Events

‍_{Fire & Wonder Winter Gathering}

_{Saturday, February 21, 2026}

_{4:00 to 7:00 PM}

Embrace the beauty of the winter season at San Damiano’s Fire and Wonder Winter Gathering, a free, family-friendly event open to the public. With snow blanketing the landscape, this event promises a true winter wonderland experience. Attendees are invited to come together for an evening of warmth, storytelling, and seasonal festivities on the shores of Lake Monona.

Friends of San Damiano is honored to welcome Janice Rice, a respected member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, retired librarian, and educator with expertise in literature, culture, history, and language preservation. As an environmentalist who deeply values the waters and lands of this region, Rice is excited to share traditional Ho-Chunk stories for an evening of tradition and connection. Storytelling will be offered in small groups in the Frank Allis House - stay tuned for sign-up information!

Please note that while the Frank Allis House retains its historic charm, it is not currently equipped with accessibility features. However, guests will have the opportunity to enter the house for storytelling and hot drinks, with a capacity of up to 49 people at a time. Access to the house may be limited, and we appreciate your understanding.

Fire and Wonder Highlights:

• Bonfire: Warm up around a roaring bonfire on the front lawn, as well as three fire pits lakeside.

• Storytelling: Discover the rich history and culture of the Ho-Chunk Nation through storytelling. Story times and sign-up information to come.

• Warm Beverages and Marshmallows to Roast: Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider, and indulge in roasting some marshmallows, too.

• Winter Serenity: Take a peaceful candlelit walk through the woodland area and stroll the property. If you have snowshoes or x-country skis, feel free to bring them.

• Sunset Splendor: Witness a stunning sunset over Lake Monona with the Madison skyline as a backdrop.

• Scavenger Hunt: Join in on the fun of a kid-friendly scavenger hunt for all ages.

Parking

Parking is limited, including the number of accessible spaces. We encourage carpooling or walking. You may drop off guests before parking along local roads.

Please do not park in local business lots, and note that Monona Grove High School has an event, so their lot is not available. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

This is your chance to connect with nature, community, and the unique charm of San Damiano. Bundle up, grab your friends or family, and don’t miss this enchanting evening of Fire and Wonder!

Come visit and stay in Monona!

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AmericInn by Wyndham Madison, South 101 W Broadway, Monona, WI 53716 (608) 467-4791 Website

avid hotel – Madison/Monona, 900 W Broadway Monona, WI, 53716 (608) 957-7600 Website

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Madison, WI 400 River Pl, Monona, WI, 53716 (608) 467-0962 Website

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Short Term Rental Sites (Click logo to access website.)

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Saturday, April 18, 2026

9:00am to Noon

Join us for an early Earth Day celebration as we come together to care for the cherished San Damiano property. As spring arrives, it’s time to refresh and revitalize this special space. Roll up your sleeves and help with important seasonal tasks, including picking up litter, freshening up flower beds, spreading mulch, and clearing sticks from the lawn.

We will provide:

• Disposable gloves
• Trash bags

Bring your own supplies if possible:

• Work gloves
• Yard/garden tools (rakes, pruning shears, loppers, etc.)
• Wheelbarrows or yard carts
• Sturdy shoes/boots for wet conditions and outdoor work

Questions? Please email us at info@sandamianomonona.org

9 Ways to Build Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities

Birds play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by pollinating plants, controlling pests, dispersing seeds, and recycling nutrients. As natural scavengers and ecosystem monitors, they help maintain biodiversity and signal environmental health. Protecting bird populations ensures the balance, biodiversity, and sustainability of ecosystems that all life depends on.

Here are nine impactful ways to create safer, bird-friendly cities and communities:

1. Plant Native Plants

• Provide food and shelter for birds while supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Native plants are adapted to your local ecosystem, making them sustainable and beneficial for wildlife.
• Attract native bird species and create a healthier environment for all.

2. Combat Collisions

• Millions of birds die from window collisions each year.
• Prevent accidents by adding decals, window films, or curtains to your windows.
• Update existing buildings with bird-friendly materials, and encourage new construction to use bird-safe glass and designs.

3. Turn Off Lights

• Artificial light disrupts bird migration and can be deadly.
• Use shielded, downward-facing lights, and turn off unnecessary lights at night.
• Install timers or motion sensors to reduce light pollution while saving energy.

4. Avoid Pesticides

• Pesticides harm insects, contaminate water, and disrupt ecosystems that birds depend on.
• Choose organic or natural alternatives for your lawn and garden.
• Provide fresh, clean water for birds to drink, bathe, and forage safely.

5. Prevent Plastic Pollution

• Birds often ingest or get tangled in plastic, causing injury or death.
• Avoid single-use plastics, and properly dispose of items like six-pack rings and fishing lines.
• Organize or participate in local clean-up efforts to reduce plastic waste in bird habitats.

6. Keep Cats Indoors

• Domestic cats are a leading threat to bird populations.
• Protect birds by keeping your cats indoors or building safe outdoor spaces like screened porches or "catios".
• These measures also keep your cats healthier and safer.

7. Support Bird-Friendly Coffee

• Choose coffee, grown under native trees using organic, deforestation-free methods.
• Look for the Bird Friendly seal when purchasing coffee to support sustainable farming and preserve bird habitats.
• By drinking bird-friendly coffee, you also fight climate change and help biodiversity thrive.

8. Advocate for Sustainable Urban Planning

• Support policies that create green spaces, wildlife corridors, and "wild" areas within city limits.
• Encourage urban planners to prioritize biodiversity and bird habitats.
• Promote sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and people.

9. Connect, Educate, & Inspire

• Collaborate with neighbors, schools, businesses, and local governments to create bird-friendly spaces.
• Host events like World Migratory Bird Day to raise awareness and inspire conservation efforts.
• Share knowledge to help build a stronger connection to nature and foster long-term support for birds.

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Join us for the coming summer's Concerts on the Shore, formerly known as the San Damiano Biergartens! Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Monona, these popular gatherings offer breathtaking views of the Wisconsin state capitol and Madison skyline, refreshing beer and soda, food trucks, and live music. It's the perfect setting for a fun-filled evening of community and camaraderie. Don't miss out on the festive atmosphere. Come celebrate with us!

What to bring:

• Folding chairs or a blanket - some picnic tables and Adirondack chairs are available
• Credit card or cash for making purchases - brat fry, food trucks, beer/beverages and merchandise

Parking + Access Reminder:
We encourage you to bike, walk, carpool, or park along nearby residential streets. Please do not cut through private residential properties to access San Damiano. Out of respect for our neighboring businesses, we also ask that you avoid parking in their lots. Thank you for helping us be respectful and thoughtful neighbors!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS TO COME!

Thursday, June 25, 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026