Clean Lakes Alliance sees a future where everybody realizes that the lakes are the center of the community. Education is central to this goal! Read on for a snapshot of this summer’s educational programs.
Yahara Watershed Academy
Who it’s for:
Anyone who wants to incorporate watershed sustainability into their personal or professional life, especially those with the desire to lead.
What happened this year:
23 students graduated with training in watershed science, climate change, and leadership, making promising post-graduation project commitments.
Our favorite moment:
Getting into a boat with Center for Limnology faculty and grad students to explore Lake Mendota – grabbing samples of algae and pulling up zebra mussel encrusted rocks along the way.
Farm Tour
Who it’s for:
City dwellers and farmers interested in learning about ways local farms are innovating to protect soil and water quality.
What happened this year:
More than 120 people toured the facility at Endres Berryridge Farms turning dairy manure into valuable compost.
Our favorite experience:
Seeing all steps of the process: from the raw manure in the heifer barns, to the long rows of compost being turned next door, to the finished product being spread on a field across the road.
Lake Explorer Camp
Who it’s for:
Kids between the ages of 5 and 13.
What happened this summer:
Over eight weeks, 177 kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County got their toes wet at Brittingham Boats with a crew of trained instructors.
Our favorite lesson:
Catching fish or paddling a boat for the first time, and learning about how water travels from rain clouds back into our lakes.
Yahara Lakes 101
Who it’s for:
Anyone wanting a primer on timely issues that impact our lakes.
What’s happened so far this year:
We’ve learned about hot topics like zebra mussels, bacterial contamination at beaches, and construction erosion.
Our favorite lesson:
Learning how partners in Milwaukee have used “sewer-sniffing” dogs to get to the bottom of pesky Lake Michigan beach closures.