Close to half of the Yahara Watershed’s shorelines include public lands and parks. Here are
a few hidden gems, which happen to be some of Clean Lakes Alliance’s favorite spots to enjoy our waters!
Hidden Gems in the Yahara
Yahara CLEAN Compact for our lakes
The Yahara CLEAN Compact will continue to improve the condition and usability of our lakes and beaches. What we are doing to protect the lakes is working. However, more needs to be accomplished and at a faster pace. The concentration of phosphorus per gallon of water in rivers and streams is trending downward. Unfortunately, the amount and intensity of precipitation is increasing. More overall streamflow and phosphorus is being delivered to the lakes, as a result.
Educating Kids About Healthy Water
Educating kids is a top priority for Clean Lakes Alliance
World Water Day kicks of campaign to raise money, expand youth educational tools
All water is connected. In Greater Madison, drinking water pulled from groundwater aquifers is linked to surface waters. Whether it’s the lakes or drinking water, what happens on the land determines the quality of our water. Educating kids with this “one water” message is why Clean Lakes Alliance is launching educational tools to promote healthy water now and into the future.
Clean Curbs for Healthy Lakes
A warm forecast is in store for southern Wisconsin this week. With the warmer weather comes a good reminder for the community that any debris that has collected in snowbanks and curbs over the winter will end up in our lakes if it isn’t removed. By taking small actions in our own neighborhoods, it can make a big impact on lake health. Healthy lakes are one sign of a healthy community.
2020 Water Quality Monitoring Results
In 2020 water quality monitoring took place at piers and beaches around the five Yahara lakes. Volunteers measured near-shore water clarity, air and water temperature, and noted several visual observations during the monitoring season, which runs from May to September.
Announcing our 2020 Community Awards Winners
On January 13th, 2021, Clean Lakes Alliance honored groups and individuals at a special edition of Clean Lakes 101 Science Café. Clean Lakes 101: Awards, Accomplishments, & Ambitions, included the 2020 Community Awards presentation in which Clean Lakes Alliance recognized the accomplishments of individuals, volunteers, businesses, and other entities working to protect and improve our Yahara lakes.
Lake Mendota Freezes Over
Ice-on date arrives days after the new year
Air temperatures below the freezing mark throughout the last week, combined with cold water helped Lake Mendota officially freeze on Sunday, January 3rd, 2021, as declared by the Wisconsin State Climatology Office. Lake Mendota, the largest lake in the Yahara Watershed, froze 27 days shy of January 30th – which is the latest date that ice-on has ever been declared (1/30/1932).
A Compact Beyond the Terrace
UW-Madison’s love of the lakes
A letter from University of Wisconsin-Madison about the Yahara CLEAN Compact
Like everything else this year, visiting the Memorial Union Terrace feels a little different. Yet as we sit apart, looking over Lake Mendota, it serves as a reminder that the physical distance between us is a sign of strength. We are reminded of what we can accomplish when we have the resolve to tackle a challenge, and Clean Lakes Alliance is evidence of that.
Lake phenomenon – what do you see?
Beautiful sunsets, majestic sailboats, and shoreline views of the Wisconsin State Capitol are some of the more familiar and picturesque sights around the Yahara lakes. But what else can we see across these thriving and complex ecosystems? On your next walk around the lakes, keep your eyes peeled and you may spot a fascinating lake phenomenon.
More than a rain garden
Tucked between South Park Street and Newville Park, you will find a rain garden. At first glance, it may seem like a simple collection of native pollinator plants, but after digging a little deeper, you will realize it is much more than just a rain garden.
