Blog & News

Mary works at Stewart Lake County Park on February 18, 2026. The hum of saws and the crack of brush breaking echo across Stewart Lake County Park. In the middle of it all stands Mary McDonough-Sutter — steady, focused, and working shoulder to shoulder with Operation Fresh Start crews. “I’m here today doing what I often do,” she said on one February morning. “Cut and treat the brush and stack it to burn later.” Then she smiled. “The happiest part of what I’m doing today is wor

Adriel poses in front of the sign at Operation Fresh Start. Adriel Romero Cadena, known by many as “Rico,” always knew he wanted more for...

Cory, OFS Director of Legacy and Conservation (left), and Jake, OFS Conservation Academy Supervisor (right), shake hands with Don in the...

On Wednesday, April 30, Operation Fresh Start (OFS) celebrated Earth Day 2025 alongside Dane County Parks, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,...

Spring is prescribed burn season in the Midwest! Prescribed burns are intentionally set fires within a predetermined area, helping to...

By Maria Drews, OFS volunteer Over the past two years, Legacy conservation crews at Operation Fresh Start have been partnering with the...