Schedule of Events for Take a Stake in the Lakes Days
Click here to download a printable version of the schedule (PDF).
Saturday, June 6:
Clean Lakes Festival
Come celebrate (and support) Dane County’s lakes and other water resources and help kick off Take a Stake in the Lakes Days music, races, boat rides, educational exhibits, water ski clinics, Betty Lou Cruises, food and fun for the whole family!
www.cleanlakesfestival.com.
Time and Place: 8:00am–9:00p.m. (ALL DAY!), at Olin Park, Madison
Contact: Mad-City Ski Team, (608)663-TEAM(8326), madcityskiteam@yahoo.com
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. 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/learningopportunities.html.
Time and Place: All weekend, all waters of the state
Contact: Theresa Stabo, (608) 266-2272, Theresa.Stabo@wisconsin.gov
Upper Sugar River Watershed Association’s Tom Sawyer Day (River Work and Fishing)
Stream bank work (small brush trimming, rip-rap repair, and pulling invasive plants), free lunch and door prizes to those who work at least one hour, free trout fishing instruction (no license required). Adult supervision required. Bring gloves and sturdy shoes that can get damp. Fishing gear available to share.
Time and Place: 10:00am to 11:30am stream bank work, 11:00am to noon free lunch and door prizes,
noon to 2:00pm free trout fishing instruction. All at O’Connor Family Farm, 8126 County Highway A,
Verona (near the intersection of Hwy A & Hwy 92)
Contact: Becky Olson usrwa@usrwa.org (608) 437-7707, http://www.usrwa.org
U. W. Madison Arboretum Wingra Oak Savanna Work Party
Participants will remove invasive plant species in an oak savanna near the shore of Lake Wingra. Their work will allow native plants to thrive, improving habitat along Lake Wingra.
Time and Place: 9:00am to 12:00pm, at the Wingra Oak Savanna. Meet at the parking lot on Arbor Drive, just off Monroe Street in Madison.
Contact: Marian Farrior; UW Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI 53711; 265-5214;
mlfarrior@wisc.edu; www.uwarboretum.org
Sunday, June 7:
Mad-City Ski Team Free Water Ski Show
Time and Place: Starting at 6:00pm, Law Park (on Lake Monona), Madison
Contact: Mad-City Ski Team, (608)663-TEAM(8326), madcityskiteam@yahoo.com
Yahara Fishing Club’s Kids Fishing Day
It’s DNR’s free fishing weekend, so no license required for kids or adults. On June 7th the first 300 kids 14 and under receive a free rod and reel or a free tackle box. Free live bait and instructions from club members. Free food starting at 12:30 pm. Door prizes donated by Wal-Mart. More information online here
http://www.yaharafishingclub.org
Time and Place: 11:00am – 3:00pm, Warner Park Lagoon/shelter, Madison
Contact: Larry Kopf, (608) 849-7245 ljkopf@tds.net
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. 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/learningopportunities.html
Time and Place: All weekend, all waters of the state
Contact: Theresa Stabo, (608) 266-2272, Theresa.Stabo@wisconsin.gov
Tuesday, June 9:
Rutabaga's Water Divas Tuesday-Night Group Paddle
Every Second and Fourth Tuesday, June through August. Meet other local women paddlers. Bring your own boat, or you can rent one from Rutabaga for a small fee. These are popular gatherings, so please call to reserve your spot (and a rental boat, if needed). Space is limited. More information online here:
http://www.rutabaga.com/page.asp?pgid=328. Women only.
Time and Place: 6:00 - 7:30pm, Rutabaga, 220 West Broadway, Monona
Contact: Rutabaga Sales Staff, (608) 223-9300
Wednesday, June 10:
Lake Mendota Group Paddle
A
http://www.madcitypaddlers.org/ -led group paddle.
Time and Place: Seehttp://www.madcitypaddlers.org/calendar.html, and/or contact trip leader Jonathan Beers (contact information below).
Contact: Jonathan Beers, (608) 249-9976, j_beers@hotmail.com
Walk in the Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy
Walk through the Pheasant Branch Conservancy with Janet Kane. Learn of new management plans for the Conservancy, and how water quality in the conservancy will be impacted. Comfortable shoes for varied terrain are recommended.
Time and Place: 6:30pm Highland Way, Middleton. Take Century Avenue west of Hwy Q intersection. At the first stop light, turn and proceed to the locked gate to the conservancy.
Contact: Janet Kane (608) 831-1452
Thursday, June 11:
11th Annual Paddle to Work Day
Take the watery way to work! Join colleagues and friends and float to the office. Rain date is Friday, June 12. Those who can’t paddle on the 11th should paddle to work any day between June 6 and 21. Follow this link to register for paddle to work day
www.takeastakeinthelakes.com/events/PaddleToWork.aspx.
This information will be shared with other paddlers to facilitate even larger flotillas at many locations! Please help us by sharing your plans, so that we can answer those who inquire “So who is out on the water on Paddle to Work Day?
Time and Place: Early morning, various sites around the county. One commuter flotilla of many canoes and kayaks will leave from Olin Park boat launch on Lake Monona at approximately 6:30 a.m., arriving at Law Park at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Contact: Sue Jones, Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds, (608) 224-3764,
jones.susan@co.dane.wi.us
Rutabaga's Thursday Evening Excursions Group Paddle
Every Thursday, June through August. The name says it all. This is a laid-back evening paddle for anyone with
basic paddling skills (under 16 requires parental supervision). Bring your friends and meet new ones while
leaving the workday further behind with every paddle stroke. Use your boat or call to reserve a rental for a
small fee. More information online here:
http://www.rutabaga.com/page.asp?pgid=328.
Time and Place: 6:00 - 7:30pm, Rutabaga, 220 West Broadway, Monona
Contact: Rutabaga Sales Staff, (608) 223-9300
Friday, June 12:
Paddle a Voyageur Canoe on the Yahara River (Cherokee Lake)
Pure paddling fun, in replicas of the vessels used centuries ago by French voyageurs to
cross Lake Superior and other large North American waters. This is an opportunity to view
up-close the City of Madison Park’s award-winning effort to restore the river’s shoreline
ecology, with tour guidance from the Friends of Cherokee Marsh.
(www.CherokeeMarsh.org) No canoeing experience
needed. Each of the two replica canoes holds 8-10 people. Paddles and personal flotation
devices (PFDs) sized for adult or child will be provided. Children must be accompanied by
a parent/guardian. Paddlers must be able to sit without assistance for up to two hours.
Persons with disabilities must be able to get into the canoe unassisted, or be accompanied
by a companion who can provide the necessary assistance. In the event of bad weather the
outing will be cancelled; there will be no rain date.
Time and Place: Reservations are required. Spaces are filled on a first come, first
served basis. Contact Susan Josheff (below) for a reservation. Outing #1 5:30 to 7:00pm,
Outing#2 7:00 to 8:30pm both outings meet at the parking lot at the School Road Landing, 802
Wheeler Road, Madison. Directions: From Hwy 113 (Northport Drive), go north on School Road
to the junction with Wheeler Road. Proceed on the gravel road to the landing, which is located
within Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park South Unit.
Contact: Susan Josheff, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
susan.Josheff@wisconsin.gov (608) 275-3305
Saturday, June 13:
22nd 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.
Time and Place: 9:00am–noon, Information Center is at UW Campus, Memorial Union Alumni Pier located between the Memorial Union and the Red Gym.
Contact: Rhea Stangel-Maier, Dane County Parks, (608) 224-3601,
stangel-maier@co.dane.wi.us
Orvis Tour of Black Earth Creek and Fishing Clinic
Learn about the conservation work in this watershed that helped make it the angling treasure that it is. Then, learn how to fly fish with instruction from Orvis staff!
Time and Place: 9a, South Valley Road, Black Earth, WI
Contact: Jack Way, 608-831-3181
20th 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, www.marquette-neighborhood.org
The Paddlin’ Shop’s Small Boat Sailing Rendezvous
The third annual Small Boat Sailing Rendezvous will be held on June 13th, 2009 at Burrows Park on Lake Mendota in Madison. Find out why sailing a canoe, kayak, or other small craft is one of the coolest ways to "Mess about in boats".
Time and Place: 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Burroughs Park on Lake Mendota
Contact: John at The Paddlin' Shop (284-0300), or find more information online at www.paddlin.com.
Paddle a Voyageur Canoe on the Yahara River (Cherokee Lake)
Pure paddling fun, in replicas of the vessels used centuries ago by French voyageurs to cross
Lake Superior and other large North American waters. This is an opportunity to view up-close
the City of Madison Park’s award-winning effort to restore the river’s shoreline ecology, with
tour guidance from the Friends of Cherokee Marsh.
(www.CherokeeMarsh.org) No canoeing experience needed.
Each of the two replica canoes holds 8-10 people. Paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs)
sized for adult or child will be provided. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Paddlers must be able to sit without assistance for up to two hours. Persons with disabilities
must be able to get into the canoe unassisted, or be accompanied by a companion who can provide
the necessary assistance. In the event of bad weather the outing will be cancelled; there will
be no rain date.
Time and Place: Reservations are required. Spaces are filled on a first come, first
served basis. Contact Susan Josheff (below) for a reservation. First outing 9:00 to 10:30am,
second outing 10:30am to 12:00pm. Both outings meet at the parking lot at the School Road
Landing, 802 Wheeler Road, Madison. Directions: From Hwy 113 (Northport Drive), go north on
School Road to the junction with Wheeler Road. Proceed on the gravel road to the landing,
which is located within Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park South Unit.
Contact: Susan Josheff, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
susan.Josheff@wisconsin.gov (608) 275-3305
Wingra Creek Clean-Up
Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wingra, Mad City Paddlers, and Strand Associates, City of Madison-Engineering.
Please bring protective gloves and your canoe or kayak, if you have one. We will supply trash bags and drinks.
Time and Place: 9:00am-noon, meet on Plaenert Drive at the pedestrian bridge over Wingra Creek (between Park St. and Fish Hatchery Rd.).
Contact: David Liebl, Friends of Lake Wingra, (608) 265-2360,
liebl@epd.engr.wisc.edu
Sunday, June 14:
Lower Wisconsin Riverway 20th Anniversary Paddle
Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed 2009 as the Year of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and encouraged the residents of Wisconsin to join him in recognizing the accomplishments of the unique project. As a part of this celebration, the Dane County Lakes & Watershed Commission and the Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds is coordinating a paddle led by Mark Cupp, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board Executive Director, along the 14-mile stretch that makes up Dane County’s northwestern border. The day’s activities will start at Prairie du Sac, include a hike up Ferry Bluff, picnic bring-your-own lunch on a sandbar and conclude at Arena. Spots in two replica voyageur canoes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mark Cupp will share information about the Riverway’s achievements over the past 20 years and other interesting Wisconsin River facts along the way. Registration is required. Register at
www.danewaters.com/events/anniversary_paddle.aspx
Time and Place: All registrants will be given information about starting time and start location. Contact Marcia Hartwig (below) if questions.
Contact: Marcia Hartwig, (608) 224-3746 hartwig@dane.co.wi.us
Take the Green Monona Tour
Take the Green Monona Tour to see environmentally-friendly steps that have been taken in Monona. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can visit nine homes, four businesses, a church, and a city property to see what is being done to lessen the human impact on the environment, save money, and nurture the Monona community. Renewable energy, rain gardens, pavers, lighting technologies, an energy audit in action, and much more – see them up close and personal with those who have experience in how they work. Exhibits and representatives from organizations and companies helping people take green steps will also be on hand. The City of Monona Sustainability Committee is organizing the free tour. Visitors can make one stop on the tour, or many; take the tour self-guided, or via the Wal-Mart sponsored bus loop. More information can be found at
www.mymonona.com
Time and Place: 9:00am – 1:00pm, Ahuska Park, 400 East Broadway, Monona, or go on-line for a brochure.
www.mymonona.com
Contact: Heather Gates, hgates@midplains.net (608) 663-2459
Mad-City Ski Team Free Water Ski Show
Time and Place: Starting at 6:00pm, Law Park (on Lake Monona), Madison
Contact: Mad-City Ski Team, (608)663-TEAM(8326), madcityskiteam@yahoo.com
Epic Workout—Madison 4 Lakes Challenge
Swim, run, swim, run, swim, run, swim, run—if you like endurance sports, you’ll like this challenging workout. Join other ultra swimmers as they swim across four lakes and run in between with the final destination of Memorial Union Terrace.
www.pattonathletics.com/Sub/tour4lakes.htm
Time and Place: 7 a.m., Lake Kegonsa State Park
Contact: Steve Patton, steve@pattoninvestments.com
20th 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. Sunday’s activities include a Yahara River canoe race at noon.
Time and Place: All day, Yahara Place Park, Madison
Contact: (608) 241-7143, www.marquette-neighborhood.org
Wenesday, June 17:
Dunn’s Marsh Watershed Walk
Walk with Brooke Norsted, Chair of the Friends of Dunn’s Marsh, to explore and learn more about this beautiful marsh. Comfortable shoes for varied terrain are recommended.
Time and Place: 6:30pm, Dawley Conservancy Park parking lot, 3051 South Seminole Hwy, Fitchburg
Contact: Brooke Norsted, Chair of Friends of Dunn’s Marsh baswanson@gmail.com
Thursday, June 18:
Dane County Waters Champion Awards Ceremony
Learn what groups and individuals have been doing to protect and enhance Dane County’s water resources as the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission presents some very special people with awards for their efforts and achievements. After the presentation, the award recipients will then be recognized at the Dane County Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting (beginning at 7:00pm, in the City-County Building).
Time and Place: 5:30–6:30pm, Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson St, Madison
Contact: Marcia Hartwig, (608) 224-3746, hartwig@co.dane.wi.us
Rutabaga's Thursday Evening Excursions
Every Thursday, June through August. The name says it all. This is a laid-back evening paddle for anyone with basic paddling skills (under 16 requires parental supervision). Bring your friends and meet new ones while leaving the workday further behind with every paddle stroke. Use your boat or call to reserve a rental for a small fee. More information online here:
http://www.rutabaga.com/page.asp?pgid=328
Time and Place: 6:00 - 7:30pm, Rutabaga, 220 West Broadway, Monona
Contact: Rutabaga Sales Staff, (608) 223-9300
Saturday, June 20:
22nd 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.
Time and Place: 9:00am–noon, Information Center at Law Park in Madison
Contact: Rhea Stangel-Maier, Dane County Parks, (608) 224-3601,
stangel-maier@co.dane.wi.us
Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association, Friends of Lake Wingra and Wingra Boats Annual Lake Wingra Clean Up
This year’s Lake Wingra Clean-up is scheduled on the same day and at the same location as the Dudgeon–Monroe Neighborhood Association’s Jazz in the Park event. Wingra Boats donates canoes and kayaks for volunteers to go out and clean up garbage and debris from the lake. Please bring gloves and a rake or grabbing tool. Thanks!
Time and Place: 9:30am to noon, Waters edge in Wingra Park by the Wingra Boathouse
Contact: Kristin Branch (608) 217-7310
kjbranch@gmail.com
The Sierra Club and the River Touring Section (RTS) Paddle on Badfish Creek
We’ll spend a half day winding our way through a lightly populated area South of Madison. The surprising
Badfish features Class I riffles and reliable water. Learn about how a fairly high quality sewage treatment
impacts Badfish Creek. Pre-registration is required. Contact trip leader Carl Zimm at 608-246-0485,
beampowered-tetrode@yahoo.com.
Trip leaders can provide information about the trip or clinic and help you assess your abilities to participate. Trip leaders reserve the right to limit participation based on the number of people registered, participant skill levels, trip difficulty, and other reasons. All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver.
Time and Place: Badfish Creek, contact trip leader for specifics.
Contact: Trip leader Carl Zimm at 608-246-0485,
beampowered-tetrode@yahoo.com.
Underwater Clean-Up Event
All local area scuba divers are invited to help in the underwater clean-up off the Monona
Terrace. Meet in Law Park at the Big Red Scuba Tent. Bring lift bags to help raise heavy
objects and/or mesh bags to collect trash. Help us give back to the lakes we love to dive
in and show that "Divers Can Make a Difference." Come when you can for as long as you can.
Time and Place: 10:00am-3:00pm, Information Center at Law Park in Madison,
www.MadisonScuba.com
Contact: JoAnn Hoffman, Madison Scuba/Fontana Sports Specialties, (608) 219-3320
JoAnn@MadisonScuba.com .
Clean Up of Monona Bay with Picnic to Follow
Join the Friends of Monona Bay to clean up the shoreline of Monona Bay with a picnic to follow.
Time and Place: Clean up from 9:00am to 12:00pm, picnic at noon. Meet at Brittingham Park Beach House on Monona Bay.
Contact: Jeff Swiggum, 833 W. Lakeside Street, Madison, WI 53715 257-0049
Sunday, June 21:
Mad-City Ski Team Free Water Ski Show
Time and Place: Starting at 6:00pm, Law Park (on Lake Monona), Madison
Contact: Mad-City Ski Team, (608)663-TEAM(8326), madcityskiteam@yahoo.com
Learn How to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!
Aquatic invaders such as round goby, zebra mussels, purple loosestrife, Eurasian water milfoil, bighead and silver carp, and New Zealand mudsnail threaten our valuable lakes and outdoor recreation. These and other non-native, or exotic, plants and animals do not naturally occur in our waters and are called invasive species because they cause ecological or economic harm. The main way invasive species get into lakes, rivers, and wetlands is by “hitching” rides with anglers, boaters, and other outdoor recreationists. Attend this demonstration and learn how to properly clean boats, trailers, and boat equipment. Learn how to prevent the spread of these aquatic hitchhikers.
Time and Place: 2:00 PM Lake Farm Park boat landing on Lake Waubesa, 433 Libby Road, Madison, WI
Contact: Ron Martin, 608 224-3743, martin.ronald@co.dane.wi.us or
Greg Stacey, 608-275-3318, Gregory.Stacey@wisconsin.gov
Summer Solstice Celebration Put on by Friends of Starkweather Creek and the Schenk Atwood Starkweather Yahara Neighborhood Association
Have fun…meet your neighbors…celebrate the summer solstice along Starkweather Creek and Lake Monona. Bring your own picnic. Ice cream provided! Bonfire. Canoe rides. Informational tables. Puppets. Music and dancing. More information online here:
http://starkweatherfriends.org/events/index.asp.
Time and Place: 4:00-9:00pm, Olbrich Park, Madison.
Contact: Betty Chewning, (608) 244-0477, bachewning@pharmacy.wisc.edu
Aldo Leopold Nature Center Fishing Family Fun
Fishing was one of the activities most enjoyed by Aldo Leopold as a youngster; join us to learn why in this
introduction to angling! You’ll see examples of different types of rods and reels, play the "Backyard Bass"
fishing game to practice casting, learn how to tie basic fishing knots, and catch worms to use as bait as you
fish in our pond! Can you reel in the biggest bullhead, bluegill, or minnow? Program will be conducted
outdoors, rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. All fishing equipment will be provided by the WDNR.
COST: ALNC members $6/person or $20/family. Non-members $7/person or $25/family.
Time and Place: 9:30am to 12:00pm, Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Monona Campus 300 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI http://www.naturenet.com/alnc
Contact: Kelley Van Egeren (608) 221-0404 alnc@naturenet.com
Ongoing and Upcoming Events
Nature Passport
Visit participating nature centers, parks and museums to stamp your free Nature Passport, solve Ringo Raccoon’s Summer Discovery Mission and explore the great outdoors—including many beautiful lakes and wetlands.
Time and Place: Memorial Day through Labor Day, at your leisure, 13 great sites in and near Dane County
Contact: Betsy Parker, (608) 221-2575, info@naturenet.com,
www.naturenet.com/naturepassport.html
Rock River Coalition’s Annual Send Your Legislator Down the River - Group Paddle
On Monday. June 22, join local, county and state elected officials for a paddle into the Horicon Marsh after enjoying a picnic meal and a River Town Hall meeting with local legislators and elected officials. Registration fee required. More information online here:
http://www.rockrivercoalition.org/.
Time and Place: 4:00-8:30pm, DNR Horicon Service Center, Hwy 28 two miles North of Horicon (outside of Dane County)
Contact: Marie at 920-674-7295 or email
marier@co.jefferson.wi.us.
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