Clean Lakes Alliance

Stewardship Open Houses - Sept. 24 & 25
2025-09-24 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Clean Lakes Alliance, 150 E. Gilman St., Suite 2600, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join Clean Lakes Alliance staff to learn more about the organization and how your support helps us champion our lakes and watershed stewardship for the benefit of all.

Clean Lakes Alliance (150 E. Gilman Street, Madison)Wednesday, September 24th, 5:30 – 7 p.m.ORThursday, September 25th, 1:30 – 3 p.m.Free to attendRSVP: rsvp@cleanlakesalliance.org

Volunteers at Vilas Park

Community Volunteer Day - Sept. 17th
2025-09-17 08:45 - 11:00 | Olbrich Park Playground, 201 Garrison Street, Madison, Wisconsin, 53704
Join Clean Lakes Alliance and the City of Madison Parks team to remove invasive species from Olbrich Park on Wednesday, September 17th from 8:45 – 11:00 a.m.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

By controlling invasive species, volunteers enable the growth of more beneficial native vegetation, thereby improving the ecosystem’s capacity to absorb stormwater runoff, and filter harmful contaminants from reaching the lakes, recharge aquifers, stabilize shorelines, mitigate erosion, and provide wildlife and pollinator habitat.

All volunteers are welcome, including chaperoned children. Tools, gloves, and training will be provided. We’ll review what plants we’re targeting and how our actions will improve water quality.

All volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and pants. Long layers are recommended to best protect yourself from the sun, bugs, and scratches. We encourage you to bring a water bottle and sun protection.

Plan to meet at the Olbrich Playground, near the Botanical Gardens.

Clean Lakes 101 - The Power of Poop: Digesters and the Path to Cleaner Water
2025-09-09 16:00 - 17:00 | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 on Tuesday, September 9th at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Jessica Niekrasz will provide an introductory look at how anaerobic digesters support environmental and agricultural sustainability.

Register by entering your information in the box below.

About this Talk

Anaerobic digesters sit at the intersection of agriculture, energy, and environmental protection. This presentation offers a 101 overview of how digesters convert organic waste into renewable natural gas, the systems that support their success, and the evolving policy around those efforts. From managing nutrients to building business models, we’ll look at the challenges and opportunities of using waste as a resource.

About our Speaker

Jessica Niekrasz is Principal of Niekrasz Consulting, bringing over 20 years of cross-sector leadership experience in clean energy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. She has led operations and policy efforts at several organizations, including the American Biogas Council, supporting state-level energy advocacy across the country. An experienced leadership coach and nonprofit board member, Jessica helps teams navigate complexity, align around purpose, and drive impact.

Event Details

Clean Lakes Alliance hosts this event 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.

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 UW-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.

Community Volunteer Day - August 21st
2025-08-21 08:45 - 11:00 | Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 County Road M, Middleton, Wisconsin, 53562
Join us for an invasive species removal event to help our lakes! We’ll be at Holy Wisdom Monastery on Thursday, August 21, from 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Monastery (stay right at the fork in the driveway). Wear closed-toed shoes and long layers to best protect yourself from bugs, scratches, poisonous plants, and sun. Bring a water bottle, sun protection, and anything needed to keep yourself comfortable working outdoors for three hours.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Removing invasive species allows our native species to thrive and do what they do best – capture and filter runoff before it can enter our lakes. Our native species are well-adapted to mitigate flooding, provide valuable habitats for pollinators and wildlife, and stabilize soil to prevent erosion. The more native plants we have surrounding our shores, the healthier our lakes will be!

Yahara Society Reception
2025-08-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Wisconsin
Yahara Society Reception

Join us for a Yahara Society Reception on Tuesday, August 12th. As a thank you for your 2025 donation or pledge to the Yahara Society, you and a guest are invited to a Clean Lakes Alliance reception. Hear remarks about the state of our lakes while enjoying hosted cocktails & hors d’oeuvres.

Hosted by Tom TerryCapitol Point Condominiums125 N. Hamilton St.Tuesday, August 12, 20255:30 p.m. – Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres6 p.m. – RemarksRSVP: rsvp@cleanlakesalliance.org

Liquid Assets
2025-08-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Christy’s Landing, 2952 Waubesa Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
Join us lakeside for Liquid Assets!

We’re celebrating our 63Club monthly donors with a special appreciation event at Christy’s Landing on Sunday, August 3rd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy a free Beach Bum, Mango Cart, or Kona Big Wave beer (courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors) and enter our 50/50 raffle to support lake health.

Not a donor yet? There’s still time! Join the 63Club today and show this email or your confirmation at the event to claim your beer.

Stick around after for live music from Toco Beach Steelpan starting at 2 p.m. — we hope to see you there!

Liquid Assets details

Date: Sunday, August 3rdTime: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Location: Christy’s Landing (2952 Waubesa Ave, Madison)What: Celebrating our 63Club monthly donors

Community Volunteer Day - July 24th
2025-07-24 08:45 - 11:00 | Wisconsin
Join Clean Lakes Alliance and the City of Madison Parks team remove invasive species at Door Creek Park on Thursday, July 24th from 8:45 – 11:00 a.m.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

By controlling invasive species, volunteers enable the growth of more beneficial native vegetation, thereby improving the ecosystem’s capacity to absorb stormwater runoff, and filter harmful contaminants from reaching the lakes, recharge aquifers, stabilize shorelines, mitigate erosion, and provide wildlife and pollinator habitat.

All volunteers are welcome, including chaperoned children. Tools, gloves, and training will be provided to all. We’ll review what plants we’re targeting and how our actions will improve water quality.

All volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and pants. Long layers are recommended to best protect yourself from the sun, bugs, and scratches. We encourage you to bring a water bottle and sun protection.

We’ll meet at the Door Creek Park shelter.

Clean Lakes 101: Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms in Our Waters
2025-07-22 16:00 - 17:00 | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 on Tuesday, July 22nd at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. to learn about harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the Yahara lakes.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

Harmful cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms are an emerging public health concern both worldwide and here in the Yahara lakes. Bloom growth is driven by nutrient pollution and the higher temperatures, longer growing seasons, and intensifying rainfall events that we are experiencing in Wisconsin due to climate change. Some cyanobacteria can make toxins that have health impacts when people and animals ingest, inhale, or have skin contact with the toxins. You can protect your family and pets by learning how to recognize cyanobacteria and identify potentially harmful bloom levels.

About our Speaker

Gina LaLiberte leads response and communication on cyanobacterial bloom issues as the Statewide Harmful Algal Bloom Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region, she has a BS in Biology and an MS in Resource Ecology Management from the University of Michigan and embarked on a career in freshwater algae as a Biology Ph.D. candidate at Bowling Green State University. She has studied algae for more than 30 years.

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.

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 UW-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: Dragonflies and Damselflies of Dane County
2025-06-24 16:00 - 17:00 | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 on Tuesday, June 24th at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. to hear how and why dragonflies and damselflies are impacted by water quality of the Yahara lakes.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

Everyone knows something about dragonflies and damselflies (um…what’s the difference between them?), but not everyone realizes that they are truly aquatic insects, strictly dependent on water. We mostly notice them only during their relatively brief period of adulthood when they become beautiful and fierce aeronautical predators. In this presentation, Dr. Spalding will explain how and why the Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies) are impacted by water quality and relevant to Clean Lakes Alliance’s mission. He will review some common and rare species that can be found around Dane County and explain local Odonata surveying efforts, related citizen science projects, resources for learning more, and what you need to get started/involved.

About our Speaker

Dr. Edgar Spalding was a professor in the Department of Botany at UW-Madison from 1994 until 2024, specializing in plant physiology. As a child, he learned how to find and identify birds in his father’s footsteps, literally, along the shores and in the woods of rural Nova Scotia. That’s where his family moved when he was eight years old and where he lived until he returned to the US for graduate school. Over the years, his naturalizing hobby expanded to include butterflies, an attempt at moths, and now, passionately, the Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies). A friend noted that these are all “pretty things with wings”. His love for hunting for, identifying, and photographing pretty things with wings has brought him all over Dane County, and he currently serves as the president of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society.

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.

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 UW-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.

Community Volunteer Day
2025-06-20 09:00 - 11:30 | Olin/Turville Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison, Wisconsin, 53715
UPDATE: This event will be rescheduled due to the rain. We will post an update when we know the new date.

Join Clean Lakes Alliance and City of Madison Parks for a Volunteer Day restoration event at Turville Point Conservation Park on Friday, June 20th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We’ll be working with the Madison Parks staff to remove invasive species throughout the park.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Loop the Lake Bike Ride
2025-06-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Olbrich Park, 3527 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI, 53714, United States
Join Clean Lakes Alliance at Loop the Lake on Saturday, June 14th!

SIGN UP TODAY!

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for an at-your-own-pace bike ride around Lake Monona to raise funds and awareness benefiting Greater Madison’s lakes. Ride (or walk or run) the official Monona Lake Loop on Saturday, June 14th, 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 14th🚲 Starting & ending at Olbrich Park (3527 Atwood Avenue, 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), $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, a free food cart item, and a free beverage, including Michelob Ultra, Ultra Zero, or Ultra Seltzer (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.

Stops along the route

Olbrich Park – 8:40 to 8:50 a.m. – barre3 will lead a stretching session for participants

San Damiano – Take a scenic detour to Monona Parks’ newest lakefront property, now a public park rich in history. Enjoy peaceful views, grab a drink at the water station, or cheer on Loop the Lake riders from this beautiful spot.

Schluter Park – Stop by for a sweet slice of watermelon, courtesy of the Monona Police Department

Winnequah Park – Education station with Aldo Leopold Nature Center – learn about small aquatic critters in our lakes

Grand Crossing Park – Enjoy festive music, yard games, and kids’ activities

Off Broadway Drafthouse – get a free root beer float and water, or purchase a cold beverage

Olin Park (join us in the wedge between the park and the bike path) – visit with Madison LakeWay and enjoy a water station

BB Clark Beach Park – enjoy water and snacks

Hudson Park – learn about the history and significance of this sacred site from expert guides from Ho-Chunk Nation and UW-Madison in this special effigy mound educational stop

Olbrich Park – enjoy a free food cart item from one of Greater Madison’s favorite food carts, and enjoy a a complimentary beverage – choose from Michelob Ultra, Ultra Zero, or Ultra Seltzer (21+), or a non-alcoholic option at the Clean Lakes Alliance tent

Food carts at Olbrich Park

Greater Madison’s favorite food carts will return to Olbrich Park during Loop the Lake! Each registration includes one food cart item at Olbrich Park. Additional food will be available for purchase.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Bob’s BBQ Emporium

David’s Jamaican Cuisine

Donut NV

El Gran Taco Gato

Forage Kitchen

Jakarta Cafe

Momma Meg’s Ice Cream

Naan Stop Fusion

Papa John’s

State Street Brats

Thailand in a Truck

Access for all

With help from MESBA, Clean Lakes Alliance is dedicated to making the 2025 Loop the Lake more accessible to all community members. Make financial assistance requests through this Google Form.

Stay and ride

Whether you are traveling to the area for the weekend or want to plan a “staycation,” our friends at Discover Monona have got 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 28% discount with this link) Use rate plan code: LLTL

Airbnb

Vrbo

Expedia

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 along with platinum host Discover Monona, in partnership with Madison LakeWay, Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA), and San Damiano Monona, 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.

Learn more about Loop the Lake.

Clean Lakes 101: The Economic Impact of the Yahara Lakes
2025-04-15 16:00 - 17:00 | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 on Tuesday, April 15th at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. to hear about the economic impact of the Yahara lakes on Greater Madison.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

Join us as we unveil the economic impact of the Yahara chain of lakes to the Greater Madison community. This first-of-its-kind study was commissioned by Clean Lakes Alliance in partnership with SRF Consulting Group, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Presenters will reveal how our lakes and their conditions impact tourism, real estate, and quality-of-life factors. Attendees will gain insights into how investing in the protection and improvement of lake quality can pay dividends felt throughout the region.

About our Speakers

Dan Phaneuf: Daniel J. Phaneuf is the Henry C. Taylor Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has a PhD in economics from Iowa State University and an undergraduate degree from Saint John’s University in Minnesota. Phaneuf’s research focuses on valuing the environment and natural resources, with applications to air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, and human health. He has published over sixty academic papers in both economics and general science outlets, and his research has been funded by the US EPA, USDA, NOAA, and other state and local organizations. In 2017, Phaneuf’s PhD level textbook A Course in Environmental Economics was published by Cambridge University Press. He served as the Managing Editor for J. Environmental Economics and Management (JEEM) from 2011-2013 and as the inaugural Editor-in-chief for J. Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (JAERE) from 2014-2016. Phaneuf currently edits Land Economics, and he was President of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE) during 2019-2020. He was elected an AERE Fellow in 2022.

Andrew Toay: Andrew is a project manager with SRF Consulting Group in their water resources group. Throughout his career Andrew has worked with many public and private sector clients to design and implement stormwater conveyance and treatment systems that help improve and maintain the quality of our valued waterbodies. Andrew has had a lifelong passion for water quality and has had the privilege of working on projects that help protect our precious natural resources while supporting the continued growth of our communities.

Matthew Winden: Dr. Matthew Winden is the Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs and Professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Before taking on his current role, he was the Chair of the Economics Department and Assistant Director of the Fiscal and Economic Research Center. His academic background and research expertise is in environmental and natural resource economics issues and focuses on estimating dollar values for environmental impacts which are not priced in markets. He teaches courses in economic theory, resource and environmental economics, and quantitative methods at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Winden earned his PhD from The Ohio 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.

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 UW-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: Aquatic Invasive Species in Wisconsin Lakes - New Insights and Lessons Learned
2025-03-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Wisconsin
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 on Tuesday, March 11th at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

If you’ve spent some time on or around our lakes, you’ve likely encountered one of the several aquatic invasive species residing in Greater Madison’s lakes. Dr. Tyler Butts will discuss recent research findings about aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin’s lakes, with a special focus on the Yahara chain of lakes. He will review their spread, impacts, and what it all means for lake health and management in a changing world.

About our Speaker

Dr. Tyler Butts is a limnologist and ecosystem scientist whose work focuses on understanding how disturbances like invasive species can affect aquatic ecosystems. He got his bachelor’s at St. Norbert College in 2018 and continued on to graduate school here at the University of Wisconsin where he received his PhD in 2023 and continued working as a postdoc at the Center for Limnology focused on invasive species impacts in Lake Mendota.

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.

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 UW-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: Frozen Frontiers - Secrets of Life Beneath the Ice
2025-02-08 14:00 - 15:00 | The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Clean Lakes 101

Join us for this in-person edition of Clean Lakes 101 on Saturday, February 8th from 2 -3 p.m. as part of our free, family-friendly Frozen Assets Festival.

To register, enter your information below

About this Talk

Join us as we explore the fascinating adaptations of animals that live beneath lake ice during the winter. We’ll highlight how these species survive in extreme cold, low oxygen, and dark environments, focusing on strategies such as metabolic slowdowns, specialized breathing techniques, and unique behaviors to cope with the frozen habitat. Led by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Justin Chenevert, this family-friendly presentation offers a deeper understanding of the resilience of winter wildlife.

About our Speaker

Justin Chenevert (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) began his career in water resources by removing invasive plants from the Charles River outside of Boston, MA. Soon enough, he found himself in Madison completing the Water Resources Management master’s program at UW. Justin worked for Clean Lakes Alliance from 2014 – 2016. He supported the volunteer water quality monitoring program and analyzing water quality data. Justin is currently employed by the Department of Natural Resources in the Monitoring section of the Water Quality Bureau. He works on a variety of projects related to lake water quality, ecology, and citizen science. In his free time, Justin enjoys ice fishing and paddling on the Madison lakes and beyond.

Event Details

This event will be held at The Edgewater – grand ballroom, section C, level 5 (1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI 53703). The program runs from 2 – 3 p.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Limited parking may be available at The Edgewater parking ramp. Otherwise, parking will be available on area streets or nearby City of Madison parking ramps.

Clean Lakes 101 Lecture Series

Clean Lakes 101 is a series of educational events open to the public. They are 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 UW-Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The Edgewater, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Thank you, 2025 Frozen Assets sponsors!

Frozen Assets Festival
2025-02-08 10:00 - 15:00 | The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Frozen Assets Festival

Join Clean Lakes Alliance on Saturday, February 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Frozen Assets, with Hosting Sponsor The Edgewater! The family-friendly festival at The Edgewater helps connect the community with the lake through free winter activities. Festival attendees can see large show kites, science demonstrations, and try ice skating and snowshoeing. Festival goers can also enjoy free hot chocolate and more!

Each year, this FUNraiser, FRIENDraiser, and FUNDraiser highlights the year-round value of our lakes, while raising money to protect our waters through lake improvement projects, educational programming, and our volunteer water quality monitoring program. When the lakes freeze in Greater Madison, they become our largest parks. Clean Lakes Alliance hopes community members and visiting guests can interact with our “frozen assets” and appreciate their importance, even in the middle of the winter.

Saturday, February 8th, 2025 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)The Edgewater & Lake MendotaFREE, open to the public

All-Day Events (Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships, Lake MendotaKites on Mendota with Wisconsin Kiter’s Club, Lake MendotaFree hot chocolate, Grand PlazaFree ice skating and free skate rental, The Edgewater Ice Rink and Skate ShopTry snowshoeing, Lake MendotaExplore how UW-Madison Center for Limnology monitors our lakes in the winter months, Lake MendotaPlay Plinko (Lake-O), Nolen GallerySpin the Price is Right Wheel, Nolen GallerySnow Snake with members of Ho-Chunk Nation, Lake MendotaWI Salt Wise booth – hear about how salt use can impact our lakes, outsideMore events to be announced!

Scheduled Activities (Saturday, February 8th)

8 – 9:45 a.m. Check in for Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk, 5th Floor Registration Tables10 a.m. Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk begins, Lake Mendota off The Edgewater Pier10 a.m. – 1 p.m. UW Physics “What’s Colder Than Ice?” Lake Mendota10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. IceCube demonstrates Space Dust & Neutrinos, Outside2:00 p.m. Clean Lakes 101 family-friendly science presentation, “Frozen Frontiers – Secrets of Life Beneath the Ice,” The Edgewater Grand Ballroom CMore events to be announced!

About the Festival

Join Clean Lakes Alliance at The Edgewater for the Frozen Assets Festival! We’ll have FREE, family-friendly activities on frozen Lake Mendota! Thank you to our hosting sponsor The Edgewater, and our other sponsors for making this community event possible.

The Frozen Assets Festival will kick off with the Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk, held entirely on the ice in front of The Edgewater. The rest of the day will include family-friendly activities on the ice and The Edgewater Plaza.

Thank you, sponsors!

Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Frozen Assets 5K

Join us on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, for the 6th annual Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk with Major Sponsor Associated Bank and Hosting Sponsor The Edgewater. Shake up your fitness routine and experience our lakes from a whole new perspective – from frozen Lake Mendota! The Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk truly is a bucket-list experience – this event is one of the only races worldwide to be held ENTIRELY on a frozen lake.

REGISTER FOR THE FROZEN ASSETS 5K

Your registration in this event raises important funds for lake improvement projects, water quality monitoring, and education!

Event details

Day: Saturday, February 8th, 2025Time: 8 – 9:30 a.m. check in | 10 a.m. startLocation: The Edgewater & frozen Lake Mendota (*New in 2025 – if ice conditions are inadequate, the 5K will be moved to a land course)Course: The 5K course begins off the end of The Edgewater’s pier. Runners and walkers will head out toward Picnic Point, past the Memorial Union, before looping back and finishing at The Edgewater.Registration cost:$45 for walking/untimed participants$55 for chip-timed participantsFREE for children 10 & under with purchase of adult registration

Participants receive a super soft t-shirt, courtesy of Lands’ End, and participants 21+ will receive a post-race beer, courtesy of Michelob Ultra.

EVENT FAQS: cleanlakesalliance.org/frozen-assets/#5K

Thank you, sponsors!

Skate for the Lakes
2025-02-07 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-06 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-05 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-04 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-03 16:00 - 21:00 | The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join us at The Edgewater Ice Rink daily from Monday, February 3rd through Friday, February 7th to Skate for the Lakes. It’s the event where every glide, spin, and lap will make a difference! For every ticket sold, $3 will be donated to Clean Lakes Alliance, supporting our mission to protect and improve our local lakes.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy the elements, festive refreshments, and community fun—all while contributing to cleaner, healthier waterways. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, this is your chance to skate for something bigger. Let’s ice the impact and make every stride count for our lakes!

Tickets go on sale Monday, January 20 and can be purchased at www.IcehouseMadison.com

Skate for the Lakes rink hours:Monday – Friday, February 3rd – 7th

4 – 9 p.m. (open Thursday 2 – 4 p.m. for Tot Time, kids 5 and under only; skate trainers available for individual use)

Skate access $10, with $3 from every ticket donated to Clean Lakes Alliance

Skate rental $3 or bring your own!

Frozen Assets: Opening Ceremony & Reception
2025-02-03 16:00 - 19:00 | The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Opening Ceremony & Reception

Date: Monday, February 3rd, 2025Time: 4 – 7 p.m.4 – 5 p.m. Opening Ceremony5 – 7 p.m. ReceptionLocation: The Edgewater Statehouse Restaurant (1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison)Attire: Your Festive Winter Finery

PURCHASE A TICKET – OPENING CEREMONY & RECEPTION

About the event

The Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships are coming to the United States for the first time, and it will be a part of our 2025 Frozen Assets Festival! Help kick off this incredible week with the Opening Ceremony and Reception at The Edgewater. Join us for upscale hors d’oeuvres, conversation, and a chance to celebrate an exciting week ahead.

About the 2025 Festival

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for Frozen Assets, with Hosting Sponsor The Edgewater! The family-friendly festival at The Edgewater helps connect the community with the lake through free winter activities.

Each year, this FUNraiser, FRIENDraiser, and FUNDraiser highlights the year-round value of our lakes, while raising money to protect our waters through lake improvement projects, educational programming, and our volunteer water quality monitoring program.

When the lakes freeze in Greater Madison, they become our largest parks. Clean Lakes Alliance hopes community members and visiting guests can interact with our “frozen assets” and appreciate their importance, even in the middle of the winter.

Thank you, Frozen Assets sponsors!

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Clean Lakes 101: Ecosystem Impacts of Road Salt Use and Salt Wise Solutions
2025-01-14 16:00 - 17:00 | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join us in-person only for Clean Lakes 101 on Tuesday, January 14th at The East Side Club from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

To register, enter your information below

About this Talk

Salt levels are rising in our lakes, streams, and drinking water. Harm to native freshwater organisms can occur at both the species and ecosystem levels lowering rates of growth and reproduction through osmotic stress, reductions in food source, and altered biogeochemistry. We’ll break down the science of freshwater salinization and build up the case for smarter salting with case studies of agencies that are infusing Salt Wise practices into their policies, operations, and outreach. Let’s work together toward a smarter salting future.

About our Speaker

Allison Madison is the first-ever staff person at Wisconsin Salt Wise. Since assuming her role in June 2020, she has spearheaded statewide collaboration around salt reduction. She’s passionate about protecting Wisconsin’s freshwater resources and loves connecting with winter maintenance problem solvers across the state.

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.

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 UW-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.

Mendota Freeze Contest Begins
2024-12-01 07:00 - 23:59 | Wisconsin
On Sunday, December 1st, 2024, Clean Lakes Alliance will kick off its 13th annual Mendota Freeze Contest. Calling on weather watchers and ice experts of all ages, the contest asks people to guess the official ice-on date for Lake Mendota. All entries to correctly guess the date will be entered to win a $1,000 gift card, courtesy of Lands’ End. Make your guess beginning on Sunday, December 1st, 2024.

Clean Lakes 101: Prairie Reconstruction 101
2024-10-09 08:00 - 09:00 | The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53714
Clean Lakes 101

Join us for this in-person or virtual hybrid edition of Clean Lakes 101 on Wednesday, October 9th from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. at The East Side Club. Register as an in-person attendee or to receive a Zoom link through your confirmation email and watch virtually.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

Join us on Wednesday, October 9th for Clean Lakes 101: “Prairie Reconstruction 101.” Hear from Dane County Parks Botanist & Naturalist Shane Otto about how Dane County Parks plans and implements prairie restoration throughout the County. He will also share the latest updates on the Seed the Need Initiative to turn 160 acres of former dairy farm into a “platinum prairie” at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Native plantings support water quality across our watershed and also support Dane County’s climate action goals.

About our Speaker

Shane Otto has been a Botanist/Naturalist with Dane County Parks since 2017. Shane has a passion for prescribed fire, native seeds, and wildlife management. He worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 11 years and possess a wealth of knowledge that he shares with staff and volunteers. He is particularly talented at operating equipment and is adept at building and strengthening partnerships. Shane plans, coordinates, and schedules Operation Fresh Start conservation crew restoration activities and provides training to volunteers and Dane County Parks staff. Shane also provides technical expertise for all aspects of project planning and implementation.

Event Details

This event will be held at The East Side Club (3735 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53714). Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The program runs from 8 – 9 a.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Complimentary event parking will be available at The East Side Club.

A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants via the confirmation email.

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 UW-Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The Edgewater, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.

Telly Awards Ceremony
2024-10-01 16:00 - 20:00 | The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join Clean Lakes Alliance, along with Ho-Chunk Nation, as we celebrate this year’s Telly Awards. We are proud to announce that the video, “Our Past Can Shape Our Future,” which debuted at the 2023 Clean Lakes Community Breakfast, is the winner of five Telly Awards. Join us first for a press event and reception, followed by an appreciation dinner, presented by Quarles and Brady LLP.

Schedule of events

Ho-Chunk / Clean Lakes Alliance Press EventTelly Award & Partnership Reception4:00 pm – 5:30 pmThe Edgewater, Red CrownCocktail Hour with light appetizers and beveragesRSVP in the ticket box belowAn optional $50 donation will help support our Teejop Initiative

Ho-Chunk Client Appreciation Dinner, presented by Quarles and Brady LLP5:30 pm – 8:00 pmThe Edgewater, Sky BarRegistration includes reception, awards, and dinner: $250 per person

Tickets – Enter your information in the box below to register

What's Up Downtown
2024-09-25 07:45 - 09:00 | The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
What’s Up Downtown

Join us for What’s Up Downtown on Wednesday, September 25th from 7:45 – 9:00 a.m. to hear about the recently approved Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan.

REGISTER HERE

John Nolen Drive and Lake Monona, courtesy Robert Bertera

About this Talk

Join Downtown Madison, Inc. for their next What’s Up Downtown on Wed, September 25th from 7:45 – 9 a.m. for a presentation on the recently approved Master Plan for the Lake Monona waterfront redesign. Anna Cawrse, Sasaki’s Principal Lead for the project, will share the latest design for the 1.7 miles of shoreline spanning Olin Park to Machinery Row along John Nolen Drive. The presentation will cover key design elements that will positively impact water quality, including innovative stormwater runoff treatment. Clean Lakes Alliance is a contributing partner for this event and is providing free registration for our donors and sponsors.

REGISTER FOR WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN

FORE! Lakes Golf Outing
2024-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Maple bluff country club, 500 Kensington Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53704
Join Clean Lakes Alliance on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Maple Bluff Country Club as we host the annual FORE! Lakes Golf Outing (presented by Johnson Financial Group) to support ongoing lake protection and improvement efforts.

We are still seeking volunteers and hole sponsors (limited spots remain). Please contact Sarah at sarah@cleanlakesalliance.org for more information.

Schedule of Events

Registration & Bloody Mary BarRegistration: 8:00 am – 9:45 am

Shotgun start & golf10:00 am – 3:00 pm Boxed lunch on the course

Dinner & awards3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

About Fore! Lakes

Clean Lakes Alliance hosts the annual Fore! Lakes Golf Outing to support ongoing lake protection and improvement efforts. The event is designed, organized, and led by a team of dedicated and talented volunteers.

Dedicated volunteers and committee members enlist community volunteers and secure sponsors for 18 holes and prizes for a raffle. By bringing in foursomes, Fore! Lakes draws in new stakeholders to our lake improvement efforts.

We are pleased to partner with Maple Bluff Country Club for this event on Friday, September 20, 2024. Maple Bluff Country Club helps the lakes by following a strict nutrient management plan. It mulches leaves, uses zero-phosphorus fertilizers, and partnered with the City of Madison and Village of Maple Bluff to build a pond to catch and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches Lake Mendota.

Fore! Lakes Golf Outing fulfills public outreach and community involvement elements of Clean Lakes Alliance’s mission, strengthens public-private partnerships, raises funds for our operations and projects to improve water quality, and builds partnerships with the golfing community.

August 2024 Volunteer Day
2024-08-15 08:45 - 11:00 | Wisconsin
Join Clean Lakes Alliance and the City of Madison Parks for a restoration event on Thursday, August 15th at Cherokee Marsh, South Unit from 8:45 – 11:00 a.m. We’ll be working with the City of Madison Parks staff to remove invasive species and trash along Highway 113. We plan to meet on the corner of Highway 113 and Debs Road. Street parking is available along Debs Road.

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Clean Lakes 101: Surface Water PFAS in the Yahara Lakes
2024-08-14 08:00 - 09:00 | The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Clean Lakes 101

Join us for this in-person or virtual hybrid edition of Clean Lakes 101 from 8 – 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14th. Register as an in-person attendee or to receive a Zoom link through your confirmation email and watch virtually.

Register by entering your information in the box below

About this Talk

Have you been wondering what PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are, the so-called “forever chemical?” In this talk, Patrick will explain what PFAS are and what you need to know about them in the environment, especially surface water. He’ll discuss the range of state-wide results that they’ve collected and put them into context of what they’ve noticed at various sites. He’ll highlight Greater Madison lake results to explain basic trends between PFAS in water and fish. He’ll also share recent research he’s been doing on PFAS in Lake Monona to study the distribution, fate, and potential bioaccumulation in various aquatic organisms like small fish, algae, zooplankton, mussels, macroinvertebrates and macrophytes. His goal of this talk is to explain PFAS in understandable terms, so you have a working knowledge to better understand this emerging contaminant and its behavior in the aquatic environment that potentially has human health consequences.

About our Speaker

Patrick Gorski is an Emerging Contaminants Research Scientist at the WI Dept. of Natural Resources in the Bureau of Water Quality, Monitoring Section, where he started in April of 2020. His current focus of research is PFAS (Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) in surface water, fish tissue, and fate and transport issues. He also helps coordinate state-wide monitoring for PFAS in surface water as well as provide technical assistance to various DNR programs on PFAS-related issues and other contaminants. For the previous 13 years, he was an Assistant Scientist and Supervisor at the WI State Laboratory of Hygiene. He received his PhD from UW-Madison studying mercury bioavailability and bioaccumulation in freshwater systems and previously obtained an MS from the UW-Madison Zoology Department. Patrick also worked for two years as an analytical chemist in a contract pharmaceutical lab.

Event Details

This event will be held at The Edgewater hotel – grand ballroom level 5 (1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison, WI 53703). Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The program runs from 8 – 9 a.m. A Q/A session will follow the presentation as time allows. Parking will be available at The Edgewater parking ramp. Parking spots fill up quickly and may be limited depending on hotel capacity. Street parking is also available nearby.

A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants via the confirmation email.

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 UW-Extension Lakes, with presenting sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Company, hosting sponsor The Edgewater, supporting sponsor Johnson Financial Group, and media sponsor WKOW. Additional support is provided by Alliant Energy Foundation, Hovde Properties, and Perkins Coie LLP.
