“Testing the Waters” Event Schedule
“Testing the Waters” is an eleven-day educational adventure. Our paddlers will use special equipment to take water quality samples along the Rock River from Mayville to Beloit, stopping at communities along the way to share what they’ve learned and provide a forum for discussions about water quality and practical solutions.
Community Program Evening Schedule (see below for dates and locations)
Doors open at 6:00 with light refreshments served
6:30 Welcome – Our Project: An Overview
6:45 Welcome from Local Leaders
6:50 Water Quality in the Rock
7:10 Report from the River: Hear what we’re learning about your river. View the webmap and learn how to watch our daily paddle.
7:30 Keynote Speaker (for topics see below)
8:00 What you can do
8:20 Closing
Sunday May 15: Trip Launch in Mayville
Paddle Crew Arrives at Rotary Park in Mayville at 11:00. Welcome to the Rock, and Testing the Waters: Our Hopes and Goals. Hands-on demonstrations of water quality monitoring.
May 16: Horicon
This event will have two speakers. A Vision for the Riverfront in Horicon: River-based ecotourism as a basis for downtown placemaking – Jim Schaefer, Horicon Economic Development Coordinator. The Importance and Role of Citizen Stream Volunteers – Nancy Sheehan, RRC Monitoring Coordinator
Location: IAM Local 873 Lodge, 258 Barstow Street, Horicon
May 17: Hustisford
Water Quality, Recreation and Economic Development – Dennis Uecker, Hustisford Village President. Location: Hustisford Community Library, 609 W. Juneau St.
May 18: Preserving Farmland for the Benefit of All – Jill Bedford, Tall Pines Conservancy. Location: Dodge County Harnischfeger Park
May 19-20 – Paddling only; no other events scheduled.
Saturday May 21: Watertown and Johnson Creek
Our water quality program will start about Noon at the Watertown Senior Center, 514 S. First Street. At 6:00 pm, after our day’s paddle is completed, we’ll enjoy a picnic and conversation with Johnson Creek Watershed Alliance and Friends of the Glacial Heritage Area, Rock River Park on County B, Johnson Creek. Brats and beverages available for purchase.
May 22: Jefferson
The Fishery of the Rock River Basin
Location: Jefferson Rotary Park in Jefferson, Noon – 1:30
May 23: Fort Atkinson
Cities and Water Quality Improvements: Progress made to date and goals for the future – Andy Selle, Fort Atkinson City Engineer.
Location: Fort Atkinson Club, 211 S Water St. East
May 24: Janesville
Our Industries and Wastewater Treatment: Protecting our waters.
Location: Janesville Traxler Park Warming House, 600 N Main St.
May 25: Wrap-Up Celebration in Beloit!
Focus on Our Paddle Adventure: Our discoveries through videos, photos and stories. Cake and light refreshments served. 4pm at Rotary Center, Riverside Park, Beloit