Perpetual Notion Machine

In this edition of the Perpetual Notion Machine, we talk with Fred Wolf and Tom Wolf about Wolf Run Trail. The trail runs alongside a portion of the Black Earth Creek, a corridor which is a protected natural area in western Dane County. Completed in 2014, Wolf Run is part of a planned regional trail that will stretch from Middleton to Mazomanie. Future plans include a connection with the  Ice Age Scenic Trail at Cross Plains, as well as a link to the Great Sauk Trail to Devil’s Lake State Park. We’ll listen as Fred and Tom describe the process of converting a portion of the family farm to a conservation easement, and working with local conservation entities to complete this multi-use trail. The project  simultaneously improved the health of the stream itself and the surrounding remnant prairie.

The Wolf Run Association is a volunteer and member supported nonprofit organization. To find out more about the trail including current projects, trail use guidelines, and how you can get involved with the trail community, visit their website at wolfruntrail.net.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Garvens

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In this edition of The Perpetual Notion Machine, sixth-generation farmer and business manager Chris Wilson describes the journey to regenerative farming on the land that his extended family has worked from homesteading in 1848 to Wilson Organic Farms today. The broad implications of viable sustainable agriculture and associated environmental benefits are discussed with Citizens’ Climate Lobby activists Stan Frey and Steve Lewis with host Patrick Sajbel.

The practices of regenerative agriculture provide better drought & flood resistance, better soil management and higher carbon sequestration. Experiences and teachings in organic farming are shared at the farmer-led Fields of Sinsinawa center, the UW Madison OGRAIN organic network and the Rodale Institute for the transition from conventional, chemical-based farming practices.

Practical guidance for anyone can be found in A Soil Owner’s Manual: How to Restore and Maintain Soil Health, by Jon Stika.

Image courtesy of Wilson Organic Farms

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The Perpetual Notion Machine speaks with Colleen Robinson, certified mindful outdoor guide, Wisconsin Master Naturalist instructor, and founder of Nature’s Good Company. We discuss the mental and physical benefits of time spent in nature and green spaces, and how we can create reciprocity with the earth. “As we build these relationships,” she says. “Our environmental knowledge, desire for change, and abilities to care for a place we are connected to grows.”

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An hour before the season kickoff at nearby Camp Randall, a group of five people gathered at WORT to sample a wide variety of fermentation products. PNM host Patrick Sajbel and co. were guided by David Kohlwey, vintner and cider maker, wine chemist, and Wisconsin State Fair judge. The art and chemistry of cider making is explored, from color and aroma to tasting for tannins, acidity and sweetness.

Kohlwey encourages others to join his passion for home fermentation via local groups like the Prairie Home Vintners and Wisconsin Vintners Association, Inc. 

Featured image courtesy of guest David Kohlwey.

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Professor Julie Klinger joins host Ryan Coogan to discuss rare earth elements, their role in the green energy transition, and the complex geopolitics and supply chains behind them.

Photo Courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory

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Madison bicycling legend Colin O’Brien joins WORT PNM host Patrick Sajbel to discuss his career in bike building, bike racing, leading bike tours even helping injured riders in recovery. Working from his Cronometro shop, he has provided customized service to cyclists of all levels of performance.

Photo Credit: Cronometro

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Ian Marsden is the owner and mind behind Turtle Island Dispensary here in Madison, Wisconsin. He shares his passion for exploring the corners of the mind as a business owner as well as supporting indigenous rights and fighting the Enbridge pipeline.

Ian, Codename Moon Turtle, is knowledgeable about the hemp and psychedelic side of Wisconsin. He joins mad scientist host Wally in the WORT studio on 4/17/2025.

Public domain image from Franz Eugen Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflantzen. Published and copyrighted by Gera-Untermhaus, FE Köhler in 1887 (1883–1914).

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The Perpetual Notion Machine speaks with Charles Carlin, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Gathering Waters, Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts, about Knowles-Nelson Lobby Day taking place March 12, 2025. The DNR has requested $100 million in annual funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program over the next decade. Advocates for the program will meet downtown and march to the Capitol to meet with representatives and senators to rally support for the program. Numerous polls and surveys conducted over the years have show that 9 in 10 Wisconsin residents, across political affiliations, support increased investment to protect natural areas in the state. We talk about the efforts to secure this funding within the current political climate.

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Perpetual Notion Machine speaks with Dr. Mahendra Shrestha with the International Crane Foundation, about a successful collaboration to preserve flyway habitat for the Siberian Crane in China. This 10-year effort almost doubled the population of the bird within their range. Photo courtesy of the International Crane Foundation.

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the addition of the monarch butterfly to the endangered species list, and are set to announce a decision the week of December 9, 2024. We speak with Dan Salas, he and his team work with the Wisconsin Butterfly Collaborative to preserve Monarch habitat on utility and transportation rights of way in the state. Landowner resources for butterfly conservation are available at Monarch Joint Ventures.

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