Clean Lakes 101: The Role of Soil in Improving Water Quality and Building Climate Resilience
2026-06-10 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for Clean Lakes 101 On Tap on Wednesday, June 10, at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., to learn how healthy soils and native plants can reduce runoff, store water, and protect our lakes.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

Soil is more than “dirt.” It’s a living natural resource that performs essential ecosystem functions. In this talk, we’ll discuss how continuous living root systems, such as native plants, and reduced soil disturbance can improve soil’s ability to absorb and store water, reduce runoff, and sequester carbon, ultimately strengthening climate resilience and helping protect local lakes and streams.

About our Speaker

Michelle Probst (she/her) is a Land & Water Scientist with the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. In her role, she quantifies and measures ecosystem service metrics from conservation and restoration practices, focusing on soil carbon sequestration and water quality. She has a deep passion for soil science and enjoys sharing that enthusiasm with others in hopes of building greater awareness and appreciation for the value of healthy soils.

Event Details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity. **Friends of Clean Lakes ($35 and above) receive ONE FREE BEER at each Clean Lakes 101 On Tap event.

Clean Lakes 101 Lecture Series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences. The series is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The East Side Club, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Loop the Lake Bike Ride
2026-06-20 09:00 - 14:00
Join Clean Lakes Alliance at Loop the Lake on Saturday, June 20!

SIGN UP TODAY!

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for an at-your-own-pace bike ride around Lake Monona. This event raises funds and awareness benefiting Greater Madison’s lakes. Ride (or walk or run) the official Monona Lake Loop on Saturday, June 20, for a day filled with entertaining and educational activities at multiple parks along the route.

Event details

Support clean, healthy lakes with Clean Lakes Alliance’s 13th annual Loop the Lake Bike Ride, presented by Lake Ridge Bank. Cyclists of all ages and abilities navigate the scenic 13-mile loop around Lake Monona.🚲 Saturday, June 20🚲 Starting & ending at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Drive, Madison)🚲 Course open 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (optional group start at 9 a.m.)🚲 $48 per in-person rider (includes event t-shirt, while supplies last), $38 per in-person rider (without event t-shirt)

➡️➡️ Kids 10 and under ride free with a paid adult🚲 Get a group to ride – purchase 6 adult registrations and receive 25% off!

Registration includes

Each registration includes fun and educational stops along the route. Also included are a free food item (grilled courtesy of the American Legion), and a free beer or seltzer, courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors (21+).

Loop the Lake collector’s t-shirts

All riders registered at the $48 price point will receive a Loop the Lake collector’s shirt. (Design coming soon!)

Access for all

With help from Madison South Rotary, Clean Lakes Alliance is dedicated to making the 2026 Loop the Lake more accessible to all community members. Here are some options for this year’s ride:

Rent an e-bike from Madison BCycle with special discounted pricing (option in registration)

Thanks to Madison South Rotary, we are glad to provide a limited number of free tickets to those in need of financial assistance! Requests for free Community Pass tickets can be made through through this Google form.

Stay and ride

Whether you’re traveling to the area for the weekend or planning a staycation, you have great options. Our friends at Discover Monona have you covered. See the list below for variety of options to spend the weekend in our community!

AmericInn by Wyndham Madison South

Avid Hotels Madison – Monona

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (receive a 50% discount over advertised rates with this link) Use rate plan code: LLTL

For more information visit discovermonona.com

Thank you, partners!

Loop the Lake, presented by Lake Ridge Bank, is an annual event aimed at promoting the protection and preservation of Madison lakes. The event is produced in partnership with The East Side Club, Discover Monona, Madison LakeWay, and San Damiano, and in conjunction with the City of Madison and the City of Monona. All proceeds support Clean Lakes Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and protecting the lakes, rivers, and wetlands in the Yahara Watershed.

We’re also grateful to the following organizations for making this event special in their own unique ways: barre3 Madison, City of Monona Tourism Commission, Curbside Bicycles, Madison BCycle, Madison Water Utility, Monona EMS, and Monona Police Department.

Clean Lakes 101: Meet the Birds of Greater Madison's Lakes
2026-07-08 16:00 - 17:00
Clean Lakes 101

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for Clean Lakes 101 On Tap on Wednesday, July 8, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. at The East Side Club to discover the surprising diversity of bird species that rely on Greater Madison’s lakes, including their unique behaviors, migration patterns, and the vital connection between lake health and bird life.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this talk

Madison’s lakes and shorelines provide important habitat for birds. But do you know just how many bird species are relying on the health of our lakes? Chances are, it’s more than you think! Join us as we explore the incredible diversity of bird species you can expect to find along the shores of Madison’s lakes. Learn about their unique behaviors, migration patterns that draw them to our lakes, and how lake health can impact them.

About our speaker

Caitlyn Schuchhardt (she/her) is a volunteer leader of the Feminist Bird Club – Madison Chapter. She is also a former Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance staff member and author of their Entryway to Birding blog series for beginning birders. When she’s not working her day job, you can find her leading bird outings, teaching bird identification classes, or enjoying the birds at her favorite local conservation parks. She loves welcoming new audiences into the joyful and rewarding hobby of birding.

About our moderator

Dana Fulton joined the 27 Storm Track Weather Team in September 2023. Fulton was promoted from Wake Up Meteorologist to 27 News Wake Up Wisconsin News Anchor and Executive Producer and now anchors the weekday morning news from 4:30 – 7 a.m. on WKOW-TV 27 Wake Up Wisconsin. Previously Fulton worked at WISC-TV in Madison, WI and WACH in Columbia, SC. During her time at WACH she also worked as a Weekend Manager, News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist, and Meteorologist. Fulton is originally from Bartonville, IL and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State University.

Event details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity. **Friends of Clean Lakes ($35 and above) receive ONE FREE BEER at each Clean Lakes 101 On Tap event.

Clean Lakes 101 lecture series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences. The series is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The East Side Club, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Clean Lakes 101: Monitoring a Century of Warming Lakes in Wisconsin
2026-08-19 16:00 - 17:00
Clean Lakes 101

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for Clean Lakes 101 On Tap on Wednesday, August 19, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. at The East Side Club for a presentation exploring how more than a century of water temperature records reveals the impacts of lake warming on Wisconsin’s lakes, ecosystems, and future management.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this talk

How have seasonal upper water column (epilimnetic) and summer bottom water (hypolimnetic) temperatures changed over more than a century in Lake Mendota in southern Wisconsin and Trout Lake in northern Wisconsin? And why should we care if our lakes are warming? This talk presents analyses of what might be the longest limnological (water column profile) record of seasonal water temperatures ever recorded – with only a few gaps since 1894 in Lake Mendota. For remote northern Wisconsin, Trout Lake’s temperature profile records date back to the early 1900s with extensive summer sampling during 1925-41 followed by renewed year-round sampling since 1981. Because of their long-term water temperature records, the two lakes are Wisconsin’s “sentinels” of lake warming.

About our speaker

Richard “Dick” Lathrop has been studying the Madison lakes for more than 50 years, starting with a 2-year EPA-funded water quality project that segued to a 33-year career as a WDNR research limnologist. Mid-career, while still working at the DNR, Dick went back to school to earn his PhD in Oceanography and Limnology at the UW-Madison Center for Limnology. Since graduating in 1998, Dick has held an Honorary Fellowship position at the CFL where he continues to work on their North Temperate Lakes Long-Term Ecological Research Project. He also has been a volunteer science advisor to Clean Lakes Alliance on their Yahara lakes water quality initiatives, plans, and reports since Clean Lakes Alliance’s inception in 2010.

About our moderator

Dana Fulton joined the 27 Storm Track Weather Team in September 2023. Fulton was promoted from Wake Up Meteorologist to 27 News Wake Up Wisconsin News Anchor and Executive Producer and now anchors the weekday morning news from 4:30 – 7 a.m. on WKOW-TV 27 Wake Up Wisconsin. Previously Fulton worked at WISC-TV in Madison, WI and WACH in Columbia, SC. During her time at WACH she also worked as a Weekend Manager, News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist, and Meteorologist. Fulton is originally from Bartonville, IL and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State University.

Event details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity. **Friends of Clean Lakes ($35 and above) receive ONE FREE BEER at each Clean Lakes 101 On Tap event, courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors.

Clean Lakes 101 lecture series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences. The series is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The East Side Club, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Clean Lakes 101 – Suck the Muck: A Deep Dive into Door Creek Restoration
2026-09-09 16:00 - 17:00
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 On Tap on Wednesday, September 9, at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Learn how the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and its partners are improving water quality in the Door Creek subwatershed through decades of planning, restoration, and innovative projects, including the recent “Suck the Muck” initiative.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this talk

The Door Creek subwatershed is a significant contributor of phosphorus and sediment to the Yahara River Basin. For decades, the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department has worked with partners across the watershed to reduce these contributions and to improve and protect natural resources. Join us to learn about the history of investigation, planning, and on-the-ground actions to improve water quality in the watershed. The presentation will also feature the County’s recent “Suck the Muck” project and restoration efforts in Door Creek and the Door Creek Wildlife Area.

About our speaker

Kyle Minks is the Watershed Manager for the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and has worked for Dane County since 2011. He leads the Watersheds and Ecosystem Services Division, coordinating watershed projects and initiatives. He also conducts environmental sampling and monitoring, and tracks and quantifies phosphorus and carbon reductions.

About our moderator

Dana Fulton joined the 27 Storm Track Weather Team in September 2023. Fulton was promoted from Wake Up Meteorologist to 27 News Wake Up Wisconsin News Anchor and Executive Producer and now anchors the weekday morning news from 4:30 – 7 a.m. on WKOW-TV 27 Wake Up Wisconsin. Previously Fulton worked at WISC-TV in Madison, WI and WACH in Columbia, SC. During her time at WACH she also worked as a Weekend Manager, News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist, and Meteorologist. Fulton is originally from Bartonville, IL and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State University.

Event details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity. **Friends of Clean Lakes ($35 and above) receive ONE FREE BEER at each Clean Lakes 101 On Tap event, courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors.

Clean Lakes 101 lecture series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences. The series is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The East Side Club, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Clean Lakes 101
2026-10-14 16:00 - 17:00
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 On Tap on Wednesday, October14th, at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

About this talk

Details coming soon!

About our speaker

Details coming soon!

About our moderator

Dana Fulton joined the 27 Storm Track Weather Team in September 2023. Fulton was promoted from Wake Up Meteorologist to 27 News Wake Up Wisconsin News Anchor and Executive Producer and now anchors the weekday morning news from 4:30 – 7 a.m. on WKOW-TV 27 Wake Up Wisconsin. Previously Fulton worked at WISC-TV in Madison, WI and WACH in Columbia, SC. During her time at WACH she also worked as a Weekend Manager, News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist, and Meteorologist. Fulton is originally from Bartonville, IL and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State University.

Event details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity. **Friends of Clean Lakes ($35 and above) receive ONE FREE BEER at each Clean Lakes 101 On Tap event.

Clean Lakes 101 lecture series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences. The series is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The East Side Club, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Clean Lakes 101
2026-11-11 16:00 - 17:00
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 On Tap on Wednesday, November 11, at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

About this talk

Details coming soon!

About our speaker

Details coming soon!

About our moderator

Dana Fulton joined the 27 Storm Track Weather Team in September 2023. Fulton was promoted from Wake Up Meteorologist to 27 News Wake Up Wisconsin News Anchor and Executive Producer and now anchors the weekday morning news from 4:30 – 7 a.m. on WKOW-TV 27 Wake Up Wisconsin. Previously Fulton worked at WISC-TV in Madison, WI and WACH in Columbia, SC. During her time at WACH she also worked as a Weekend Manager, News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist, and Meteorologist. Fulton is originally from Bartonville, IL and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State University.

Event details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on capacity. **Friends of Clean Lakes ($35 and above) receive ONE FREE BEER at each Clean Lakes 101 On Tap event.

Clean Lakes 101 lecture series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public and a great chance to learn more about the science behind the issues that affect our lakes. Each month we feature a different expert to make the science accessible and interesting to non-technical audiences. The series is produced in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The East Side Club, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP. . Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.
