In this issue:
  • Network Call March 30 from 10-11:30am
  • Community Highlight: Watertown's Winter Wellness Loop
  • Invitation to our 2022 Webinar series
  • The Big Share news
  • Upcoming Events
  • Resources and Funding Opportunities
Don't miss the next network call! March 30 10-11:30am
The next network call for Active Wisconsin will be Wednesday, March 30 from 10-11:30am on Zoom. Join us to hear from other members of the network about their successes and challenges! We will hear from an expert about strategies to access federal infrastructure funding and discuss strategies for determining the best projects to make your community more active transportation friendly.
Community Highlight: Watertown's Winter Wellness Loop
Watertown Mayor Emily McFarland was so inspired by Eau Claire's Winter Route that she wanted to help share the message that getting outside is good for both physical and mental health, especially in the winter. Now Watertown has a Winter Wellness Loop that goes through the beautiful Riverside Park and has proved to be immensely popular.
Remember our December community highlight, Jackson in Action? The Snowshoe Challenge was just featured in an article in WECN magazine! Read all about it here.
Upcoming Webinars in our 2022 series
March 16, 2022 - Dr. Adam Bechle and Dr. Anna Haines from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) - Wisconsin's Changing Climate: Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) is a nationally recognized collaboration of scientists and stakeholders working together to help Wisconsin policymakers and citizens understand the impacts of climate change. Their report, 2021 Assessment Report: Wisconsin's Changing Climate includes new data and updates to the original 2011 report, as well as evidence-based solutions and mitigation strategies. Adam and Anna will share findings from the report through the lens of their own expertise.


The webinar is free but registration is required. Register here:
In case you missed it...

Our February webinar featured Beth Osborne, Executive Director of Transportation for America, discussing findings from the "Driving Down Emissions" report, road safety, and more. It was a fantastic discussion. Click here to view the recording on YouTube.

A thank you poem from us to you:

We think all of you are great!
It's certainly not too late
If you still want to donate
You can give until March 8

Seriously, thank you to everyone who made a donation during The Big Share! We raised over $2000 in 24 hours, and by far the majority of the donations were $50 or less. This goes to show that every dollar really does count, and every donation makes a difference.

Donations made through March 8 will count toward our total. Our original fundraising goal of $3000 is still within reach! Click here to make a donation.
Events
Sign-ups are now open for Ride Across Wisconsin, which is August 20-21, 2022. Ride Across Wisconsin was founded to promote great riding in the state of Wisconsin and is a fundraiser for Wisconsin Bike Fed. There are several options for joining the route from La Crosse to Milwaukee for either 1 or 2 days.

Bike Week 2022 is June 4-11 and celebrates all things cycling with events and activities. Click here to learn more.

Saturday, April 23 is Celebrate Trails Day, an annual effort spearheaded by the Rails to Trails Conservancy to celebrate America's trails. This includes ALL types of trails, not just R2T projects. Is your community planning an event for Celebrate Trails Day? Please let us know so we can highlight it on our website and social media! Learn more about Celebrate Trails Day and how to participate or sign up as a partner here.
Resources
AARP Livable Communities has released a new edition of their Walk Audit Toolkit and made Walk Audit Worksheets available to print and download.

AARP has a six-session course called "Federal Funding Opportunities to Create More Livable Communities" available for local government professionals. The course begins April 20, and anyone interested must apply by March 21. Learn more and apply here.

America Walks is accepting fellowship applications for the Walking College, which offers participants an opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge around creating vibrant, safe, accessible communities for all. This program is open to all ages, backgrounds, and professional experience. Learn more and apply here.

The National Park Service offers non-monetary community assistance supporting locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. NPS technical assistance supports restoration, conservation, habitat development, and recreation projects. Read more here. Access the Community Assistance Guide here.

Rails to Trails has been following federal infrastructure legislation very closely and offers webinars with updated information and tips for securing grants. Check out their webinar page here for all the latest.

Do you want to know how the 2021 infrastructure bill will impact transportation funding?Transportation for America has compiled and summarized all you need to know, including listing grant opportunities and organizing by category of transportation on their website here, which will be updated on a weekly basis.

The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation has released the WiBike Community Toolkit, a resource for communities to utilize, promote, and improve bike infrastructure.

Wisconsin SaltWise is offering a FREE virtual training for road maintenance professionals on March 23: Smart Salting for WI Roads Workshop. Learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, money, and protect our waterways. Sign up here.
Funding Opportunities
AARP-Wisconsin is accepting applications for the Small Dollar Big Impact Grants until March 15, 2022. Amounts awarded are up to $1000.

AARP is accepting applications for the Community Challenge Grants through March 22, 2022. These quick-action grants aim to make communities more livable for people of all ages with tangible improvements that jump-start long-term change. Click here to learn more.

The Funders Network is accepting applications for the Partners for Places mini-grants through March 31. The one-to-one match awards support planning and implementing urban sustainability and green stormwater infrastructure projects. Learn more here. Apply here.

The Natural Resources Foundation is accepting applications for the Go Outside Fund through March 31, 2022. Amounts $100-$500 will be awarded to projects designed to get youth outdoors. Learn more and apply here.

Applications for the Nelson-Knowles Stewardship Local Assistance Grant Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Federal Recreational Trails Program are due to the WDNR Monday, May 2, 2022. Click here for more information.

WisDOT is accepting applications for the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) until June, 2022. Exact deadline TBD. Click here for more details.

The US Department of Transportation is accepting Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program applications through April 14, 2022. Bike/ped projects are eligible. Learn more and apply here.

The USDA is accepting applications for Urban Forestry Grants until April 8, 2022. Partnership is required; if you want to partner with 1000 Friends on a grant application, contact susan@1kfriends.org Click here for more details about eligibility requirements and the online application.
Did you know we have TWO e-newsletters? Along with Active Wisconsin, 1000 Friends sends out e-news every month. If you would like to be on the mailing list for 1000 Friends, sign up here.
What Active Wisconsin provides to participating communities:
  • Resources (grant opportunities, toolkits, etc.)
  • Local and statewide advocacy opportunities
  • Collaboration and educational presentations during network-wide calls
  • A platform (social media and email newsletters) to share your work

Please reach out with questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you!