Celebrate, enjoy and help protect Yahara Lakes – June 4-19

Sunday, June 5

State of Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend

DNR’s annual free fishing weekend. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days June 4-5, 2011. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply. This event is designed to encourage families to get out and fish together on Wisconsin waters. Because children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish on any day of the year, the motto for Free Fishing Weekend could be, “Take a grown-up fishing!” Check the DNR’s Web site for a listing of special events and clinics, http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/kidsparents/FishingClinics.html

 

Tuesday, June 7

Lakeside Yoga

Start the day with this early morning sun salutation! Bring a mat and join us as we practice in the calm and natural setting of Lake Wingra each Tuesday morning from 6:30 to 7:30 am. Certified instructor Marcella Speich aims to relax, energize and inspire by encouraging her students to be mindful in an ever-moving world. Cost is $15 per session drop in, or $10 if you pre-pay.

Time and Place: 6:30 – 7:30 am, Wingra Park 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

 

Wednesday, June 8

Dane County Waters Champion Award Ceremony

Groups and individuals will be officially recognized for the work they have been doing to protect and enhance Dane County’s water resources by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission.

Time and Place: Space is limited, call for availability.

Contact: Marcia Hartwig, 608-224-3746, [email protected].

City of Fitchburg Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Workshop Linking Land Use and Water Quality

The City of Fitchburg will hold a public workshop on in the evening on June 8 and during the day on June 9 regarding the EPA Water Quality Scorecard. This public participation workshop will 1) introduce participants to potential varied techniques to improve water quality. 2) Identify water quality issues in the community, past approaches and the success of the approaches. 3) Focus on how land use affects water quality. 4) Review specific water quality goals and outcomes that are desired in the community. 5) Identify and prioritize strategies that are most compelling to the community

Time and Place: On June 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Fitchburg City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, there will be a Community Open House to complete number 1) above. On June 9 the Workshop will complete numbers 2) through 5) above.

Contact: Fitchburg City Clerk’s Office, (608) 270-4200 city.fitchburg.wi.us.

 

Thursday, June 9

Paddle with the Birds

Join Wingra Boats’ member bird specialist, Michael Maguire, each Thursday to paddle Lake Wingra in a canoe or kayak while identifying the area’s many birds. Enjoy the early morning quiet, and work with Michael to detect different species both by sight and by sound! Paddle with the Birds is offered every Thursday at Wingra Boats at 6:30 am. Meet 15 minutes before a 1-hour guided trip, plus a free hour of paddle or observation time. Cost is $25.

Time and Place: 6:30 am, Wingra Boats 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

Stand Up Paddlle-boarding (SUP) & Yoga – Introductory Lessons

Spice up your yoga practice! We’ve combined yoga with the newest paddle sport – stand up paddle-boarding! This unique class is a great way to start your day. Class starts with 15 minutes of on-shore yoga, followed by a 15 minute SUP instruction session and group paddling, ending with 30 minutes of yoga on your board. Offered Thursday mornings at Wingra Park, be ready to start at 7 am! Cost is $25 for a single session or $100 for a package of 5.

Time and Place: 7:00 am, Wingra Park 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

City of Fitchburg Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Workshop Linking Land Use and Water Quality

The City of Fitchburg will hold a public workshop on in the evening on June 8 and during the day on June 9 regarding the EPA Water Quality Scorecard. This public participation workshop will 1) introduce participants to potential varied techniques to improve water quality. 2) Identify water quality issues in the community, past approaches and the success of the approaches. 3) Focus on how land use affects water quality. 4) Review specific water quality goals and outcomes that are desired in the community. 5) Identify and prioritize strategies that are most compelling to the community

Time and Place: On June 9, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Fitchburg City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, the Workshop will complete numbers 2) through 5) above.

Contact: Fitchburg City Clerk’s Office, (608) 270-4200 city.fitchburg.wi.us.

After Work Paddles on Cherokee Marsh

Unwind with a paddling in Cherokee Marsh. Named one of Wisconsin’s 100 wetland gems, Cherokee Marsh on the Yahara River immediately upstream of Lake Mendota will surprise you. You’ll wonder where Madison went as we paddle upstream. You can reserve a seat in one of the 10-passenger Voyageur canoes or bring your own canoe or kayak. Children allowed with a parent or other responsible adult. Please remember we will be in a canoe for an hour and a half. There is no cost for this event. Flotation vests must be worn. Floatation devices and paddles will be provided. Registration is required. To register, email Sue Josheff telling her whether you will participate in the first of second voyage, the paddlers’ names and if the paddler is a child, the child’s age. Your registration will be completed when you receive a confirmation email.

Time and Place: Two paddling voyages will be held. One will meet at 5:00 pm and leave at 5:15 pm, the other will meet at 6:45 pm and leave at 7:00pm. Both voyages will leave from and return to the School Road boat landing, 5002 School Road, Madison. Heading north on Hwy 113 towards Waunakee, turn right on School Road. At the end of School Road, turn right onto Wheeler Road and take an immediate left into the gravel parking lot. Park in this upper lot and walk about .4 miles to the boat landing, or drive down to the boat landing where there is limited parking. Plan enough time to return to the upper parking lot and walk down if the lower lot is full. Please car pool, if possible.

Contact: Registration is required. You will be sent an email message if the event is cancelled because of weather. Email Sue Josheff telling her whether you will participate in the first of second voyage, the paddlers’ names and if the paddler is a child, the child’s age. Your registration will be completed when you receive a confirmation email.

 

Friday, June 10

Wingra Bridges: Friday Evening Paddle

Start your weekend off right with this great excursion offered by Wingra Boats. We’ll hit two of Madison’s most beautiful lakes on this two-hour trip, starting at Vilas beach on Lake Wingra, heading down Wingra Creek to Lake Monona, and then returning up the creek. This great bonding trip includes portaging around Wingra Dam, passing under 15 of Madison’s bridges, a mid-way snack, and hopefully some wildlife and beautiful birds. Your guides will teach you basic to advanced paddling techniques. Cost is $30 for canoe, $20 for kayak, and $25 for tandem kayak.

Time and Place: Vilas Park Beach, Madison. Contact Wingra Boats for departure time.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

 

Saturday, June 11

24th Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up Event

Spring-cleaning for the lakes, brought to you by community groups, businesses, citizens and the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission. Clean shorelines, haul weeds, mark storm drains and more. Lakes Mendota and Kegonsa. Learn more at www.takeastakeinthelakes.com.

Time and Place: 9 am–noon

Contact: Rhea Stangel-Maier, 608-224-3601, [email protected]

Annual Marquette Waterfront Festival (Day 1)

A community festival for all, organized by Madison’s near-East-side Marquette Neighborhood Association, featuring food, music, and games for adults and kids on the shore of Lake Monona at Madison’s Yahara Place Park.

Time and Place: All day, Yahara Place Park, Madison

Contact: (608) 241-7143, marquette-neighborhood.org

Wingra Creek Clean Up

Help keep Wingra Creek clean for urban paddling. Bring a friend and your canoe or kayak (or work from the shoreline).

Time and Place: 9am – noon, meet at the Strand and Associates parking lot on Plaenert Drive, located at the steel pedestrian bridge midway between Park Street and Fish Hatchery Road.

Contact: Judi Dilks

Kids Paddles on Lake Wingra

Parents bring your kids for a paddle on Lake Wingra, a 339-acre urban lake with only slow-no wake motorboat traffic and most of the shoreline in public ownership. We’ll paddle twin 11 passenger Voyageur canoes that are very stable for young participants. Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by a parent. These paddles will be lead by Sue Josheff from the DNR. . There is no cost for this event. Flotation vests must be worn. Floatation devices and paddles will be provided. Registration is required. To register, email Sue Josheff telling her whether you will participate in the first of second voyage, the paddlers’ names and if the paddler is a child, the child’s age. Your registration will be completed when you receive a confirmation email.

Time and Place: Two paddling voyages for kids will be held. Each voyage will end after 1 hour or when the kids lose interest, whichever comes first. The first voyage will meet at 9:00 am and leave the boat landing at 9:15 am, the other will meet at 10:15 am and leave at 10:30 am. Both voyages will leave from and return to the Wingra Park Boat Landing, 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison. There is limited space in the Park’s parking lot, but street parking is available.

Contact: Registration is required. You will be sent an email message if the event is cancelled because of weather. Email Sue Josheff telling her whether you will participate in the first of second voyage, the paddlers’ names and if the paddler is a child, the child’s age. Your registration will be completed when you receive a confirmation email.

Arboretum Core Area Work Party

Help improve native habitat and help native plants thrive by removing invasive plant species near Curtis Prairie, one of the oldest prairie restorations in the world. Learn how the Arboretum is managing stormwater for the Lake Wingra watershed.

Time and Place: 9am – noon, Core Area at the UW Arboretum; meet at the Visitor Center front steps, Madison

Contact: Marion Farrior, [email protected] www.uwarboretum.org

 

Sunday, June 12

Wild Warner Wetland Walk & Roll 4 p.m. Meet at the Crayola tin can shelter.

UW Wetland Expert Dr. Quentin Carpenter. Dr. Carpenter teaches UW’s popular Wetland Ecology course for the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Hear about the research of his wetland ecology students who are conducting field studies in Wild Warner’s wetland.

Annual Marquette Waterfront Festival (Day 2)

A community festival for all, organized by Madison’s near-East-side Marquette Neighborhood Association, featuring food, music, and games for adults and kids on the shore of Lake Monona at Madison’s Yahara Place Park.

Time and Place: All day, Yahara Place Park, Madison

Contact: (608) 241-7143, marquette-neighborhood.org

 

Tuesday, June 14

Lakeside Yoga

Start the day with this early morning sun salutation! Bring a mat and join us as we practice in the calm and natural setting of Lake Wingra each Tuesday morning from 6:30 to 7:30 am. Certified instructor Marcella Speich aims to relax, energize and inspire by encouraging her students to be mindful in an ever-moving world. Cost is $15 per session drop in, or $10 if you pre-pay.

Time and Place: 6:30 – 7:30 am, Wingra Park 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

 

Thursday, June 16

13th Annual Paddle to Work Day

Take the watery way to work! Join colleagues and friends and float to the office. More information available online at www.takeastakeinthelakes.com.

Time and Place: Early morning, various sites around the county. One flotilla leaves from Olin Park at 6:30 a.m. (arriving at Law Park near downtown at around 7:30). Call to reserve your spot in the 25-foot Voyageur canoe. Rain date: Friday, June 17.

Contact: Sue Jones, Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds, 608-224-3764, [email protected]

Paddle with the Birds

Join Wingra Boats’ member bird specialist, Michael Maguire, each Thursday to paddle Lake Wingra in a canoe or kayak while identifying the area’s many birds. Enjoy the early morning quiet, and work with Michael to detect different species both by sight and by sound! Paddle with the Birds is offered every Thursday at Wingra Boats at 6:30 am. Meet 15 minutes before a 1-hour guided trip, plus a free hour of paddle or observation time. Cost is $25.

Time and Place: 6:30 am, Wingra Boats 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

Stand Up Paddlle-boarding (SUP) & Yoga – Introductory Lessons

Spice up your yoga practice! We’ve combined yoga with the newest paddle sport – stand up paddle-boarding! This unique class is a great way to start your day. Class starts with 15 minutes of on-shore yoga, followed by a 15 minute SUP instruction session and group paddling, ending with 30 minutes of yoga on your board. Offered Thursday mornings at Wingra Park, be ready to start at 7 am! Cost is $25 for a single session or $100 for a package of 5.

Time and Place: 7:00 am, Wingra Park 824 Knickerbocker Street, Madison.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

 

Friday, June 17

Wingra Bridges: Friday Evening Paddle

Start your weekend off right with this great excursion offered by Wingra Boats. We’ll hit two of Madison’s most beautiful lakes on this two-hour trip, starting at Vilas beach on Lake Wingra, heading down Wingra Creek to Lake Monona, and then returning up the creek. This great bonding trip includes portaging around Wingra Dam, passing under 15 of Madison’s bridges, a mid-way snack, and hopefully some wildlife and beautiful birds. Your guides will teach you basic to advanced paddling techniques. Cost is $30 for canoe, $20 for kayak, and $25 for tandem kayak.

Time and Place: Vilas Park Beach, Madison. Contact Wingra Boats for departure time.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.

 

Saturday, June 18

24th Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up Event

Spring-cleaning for the lakes, brought to you by community groups, businesses, citizens and the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission. Clean shorelines, haul weeds, mark storm drains and more. Lakes Monona, Waubesa and Wingra. Learn more at www.takeastakeinthelakes.com.

Time and Place: 9 am–noon, Information Center at Law Park, Madison

Contact: Rhea Stangel-Maier, 608-224-3601, [email protected]

Lake Wingra Clean Up, Kids Fun On The Water and Jazz in the Park

9:30 am – 12:00 Lake Wingra Clean Up – Learn and lend a hand for the Lake Wingra clean up. Join this annual effort to clean up our lake and lake shores. Wingra Boats and Friends of Lake Wingra will focus on the watershed. Take a free canoe trip, help pick up trash and debris, grab a paint brush and help paint signs to educate people not to feed geese, or get your gardening on and help pull garlic mustard! Everyone is encouraged to come down and help keep Lake Wingra clean and beautiful.

Noon – 2:30 Bring the kids down for a combination of great activities that will engage the family! Please join MONROE STREET FINE ARTS CENTER as they bring out your creative genius in the arts and crafts center. Make sure you bring your swim suit as WINGRA BOATS will be offering Stand Up Paddle Boarding lessons, the coolest new paddle sport and MADISON LOG ROLLING will challenge you to stay standing on a spinning log. As a special treat Engine # 9 will make a special appearance. ($5 donations recommended for each station-all proceeds go to Jazz in the Park).

2:30 and later Jazz in the Park. Join Edgewood Jazz Ensemble, Tony Castanada Latin Jazz Sextet, and Madisalsa as we turn Wingra Park into a stage for music and dancing.

Time and Place: Wingra Park, Madison. EXTRA PARKING AT Edgewood High School (Only 2 blocks away) 9:30 – noon clean up. Noon – 2:30 kids fun. 2:30 on, Jazz in the Park.

Contact: Tyler Leeper, [email protected]

Arboretum Grady Tract Work Party

Help improve native habitat and help native plants thrive by removing invasive plant species in the Grady Tract of the Arboretum. Learn how the Arboretum is managing stormwater for the Lake Wingra watershed. Time and Place: 9am – noon, Grady Tract at the UW Arboretum; meet at the parking lot on the corner of Seminole Highway and the West Beltline Frontage Road, Madison

Contact: Marion Farrior, [email protected] www.uwarboretum.org

 

Sunday, June 19

Father-Son Canoe Excursion

Join Dean Leeper and his father David Leeper on this great two-hour canoe trip. We’ll take off from Vilas Beach and paddle to Lake Monona and back along Wingra Creek. This great trip includes two portages, passing under 15 of Madison’s bridges, and a mid-way snack and swim. Cost is $40. Father-Daughter Excursion is also available, contact Wingra Boats.

Time and Place: Vilas Park Beach, Madison. Contact Wingra Boats for departure time.

Contact: Wingra Boats, (608) 233-5332, [email protected], wingraboats.com.