Token Creek Conservancy Work Day

Below is a letter sent to Jutith Hutchinson. Thanks to Judith and and to Troup 333 for your hard work in keeping Token Creek beautiful and healthy!

Despite the weather, off and on light rain, many boys and parents, and 1 sister, from Troop 333 participated in today's conservation workday held at the Elmer and Edna Culver Conservancy grounds off Egre road.

The volunteers began their work around 9:00 am today and vigorously pruned numerous tag elders and buckhorn tree shoots. The work safely accomplished today by the volunteers will help the conservancy continue their ongoing work next spring on the natural prairie grounds section of the conservancy.

Upon completing our task, we enjoyed some donuts and a tour of the conservancy grounds and viewed up-close the springs on the property. This tour was lead by the passionate Judith Hutchinson, Token Creek Conservancy Chair and work coordinator for today's project. We learned about the importance of Token Creek to:
Maintaining clean and high quality water,
Supplying a large volume of water to the Madison chain of lakes,
Wildlife such as birds, fish, deer, foxes, and other mammals,
Establishing for the conservancy for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Finally, a big THANK YOU to Judith Hutchinson. I know you took precious time away from your husband and your business, Fontana Sports Specialties, to be there for the scouts today. Thank you for sharing your love for scouting, nature, and the conservancy with us all-you clearly have a passion for all three. Also, thank you for taking the time to help bring today's event together. THANK YOU again.

Please enjoy the photos and I hope we can do this again next year.

Terry Pursifull
Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 333.

Winter Adventure Sale - ON NOW!

It's finally getting colder and we're on the verge of snow. Now is the time to shop for all the gear you need for the winter and we're making it easier with a SALE!

-Downhill Skis and Boots - 20-50% off

-Cross Country Ski Packages - up to 35% off

-Snowboard Packages - up to 35% off

-Select Ski Helmets and Goggles - up to 45%

- Atlas 925 snow shoe package - $149.99 (reg. $199.99)

-Select styles of Manzella gloves - 20% off

-Columbia Sportswear and Outerwear - 25% off

-ALL Smartwool, Wigwam, and Icebreaker Socks - Buy 2 get 1 FREE!

-Powder Room and Ripzone clothing on Sale

-Terramar Base Layers (merino wool, silk, or synthetic) - 25% off

And many more excellent deals!

We have a great selection of winter outerwear from The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Columbia, Lole and other great brands. Gear up and stay warm this winter.

Warren Miller Wintervention

Ski season is getting closer, and if the chilly nights and crisp air aren't enough to get you excited a sure fire way to get pumped is to check out the latest Warren Miller film: Wintervention. This year's film narrated by skiing icon Jonny Moseley takes you on a world tour that includes stops in Alaska, Norway, Canada, Antarctica and beyond. Your travel companions include 26 world class riders such as Chris Davenport and Lindsey Vonn.

Want a Wintervention?

Where: Barrymore Theater

When: Thursday, October 21st 8:00 pm

How: Purchase tickets at Fontana Sports Specialties or any regular Barrymore ticket outlet

Cost: $19.00

And if just the show is not enough...ticket holders will receive FREE lift tickets to Granite Peak, Lutsen Mountain, and Chestnut mountain plus a coupon for $25 off at Fontana Sports.

Wild Utah: America's Red Rock Wilderness

We are super excited to be hosting another speaker at Fontana!
Thursday, September 16 from 7-8pm at Fontana West (231 Junction Rd)
Clayton Daughtenbaugh is the Midwest Regional Organizer for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. He will be presenting a slideshow documenting citizen efforts to designate public lands in southern Utah's spectacular canyon country as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

This 15-minute journey through red rock splendor invigorates and motivates viewers to participate in the movement to protect these unique lands. It will be shown in conjunction with a presentation on the current status of the Utah wilderness movement

"These are spectacular public lands owned by all Americans. As citizens we have a great opportunity to act to protect these special places," says Daughenbaugh. Daughenbaugh is also the Chair of the Sierra Club's National Wildlands Committee and author of "Common Sense Democracy: How to Complete the American Revolution in Your Neighborhood.

Southwestern Utah Exploartion - Speaker

Fontana is hosting speaker Brad O' Grosky on Thursday August 26 from 7-8pm at out west Madison location: 231 Juntion Rd.

The four corners of Southwestern Utah contain many canyons, ancient Indian ruins and wonderful wilderness for day hiking and backpacking. See a photo presentation of some of the cultural resources that are still preserved after 900 to 1500 years and hear of the wilderness areas that house them, awaiting your exploration. Over the past 14 years, Brad has volunteered on many archaeological projects with the Park Service, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in an effort to continue to protect these treasures and will share some of his experiences at these wonderful sites.

TENT SALE!

It is hard to believe that summer is winding down but there are only a few weeks left. At Fontana that means we are starting to get in winter product. Jackets and fleece are already on the shelves. Skis and snowboards are in the warehouse and there is lots more on the way. That is good news; but the GREAT news is in order to make room, summer product is on sale!

At our WEST SIDE LOCATION (231 Junction Rd.) We are having a huge tent sale!

Summer clothing, shoes, sandals, kayaks, inline skates and camping gear are all on sale anywhere from 20 to 75% off. We are also clearing out a winter leftovers from last year, there are a bunch of great skis and snowboards so you can gear up for snow and save money!

Stop by now through August 22nd and catch the deals!

4th of July Sale!

We are celebrating the 4th of July with a sale!

Now through the 4th of July shop either Fontana Sports location for excellent deals on all the gear you need for a great summer, no matter what your plans are.

Going hiking out west?
We have Leki trekking poles on sale for 25% or more off; and select styles of Vasque hiking boots, Keen sandals, and Smartwool socks are 20% to 25% off.
Want to take up Kayaking?Emotion, Pelican, and Mainstream kayaks are 10%-15% off and kayak paddles and PFD's are up to 30% off.
Going to the Beach?
Teva flip flops and Lole swimwear are 20% off. Select styles of Smith sunglasses are 60% or 65% off! Save on snorkel sets as well!
Taking the family camping?
We have a great selection of tents on sale, ranging from 2 person to 6 person to accommodate any size family. Also on sale are all the accessories you need: sleeping bags, screen tent, bug spray, camp chairs, flashlights, lanterns, weather radios, and rain jackets (just in case.)
Going backpacking out East?
Lightweight tents by Sierra Designs are on sale up to 20% off. Kelty Cosmic (20 degree) down sleeping bags are only $89.99, and backpacks by Kelty and High Sierra start at $79.99.
Undecided?Stop in and talk with our friendly and knowledgeable staff about all the amazing possibilities!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Grand Opening Sale!

We're happily settled into our new store. Time to celebrate with a sale! We have awesome deals at BOTH our Henry St and Junction Rd stores.

Now through May 31st.

Free Passes to Mt. Olympus Water Park in Wisconsin Dells.

30% off all Smartwool, Wigwam, and Icebreaker Socks
20% off Sigg Bottles
25% off Clif and Luna Bars
25% off all Camelbak Packs and Water Bottles
20% off or more on all Eureka Tents and select Marmot and Mountain Hardwear Tents
10% off Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pads
25% off all binoculars
20% off all Yakima boxes and Accessories
20% off Adeventure Medical First Aid Kits
15% off Full Priced Kayaks
10% off Tilley Hats
20% off Vasque Boots
20% off Superfeet Insoles
20% off Smith Sunglasses
25% off Timex Watches
25% off MTI PFD's and Bending Branches Paddles

Select Clothing from Mountain Hardwear, Prana, Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Lole, ExOfficio, and Marmot on Sale.

Plus many more in store specials! Stop in and see us!

Ridiculous Word...Excellent Concept

GLAMPING.

Glamorous camping, or luxury camping.

I'm generally not at all a fan of blending words to create a cutesy catchword (I still cringe at the mention of staycations) however, I can't deny the appeal of the concept.

Don't get me wrong, I have done my share of grungy, 20 days in the back country, in the hot sun, schlepping a pack and not showering. And I have loved every moment of it! But sometimes you don't want to have to search out the softest leaves to use in the lavatory. Sometimes it's nice to enjoy the beauty of nature in relative comfort.

Despite argument from some "hard core" outdoors men and women, there is nothing wrong with using a cushy queen sized air mattress in an open airy tent. Donning your stylish but functional Icebreaker tank and Mountain Hardwear skirt, going for a walk by the lake then finding a quaint restaurant to enjoy a sunset and a glass of wine.

There are 100's of products now that allow for comfortable and clean enjoyment of a weekend spent outdoors. Here are just a few...
Eureka Copper Canyon 1610 Tent

This two room tent provides plenty of space for sleeping and lounging, the screened in porch is great if it is raining or if bugs are on the prowl and at seven feet high you can move around in comfort.

Coleman Double high Quickbed - Queen

Eighteen inches high, queen sized mattress, fits standard sheets so bring the 600 thread counts and sleep like a baby! Air pump included for fast and easy set up.

GCI Outdoors Unifold Lounge Chair and Lexan Wine Glass

The chair provides comfort and support, with stem ware and regular cup holders. The wine glass is classy and virtually indestructible.

Plus there are many performance clothes that will keep you looking good and feeling great! Here are a few modeled by our employees.

New Store Open!

Our new location at 216 N. Henry Street is now open! Since a picture is worth 1000 words...

John and Tim consulting about the fitting rooms, The new store front


The gear side

The Clothing side

Stop by and see us!

The end is near...50-80% off!

Of the sale that is. We're in our last weeks in our old downtown location. We still have a lot of great winter inventory. You'll find unbeatable prices on skis, snowboards, and other winter gear you can get totally decked out for next year. And it gets better...prices are dropping again. Everything in the store is now 50-80% off, so stop in, check out the deals, and make you walk by our new location, right next door at 216 Henry St.

Movin' right along...

April is almost here, which is moving month for our down town store. Construction is coming along well at our new location and should be done in a couple weeks.

That means however that we still have a couple weeks left of out MOVING SALE. There is still a lot of great merchandise left at awesome prices. Everything in the store including winter apparel by The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, and Marmot is 40%-70% off original prices. Get ready for next winter at half the price and don't forget to peek in the windows of our new location next door (216 N. Henry.)

Buy one get one Tree

It seems like spring is here to stay. Time to dig out the summer footwear. If it's looking (or smelling) a little rough April is the perfect time for a new pair of Chacos.

For every pair of Chacos purchased in the month of April a tree will be planted in a national forest. So you can do something good for your feet and the environment.

Olympic Fever

I love the Olympics! I can't get enough, I will be stumbling around the shop sleep deprived for the next 2 weeks because I am not able to shut off the TV at night.

As a child I always wanted to be a figure skater. After watching hours of skating would I prance around the house doing "triple axles" and skating across the wood floors. Unfortunately the dream never came to fruition because every time I put on skates there was an intense magnetic connection between the ground and my rear. Seriously, physicists should study it.

Lately the sport that draws me is snowboarding; half pipe, snowboard cross, anything, it all looks amazing! Alas the same phenomenon occurs when I strap on a snowboard. Looks like my Olympic participation will be limited to spectating...

We do have some Olympic ties here at Fontana however. Ethiopian cross country skier Robel Teklemariam is a former employee. He is competing in his second Olympics as the sole member of the Ethiopian Olympic team. We wish him the best of luck! For more info on Robel check out the link below.

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=reu-ethiopia_sports_feature_tv_pix&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Enjoy the games!

MOVING SALE!

After 36 years Fontana Sports will be moving to a

new downtown location!

This means that everything must be cleared out of our State Street store as we prepare to move. Liquidation prices of 20%-75% off on EVERTHING in the store.

Hurry in for the best selection of downhill and cross country skis, snowshoes, camping equipment, footwear, and awesome clothing by brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker, Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, and more.

Don't forget to walk by our NEW location right next door (216 North Henry Street) which will be opening in Spring 2010 (We're aiming for April.)

Winter Adventure Sale

Check out great deals in all departments.

Now through December 6th.r 6

Turkey Daze Sale!

TURKEY DAZE SALE!

Fantastic deals storewide!

FRIDAY, NOV 27 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

First 50 purchases of $50 or more recieve a FREE Devils Head lift ticket!

STUPID PRICING 8:00am to 2:00 pm

Save 50%-75% on doorbuster items including select styles of:

Smartwool Socks

Giro Ski Helmets

Dakine Winter Hats

Gordini Gloves

Native Sunglasses

Columbia Fleece

Adult and Youth Ski Pants

Ski Bags

Snorkel Sets

And much more...

Still great deals after 2 pm! 20%-50% sale items.

Stop in and find MANY unadvertised specials throughout the store!

*Quantities are limited, sorry no rain checks.

TREE LANE SALE - LAST CHANCE

That's right...we are opening our doors for one final weekend blowout!

Fri-Sun November 13th through 15th

75% off the lowest ticket price on everything!

Hours: Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

GRAND OPENING SALE!

FONTANA'S NEW LOCATION (231 JUNCTION RD) IS NOW OPEN!

We are celebrating our Grand Opening with fantastic deals and promotions at BOTH stores now through November 15th including:

A Drawing to Win 4 FREE lift tickets to Granite Peak and a 2 Night Stay at the Howard Johnson in Wausau. *No purchase necessary to win

FREE Tyrol Basin lift ticket with a $200 purchase (*quantities limited)

20% off Smith Goggles and Sunglasses
20% off Columbia (Men's, Women's, and Kids)
25% off Wigwam socks
20% off Hotfinger Gloves and Mittens
20% off Red Ledge Rain wear
Additional 10% off Downhill and Cross Country Ski Packages plus free binding mounting.
20% off Burton Snowboard Binding with Board purchase
20% off North Face Day Packs
20% off Emotion Kayaks (west side only)
FREE Pair of Smartwool Socks with Kamik Boot Purchase (*Quantities Limited)
FREE Pair of New Balance Socks with New Balance Footwear Purchase (*Quantities Limited)
FREE The North Face Logo Beanie from the with Purchase of Kids TNF Jacket ($100 or more)
Special deals (15%-50% off) on Vertical Limit Clothing, GIRO 540 Helmets, Terramar Silk Baselayers, U.S. Divers GRVS Mask, Fin, Snorkel Sets, and MORE...

Preferred Customer Party!

Join the fun!

Come to the Fontana retro ski/snowboard themed preferred customer party.

When: Sunday, Nov 1st from 6p.m.-9 p.m.

Where: Our NEW westside location, 231 Junction Rd

What: Join us for a private after hours event with drinks, light bites, and the jazz band Hypnopotamus. There will be free gifts for the first 100 guests. There will also be special deals, prize drawings, and a costume contest for the best retro powder junkie get-up. It's going to be a guaranteed good time!

Why: To thank our wonderful customers and celebrate opening our new location.

Remember, you must be a member of our preferred customer club to attend. Sign up at http://www.fontanasports.com/ or visit either store. Call 608-833-9191 with questions.

Last Chance at 50-80% Off at Fontana Sports Tree Lane Location

Burton True Fit!

If you don’t know much about True Fit™ already, it’s basically a totally unique boot design that Burton has that makes their women’s boots the best-fitting, and most comfortable boots in the world (in our opinion anyway). They recently caught up with a few of their boot designers and engineers to figure out what makes them so awesome.

(read more)

40-80% OFF all Merchandise at West Madison Tree Lane Store

Price Reduction @ West Madison Closing Sale!

Our Awesome Employees!

Fontana Sports employee Gabe Neely is featured on page 228

of a new climbing guide to "Boulder Canyon Rock Climbs" By

Bob D'Antonio.

His is pictured on the route "Owl on the Prowl" rated 5.11b.

Store Closing Sale!!

Our West Side Location is moving! But we are taking NO old merchandise with us. Our Tree Lane store closing sale is going on now.

Save 20% to 75% on all the quality brands you trust. Nothing is held back.

Shop early for the best selection of great deals.

Monona Terrace Underwater Clean-up

Take a stake in the lakes this Saturday, June 20th. Join us as we celebrate out natural resources and help protect our lakes. Divers and non-divers alike are welcome to come lend a hand with the clean-up. Afterwards stay for food, drinks, and laughter and enjoy what we have done together to make a difference.

10:00 am to 3:00pm, at Law Park - rain or shine!

For more info email joann@madisonscuba.com or call Madison Scuba 608-219-3302

Soles4Souls

Now throught June 14th

Dontate any gently worn pair of footwear and recieve $10 off any new pair of shoes (over $50)

The donated shoes will be distributed through the Soles4Souls program to people in need.

National Trails Day

It's a little known "holiday" but here at Fontana we think it's an important one!

Every year the first Saturday in June is National Trails Day. It is a day organized by the American Hiking Society to recognize and celebrate America's trail system. Everyone is encouraged to seek out, learn about, and enjoy trails in his or her area. With over 200,000 miles of trails in the US we have a lot to enjoy!

It is also a day to step back and recognize the many hours of labor, planning, and fund raising it takes to develop and maintain trails.

CELEBRATE National Trails Day with FONTANA!

On June 6th from 9 am to noon volunteer your time and help us clear invasive species from along the Capitol City Bike Trail. Your work will help provide clear and open vistas for all trail users.

We will meet at Lussier Family Heritage Center, 301 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711.

All Volunteers will recieve a free pair of Wigwam sock and lunch.

RSVP to Elizabeth at 608-257-5043 or elizabeth@fontanasports.com

Or...just get out and enjoy your own favorite trail, maybe bring a bag and pick up some litter...

Have Fun!

Huge Tent Sale up to 75% OFF

May Madness

We have a bunch of great events coming up this month. It all starts this weekend!

Saturday (5/9) at our west side store we will be having our Spring Camping Kickoff! The event is from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be special promotions, lots of great informational clinics on everything from climbing to backpacking and beyond, a grill out with proceeds benefiting the National Heritage Land Trust, and of course our Summer Adventure Sale will be going on!
The schedule for the day is as follows (each clinic will last about 30min):

11 a.m. -Water Filters Explained - How they work. What they filter. Differences in paper and ceramic filter elements. Where to get the water. How to use in winter, ect

Noon -Steripen and traveling in style -Uses of Steripen in outdoor setting and transition into travel. How to pack with Eagle Creek for a vacation of a lifetime. Use of pack- its, benefits of lighter weight travels. Warranty of eagle Creek products.

1 p.m. -How to camp in comfort- Explain how tents are made. How they have changed over the years. Discuss the benefits of a sleeping pad particularly coupled with the new sheet and comforter. Differences between 4 season and 3 season tent and why it is important to apply knowledge to planned adventure. Stoves, how to cook outside.

2 p.m. – Climbing at devils lake. How to get started. -I know you are a rock star and it would be a huge help if you could discuss how to get started climbing at Devils Lake. Equipment needed. Guide books and how to read them. Where to camp. Maybe a slide show of pictures of climbing there.

3 p.m. – Trekking Poles- Will it really help me on the trail? Benefits and uses of trekking poles. Not only will it help on the trail, but use this to transition into Nordic walking and an everyday application.

3:30 p.m. - LED headlamps- Are they as good as everyone says? YES! What is bulb life, battery time. How bright are they, how have they advanced over the past four years, etc.

4 p.m. – The amazing Jet Boil! Light weight cooking - What needs to be said here. Uh? The thing is amazing. Let’s let everyone know. We should make afternoon tea for everyone with it too!

In addition to giving the clinics our manufacturers reps will be on hand to answer any questions you have.

If you already know it all to and don't need the clinics, come enjoy the weather, wander State Street, check out Cars on State, and shop at our downtown store because although the events are on the west side the SALE is at both stores!

By the way...also happing this Saturday is Craig's fly casting class. It'll be at Lakeview Park in Middleton from 9 am to noon. Whether you are learning to make your first cast or want to learn the double haul Craig (certified FFF fly casting instructor) can help you make it happen! Equipment is provided, cost is $55. Call the West side location (833-9191) to sign up.

That's all for now...check back for more updates about clinics, classes, kickoffs, dives, and parties...

Cheers!

Happy Earth Day!

It's a beautiful day! Get outside and love our planet! I have included an image of one of my favorite local outdoor play spots, Devils Lake. There's great hiking, climbing, swimming, (maybe it's too cold for that today...) and open space to picnic and toss a frisbee. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Today is John Muir's birthday. I took a few moments today in between my classes to go visit his wooden clock which is on exhibit in the State Historical building on campus. (The State Historical Society is an amazing - and dare I say, secret - place on campus with one of the most spectacular libraries and reading rooms; I love the beautiful old building - and not just because I'm a history major) Anyway, if you ever get the chance to stop in and check out the small Muir exhibit, it really is worth it.

Muir isn't most well-known for his clocks, as amazing as they are. Most know Muir for his unmatched influence within the early American conservation movement; his conservation legacy lives on today in the Sierra Club and in the hearts of many Americans who have a passion for the outdoors and for protecting America's beautiful wild places.

Wisconsin is proud to claim Muir as a native: a Scottish immigrant whose parents settled near Portage, Muir spent his childhood playing in the roaming creeks and wooded hills of the central part of the state. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (which has since named the wooded knoll just up the road from College Library "Muir Woods" in his memory), taking an unusual combination of classes, and excelling in botany and geology. Muir never graduated, and left school to travel to Canada, where he worked on and off and spent his free time wandering the natural landscapes of the north.

Though nature played an important role in young Muir's life, it wasn't until a factory accident temporarily blinded him at 29 years old that he truly realized how much he valued the natural world. Afraid that he had taken nature's beauty for granted, Muir set out on a hike from Indiana to Florida after his recovery. In September 1867, Muir set out for Florida by the "wildest, leafiest, and least trodden way I could find."

Muir's wanderings eventually brought him to Yosemite Valley, where he found what he called "the grandest of all temples of Nature". As Muir spent more time in Yosemite, he drew upon his education, which he mixed with his passion for nature, to study the area. His background with geology at UW-Madison aided him in developing a theory about the glacial formation of the Valley - an extremely advanced notion for the time. Muir settled in the Valley, and eventually he and a colleague and fellow alpinist formed the Sierra Club in 1892. The Sierra Club played an important role locally at first, by helping protect the Yosemite Valley and eventually helping to establish Yosemite as a National Park under the control of the Federal Government. The Sierra Club eventually expanded nationwide, and is known as America's earliest grassroots environmental organization.

Muir's role as the first President of the Sierra Club as well as his activist approach to the protection and conservation of Yosemite earned him nationwide recognition. President Theodore Roosevelt was impressed by Muir's vision and passion for the wilderness, and Muir even escorted Roosevelt on a backcountry tour of the park. Eventually, this close relationship helped Muir to convince Roosevelt that Yosemite needed the authority of federal government to continue to protect it.

...



So why, then, does Muir's legacy affect us here in Wisconsin? It might seem that Muir completely forgot about his home state after being swept off of his feet by the California wilderness. It was, after all, Wisconsin's natural beauty that helped foster Muir's passion for the outdoors. Though Muir concentrated most of his personal conservation efforts in Yosemite, his legacy of conservation continues throughout the nation, providing us Midwesterners (and everyone else, for that matter) with beautiful wild spaces to explore. I encourage you to check out the Sierra Club website and see if it is an organization that you are interested in supporting.


In the meantime, stop in and talk to us about new ways to get out and enjoy the wild places that Muir helped protect! We're constantly receiving shipments of new spring gear and clothing (I am particularly excited by the huge Black Diamond order that just came in - our climbing department is stocked to the brim). Plus, a lot of us employees have been spending our spare time out and about in the area, and can offer some great advice and ideas about trips and ways to get outside - it's supposed to be beautiful out this weekend!

Also, don't miss our upcoming events this weekend - there's a Chaco Arbor Day promotion (Buy One, Get One Tree) and a Preferred Customer Party (complete with live music, a beer tasting by Capitol Brewery, and ridiculous discounts and specials).

For now, I should probably stop writing about the history of Muir and start thinking about the papers I have due in my classes...oh, if only every class could be an environmental history class!

I've driven through Nebraska at least 14 times now. If you are unaware, the welcome sign boasts "Home of Arbor Day." This has always struck me as a little odd due to the apparent lack of trees in this plains state. Since Arbor day is imminent and here at Fontana we are doing a promotion, I thought there would be no better time to educate myself on the origin of Arbor day.

So, this is what I dug up...

Arbor Day was the vision of journalist/politician Julius Sterling Morton, who thought Nebraska's landscape and could benefit from the wide scale planting of trees. He was able to put his vision into action when he joined the Nebraska board of agriculture. The idea was well received, and thus April 10, 1872 became the 1st ever Arbor day. It was a huge success with over 1 million trees being planted in Nebraska. A second one took place six years later in 1884, and in 1885 Arbor Day became a legal holiday in Nebraska, the date was set as April 22nd to coincide with Morton's birthday. Since planting trees is and AWESOME idea, Arbor day was soon embraced by other states. Kansas, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Ohio were among the first on board, but eventually all 50 states had their own Arbor day...the dates varied a bit based on climate but the premise was the same.
Finally in 1970 Nixon formally declared Arbor day a federal holiday - setting the date at the third Friday in April.

So that's the quick rundown...and since we think it's great, this year we'll be teaming up with Chaco and the National Arbor Day Foundation for a BUY ONE GET ONE TREE promotion.

For every pair of Chacos purchased at either of our stores or at fontanasports.com April 24th, 25th, and 26th we will plant a tree in one of our national forests! So get new kicks and do some good for the earth!

Twitter Daily Deal

FontanaSports.com is please to announce that we will be offering a new service that will provide our most loyal customers with a link to a special deal everyday on www.FontanaSports.com that is good for 24 hours or until the product sells out.

Excited to get some great deals on Gear and Clothing from the top brands in the industry? Start following us on Twitter and you'll be the first to know when our new service launches in the next few days.

Fly Fishing Rendezvous Sat April 18th!

For the 3rd year now our west side location's assistant manager, and fly fishing guru, Craig Amacker has organized an EXCELLENT day of events and seminars to celebrate the sport of fly fishing. Here's the rundown:

The event takes place on Saturday April 18th, at Fontana's west side store, (7948 Tree Lane, Madison) lasts from 10 am to 6 pm, and is FREE.

SCHEDULE

10 - 11: Dane County Trout Stream Easements
Presenter: Topf Wells

11 - Noon: Fly fishing Wisconsin spring creeks
Presenter: Jim Bartelt

Noon - 1:30: Fly casting for Wisconsin spring creeks instruction
Presenter Jim Bartelt

1:30 - 2:30: Trout fishing Bernie, British Columbia
Presenter: Bob Harrison

2:30 - 3:30: Fly Casting Challenge! Distance and accuracy on 4 targets. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

3:30 - 4:30: Invasive species presentation. How to identify, prevent the spread, and keep them off your wading gear.
Presenter: Laura Breckenridge of the Wisconsin River Alliance

4:30 - 6: Happy hour featuring Redwood Creek wine, appetizers, and a showing of "Red Gold." A documentary on the Bristol Bay pebble mine.

In addition Tom Anderson, sales rep for Sage, Simms, and Rio will be on hand all day to answer questions and show the latest and greatest in gear. He'll also have the casting analyzer on hand to show us all how we can improve out casts.

The Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited will have an informational booth set up. Anyone who makes a donation of $25 or more to TUDARE (Trout Unlimited Driftless Area Restoration Effort) will receive a free Patagonia Trout Unlimited shirt.

We are excited to have several other non-profit organizations join us for the event. These groups will have informational booths set up: Federation of Fly Fishers, Wisconsin River Alliance, Dane County Parks, DNR Fisheries, and Dane County Natural Heritage Land Trust.

If you have any questions contact Craig at (608) 833-9191 or camacker@fontanasports.com. And oh yeah...if you're new to the sport, some advise...don't refer to your "fishing pole" or "bait" in front of Craig!

Cheers! Hope to see you all there!