring your own mug for cider, bowl for chili, and spoon for eating.  Kinda like you were camping.  Don't worry if you forget, I do have dishes.

Happy Holidays!