Rock River Updates is a listing of events and other items of interest for people in and around the Rock River Basins of Wisconsin. We strive for a once a month mailing. Inclusion is not an endorsement of a program, publication or website. If you have questions about this update or items to be added contact Suzanne Wade at suzanne.wade@ces.uwex.edu.
(to receive informational flyers on RRC events email marier@co.jefferson.wi.us)
July 15The Rock River Basin Stormwater Meeting for Phase 2 municipalities to discuss joint educational programming will be held on Tuesday, July 15 from 9:30 - Noon at the Watertown Municipal Building, Room 2044.
July 22RRC Board Meeting 4:30 – 6:30, UWEX Jefferson County
Job Opening: The RRC will likely be hiring either a Water Star Program Coordinator or an Outreach Project Coordinator. If interested in receiving a job description when it becomes available, please email Marie at marier@co.jefferson.wi.us.
Other Natural Resource Activities Calendar of Events
Wednesday Evening Watershed Walks, all summer at 6:30 pm, Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy, Friends of Pheasant Branch, Middleton. Questions: Nancy Schlimgen, Naturalist, Benedictine Women of Madison, nschlimgen@benedictinewomen.org or 608-836-1631, ext.159; www.benedictinewomen.org
Walk with the Ice Age Trail group and friends on Wednesdays Evenings. Everyone is invited to join low-key local hikes in Rock County 6:30 pm. Info: Susan Rowe, Rock Trail Coalition (608) 756-3952 or sus67wi@yahoo.com
July 1-Aug 1 Online Wetland Hydrology/Design Course – sponsored by The Swamp School. Info go to: http://SwampSchool.org
July 7-11 Ecological Geology - Natural History Workshop at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Field Station: 3095 Blue Goose Rd, Saukville. Contact Cynthia Boettcher at 262-675-6844, cboetcher@uwm.edu; www.uwm.edu/Dept/fieldstation
July 10The Geology and History of Horicon Marsh by Wisconsin Wetlands Association’s 2008 Wetland Field Trip Series. – 6:00-8:30 pm. Explore the past, present and future of Horicon Marsh. Leader: Bill Volkert. Call WWA to register: 608-250-9971.
July 12 (tentative)Southeast Wisconsin Grazing Network 2008 Event, Program TBA. Jim Cline, 6454 Hospital Road, Burlington. Beef cattle. Info: Altfrid Krusenbaum, 262-642-7312: krusen@krusengrassfarms.com or Peg Reedy, 262-741-4961 or peg.reedy@ces.uwex.edu.
July 15-17Wisconsin Farm Technology Days - at Country Aire Farms, 1440 Lamers-Clancy Road, Greenleaf WI in Brown County. New at Farm Technology Days 2008 -a Wisconsin Alumni Tent, on 6th Street near the Agribusiness Tents. Alumni are invited to stop by the tent to renew old friendships and enjoy some refreshments. Info: Lorre Kolb, UW-Extension, Madison, 608-261-1051; ljkolb@wisc.edu
July 17Bikes and Brews on the Sugar River – Get a view of the Sugar River near New Glarus from the bike path that runs beside it. Then join us for refreshments and conversation on a summer evening. Info: www.wisconsinrivers.org or contact Sarah Murray, 608-257-2424 ext. 121.
July 18CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) 3-Hour WebConference: Livestock Siting. Early registration, $20 or $30 after 5 p.m. onJuly 14. Info: Kevin Erb, Brown County Extension Office, Green Bay, 920.391.4652 or kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu or http://conservationtraining.uwex.edu; click on “CAFO.”
July 18, 19Fishes of Wisconsin: Identification and Ecology - Natural History Workshop, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Field Station, 3095 Blue Goose Rd, Saukville. Instructor: Dr. Michael Pauers. Contact: Cynthia Boettcher at 262-675-6844, cboetcher@uwm.edu; www.uwm.edu/Dept/fieldstation
July 19-20 -Hybridfest at Dane County Fair, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI. Be a part of the Midwest’s largest event dedicated to clean transportation solutions; Learn more about clean transportation, http://www.hybridfest.com and see the latest in fuel-efficient and clean-energy vehicles.
July 19-27The Isle Royale Institute Summer 2008 Course: Ecology of Isle Royale - ED 5560, Cost: $800 covers Michigan Tech tuition, course materials, ferry transportation to and from Isle Royale, 9 days of food, and some camping equipment. Limited to 18 participants. Info: www.iri.mtu.edu
July 22 Wisconsin Grazing School, UW-Extension Fond du Lac, 7:30 am - 8 pm. $35, includes meals. Learn about Intensive Rotational Grazing. Registration due by July 14 mail check to Dennis Cosgrove UW River Falls, 410 S. 3rd. St., River Falls, WI 54022. Questions: Glacierland RC&D, 920-418-2718.
July 23 Walk with the Ice Age Trail group and friends on Wednesdays Evenings. A low-key hike in the Beloit Turtle Creek Flood Plain. Meet at downtown parking plaza (behind Rock County Appliance) 6:30 pm. Info: Susan Rowe, Rock Trail Coalition (608) 756-3952 or sus67wi@yahoo.com
July 23Deadline forFree Regional Grassland Wildlife Workshops – sponsored by Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) NRCS, DNR, and Pheasants Forever. Focus is on implementing conservation action for grassland species. Lunch provided. For info. e-mail Noah Balgooyen, (noah.balgooyen@wisconsin.gov):
July 29, Ashland; Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, 29270 Cty. Hwy G July 30, New Richmond; WI Indianhead Technical College, 1019 S. Knowles Ave. July 31, Wisconsin Rapids; Wild Horse Saloon, 9031 Cty. Rd. WW Aug 13, Horicon; TBD Aug 14, Dodgeville; Folklore Village, 3210 Cty Hwy. BB
July 24-Aug 150 Years of Wolf Moose Research Course - ED 5630, Cost: $800 covers Michigan Tech tuition, course materials, ferry transportation to and from Isle Royale, 9 days of food, and some camping equipment. Limited to 18 participants. Info: www.iri.mtu.edu
July 25CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) 3-Hour WebConference: Applying for a WPDES Permit. Early registration, $20 or $30 after 5 p.m. onJuly 14. Info: Kevin Erb, 920-391-4652 or kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu or: http://conservationtraining.uwex.edu; click on “CAFO.”
July 25-26Common and Nuisance Algae - Natural History Workshop at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Field Station, 3095 Blue Goose Rd, Saukville. Contact Cynthia Boettcher at 262-675-6844, cboetcher@uwm.edu; www.uwm.edu/Dept/fieldstation
July 30CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) 3-Hour WebConference: Submittal of Plans & Specs. Also:
July 31CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) 3-Hour WebConference: CAFO Nutrient Management Plans. Early registration, $20 or $30 after 5 p.m. onJuly 14. Info: Kevin Erb, 920-391-4652 or kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu or on-line: http://conservationtraining.uwex.edu; click on “CAFO.”
Aug 13-15Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop: Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI. All participants will receive certification in professional grant writing from the Institute. More info. call (888) 824 -4424 or visit The Grant Institute at www.thegrantinstitute.com.
Aug 143rd Annual Milky Moonlight in Milwaukee - Experience the beauty of the moon rising over Lake Michigan on a paddle through the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown. More info: www.wisconsinrivers.org or contact Sarah Murray at 608-257-2424 ext. 121
Aug 14-17Wisconsin Coverts Project Workshop in Woodruff, WI, at Kemp Natural Resources Station, for private landowners who are interested in enhancing their woodlands for wildlife.Applications due June 15th. Visit: http://wildlife.wisc.edu/extension/wicovertsproject.html or contact Jamie L. Nack, 608-265-8264.
Aug 16Southeast Wisconsin Grazing Network 2008 Event-(tentative date) Program TBA, irrigation of pastures for rotational grazing. Miller Brothers’ Grass Farm; N68 W35460 Highway K, Oconomowoc. Info: Altfrid Krusenbaum, 262-642-7312: krusen@krusengrassfarms.com
Sept 2-Nov 6NRES 410/610 Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences – New Environmental Education Online Fall 2008 Course offered through UW-Stevens Point, WI. To learn more: www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/
Sept 8-Nov 28Fundamentals of Environmental Education - Environmental Education Online Fall 2008 Course offered through UW-Stevens Point, WI. To learn more: www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/
Sept 8-Dec 5NRES 410/610 Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation - Environmental Education Online Fall 2008 Course through UW-Stevens Point, WI. www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/
Sept. 9-114th Annual Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach & Service Programs National Conference: Diverse Practices by Natural Resource Outreach & Service Programs – Held at T Bar M Resort & Conference Center, New Braunfels, Texas. Details, check: www.nralliance.org.
Sept. 12, 13 (dates tentative)Wetland Delineation - Natural History Workshop at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Field Station: 3095 Blue Goose Rd, Saukville. Instructor: Dr. Don Reed. Contact Cynthia Boettcher, 262-675-6844, cboetcher@uwm.edu; www.uwm.edu/Dept/fieldstation
Sept 22-Nov 21NRES-703 Leadership Development in Natural Resources: Strategic Planning and Implementation - Environmental Education UW-SP Course Online Fall 2008. www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/
Oct 10A Clean Future for the Yahara Lakes: Solutions for Tomorrow, Starting Today - One-day gathering at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison, WI . Info: Steve Pomplun, Nelson Institute (608) 263-3063 or spomplun@wisc.edu
Oct 11 Mississippi Riverboat Tour – Ideal for viewing the fall migration and foliage. email (info@wisconsinwetlands.org) or call our office at 608-250-9971.
Oct 29 – Nov 1Wisconsin Environmental Education Association Annual Conference - “Urban EE: There's more to a city than its skyline”, Wyndham Airport Hotel & Convention Center - Milwaukee, WI. Info: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/waee/Events/fall08.htm
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics - Grant awards range between $500 and $2500 and can be used for Leave No Trace educational materials and/or to cover the tuition of a Master Educator Course(s). http://lnt.org/programs/grants.phpDeadline: Aug 15.
Websites of Interest
Citizen-Based Monitoring - Wisconsin website: http://cbm.wiatri.net/index.cfm Center for Watershed Protection - visit the new website at www.cwp.org, and share your thoughts and recommendations of resources to include in the online resource library at center@cwp.org.
Rain Barrel Sale – $60 per barrel. Reduce, reuse, recycle: Storm Water management. Help conserve water and save money. Collaborated by UW Extension and Walworth County, Conservation Div. Info: 262-741-4951. Rain Barrels pickup isJuly 11th 3:00pm –6:00pm at the Walworth County Community Gardens located on Cty. Rd. NN, just east of Lakeland Hospital.
Recycling at Festivals, Fairs, and Special Events:
www.besmart.org/festival/index.html. Wisconsin BeSMART Coalition has created this online tool-kit for event planners www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/onthego/index.htm The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Solid Waste has launched a “Recycling on the Go” campaign to encourage recycling away from home. www.madisonrah.org Madison Recycling Away from Home or Madison RAH - born out of a neighborhood initiative to ensure recycling was taking place at various neighborhood events
For K-12 Grade Teachers and Students
July 7-Aug 21Student Environmental Development Program – (SEDP) a community-based environmental leadership development program using a holistic approach to teach inner-city students (ages 12-14) about environmental and health related issues. http://www.epa.gov/region3/ee/sedp.htm
July 8-18Earth Partnership for Schools WI RESTORE Leadership Institute, UW Madison Arboretum, Madison. Two teachers from each school are trained in the ecological restoration process. Team members will receive a total of 3 college credits and a travel stipend for participation in the institute. Tuition will be waived by UW-Madison. Info: Sarah Gilbert at LEAF, 715-346-4924 or sarah.gilbert@uwsp.edu.LEAF website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/leaf/educators/calendar.shtml
July 21-23 From Forest to Finish: A community-based learning course for school forest educators, Reedsburg School Forest. A course for 4th-12th grade teachers and non-formal education which applies project based learning methods to research the question “What is the environmental impact of using wood products?” Registration of $30 will be available soon on the LEAF website. (above)
Aug 11-13 From Forest to Finish: A community-based learning course for school forest educators, Eicho School Forest. A course for 4th-12th grade teachers and non-formal education which applies project based learning methods to research the question “What is the environmental impact of using wood products?” Registration of $30 will be available soon on the LEAF website. (above)
Aug 20Wilderness Writing for Wild Youth, 1 pm-5 pm, Boston School Forest (Stevens Point). Fee $25 includes Nature Writing Field Guide for Teachers ($25 value). LEAF Website (above)
Oct. 12-18Earth Science Week Celebrates “No Child Left Inside” - Learn more about how to get involved in Earth Science Week 2008. Visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org/