Join us for a tour of the First Unitarian Meeting House.

If you are interested in seeing the green building measures used by the First Unitarian Society of Madison for their building addition, The Natural Step Monona Education Team is hosting a field trip on November 7 at 10:00 a.m.

Of the congregation’s first gathering in the new facility in September 2008, reporter Ron Seely wrote, “Around them spread a 21,000-square-foot addition that satisfied not only the necessity of echoing Wright’s groundbreaking work but which also boasts cutting-edge environmental innovations, such as a geothermal heating and cooling system, a green roof planted with sedum – a hardy plant – that minimizes storm-water runoff and keeps the building cooler in summer. No, it will not have to be mowed but it will have to be weeded.”

Said Carrie Antlfinger, writing for the Associated Press, “Other features include…recycled and local building materials and radiant floor heating and cooling. The design advances Wright’s ideas about organic architecture and integration of buildings with their environment.”

This is a wonderful opportunity to see a Gold LEED-certified building. The addition is linked to the Historic Frank Lloyd Wright meeting house and is a fine example of a harmonious sustainable design. You can get a preview here: http://www.fusmadison.org/green/intro.shtml

The First Unitarian Society asks for a $5 donation per person. Please sign up for the tour at info@tnsmonona.org, by putting “First Unitarian Tour” in your message. You MUST sign up if you want to go. If people don’t sign up in advance, the tour will be cancelled. When we have a group, we’ll plan carpooling (and possibly a bike train).

Hope you can join us.