Rock River Basin July 2015 Update Rock River Updates is a listing of events and other items of interest for people in and around the Rock River Basins of Wisconsin. The update is available online at the beginning of each month. Inclusion is not an endorsement of a program, publication or website.
Subscribe to this list at: https://lists.uwex.edu/mailman/listinfo/rock-river-basin-update. This update will also be posted at: http://rockrivercoalition.org/events/events-page/
Rock River Coalition (RRC) Events To receive informational flyers on RRC events email [email protected]
20th Anniversary Accomplishments Highlights Map: To view the new map that celebrates Rock River Coalition’s major accomplishments, go to: http://rockrivercoalition.org Click on About -> Accomplishment Highlights
July 13-14 Watershed Science for Educators: A 2015 Summer Session Workshop at UW-Whitewater. Whitewater, WI. Presented through the Rock River Stormwater Group, this course will connect educators to a local watershed in the Rock River Basin, and is designed to increase participant knowledge of watersheds, water quality and stormwater pollution prevention as well as provide educators with activities that can be tailored for use in classrooms.
Open to teachers in classrooms grades 3-12 (emphasis is on grades 4-9). Prerequisite: State certification or licensure as an educator. For more information and to register online: http://www.uww.edu/ce/workshops/watershed.
Sustainable Strategies 2015 – Webinars for Wisconsin’s Municipal Professionals: Noon-1:00 pm, third Thursday of each month. UW-Extension, WDNR, Town & Country RC&D and the Rock River Coalition invite you to register for this free webinar series designed to provide a forum where professionals from Wisconsin’s public, private and nonprofit sectors can highlight and share their work creating environmentally sustainable communities. Upcoming Water Star Webinars: July 16: A Look at the Energy Star Portfolio Program Aug 20: Wisconsin’s Healthy Lakes Initiative Grant Program Sept 17: Urban Phosphorus Loads- Identifying Sources and Evaluating Controls Oct 15: Lessons Learned the Hard Way – Achieving Sustainability in the Real World Nov 19: Life Cycle Analysis Dec 17: Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI)-Envision Assessment Contact Water Star Coordinator, 414-256-4631, [email protected]. http://waterstsarwisconsin.org
July 22 Rock River Board Meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm, Room 12 at UW Extension office, Jefferson, WI. Please confirm time and location prior to meeting.
‘Like’ the Rock River Coalition on Facebook to keep up-to-date on activities.
Natural Resource Calendar of Events Jul 3-5 Help Celebrate the Wisconsin River in Photos! Photograph one of your favorite places in and around the Wisconsin River over July 4th holiday weekend. Deadline to submit: July 8, 2015. River Alliance of Wisconsin staff will select a top 10 for online voting between July 13-20. http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/events/display/item/wi-river-photo-day
Jul 4 Butterflies and Dragonflies of Swamp Lovers Preserve Field Trip: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. Dane County, WI. Bring binoculars, lunch and beverages. Join the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and the Madison Audubon Society, co- sponsored by The Prairie Enthusiasts. Trip Leaders: Tod Highsmith, Karl & Dorothy Legler. 608-643-4926 or cell 608-228- 0743.
Jul 8 Rock Lake Under the Waves: 5:00-8:00 pm. Location to be announced. Hosted by Rock Lake Improvement Association. Local expert will take groups of 6-8 at a time into Rock Lake with snorkeling gear to explore the plants and animals that make the lake special. For ages 8 and up. Pre-register by July 3, contact Jeanne Scherer, [email protected], 920-382- 6123. Costs/details: http://www.rocklake.org/docs/announcements/Under%20the%20Waves.pdf
Jul 11 Family-Friendly Bark River Paddle, Burnt Village to Fort Atkinson: 9:30 am. Free event organized by The Friends of GHA. Paddle is about 2-3 hours long, followed by lunch at Café Carpe, Fort Atkinson. glacialheritagearea.org or [email protected] Contact 2Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor, 920-563-9391, as soon as possible if boat rental is needed.
Jul 11-12 Horicon Marsh Photo Blitz: A Marsh wide event. Take photos during this special weekend and submit photos to [email protected] by July 24, 2015. Entries limited to 3-5 photos. Winning photos will be displayed at Marsh Haven Nature Center, Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center and Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. http://horiconchamber.com/events/. 920-387-7893.
Jul 14 Karner Blue Butterfly Volunteer Training: 10:00 am-1:30 pm. Black River Falls WDNR Service Center. Volunteer citizens will be trained to do Karner Blue Butterfly field studies. Register: [email protected] or 920-622-3527, Ext. 209 at least 5 days before training event to allow time to prepare materials. All training materials provided.
Jul 14 All About Birds at Monona Public Library: 6:15 pm. Discover how every bird is a superhero by playing a fun game to learn about different bird beaks. Practice using binoculars and go on a nature hike to look for birds! Program is great for kids of all ages. http://madisonaudubon.org/calendar/event/all-about-birds-at-monona-public-library
2015 Wetland Delineation Training Workshops: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Individuals who delineate wetlands or wish to learn how to delineate wetlands in Wisconsin are encouraged to attend. Contact: UW-La Crosse Continuing Education, [email protected] www.uwlax.edu/conted/wetland, 608-785-6504. Advanced Plant Identification for Wetland Delineation July 16-17, La Crosse, WI, $400, 1.6 CEUs, Register online! Basic Wetland Delineation Training Workshop Site 1: July 20-22, La Crosse, WI, $600, 2.4 CEUs, Register online! Site 2: Aug 10-12, Waukesha, WI, $600, 2.4 CEUs, Register online! Advanced Wetland Delineation Training Workshop Site 1: July 23-24, La Crosse, WI, $400, 1.6 CEUs, Register online! Site 2: Aug 13-14, Waukesha, WI, $400, 1.6 CEUs, Register online!
Jul 18 Explore Archery: 1:00 - 4:00 pm. MacKenzie Center, Poynette, WI. Spend time at the MacKenzie Center learning archery skills for the beginner. The event is free and is best suited for ages 8 and up, but the entire family is welcome to participate. Check out last year's flyer
Jul 18 Birds, Butterflies & Wildflowers of the Schurch-Thomson Prairie: 10:00 am-12:00 pm. (View Map) At Reilly Road, Barneveld, WI. Madison Audubon field trip with The Prairie Enthusiasts and Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association. http://madisonaudubon.org/calendar/event/birds-butterflies-wildflowers-of-the-schurch-thompson-prairie/
Jul 22 Farm to Fire at Three Brothers Farm: 5:30 - 8:30 pm. Oconomowoc, WI. Farm tour at 5:30 pm, followed by food and music until 8:30 pm. $50/person, $75/couple. Info about the farm: www.threebrothersfarmcsa.org. For reservations (by July 15-limit 75) see www.tallpinesconservancy.org.
Jul 26 Clean Lakes Festival: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. Law Park on Lake Monona, WI. www.Cleanlakesfestival.com. Aug 8 Upper Yahara River Paddle Trip at South Cherokee: 8:00 – 11:00 am. (Bring your own paddlecraft) Paddle through fragrant thickets of American lotus water lily, while looking for a variety of wetland birds and wildlife. Click here for directions: Get directions. Led by Russ Hefty, Dane County Conservation Parks; email [email protected].
Aug 12 (Pre-Conference) Aug 13-15 Building a Land Ethic: A Conference on Teaching and Learning Across Boundaries: UW-Baraboo/Sauk Campus, Baraboo, WI. http://www.aldoleopold.org/Programs/conference.shtml
Aug 12 Knee Deep in Prairies: 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg, WI. Explore and learn about fascinating ecosystems with a full day of hands on learning sessions with the experts in prairie ecology. Register by August 7th to allow time for food preparation. www.riveredgenaturecenter.org Knee Deep Brochure 2015
2015 Field Trip Series Hosted by Wisconsin Wetland Association: August 13-14 Wetlands of the Door Peninsula- Designated as Wetlands of International Importance, by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, this site is one of only 37 in the U.S. to receive this designation.
Sept 10-11 Wild Rice Harvest Rhinelander Flowage- Designed for beginning harvesters, this tour will be led by wild rice expert, Peter David. Harvest activities will take place on high quality private wild rice beds. Tour limit: 10 participants.
Sept 17-18 Penokee Hills and Kakagon/Bad River Sloughs- A tour from the headwater wetlands of the Bad River in Penokee Island down to the wild river beds of the internationally recognized Kakagon/Bad River Sloughs estuary. $250/person. Includes most meals and materials. Lodging is not included. For reservations and trip agendas, call Wisconsin Wetlands Association: 608-250-9971.
Aug 15 Floatzilla 2015: 7:00 am. Lake Potter, Sunset Park, Rock Island, IL. Early bird registration ($15) through July 1. Shuttle transportation for Main St, Marquette St, Ben Butterworth, and Empire Park. T-shirt and boat decal are included. Register online at GetMeRegistered.com/Floatzilla
Aug 23-28 4th Biennial Symposium of the International Society for River Science (ISRS) 2015: Hosted by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse River Studies Center, at La Crosse Convention Center, La Crosse, WI. Theme is River Connectivity. http://www.uwlax.edu/conted/isrs2015/ Questions: Roger Haro, Ron Rada or Mark Sandheinrich, [email protected]
Aug 25-27 2015 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days: Sun Prairie, WI. The largest agricultural show in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the nation, showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, education and conservation. http://www.wifarmtechnologydays.com/
Aug 29 Bird Banding At Biocore Prairie: 8:00 am-12:00 pm. See how birds are netted, banded, measured, and released as part of ongoing research efforts for conservation purposes. Please RSVP by email to: Mara McDonald at [email protected] or call 608-274-2534 before 8:30 pm.
Sept 12 Explore the Wild Lands of Cherokee Marsh: 9:00 am-noon. Hike off trail through a large, diverse peat wetland to discover scenic sedge meadows, fens, and emergent marshes. Visit an oak savanna island undergoing restoration to benefit red-headed woodpeckers. $17/person. http://cherokeemarsh.org/#events
Sept 20 Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Future: 8:45 am – 4:30 pm. Using UW Arboretum's Native Plant Garden as an outdoor classroom, conference offers workshops, take-home tips, & living examples. Keynote: "Wild Gardening with Art and Purposefulness," Nancy Aten from Landscapes of Place, LLC. Registration required by Sept 10.
Oct 10 38th Annual Monroe Street Festival: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Madison, WI. www.monroestreetfestival.com
Oct 17 Chainsaw Safety Level 1 – Women Only: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Leopold Center, Baraboo, WI (Limit of 10) Cost: $110 ($100/members) Course is certified through Safety & Woods Working (SAWW) training and is the first part in a 4-level series. Level 1 focuses on introducing participants to open face felling. 608-355-0279 www.aldoleopold.org
Oct 21-24 Midwest Environmental Education Conference: Monona Terrace, Madison, WI. Hosted by WAEE (Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education). This Year’s theme is Promoting Access to Environmental Educational Experiences. www.meeconference.org
Grants/Awards/Contests (K-12 entries are in the K-12 section below) USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking applications from Wisconsin landowners for its premiere wetland restoration program, the Wetlands Reserve Easement (WRE). Greg Kidd, Assistant State Conservationist for NRCS−Wisconsin, has announced applications are accepted year-round for funding. 608-662-4422 ext. 252, [email protected]. Contact your local USDA NRCS Service Center for more information or visit www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov
USDA Announces $235 Million Available for Innovative New Conservation Partnerships: Local coalitions can now apply for funding to improve soil health, preserve clean water, combat drought, protect wildlife habitat. Funding is available through Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Pre-proposals due July 8. Application information: RCPP website.
2015 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Photo Contest: Photographs from the Friends photo contest are used to produce the annual FWSP calendar and may be used in other FWSP and DNR publications, presentations, websites and displays. All seasons are needed. Photo submission deadline is August 31. www.fwsp.org
K-12 Teachers and Students Kids, make tracks over to EEK! Make tracks to the nearest state park, forest, trail or recreation area and ask for a free Wisconsin Explorer booklet. Inside, find nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes and crafts to help explore Wisconsin's great outdoors.
Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat: Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat®.
Underwater Adventures with Louis and Louise: Join lake trout brother-and-sister duo as they learn important ecological lessons, attend a birthday party and narrowly escape being eaten while living in Lake Superior. Book produced by Orange Hat Publishing, Waukesha, WI. Learn more at: www.orangehatpublishing.com.
Entomological Society of America Science Project Idea Competition: Open to students in grades 3-12 and/or student members of the Society and seeks to identify up to 10 science project ideas for elementary, middle, high school teachers, students, and families. Winners receive $100 for each submission making the list. Submissions due 8/31/ 2015. Complete Details.
Aug 18 Project WET Training Workshop: 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha, WI. Hands-on, educator- tested activities that can be used to help teach about water. Focus is on storm water and how it impacts the environment. $25 fee covers program materials, morning break, and beverages. Bring your own lunch. Register by August 10. 262-970- 6680. Questions: Jayne Jenks, 262-896-8305.
Aug 22 New exhibits coming to the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. Come and trace the history of this great gathering place and hunting ground through the ages. To arrange for a field trip or group visit, contact: Liz Herzmann at 920-387-7893. Programs combine classroom work with outdoor sample collection and observation.
Publications Second Life for Phosphorus: Soil science professor and students turn a sometime pollutant into a valuable product. By Caroline Schneider MS’11; http://grow.cals.wisc.edu/uncategorized/second-life-for-phosphorus
Keep Wildlife Wild: Wild animals are valued by many, and it's important to observe them at a respectful distance to keep them wild and allow for their life in the wild to continue. Keep Wildlife Wild brochure [PDF] http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/orphan.html
Preventing Wildfires: New publication by The Wisconsin DNR, Division of Forestry. To order, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Publication FR-547. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestManagement/publications.asp
Websites Tickborne Infections: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tickborne/index.htm
Draining boats and livewells can stop invasive species in their tracks: http://lakes- l.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/06/draining-boats-and-livewells-can-stop-invasive-species-in-their-tracks/
Warden Wire: DNR safety warden urges all ATV, UTV riders to 'helmet your head' to protect their brains: Visit this website to learn about ATV-UTV safety classes, laws and more: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/atv/
American Beauty Native Plants – Bringing Life to Your Garden: Looking for just the right plant or plants for a landscape? Use any or all of the fields on this site to do a Plant Search: http://www.abnativeplants.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.search/index.htm?announcementid8541751
Natural Heritage Conservation Nature Quiz Of The Week: http://www.wiatri.net/NHC/Quiz/
State Natural Area Spotlight: Take a walk on the wild side. Get your weekly guide to great places to explore. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/naturalareas/spotlight.html
Waking up to Wetland video, presented in four modules, takes a lighthearted look at the steps you can take to determine if wetlands are likely present on a property. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wetlands/locating.html
Employment Opportunities Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources: Air Management Quality Assurance Specialist - Senior level (2 vacancies) Job Announcement Code(s): 15-01719. Dane County. Full time (40 hrs/wk) Contact: Holly Wallock; 608-267-7557 or [email protected]; Preview Exam. Deadline to apply: July 7.
Miscellaneous Video: Introduction to Identifying and Controlling Invasive Species in Your Woods: Matt Zine, South Central Wisconsin State Natural Areas Manager, introduces viewers to controlling three common invasive species - garlic mustard, buckthorn and honeysuckle.
Organizations with Frequent Program Offerings: Aldo Leopold Foundation, Baraboo, www.aldoleopold.org Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Madison, www.CherokeeMarsh.org Horicon Marsh International Education Center, www.horiconmarsh.org Madison Audubon Society, Inc., www.madisonaudubon.org Midwest Renewable Energy Association, www.the-mrea.org Niagara Escarpment Resource Network, www.escarpmentnetwork.org Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg, www.riveredge.us The Prairie Enthusiasts, www.ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee, www.urbanecologycenter.org UW Madison Arboretum, www.uwarboretum.org Woodland Landowner Information Education, http://woodlandinfo.org/ Woodland School, http://www.aldoleopold.org/WoodlandSchool/ Wisconsin Ground Water Association www.wgwa.org Wisconsin Wetlands Association, www.wisconsinwetlands.org/
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This list was compiled by Marie Rubietta, UW-Extension Jefferson County, [email protected] and edited by Peggy Compton, Regional Natural Resources Educator, UW-Extension, [email protected], 608-342-1633. Please send notices and potential listings to Marie.
For general information or to subscribe: https://lists.uwex.edu/mailman/listinfo/rock-river-basin-update.
University of Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties cooperating. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.
La Universidad de Wisconsin-Extensión, un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa (EEO/AA), proporciona igualdad de oportunidades en empleo y programas, incluyendo los requisitos del Título IX (Title IX) y de la Ley para Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA).