📝 Get in losers, we’re going birding

🚫 No Trash Collection on Memorial Day

• Here’s your neighborly reminder that there won’t be any recycling, trash, brush, or large item collections on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The Streets Division drop off sites will also be closed.
• If the city normally collects your trash or recycling on Mondays, put your carts out the curb for pickup by 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28.
• Hot tip: You can stay on top of your trash and recycling pickup schedule with the Streets Division calendar. [City of Madison]

🏖️ What’s on Your Summer Bucket List?

• Henry Vilas Zoo recently announced the first Family Fun Day of the summer will be June 9. What’s so special about these days? For one, carousel and train rides will be free, and the zoo will have keeper chats scheduled throughout the day for visitors to learn more about the zoo’s residents.
• Related: With festival season underway and summer just around the corner, I want to know what’s on your Madison summer bucket list! [WMTV, Madison Minutes]

🎷 Your Lunchtime Read: Celebrating the Invaluable Legacy of the Late Les Thimmig, a Mainstay of Madison’s Jazz Community

• “Les Thimmig made a genuine impact as a professor and musician in Madison, becoming an essential part of the university’s continuously evolving embrace of jazz. He was beloved and respected by students and praised for his expertise. In Thimmig’s 53 years at UW-Madison, he composed new pieces, directed multiple ensembles and departments, created lasting relationships with his students, and gave a slew of memorable performances. On April 28, 2024, Thimmig died of cancer. He was 81.”
• Related: Did you know one of the world’s most funky drummers once called Madison home? [Tone Madison, City Cast Madison 🎧]

Madison is full of great biking opportunities. Whether you want to unwind with a short spin, take a long bike trip with friends, or make it an overnight adventure, here are the best bike trips around Madison.

Take a Short Spin

If you have limited time or are just getting comfortable with riding a bike around the city, here are some great options.

• Downtown Loop along State Street and around the Capitol: It’s two miles long and great for people watching.
• Lake Mendota shorefront to Picnic Point: This three-mile ride is best paired with a picnic in the middle.
• Wingra Lake Loop through the UW Arboretum: A beautiful six-mile trip through some of the city’s flora.

Longer Rides

If you’ve got an hour or two, these are the rides we recommend.

• Lake Monona Loop: One of the most iconic rides in Madison, featuring gorgeous prairies and lots of wildflowers. It clocks in at around 12 miles.
• Cap City Loop: Lake Farm Park to Seminole Hwy, through the Arboretum and back to Lake Farm via Wingra and Cap City paths. This one’s around 16 miles.

Calling all Disney fans, this week’s Take Me Home Tuesday is for you!

Meet Mini Mouse. This absolute sweetheart is an 11-month-old pup who arrived at the Dane County Humane Society in March. She’s a bit nervous at first, but when she settles, she’s very friendly and enjoys receiving pets, especially belly rubs. Mini Mouse is an adventurous gal who loves going for hikes and checks in often with her walking partner. She also loves playing with toys and enjoys figuring out puzzles and treat boxes.

Her ideal home would not have small children, and she’s looking for a family who will take her on fun adventures and continue working with her on her training. In fact, her adoption includes a four-week scholarship to Good Pup!, a virtual training program.

Mini Mouse has been at DCHS for a bit, so she’s a member of their Lonely Hearts Club and her adoption fee has been reduced.

Birding Tips For Spring Migration with the Wisco Birder

We’re in the peak period for spring bird migration. And Madison is a prime spot to experience the majesty of homecoming for our winged friends. City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin asks local bird nerd and co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin Dexter Patterson aka “The Wisco Birder” about the season so far, birding tips for our local patch, and what to expect from his new podcast The Bird Joy Podcast.