Greater Madison Lake Guide by Clean Lakes Alliance

CLEA

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LAKE GUIDE

SUMMER 2019

GREATER MADISON

YOUR YEAR-ROUND GUIDE TO THE MADISON AREA LAKES

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 1

MEMORIAL UNION AD

2 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

CONTENTS 6

A Message from Clean Lakes Alliance

Become a Clean Lakes Alliance Lake Partner

Yahara Lakes 101: Learn About Our Lakes

12 Volunteers Renew the Blue 14

5 At-Home Actions for Healthy Lakes

Yahara River Watershed Map

The State of Our Lakes

23 Citizen Monitors: The First Line of Defense 24 More Than a Team 28 Suck the Muck: Project Update 30 Increasing Infiltration & Decreasing Runoff 31

Build Your Own Rain Garden

33 Healthy Lawn = Healthy Lakes

34 Our Lakes Calendar 2019 37 Rebuilding Pheasant Branch 39 A Workplace: More Than a View 40 Lake Maps 44 Connecting Youth to Our Waters 45 Explore Nature in the Middle of the City 47 The Mountains are Calling, I Think I Will Stay 49 Clean Lakes Community Awards 50 A Brief History of Our Yahara Lakes 51

Clean Lakes Grants

52 Yahara Lake Leaders 54 Yahara Lakes Bucket List

39 Clean Lakes Alliance 150 East Gilman Street, Suite 2600, Madison, WI 53703 Thank you to Foley & Lardner LLP for the donated office space.

Clean Lakes Alliance Greater Madison Lake Guide is an official publication of Clean Lakes Alliance and published annually. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without permission. Every effort is made to make this guide accurate. Some information is subject to change without notice.

56 Directory 66 Water in the Woods Cover: Wisconsin Hoofers pier from Mendota Lakeshore Path

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 3

Your Remodeling

Superstore

Visit our showroom today! 4 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

5117 Verona Road | Madison, WI 53711 | 608-204-7575 www.dream-kitchens.com

Laundry Room Kids Closet Home Office

Garage Kitchen Pantry

Master Bedroom

Cabinets for every

room in your home!

6649 University Ave. | Middleton, WI 53562 | 608-829-2489 www.cabinet-city.com Greater Madison Lake Guide

| Summer 2019 5

A MESSAGE FROM CLEAN LAKES ALLIANCE I

f you’re like me, you probably couldn’t WAIT for the ice to leave our lakes this

year! Record flooding in 2018 robbed us of more than a month of lake use when it closed all our beaches and imposed slow-no-wake restrictions on all our lakes. We then had record cold temperatures and snow that extended late into spring. Thank goodness temperatures have finally warmed up and the lakes are open and ready for use! This fourth issue of the Greater Madison Lake Guide contains more content than ever before! Inside you’ll find the important resources you’ve asked for – like where to rent a kayak or boat, how to check lake conditions, or how to build a rain garden. This year we’ve added more in-depth stories and photos to give you a greater understanding of why healthy lakes mean a healthy community. Don’t miss exciting stories about rebuilding Pheasant Branch after the flood (pg. 37), connecting youth to our waters (pg. 44), and your lake season bucket list (pg. 54). Plus, this year we will help fund nearly $200,000 through Clean Lakes Grants for lake-related projects – read about our grant program on pg. 51. Additionally, you’ll find information from our 2018 State of the Lakes Annual Report. This comprehensive science report dives into all the issues our lakes faced last year, as well as what is being done to help them in the future. Learn about what caused the large cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms that closed our lakes and how you can help reduce these events by changing practices at your home or business. We hope this guide will continue to be a conversation piece on your coffee table, or a dog-eared resource you keep in your boat or picnic basket. If you are planning a visit to one of our many beaches, or any other area around our lakes, be sure to check lakeforecast.org for water conditions reported at more than 70 points by our volunteer water quality monitors from Memorial Day to Labor Day. And follow us on Facebook to see our light-hearted Weekend Lake Report each week with current information on lake conditions. If you are already a Friend of Clean Lakes, or your business is a Lake Partner, we want to thank you for funding important lake improvement projects, educational programming, and our citizen monitoring program. To join the growing list of businesses and community members who support our work, you’ll find an envelope with information at the centerfold of this guide. We hope you enjoy summer in Greater Madison and all our lakes have to offer! In Partnership,

James Tye, Founder & Executive Director Clean Lakes Alliance

6 Greater Madison Lake Guide Guide || Summer Summer 2019 2019

Sailboats in University Bay

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT Community Board Roger Bannerman, USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center Paul Barbato, CUNA Mutual Group

Executive Board Matthew Frank, Chair, Murphy Desmond S.C.

Sharon Corrigan, Dane County Board of Supervisors

Nathan Fagre, Vice Chair, Spectrum Brands

Mary Elvekrog, Compeer Financial

Sarah Slack, Secretary, Foley & Lardner LLP

Peter Foy, Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society

Jim West, Treasurer, Town Bank James Tye, Executive Director Clean Lakes Alliance

Dr. Jana Gyurina, Oak Park Dental John Haeckel, Clean Fuel Partners

David Fahey, Monona Bank

Daniel Hutter, Spectrum Brands

Joseph Ferreri, Lands' End

Robb Kahl, Construction Business Group

James Gallegos, Alliant Energy Corporation Colleen Johnson, Johnson Financial Group Jenny Kuehn, Community Advocate Lloyd Eagan, Director Emeritus, Wisconsin DNR, Retired Jeff Endres, Director Emeritus, Endres Barryridge Farms LLC

Pam Porter, Dane County Lakes & Watershed Commission Mark Riedel, Wisconsin DNR

Lyle Updike, Director Emeritus, Dane County Towns Association

2019 Clean Lakes Alliance Staff

Paul Robbins, UW-Madison Nelson Institute Michael Rupiper, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Eric Schmidt, CG Schmidt, Inc. Scott Smith, Madison Gas & Electric Trey Sprinkman, Sprinkman Real Estate

Paul Dearlove, Watershed Initiatives Senior Director Miah Gatzke, Event & Marketing Coordinator Luke Huston, Graphic Design Coordinator Dea Larsen Converse, Community & Watershed Resources Manager Issis Macias, Watershed Engagement Senior Manager

Amy Supple, The Edgewater Russ Tieman, Mad-City Ski Team Sal Troia, Yahara Lakes Association

Becky Mitchell, Annual Giving & Administration Senior Manager

Fred Klancnik, UW-Madison Engineering

Alex Vitanye, Badger Sports Properties

Woody Kneppreth, Lake Waubesa Conservation Association

Thomas Walker, Mid-West Family Broadcasting

Steve Kraus, Village of Waunakee

Robert Weber, First Weber, Inc.

Karin Swanson, Marketing & Communications Associate Manager

Courtney Kruger, Fiore Companies

Ryan Witt, State Bank of Cross Plains

James Tye, Executive Director

Andy Kurth, Weed Man Lawn Care

Katie Crawley, Ex Officio, City of Madison Deputy Mayor

Luke Wynn, Watershed Program Associate

Dave Merritt, Ex Officio, Dane County Executive Designee

Joanna G. Burish, Development Executive (Consultant)

Randy Peterson, Director Emeritus, LRP Consultants

Gregory Levesque, American Transmission Company

Brian Potts, Director Emeritus, Perkins Coie LLP

Chasidey Martin, Sprinkman Real Estate Todd McWilliams, CBD4Pain

Adam Sodersten, Marketing & Communications Director

D. Michael Mucha, Director Emeritus, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

Tina Noel, Community Advocate

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 7

BECOME A CLEAN LAKES ALLIANCE

LAKE PARTNER C

leaning up our lakes is a community job. Are you a part of a community-minded business, organization, neighborhood association, or other engaged group? We hope you can join Clean Lakes Alliance and become a Lake Partner.

Donations made by Lake Partners (business or organization ‘members’) directly benefit efforts to protect our lakes, independent of sponsorships or event tickets. Your contribution will help improve water quality in our lakes through on-the-ground projects and hands-on community engagement.

Lake Partner Commitment:

Lake Partner Benefits:

> Show organizational support for healthy lakes and a healthy community

> Access to one of 20+ scheduled volunteer days held April to October

> Participate in employee engagement or volunteer opportunities such as off-site lakeshore volunteer day or lunch & learn presentation

> Free admission to our monthly Yahara Lakes 101 Science Café for all employees

> Annual ‘membership’ financial contribution

> Special recognition in the State of the Lakes Annual Report and at events like the Community Breakfast

> Demonstrate lake-friendly actions with on-site salt reduction, rain garden, or rain barrel

> Discounted rates and early access to tickets and events

> Spread the word to employees and customers about ways to get involved and help our lakes

> Marketing recognition and opportunities to sponsor events and programs

Suggested donation levels are based on your organizational size, with Lake Partner contributions recognized on the calendar year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. To recognize our biggest supporters, Lake Partners who donate at the $1,000 level or more are also recognized as part of the “Yahara Society” (denoted with asterisks on page 9).

8 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Thank you to the following Lake Partner businesses and organizations for their generous support in 2019. We look forward to welcoming even more supporters! Current Lake Partners as of January 1 - April 10, 2019

Foley & Lardner LLP *

Madison Boats *

Sprinkman Real Estate *

Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

Stark Company Realtors *

Four Lakes Yacht Club

Madison No Fear Dentistry

Alliant Energy Corp *

Frank Productions, Inc.

American Transmission Company *

Friends of Cherokee Marsh

Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR)

Aqua Innovations, LLC

Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society *

Architectural Building Arts *

Friends of Lake Wingra

Association of State Floodplain Managers

Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

AssuredLeads Atlas Counseling LLC

Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Badger Pontoon Charters

Goodman's Jewelers Inc.

Meister's K&M Tree and Landscaping Inc.

Badger Sports Properties

Graft Madison

Mendota Rowing Club

Brentwood Village Neigborhood Association

Great Lakes Ecological Monitoring LLC

Middleton Boat House Co.

Brownhouse Designs

Harbor Recreation Inc.

Capital Area Regional Planning Commission

Harms Insurance Group

ActionCOACH Business & Executive Coaching of Madison

Madison Veterinary Specialists * Madison Water Utility Madison-Kipp Corporation * Manke Enterprises, Inc.

Strand Associates, Inc. * Studio 88 Sub-Zero Wolf Foundation Inc. * Summers Christmas Tree Farm Susi Haviland Homes, LLC * Teel Plastics, Inc. Tennessee Carriers Inc. * The Biergarten at Olbrich Park

Mazanet Marina

The Edgewater * The LeeLee Foundation *

Mid-West Family Broadcasting

The New Monona Shores Apartments The Surf

Miron Construction Co, Inc.

Thrivent Financial - Michael Nowicki

Hellenbrand, Inc.

Mohs Widder Paradise, Attorneys at Law

TMA+Peritus, Inc.

Capitol Water Trails, LTD

Henry Farms LLC

Monona Motors, LLC

Carlson Black LLP

Hovde Foundation *

Montgomery Associates

CBD4PAIN LLC

Hovde Properties, LLC *

Moran Aviation LLC

CBRE

Hydrite Chemical Co. *

Moren Investments

CG Schmidt, Inc. *

Murphy Desmond S.C. *

Christy's Landing

Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant

City of Madison Engineering *

In Business Magazine *

National Guardian Life Insurance Company *

City of Monona

Isthmus Partners, LLC

Paradigm *

Clean Fuel Partners, LLC*

Joan Collins Publicity, Inc. *

Paragon Place Communities

Compass Properties

Johnson Financial Group *

Perkins Coie LLP *

Construction Business Group *

Josh Lavik & Associates

Petersburg Insurance Agency

Cresa Madison *

Keaton Charter & Tours

Petersen Companies

Crown Point Resort

Kleinschmidt Associates

Pharo Marine

D.L. Anderson Marine Contractors

Kothe Real Estate Partners *

Dane County Conservation League

Kwik Kill Pest Control Inc.

Phoebe R. and John D. Lewis Foundation *

Destination Madison

La Kitchenette

Dixon Shoreline / Landscaping

Lake Effect HR Law

Don's Marine, LLC

Lake Monona Sailing Club

Dorn Outdoor Pro Shop

Lakeshore Apartments *

DreamHouse DreamKitchens *

Lakeview Research LLC

Edward Jones - Patrick Ellestad

Lands' End *

EZ Office Products

Liberty Professional Services LLC

Fearing's Audio-Video-Security

Mad-City Ski Team

Fields Auto Group Madison *

Madison Area Antique & Classic Boat Society - Glacier Lakes Chapter

Fiore Companies

Town Bank * Town of Westport Trader Gus / Athens Grill Trei-Four Aces, LLC Treysta on the Water Tully's II Food & Spirits Unisource Direct UW Health, UnityPoint Health Meriter & Quartz * Vierbicher Associates von Rutenberg Ventures Walden Bay Single Family Condo Association Waunona Garden Club

Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation * Premier Cooperative Quam's Marine & Motor Sports Restaino & Associates Realtors Relocation

Waypoint Public House Weed Man Lawn Care * William Thomas Jewelers * Wisconsin Alumni Association * Wisconsin Memorial Union * Yahara Lakes Association

Robertson Cosmetic Center

Yahara Software

Rutabaga Paddlesports LLC

Zelandais, LLC

Ruthie Hauge Photography

* Denotes Yahara Society Member

Singlewire Software Spectrum Brands * Springers of Lake Kegonsa

First Weber Inc. *

JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF LAKE PARTNERS! Âť

By signing up as a Lake Partner, you are sending a message that investing in our lakes is a TOP priority for the health of the community and our economy.

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 9

10 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

YAHARA LAKES 101:

LEARN ABOUT OUR LAKES

UPCOMING TALKS JUNE

LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT IMPACT OUR LAKES

ahara Lakes 101 Science CafĂŠ is a series of educational events open to the public. These events bring the research of scientists, lake experts, and community leaders, who are working toward a better understanding of Greater Madisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lake challenges to the community. Participants learn the science behind current issues and how to take action for the lakes! A different speaker and topic are featured each month and presented in a way that is interesting and accessible to non-technical and technical audiences alike. After the presentation, participants are encouraged to ask questions and connect with the speaker for additional insight or resources. Yahara Lakes 101 talks take place monthly (except December) from 8 to 9 a.m. at The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place. Admission is $10 at the door or free to Friends of Clean Lakes and Lake Partners. Advance registration is requested. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a meet-and-greet and to enjoy coffee, pastries, and fruit. The program begins at 8 a.m., includes a brief Q&A, and is dismissed by 9 a.m. Complimentary event parking is available at The Edgewater.

" Yahara Lakes 101 is important to me because it provides valuable information about the physical and biological dynamics of the Yahara Watershed and the steps necessary to make our lakes healthy."

JULY

AUG

SEPT

Phosphorus Dynamics in Lake Mendota with Paul Hanson UW-Madison Center for Limnology Health Impacts of Pollutants in the Watershed with Claire Gervais, MD UW-Madison School of Medicine & Public Health Learning from Lake Sediment with Paul Garrison Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Climate Change & Lake Impacts with Steve Vavrus Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research

OCT

Nearshore Aquatic Habitat with John Lyons UW-Madison Zoological Museum

NOV

Agriculture's Role in Clean Water with Jeff Endres Yahara Pride Farms

Sen. Mark Miller (D) - Monona

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 11

VOLUNTEERS RENEW THE BLUE W

hether they are removing invasive species, or cleaning up parks and shorelines, Clean Lakes Alliance volunteers make a big impact on our lakes. Clean Lakes Alliance coordinates weekly Renew the Blue Volunteer Days throughout the Yahara River Watershed from spring until autumn to protect the landscape and improve water quality. Volunteer days offer meaningful and rewarding opportunities to engage directly with the lakes.

We participate in a volunteer day "We participate in a volunteer every year because it's a way for day every year because it's a way us to work as a team outside of the for us to work as a team outside office while also making a positive of the office while also making a impact on our lakes." positive impact on our lakes." Paul Barbato, CUNA Mutual Group Paul Barbato, CUNA Mutual Group

In 2018, Clean Lakes Alliance hosted 30 cleanup and restoration events throughout the watershed with 724 volunteers providing 1,881 hours of service dedicated to lake improvement projects. Those hours are the equivalent of 47 forty-hour work weeks! Volunteers cleared truckloads of invasive brush and plant debris from local lakeshore parks, removed algae and trash from beaches, and planted native plants and seeds for more resilient landscapes. Healthy land around the lakes helps improve water quality. Replacing invasive plants and brush with native vegetation can help decrease surface runoff and increase infiltration. Native plants have deep roots that hold soil in place and greatly improve its ability to absorb and filter water, removing pollutants like phosphorus before they enter the lakes. Late August through September 2018 brought more than a foot of rain to parts of southern Wisconsin, with record flooding reported. Clean Lakes Alliance responded with additional Volunteer Days to assist with flood restoration in locations like James Madison Park in Madison, and near the Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. As the frequency and intensity of rainfall events increase, it is important to create resilient landscapes that protect the lakes. The opportunity to participate in Renew the Blue Volunteer Days is available to Lake Partners – businesses and organizations that support Clean Lakes Alliance through an annual donation made independent of events or sponsorships. Clean Lakes Alliance sees a future in which lake volunteerism is part of the community’s culture. When hundreds of community members get involved through volunteerism, the alliance of people who care about and invest in the lakes grows larger. Learn more about Renew the Blue Volunteer Days: cleanlakesalliance.org/volunteer-days 12 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

2018 Renew the Blue Volunteer Day Sponsors: Cuna Mutual Foundation, Lands’ End, and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). 2018 Renew the Blue Volunteer Day Participants: Adams Outdoor Advertising, Affiliated Engineers Inc, Alliant Energy, American Family Insurance, American Transmission Company, Apple, AssuredLeads, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP, Cellular Dynamics International, CG Schmidt, CUNA Mutual Group, Dane County Bar Association, Death’s Door Spirits, Foley & Lardner LLP, Google, Johnson Financial Group, Lands’ End, Leidos, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Naturalake Biosciences, Perkins Coie LLP, Phi Gamma Delta, PPD, Rotary Club of Madison, Spectrum Brands, and State Bank of Cross Plains. 2018 Renew the Blue Volunteer Day Partners: Adaptive Restoration, City of Madison Parks, City of Middleton, Dane County Parks, Friends of Lake Wingra, Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Friends of the Yahara River Parkway, Holy Wisdom Monastery, Madison Boats, University of WisconsinMadison Arboretum, University of Wisconsin-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Wild Warner, and Wisconsin DNR.

MOST FOUNDATIONS ARE CONCRETE. MADISON’S IS WATER. As builders, we know the importance of building on a strong foundation, and that’s what our lakes and streams are to Madison. CG Schmidt is a proud supporter of the Clean Lakes Alliance and their mission to protect and improve the water quality in the Yahara River Watershed and our spectacular lakes.

H E A LT H Y L A K E S M AKE FOR H E A LTH Y COM M U NITIE S

C O N S T R U C T I O N M A N A G E M E N T | G E N E R A L C O N T R A C T I N G | D E S Greater IGN-BU I L D Lake C GGuide S C H M| ISummer D T. C O M2019 13 Madison

At-Home Actions for Healthy Lakes

1 Rake for the lake

One of the best and easiest things you can do is to rake leaves from the street gutter in front of your home. Clean streets make for healthy lakes! Fall leaf litter is loaded with algae-creating phosphorus, and a fertile “tea” is released into storm sewers that connect to our lakes and streams every time it rains. Your leaves can be composted, mowed into the lawn, or used as a mulch to protect and nourish trees, shrubs, and plants. Rake leaves OUT of the street!

BEST ACTION

2 Create a rain garden

A rain garden is a small depression in your yard that collects and soaks up rainwater. Usually planted with beautiful wildflowers, rain gardens will add curb appeal to your home while attracting a variety of songbirds and butterflies. They also keep our lakes clean by giving rainwater a place to go as it washes off driveways, patios, and rooftops.

4 3 Harvest rainwater

Connecting a rain barrel to your roof downspout allows you to collect, store, and repurpose rainwater and save money on your water bill. Your plants will love the chlorine-free water, especially when soils dry up between storms. Many of today’s models connect directly to your downspout, are sealed (no mosquitoes!), and allow water to return to the downspout once full (no overtopping!). Try to direct all your roof downspouts to either a rain barrel or rain garden.

14 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

We all live and work in a watershed. That means that our homes and yards impact our nearest lakes and streams. Here are 5 actions YOU can take to help keep our lakes healthy.

4 Sink the rain with porous materials

Protect our lakes and streams by first limiting the “footprint” of hard, water-impervious surfaces around your home. If you’re considering a new patio or driveway, opt for porous pavers or water-permeable pavement as affordable and attractive alternatives to traditional concrete or asphalt. During the winter, work to limit your use of de-icing salt, which is damaging to cars, driveways and soils, and pollutes our lakes and groundwater.

5 Be aware of what you send down the drain

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Conserving water in and around the home helps protect our drinking water aquifers AND our lakes. Less water use means less water softener salt entering the environment. Did you know that our community wastewater plant is not able to treat everything that is sent down the drain? This includes salt, medicines, and even antibiotics, which can pass right through the treatment process and end up polluting our waters. The MedDrop program provides individuals in the Madison area with a safe and eco-friendly way to dispose of their unwanted pharmaceuticals.

TO THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO THE LAKES

For more information, please visit cleanlakesalliance.org/resources Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 15

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Who we are Clean Lakes Alliance is a nonprofit organization devoted to improving water quality in the Yahara River Watershed. We see a future in which everyone realizes the lakes are the center of our community.

Why we exist Although our five beloved lakes are fun and beautiful, they are at risk. Invasive species, harmful pollutants, and a changing climate have threatened the water quality of our lakes over many years. In 2010, Clean Lakes Alliance was formed to bring together business, government, science, and community members to develop innovative solutions for our lakes.

What we do Clean Lakes Alliance aims to reduce phosphorus concentrations in our waters and increase the community's engagement with our lakes. We do this through on-the-ground lake improvement projects, educational programming, and water quality monitoring. Every year, Clean Lakes Alliance gathers data about water quality in our lakes and reviews projects throughout the watershed in our State of the Lakes Annual Report. See pages 17-20 for highlights from the 2018 report.

How to support us Hundreds of individuals, businesses, community groups, and organizations invest in our lakes every year by donating to Clean Lakes Alliance. Join them by donating at: cleanlakesalliance.org/donate

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WHAT IS A WATERSHED? A watershed is defined by the part of the landscape that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers that flow into a single waterbody, like a lake. As the water flows over the landscape, it picks up pollutants, such as phosphorus, that cause water quality problems. Practices can be put in place on the landscape to slow the water and filter out the pollutants.

Flooding at Mendota Rowing Club Pier

THE STATE OF OUR LAKES A LOOK AT THE SCIENCE OF THE YAHARA RIVER WATERSHED FROM THE 2018 STATE OF THE LAKES ANNUAL REPORT

2018 KEY TAKEAWAYS

Cyanobacteria blooms appeared in our lakes at an alarming scale.

he Yahara River Watershed begins in the headwaters of the Yahara River in Columbia County and flows south through Dane County for 62 miles, encompassing Lakes Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa, before the Yahara River empties into the Rock River in Rock County. The Yahara River Watershed is home to a fast-growing population and some of the most productive farmland in the United States. The intersection of productive farms and growing urban areas poses a unique challenge as residents and government work together to protect and improve water quality in the chain of lakes.

An Eventful Year 2018 was an eventful year for Greater Madison’s lakes. Massive cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms in June made use of the lakes not only difficult but also sometimes dangerous for recreation. Southern Wisconsin also experienced excessive amounts of precipitation in 2018. The total amount – 50.64 inches at the Dane County Airport – was 16 inches higher than normal. Heavy rain events over one inch were also high – with 14 days of heavy rain days compared to the normal amount of 7.4. This wet year was part of a longer-term trend in the region toward greater amounts of precipitation and intense storm events compared to previous decades. The Yahara lakes are also continuing to deal with the impact of invasive species on our aquatic ecosystems.

»» 72% of beach closures from Memorial Day to August 20th were due to cyanobacteria blooms »» June continues to be the worst month for cyanobacteria blooms Flooding in the Greater Madison area sent more harmful runoff into our lakes and highlighted the need for more resilient landscapes that increase infiltration. »» All beaches were closed an additional 221 beach days after the August 20th flooding

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 17

RAIN DELIVERS A HIGH AMOUNT OF PHOSPHORUS RAINS DELIVER A HIGH AMOUNT OF PHOSPHORUS Lake Mendota is the largest of the lakes in the Yahara River Watershed and the one with the largest watershed. Conditions in Lake Mendota influence the other lakes in the chain and help tell the story for all of the Yahara lakes. In 2018, the Lake Mendota story starts with the concentration of phosphorus in the fall of 2017. The Lake Mendota Fall Total Phosphorus concentration graph to the right shows that concentrations were high in the lake during fall turnover, which is when the lake mixes from top to bottom due to temperature changes in the water and phosphorus concentrations are most uniform in the lake. While phosphorus concentrations have been relatively low since 2010, in 2018, concentrations went up - but not as high as other high concentration years. Rains on frozen ground in January and February combined with heavy rains in May and June contributed to phosphorus runoff and massive cyanobacteria blooms in June 2018. From Memorial Day to August 20th, the community experienced a record 162 beach day closures on all five area lakes, with most of the closures attributed to cyanobacteria blooms (72%). Then, heavy rains in August contributed more phosphorus runoff and led to flooding that closed all beaches and imposed slow-no-wake restrictions on all five lakes for the remainder of the summer season. In 2018, beaches were closed a total of 383 beach days, or 23% of the summer season. The median number of closure days from 2010-2018 is 99, or 6%. These closures mean almost a quarter of the summer beach season was lost in 2018!

Source: R. Lathrop, UW Center for Limnology Lake Mendota Fall Total Phosphorus | Based on surface measurements taken from 1975-2018. In the fall of 2018, concentrations went up, but not as high as other high concentration years.

DEBATE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR LAKES The flood conditions and massive cyanobacteria blooms have sparked renewed debate about future lake health. To help answer these concerns, at the direction of its Community Board, Clean Lakes Alliance reset its strategic action plan for the lakes, Plan 2020: A Clear Path Forward. The plan includes a new focus on reevaluating the actions needed to meet water quality goals. According to City of Madison Engineer Greg Fries, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The historic flooding in Madison and surrounding areas this summer points to the need to reconsider how we, as a community, design new developments, manage our lakes, and think about the extremes of our weather patterns now and in the future.â&#x20AC;?

Cyanobacteria bloom in Lake Mendota

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50% PHOSPHORUS REDUCTION NEEDED TO CLEAN UP THE LAKES The Yahara Clean Strategic Action Plan for Phosphorus Reduction includes 14 actions that are designed to meet a UW Center for Limnology recommendation for a 50% reduction in the average annual phosphorus delivered to each of the lakes. If this goal is reached, scientists estimate we could double the number of summer days when our lakes are clear and beaches are open. Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element and essential plant nutrient found in materials such as fertilizer, leaves, soil, and animal waste. When it enters our lakes from agricultural and urban runoff, it is known to promote the growth of cyanobacteria blooms that can produce toxins of human and animal health concern. Scientists have determined that one pound of phosphorus can lead to the growth of 500 pounds of wet algae. Cyanobacteria and algae blooms cause beach closures and soupy green water that limit enjoyment of the lakes. In 2018, the community continued work on practices in both urban and rural areas to reduce phosphorus runoff. Farmers are adopting best management practices through the work of Yahara Pride Farms, Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, and the Yahara Watershed Improvement

Network's (WINS) adaptive management project. In urban areas, municipalities have put in stormwater facilities, restored and maintained wetlands and natural areas, addressed erosion in urban streams, and educated the public on the need to keep leaves out of the street. These actions need to accelerate if we are going to meet our water quality goals for the lakes.

AT A GLANCE: 2018 REPORT CARD The 2018 Yahara Lakes Report Card (pg. 20) includes a new category to highlight the differences between middle of the lake and nearshore water quality. This new category “Nearshore Monitoring” includes information from Clean Lakes Alliance volunteer citizen monitors who tested beaches and other access points weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. With this new category, we can now start to compare middle of the lake to nearshore conditions. In the summer of 2018, Lakes Mendota and Monona had “good” water quality in the middle of the lake, but citizen and public health reports of cyanobacteria blooms and flood conditions led to a record number of beach closures.

Flooding at Governor's Island on Lake Mendota

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 19

Clean Lakes Alliance Yahara Lakes Report Card 2018 Lake Water Quality

Mendota

Monona

Wingra1

Waubesa

Kegonsa

0.025

0.030

0.049

0.065

0.089

Phosphorus (July-August, milligrams per liter) 2018 Median total phosphorus Total phosphorus, median of years 2000-2009 Range for good water quality

0.030

0.034

0.056

0.053

0.070

0.02 - 0.032

0.03 - 0.052

Good

Fair

6.6

3.0

3.9

4.6

Rating based on DNR criteria for deep and shallow lakes2 Water Clarity (July-August, feet) 2018 Visibility depth

5.7

4.9

2.0

3.0

Range for good water clarity

Secchi visibility, median of years 2000-2009

5 - 8.1

3.1 - 5.3

Rating based on DNR criteria for deep and shallow lakes2

Good

Good/Fair boundary

Good

Strong/extensive cyanobacteria blooms

Cyanobacteria blooms, median of years 2015 - 20183

7.5

2.5

Nearshore Monitoring (June - August, days)

Beach Closures (June - August, days)4 Number of beaches 2018 beach closures Closures due to cyanobacteria, %

77%

69%

36%

100%

Closures due to high E. coli, %

64%

Closures due to both cyanobacteria & high E. coli, %

14%

25%

237.5

618.5

18.5

146

134.5

223

617

Closures, median of years 2005 - 2018 Aquatic Plant Harvesting (harvester loads)* 2018 Aquatic plant harvesting Harvesting, median of years 2010-2018 Lake Levels (feet above sea level)** 2018 lake level summer maximum Date of 2018 maximum Historic maximum lake levels Date of historic maximum level

852.30

848.52

N/A

847.86

845.75

August 23, 2018

September 6, 2018

N/A

September 6, 2018

June 22, 2018

852.74

847.86

N/A

847.22

845.72

June 6, 2000

June 16, 2008

N/A

June 17, 2008

June 16, 2008

Ice Conditions (days) 86

111

106

Ice on dates

2018-2019 ice duration

12/15/18, 1/10/19

12/11/18, 1/10/19

12/7/18

12/14/18

Ice off dates

12/21/18, 3/31/19

12/28/18, 3/31/19

3/28/19

3/30/19

December 20

December 15

November 29

N/A

April 4

March 30

March 25

N/A

104

114

N/A

Median Freeze Date Median Opening Date Median Duration of Ice Cover

1 Phosphorus and Secchi for Lake Wingra is 1996-2007 median and temperature is 1996-present median 2 DNR criteria are different for deep lakes (Mendota & Monona) and shallow lakes (Wingra, Waubesa, & Kegonsa) 3 “Strong/extensive” cyanobacteria blooms are subjective and based on visual observations by Clean Lakes Alliance citizen monitors 4 Based on the beach closures from Memorial Day to August 21, 2018 Sources: UW Center for Limnology, Dane County Land & Water Resources Department, Public Health Madison & Dane County, Yahara Lakes Association, Wisconsin State Climatology Office, Lake Waubesa Conservation Association, Christy’s Landing, and Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society REPORT CARD SOURCES

UW Center for Limnology – R. Lathrop, UW-Madison Center for Limnology. Data WDNR (1975-1994), NTL-LTER (1995-2018) Dane County Land & Water Resources – lake levels, aquatic plant harvesting, phosphorus projects Yahara Lakes Association – historic lake level highs Historic Flooding in Madison: Cleaning Up, Moving Forward from Summer Storms. (Fall 2018). MadisonWaterWays: News from your Stormwater Utility & Sewer Utility.

20 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Public Health Madison & Dane County – beach closure data Wisconsin State Climatology Office – ice-on/off data for Mendota, Monona & Wingra, Climate data Christy’s Landing – ice-on/off for Waubesa Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society – ice-on/off for Kegonsa United States Geological Survey – preliminary data on phosphorus loading; rain monitoring data on Pheasant Branch

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CITIZEN MONITORS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE W

hen severe weather strikes southern Wisconsin in the summertime, local TV meteorologists often report that “trained spotters” have spotted a funnel cloud or rotation, indicating a tornado could be on the way. The interesting thing is, these trained spotters are usually everyday people living throughout a viewing area, but the basic training they received allows them to be a first line of defense when reporting severe weather. Going on seven years, Clean Lakes Alliance has been following this model with its citizen monitoring program. What started as a handful of volunteers scattered throughout the watershed is now more than 80 trained monitors around all five Yahara lakes. These volunteers continue to help pull back the curtains on changing lake conditions by reporting it to the public via lakeforecast.org. Never before has this level of near-real-time information and accessibility been achieved for Madison's local lakes – and never before has it been more important. In 2018, trained monitors from across all five Yahara lakes were kept busy in the wake of historic rainfall, recordsetting lake levels, and widespread cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms. More than 2,600 condition reports were received from all 79 nearshore monitoring stations, alerting lake users to water quality concerns and other situations as they materialized. Specifically, citizen monitors were instrumental in the quick identification and tracking of massive cyanobacteria blooms in late June, which eventually prompted the closure of 19 public beaches as a precaution to protect public health. On August 20th, a torrential rainstorm hit that earned a prominent spot in Wisconsin’s history books. People

awoke the next day to flooded shorelines and streets in low-lying areas across Greater Madison. Photographs and observations from monitors across the chain of lakes poured in as fast as the unprecedented rainfall. Real-time information sharing proved invaluable once again, giving the public information about the lakes and awareness of unfolding conditions. Despite a rash of subsequent beach closings, slow-no-wake orders, and cyanobacteria blooms that effectively ended the recreational season, monitors continued to provide condition reports at all public beaches through the end of September. Lakeforecast.org is a tool for the entire community. Besides reporting on the bad stuff like flooding, beach closures, and cyanobacteria blooms, the website also lists water temperature, clarity, and conditions at each monitored point. This useful information can help lake users pick the best spot for a picnic, swim, or any other lake related activity.

Citizen monitor shares testing process with neighbors

Clean Lakes Alliance has now empowered the community to talk about the latest beach and lake conditions like it does the weather. Whether it’s visiting lakeforecast. org for a water quality update at a local beach, or following Clean Lakes Alliance on Facebook to view entertaining Weekend Lake Reports for weekly recaps and forecasts, the community is becoming increasingly more aware and motivated to act. Learn more about last year’s season and how to support ongoing monitoring efforts: cleanlakesalliance.org/monitoring.

Flooded pier section on Lake Mendota Photo courtesy of Arlene Koziol

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 23

MORE THAN A TEAM FOR MANY, MAD-CITY SKI IS A FAMILY TRADITION By CAL LARSEN

Photos courtesy of Mad-City Ski Team

he Green Bay Packers have won 13 championships throughout the team’s existence – 100 years in 2019. And yet the Packers isn’t even Wisconsin’s most successful sports team. The title of Wisconsin’s most successful team should arguably go to Mad-City Ski Team, a show ski team that performs in Madison from Memorial Day to Labor Day and consists of more than 100 members of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds. Winner of 10 national championships, four in a row from 2006 to 2009, Mad-City has been performing in Madison, Wisconsin for more than 50 years. Two things have remained consistent over the 50-year span: family and success. Matt Heilman, a realtor in the Madison area, joined Mad-City in 1988 when he was a kid. Upon joining, Heilman said he dragged his parents along, resulting in his sister joining shortly after. Eventually Heilman and his sister were skiing while their dad drove a boat and his mom sewed costumes for the team. Now holding onto just about 30 years of experience, Heilman says his kids are following in his footsteps and getting involved with Mad-City, meaning their grandpa [Matt’s dad] is still driving a boat while he and his children are performing on skis. There are 54 years between Mad-City Ski Team’s youngest member, age 6 and its oldest member, age 60.

24 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

“What I love best about the sport of show skiing and being on the team is really the family atmosphere,” Heilman said. “Really your teammates also become your family. We have such an awesome group of people, it’s a large team…but we really are like family.” Mad-City practices and performs on Lake Monona at Law Park throughout the summer months. From ramp jumps all the way to five-tier pyramids, there isn’t much the team doesn’t try in performances, a claim that is backed up by the team’s trophy case. The team’s first national championship came in 1975. The next four came in the following consecutive years. Mad-City also won the Wisconsin State Show Ski Tournament in 2012, 2015, and 2017, according to its website. The reason for its success could be attributed to team chemistry, or maybe it’s the unending passion and dedication to the sport that provides a rich history. Or, maybe it’s the family aspect, both literal and theoretical. The team’s president, Michael Nowicki, has been water skiing for 33 years. His dad was the one who first got Nowicki up on skis so it’s only appropriate that Nowicki was the one to get his daughter up on skis. Continued on page 27

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"We have such a water-focused community because of the lakes. They're such a central piece of our community that water skiing is hugely popular." Matt Heilman, Mad-City Ski Team Member

Like Heilman, show skiing has been a family activity for Nowicki. Growing up Nowicki’s parents were in a boat while he and his sister skied. Things look a little different now, with Nowicki skiing alongside his daughter while his wife helps out with onshore operations. “We are a family organization,” Nowicki said. “It’s a complete family activity for all families whether they want to ski or be a part of the support that it requires to be on the performance.” Like any passion, partaking in the activity delivers some sort of reward: a physical achievement, a mental relaxation tool, or some sort of emotional release. That’s what passions and hobbies are for. For Heilman, the reward is the family dynamic created on the team from familial and friendly relationships. “Seeing her [his daughter] with her friends and enjoying things and seeing the joy on her face when she does something new or does something in the show in front of people, she loves it,” Nowicki said. “To me, that’s the rewarding part.” At this point there is a pattern to be followed. Mad-City Ski Team is more than just a team, literally. The list of members who have family members helping out in some way is a long one. “I have two daughters that are 10 and 11 who ski on the team. My husband is a boat rider….and I’ve been the stage coordinator,” said Wendy Cupp, an on-shore member. Cupp, originally a Stage Coordinator for the team, moved to Show Coordinator in the 2018 season. Stage Coordinator duties include telling boats when to go, when skiers are to hit the water and if there is debris in the water, among other things. As mentioned, Cupp helps out on shore while her family is on the water performing in the show. Asked the same question about a personal reward from being a team member, it’s almost as though déjà vu kicks in. “I think number one is my kids love it,” Cupp said. “When you see your kids involved in something they absolutely love, I think that’s what has made my husband and I want to be involved… Because they love it so much, if we can do anything to add more to the team, add more value, more support into the skiing industry itself, we will do it.” As the summer progresses, Nowicki says that the crowd starts to grow as more people take notice and intrigue increases.

“I think it’s very eclectic,” Cupp said. “That’s what makes it so cool. There are people who come every week just because they love the show…some of those people may be friends or relatives of ours or people from the community.” The team also sees an audience show up that may not have known about the team but has seen it perform or practice while passing by and become interested. “Some people are so intrigued and ask all kinds of questions and next thing you know you’re there on Sunday at the show and they’re there,” Cupp said. With a family aspect and a loyal fan base, Heilman believes waterskiing and show skiing is popular among participants and fans due to Madison’s geographic location. “There are just so many types of water skiing that happen in the area, as well as many lake and boat owners wakeboarding, and surfing is growing,” Heilman said. “We have such a waterfocused community because of the lakes. They’re such a central piece of our community that water skiing is hugely popular.” Winning national championships is great, as is commanding a crowd and attention. What’s even better than that is getting to share the experience with a family. “We joke that we may eat Culver’s every night of the week but at least we eat it together,” Cupp said.

Cupp describes the fan base as representing Madison as a city. Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 27

SUCK THE MUCK: PROJECT UPDATE TWO-YEAR UPDATE ON DANE COUNTY PROJECT

A Brief Background

he phosphorus that chokes Madison's lakes with algae comes from multiple sources (i.e., manure, leaf litter, fertilizers, eroded soil, etc.), and is picked up and delivered by stormwater runoff. Today, many farms implement best practices like buffer strips between the field and the stream to catch phosphorus runoff, but that wasn’t the case years ago. In streams, the phosphorus builds up into what is known as “legacy sediment.” If the sediment remains in streams, it can be released into the lakes, helping fuel large cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) blooms.

Sucking Success In 2016, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced an aggressive $12 million initiative to literally “suck” this sediment off the bottom of 33 miles of streams that feed into the lakes. Fast forward two years and a nearly three-mile stretch of Dorn Creek had more than 11,000 tons containing 75,000 pounds of phosphorus-laden sediment removed from the creek bed. “Our community has made great strides through critical partnerships to curb phosphorus run-off from rural and urban sources,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “And we now know that we can’t achieve our clean lakes goals without also addressing what’s already sitting at the bottom of our streams. By removing this sediment, we will see clean lakes in our lifetime.” The project removed three to four feet of sediment, which is more than twice as much as initially anticipated. The sediment was then dried out in settling ponds with the water filtered back to Dorn Creek. This year Dane County will start work on phase two of the project, which will remove legacy sediment from Lower Sixmile Creek and Token Creek.

BEFORE

28 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Additional property acquired by Dane County to support Suck the Muck project

AFTER

y ct

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INCREASING INFILTRATION

& DECREASING RUNOFF

Sediment runoff into Lake Mendota

018 left much of southern Wisconsin waterlogged. Madison received 50.64 inches of precipitation (which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow and ice), making it the second wettest year since weather records were first taken in 1869. The only year with more precipitation was in 1881 when Madison received 52.91 inches of precipitation. Record flooding in late August, followed by a soggy September, made it the wettest growing season since 1996. The climate is changing with frequent heavy rains becoming more common across southern Wisconsin. Heavy rains in the winter and early spring are especially hard on the lakes because the rain falls on frozen ground and washes straight into the nearest waterbody. These evolving weather patterns are a sign the community needs to better manage water across the landscape. The Yahara River Watershed covers about two-thirds of Dane County, and extends into Columbia County to the north and Rock County to the south. All of the water that falls within the watershed drains toward the five Yahara lakes – Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa – and to the point where the Yahara River meets the Rock River. When rains fall hard and fast, the precipitation washes quickly toward the lakes, carrying with it soil and harmful pollutants. Everyone can help manage runoff from rain events and improve water quality by increasing stormwater infiltration at homes and businesses. Rain barrels are relatively inexpensive and are a

30 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

great way to harvest rainwater. By connecting a rain barrel to a downspout, rainwater can be collected, stored, and repurposed. The barrels contain the rainwater that falls on rooftops, saving homeowners money on water bills, and reducing demands on the groundwater aquifer. That’s a double win! Another way to protect lakes and streams is by installing porous materials around homes and businesses. These materials will allow rainwater to better infiltrate into the ground, rather than flowing quickly to storm sewers that deliver untreated stormwater to the lakes. Even without purchasing a new driveway or rain barrel, there is a simple way to better manage the equipment already in place. Make sure downspouts are directed into a garden or a grassy area, rather than toward a hard surface like a driveway or sidewalk. Downspouts can also be directed toward a rain garden. Rain gardens are easily created depressions in a yard that are planted with deep-rooted native grasses and wildflowers. They not only help infiltrate water into the ground, but also add curb appeal and serve as a magnet for birds and butterflies. Keep reading for tips about how to create a rain garden!

BUILD YOUR OWN RAIN GARDEN C

ompared to a typical patch of shallow-rooted turf grass, a well-designed rain garden can absorb 30 percent more rainwater. Building a rain garden is a great weekend project that will help protect our lakes and beautify your yard.

Creating your rain garden:

Location tips:

• Make sure you call Digger’s Hotline at 1-800-2428511 before you start creating your rain garden.

• Rain gardens should be created at least ten feet away from the house so that water doesn’t seep into your foundation.

• Determine your rain garden location and mark with a string or paint and start digging.

• Do not build a rain garden on top of a septic system.

• Dig so that a small berm forms on the downhill slope of the hill. The berm is needed so that rainwater flowing into the rain garden will become trapped in the garden, rather than flowing out the downhill side of the garden. The berm may be covered with mulch or grass after the garden has been built.

• For best results, rain gardens should be created in areas of full or partial sunshine.

• Have fun choosing plants for your rain garden. You can select your favorite colors, various heights of plants, plants that bloom at different times of the season, and plants that attract wildlife like birds and butterflies. Perennial plants are best because they will grow every year and require little maintenance. Make sure you choose plants that will grow well in the sunlight conditions your yard receives.

• Rain gardens can be any size, although typically rain gardens are between 100 and 300 square feet.

• For more information visit Dane County’s Ripple Effects website: ripple-effects.com/raingardens

• A rain garden should be located in an area that will catch runoff from your roof, such as near a downspout.

Size tips: • Most rain gardens are between four and eight inches deep, although the slope of your yard may create the need for a deeper garden (a yard with a greater slope will require a deeper rain garden).

Soil tips: • Much of southern Wisconsin has sandy or silty soil - peat may be added to garden soil to enhance rainwater absorption.

"Building our rain garden was such a fun weekend project with incredibly satisfying results. Besides looking beautiful, we were pleased to be able to build a natural way to direct water away from our home." Anna & Jesse Ganz Madison Residents

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 31

32 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

HEALTHY LAWN = HEALTHY LAKES A

watershed is an area of land where precipitation collects and drains toward a common outlet. In the Yahara River Watershed, all runoff drains into Lakes Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. In August of 2018, the community saw how quickly runoff can drain into the lakes record flooding occurred. The best way to help the lakes is to slow or reduce runoff, which often contains algae-creating phosphorus, from entering the water. For homeowners and businesses, reducing runoff starts with a healthy lawn.

Lawncare in Madison In 2005, the Dane County Board of Supervisors, led by then County Executive Kathleen Falk, passed a phosphorus ban on all fertilizers sold in the county. The ban applied to commercial companies, as well as any business in Dane County that sold fertilizer. The result was less phosphorus being applied to the land – especially to established lawns that don’t need added phosphorus to thrive. Today, phosphorus-enriched fertilizer can only be applied if soil tests indicate a deficiency or if a new lawn is being started. “Once a lawn is established, maintaining it with approved fertilizer will prevent weeds, promote growth, and add a natural filter for stormwater,” said Dr. Brad DeBels, soil scientist and agronomist at Weed Man Lawn Care.

UNHEALTHY Unfortunately, there is still a common misconception that fertilizer hurts the lakes. In reality, a strong healthy lawn can actually be better for the lakes because it will hold soil in place and filter more runoff. One of the easiest practices for homeowners looking to help the lakes is to position roof downspouts onto a healthy lawn and not onto a hard surface, such as pavement. Homeowners will notice the difference by the reduced amount of water that reaches the street and storm drains.

Help Lawns, Help Lakes One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is mowing grass too short, or bagging mowed grass. “The best lawns are long – almost the highest setting on a standard mower,” said Dr. DeBels. He

HEALTHY added, “Grass clippings that fall back to the lawn, and aren’t bagged, are a great natural fertilizer.” In the fall, a great way to help lawns and lakes is to rake leaves out of the street in front of homes and into yards. Leaves contain phosphorus that stormwater runoff takes from the street directly to the lakes. After the leaves are on lawns, homeowners have two options – mulch or compost. Mulched leaves provide great nutrients to keep yards healthy throughout the winter. A properly maintained leaf compost pile will help generate nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens or planters. See additional tips on lawn care: cleanlakesalliance.org/leaves

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 33

2019

OUR LAKES CALENDAR Piers on Lake Mendota

May 2019 Festival Saturdays Saturday, May 4, 11 & 25 The Edgewater, Madison theedgewater.com/events Community Breakfast Wednesday, May 8 Alliant Energy Center, Madison cleanlakesalliance.org Full Moon Paddle Saturday, May 18 Wingra Boats, Madison 8:30-10:30 p.m. madisonboats.com Pop Up Pier Party Wednesday, May 22 The Edgewater, Madison theedgewater.com/events Mad-City Ski Team Show Sunday, May 26 Law Park, Madison 5:15 p.m. madcityskiteam.com/ calendar Concerts on the Rooftop Thursday, May 30 Monona Terrace, Madison mononaterrace.com/ programs-and-events

June 2019 Mad-City Ski Team Show Sunday, June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Law Park, Madison 5:15 p.m. madcityskiteam.com/ calendar Paddle for a Purpose Monday, June 3, 10, 17 & 24 At all three Madison Boat locations 4-8 p.m. madisonboats.com Terrace ArtZone Wednesday, June 12, 19, 26 Memorial Union Terrace Plinth 5-7 p.m. union.wisc.edu/wheelhouse Ice Cream Boat Float Tuesday, June 6 Marshall Boats, Middleton 4:30-6 p.m. madisonboats.com

Marquette Waterfront Festival Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9

Marquette Neighborhood Association marquette-neighborhood.org/ festivals/waterfront-festival

Yahara Lakes 101 Wednesday, June 12 The Edgewater, Madison 8-9 a.m. cleanlakesalliance.org Ice Cream Boat Float Wednesday, June 12 Wingra Boats, Madison 4:30-5:30 p.m. madisonboats.com Festival Saturdays Saturday, June 15 The Edgewater, Madison theedgewater.com/events Jazz in the Park Saturday, June 15 Wingra Boats, Madison wingraboats.com

Concerts on the Rooftop Thursday, June 6, 13 & 27 Monona Terrace, Madison mononaterrace.com/ programs-and-events

Loop the Lake Bike Ride Saturday, June 15 10 a.m. Olbrich Park, Madison cleanlakesalliance.org

Brewgrass Fridays Friday, June 7, 14, 21 & 28 The Edgewater, Madison theedgewater.com/events

Paddle & Portage Saturday, June 15 James Madison Park, Madison paddleandportage.com

Full Moon Paddle Monday, June 17 Brittingham Boats, Madison 8-10 p.m. madisonboats.com Ice Cream Boat Float Saturday, June 22 Brittingham Boats, Madison 10-11:30 a.m. madisonboats.com Ice Cream Boat Float Monday, June 24 Marshall Boats, Middleton 5-6:30 p.m. madisonboats.com Shake the Lake Saturday, June 29 John Nolen Drive, Madison shakethelake.org

July 2019 Paddle for a Purpose Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 At all three Madison Boat locations 4-8 p.m. madisonboats.com Terrace ArtZone Wednesday, July 10, 17, 24 Memorial Union Terrace Plinth 5-7 p.m. union.wisc.edu/wheelhouse

Proud Partner of the Clean Lakes Alliance since 2010

34 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Ice Cream Boat Float Tuesday, July 2 Wingra Boats, Madison 4-6 p.m. madisonboats.com Mad-City Ski Team Show Sunday, July 7, 14, & 28 Law Park, Madison 5:15 p.m. madcityskiteam.com/ calendar Brewgrass Fridays Friday, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 The Edgewater, Madison theedgewater.com/events Waubesa Surf 'n Turf Thursday, July 11 The Legend at Bergamont & Christy’s Landing 8 a.m.-5 p.m. cleanlakesalliance.org Full Moon Paddle Tuesday, July 16 Wingra Boats, Madison 8-10 p.m. madisonboats.com Concerts on the Rooftop Tuesday, July 18 & 25 Monona Terrace, Madison mononaterrace.com/ programs-and-events Yahara Lakes 101 Wednesday, July 24 The Edgewater, Madison 8-9 a.m. cleanlakesalliance.org Big Swell Madison Saturday, July 27 8 a.m. Law Park, Madison bigswellswim.com Music on Monona Saturday, July 27 Brittingham Boats, Madison 4-7 p.m. madisonboats.com

Terrace Art Takeover with Allen Centennial Gardens Tuesday, July 30 Memorial Union Terrace Stage 6:30-8:30 p.m. union.wisc.edu/wheelhouse

August 2019 Brewgrass Fridays Friday, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 The Edgewater, Madison theedgewater.com/events Movies on Monona Friday, August 2 Brittingham Boats, Madison 7:30-10:30 p.m. madisonboats.com Madison Area Antique and Classic Boat Show Friday, August 2 Boats will be touring Lake Waubesa, Lake Monona, and Lake Mendota Christy’s Landing, Madison glacbs.org/events/ madisonboatshow.aspx Mad-City Ski Team Show Sunday, August 4, 18 & 25 Law Park, Madison 5:15 p.m. madcityskiteam.com/ calendar Paddle for a Purpose Monday, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 At all three Madison Boat locations 4–8 p.m. madisonboats.com Yahara Lakes 101 Wednesday, August 14 The Edgewater, Madison 8-9 a.m. cleanlakesalliance.org

Full Moon Paddle Friday, August 16 Brittingham Boats, Madison 8-10 p.m. madisonboats.org Duck Dash Sunday, August 18 Wingra Boats, Madison wingraboats.com/eventslessons Ice Cream Boat Float Friday, August 23 Wingra Boats, Madison 3:30-5:30 a.m. madisonboats.com Annual Glow Paddle Friday, August 23 Brittingham Boats, Madison 7-10 p.m. madisonboats.com

September 2019 Mad-City Ski Team Show Sunday, September 1 Law Park, Madison 5:15 p.m. madcityskiteam.com/ calendar Ironman Wisconsin Sunday, September 8 Madison ironman.com Yahara Lakes 101 Wednesday, September 11 The Edgewater, Madison 8-9 a.m. cleanlakesalliance.org

Fore! Lakes Golf Outing Friday, September 20 Nakoma Golf Club, Madison cleanlakesalliance.org

October 2019 Yahara Lakes 101 Wednesday, October 9 The Edgewater, Madison 8-9 a.m. cleanlakesalliance.org Imagine a Day Without Water Wednesday, October 23 Local restaurants in Madison cleanlakesalliance.org

November 2019 Yahara Lakes 101 Wednesday, November 13 The Edgewater, Madison 8-9 a.m. cleanlakesalliance.org

2020 Save the Date Frozen Assets Fundraiser Saturday, February 1, 2020 The Edgewater, Madison cleanlakesalliance.org Frozen Assets Festival February 3-8, 2020 The Edgewater, Madison cleanlakesalliance.org

Full Moon Paddle Saturday, September 14 Brittingham Boats, Madison 7-9 p.m. madisonboats.com

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 35

Thank you

Clean Lakes Alliance for the opportunity to support your work in the Madison community. · Fore! Lakes Golf Outing · Clean-up at Warner Park · Frozen Assets Festival

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36 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

REBUILDING PHEASANT BRANCH By LLOYD EAGAN & PAM SHANNON Co-Presidents, Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy Board

City of Monona drone footage

he big story for the Pheasant Branch Conservancy was the damage caused by the August 20th historic flood. As floodwater rushed through the creek corridor, it changed the size and shape of the stream and banks, and bridges were moved off their footings. While they remain intact, the stream area is now wider and the bridges don’t span the distance. This year we have already started working with the City of Middleton to develop plans for stabilizing, planting, and rebuilding through the creek corridor. We will work closely with the City and help select consultants to develop designs for the new creek corridor. We will make sure there are opportunities for public input and education along the way. We want to ensure the new plans will support a sustainable future along the creek. While the devastation was terribly sad, the outpouring of support from the Friends members, local businesses, and the community has been heartwarming. We raised more than $140,000 in our Give More to Restore Campaign and we are working to ensure the money is applied where it is most needed.

According to the City of Middleton, the damage assessment is almost $4 million. Proper restoration of and enhancements to the creek corridor will involve consideration of a number of elements, including: • Stabilizing stream banks to reduce erosion • Determining revegetation options • Protecting existing infrastructure of sanitary sewer and stormwater outlets • Replacing or designing alternatives to damaged pedestrian bridges • Enhancing aesthetics, scenery, biological diversity, and habitat • Seeking public input through informational and educational sessions We remain optimistic about new beginnings in 2019 and look to work together as a team to ensure a response to all issues in the Conservancy.

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 37

Foley cares about our lakes. Foley is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Clean Lakes Alliance. We look forward to building on and expanding upon decades of ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the lakes, rivers and wetlands in our communities. For more information about Foley, please contact: Sarah A. Slack in our Madison office at sslack@foley.com.

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38 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

| 150 East Gilman Street, Suite 5000, Madison, WI 53703-1482

608.257.5035

18.MC9676

A WORKPLACE: MORE THAN A VIEW FOLEY & LARDNER LLP DONATES OFFICE SPACE TO CLEAN LAKES ALLIANCE

ituated on 250 feet of shoreline along Lake Mendota, Verex Plaza, operated by Fiore Companies, is an office building with views shared by few others in the downtown area. One of the building’s largest tenants is the nationally known law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, which occupies part of the building’s second floor and all of the building’s third through fifth floors. With many offices and conference rooms facing the lake, Foley & Lardner attorneys and employees appreciate first-hand the importance of clean and healthy lakes. When Clean Lakes Alliance was founded in 2010, Foley & Lardner was one of four Sustaining Founders – joining Lands’ End, Spectrum Brands, and the Madison Community Foundation to donate funds to launch the new nonprofit. Shortly thereafter, Foley & Lardner provided Clean Lakes Alliance with office space located on the second floor of the Verex Plaza that included sweeping views of Madison’s largest lake. Already committed to the nonprofit by providing pro bono legal service, Foley & Lardner generously offered Clean Lakes Alliance the space for staff offices as an in-kind contribution. Today, Clean Lakes Alliance houses 10 staff members and numerous volunteers in the 2,000 square foot space. The close proximity to James Madison Park allows Clean Lakes Alliance

staff to monitor water conditions daily in the summer, and display the results in real-time at lakeforecast.org. The northeast view toward Maple Bluff gives Clean Lakes Alliance a front row seat to monitor cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms, and ice-on/ice-off conditions on Lake Mendota. The in-kind office space partnership between Foley & Lardner and Clean Lakes Alliance, which is valued yearly at $65,000, is currently donated through 2020. In addition to the in-kind office space, Foley & Lardner provides pro bono legal service and environmental law expertise, contributes on Clean Lakes Alliance boards and committees, and participates at an annual volunteer day, sending attorneys and staff members to work on a lake-related project. For Foley & Lardner, the partnership with Clean Lakes Alliance is a natural fit. “If you operate a business that looks to bring people to Madison, you need clean lakes,” says Foley & Lardner managing partner Paul Wrycha. “Supporting Clean Lakes Alliance not only helps the lakes, it helps all of the businesses in our community."

View of Verex Plaza from James Madison Park

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 39

LAKE MENDOTA Mendota Quick Facts... • Shoreline: 22 miles • Max depth: 82 feet • 48 species of fish • The inflatable, to-scale, replica of Lady Liberty that appears on Lake Mendota during the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival started as a prank in 1979!

M E N D OTA

Beaches and Access Sites 1 Warner Park 2 Maple Bluff Beach Park 3 Tenney Park 4 James Madison Park 5 Memorial Union 6 Willow Beach 7 Picnic Point 8 Spring Harbor Park 9 Marshall Park 10 Mendota County Park 11 Governor Nelson State Park

40 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Restaurants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Nau-Ti-Gal Betty Lou Cruises The Mariner's Inn Bishop's Bay Country Club Captain Bill's Memorial Union The Statehouse The Icehouse The Boathouse

Gasoline Vendors 1 SkipperBud's of Madison 2 Mazanet Marina

Boat Launch Sites * See page 57 and 58 in the Directory for the complete list of boat launch sites.

LAKES MONONA & WINGRA Wingra Quick Facts... • Shoreline: 4 miles • Max depth: 21 feet • In the late 1800s, the Knickerbocker Ice Co. harvested ice from Lake Wingra that would be sold to meat packers, brewers, and retailers.

WING

MONONA

Monona Quick Facts... • Shoreline: 13 miles • Max depth: 64 feet • One of the first passenger steamboats brought to Madison was the “Scutanawbequon” in 1863. The steamboat would carry thousands of passengers every day between Mendota and Monona for just 20¢.

Beaches and Access Sites 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Hudson Park Olbrich Park Stone Bridge Park Schluter Beach Esther Beach Park Olin Park Bernie's Beach Park Brittingham Park Law Park B.B. Clarke Beach Park Vilas (Henry) Park Wingra Boat Launch and Livery

Restaurants 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Gasoline Vendors

3 Four Lakes Yacht Club Madison Elk's Lodge Sardine Boat Launch Sites Lake Vista Café Paisan's * See page 57 and 58 in the Directory The Biergarten at Olbrich Park for the complete list of boat launch East Side Club sites. Lakeside St. Coffee House Breakwater Buck & Honey's Waypoint Public House

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 41

LAKES WAUBESA & KEGONSA

Waubesa Quick Facts... • Shoreline: 9 miles • Max depth: 34 feet • Nearly 1,000 acres of wetland surround the lake • Hog Island, on the west shoreline, is a drumlin, a long, inverted spoon-shaped mound of sand and gravel.

KEGONSA

Beaches and Access Sites 24 McDaniel Park 25 Goodland County Park 26 Lake Kegonsa State Park

Restaurants 20 21 22 23

Green Lantern Christy's Landing Kegonsa Cove Resort Springers

42 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Gasoline Vendors 4 Barr's Resort 5 Kegonsa Cove Resort

Boat Launch Sites * See page 57 and 58 in the Directory for the complete list of boat launch sites.

Kegonsa Quick Facts... • Shoreline: 10 miles • Max depth: 31 feet • The Castle on Lake Kegonsa was built by two Nordic men, Peter Sorenson and Gunder Anderson, in the early 1900s whose architecture represents a typical Danish castle. • Fish Camp County Park was once a place for carp seining and would sometimes ship up to 30,000 pounds of live carp to surrounding states!

Kitesurfer on Lake Waubesa

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 43

Photos courtesy of Friends of Starkweather Creek

CONNECTING YOUTH TO OUR WATERS C

lean Lakes Alliance is working to build a community invested in improving and protecting water quality in the Yahara Watershed. One group working hard for the watershed is Friends of Starkweather Creek. The group is working to engage a more diverse community with Madison's waters. The Starkweather Creek Watershed covers a 24-square mile basin. Starkweather Creek flows through many neighborhoods on the east side of Madison, with two branches of the creek converging near Olbrich Botanical Gardens before emptying into the northern end of Lake Monona. Many years ago, the creek consisted of multiple marshes fed by natural springs. Over time, wetlands were filled

in, and the creek was straightened and deepened to accommodate urban runoff. Similarly, the creek has been impacted by contamination from farms and factories upstream. In 2003, a passionate group of citizens formed Friends of Starkweather Creek, dedicated to the enhancement of the watershedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental quality. Their mission is to work for a healthy urban stream and to benefit the community through stewardship, education, and advocacy. A partner of Clean Lakes Alliance, Friends of Starkweather Creek also recognizes the value of educating the public about water quality challenges and inspiring the community to take action for the watershed. In neighborhoods such

as Schenk-Atwood-StarkweatherYahara, Darbo-Worthington Park, and Eastmorland Park, Friends of Starkweather Creek have sponsored outings for residents who have limited access to nature. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach is to find ways to transform people and places with a focus on nature recreation. In recent years, Friends of Starkweather Creek has been increasing its outreach efforts with a focus on ensuring equitable access to nature and engaging with a wider, more diverse community. Many of the participants have never experienced the nature around Starkweather Creek and many are first-time paddlers. With partners like Goodman Community Center, City of Madison, and Madison FUN, they have been able to facilitate canoe outings for youth who may not otherwise have access to the lakes. Lake activities have historically been inaccessible to many communities across the Greater Madison area. Clean Lakes Alliance believes it is a priority to give everyone the opportunity to engage with the water and nature that surrounds the community. Visit the Friends of Starkweather Creek Facebook page to learn about opportunities for paddling excursions and creek clean up events.

44 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Get out and explore Madison’s Lakes

BOAT RENTALS

EXPLORE

NATURE IN THE MIDDLE

OF THE CITY S

Wingra Boats (Monroe St.)

Brittingham Boats (Downtown)

Marshall Boats (Westside)

824 Knickerbocker St. Madison, WI 53711

701 W Brittingham Pl. Madison, WI 53715

2101 Allen Blvd. Madison, WI 53562

(608) 233-5332

(608) 250-2555

(608) 228-8333

cience Thursday with Wingra Boats provides children and families with an opportunity to learn about lakes and nature. This summer, you’ll have a chance to hold a live reptile, learn the basics of fishing, get close to zoo animals, and more! “Science Thursday connects children and families to the natural environment around them,” said Debi Leeper, Science Thursday Coordinator. Not only are Science Thursday programs important for exposing children to the world of science, they’re also fun for children and families! Spend a summer evening sitting lakeside learning about animals, lake science, and more from local presenters. At Science Thursday, you’ll get the best view of Lake Wingra and give your family a firsthand opportunity to learn about the environment and gain an appreciation for the lakes and the living things that depend on them. Science Thursday is about more than just holding critters and playing in the lake, it awakens curiosity and teaches hands-on scientific study while building community. What are you waiting for? Get out and learn with Wingra Boats this summer!

MADISONBOATS.com

www.

June 13 - August 22 Wingra Boats, Madison Free; no registration required madisonboats.com

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 45

46 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

LIFE ON THE LAKE

View from Jeff Haupt's home

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING, BUT I THINK I WILL STAY By JEFF HAUPT

moved to Boulder, Colorado after college and traded the lakes for the mountains. For ten years, I enjoyed their beauty - skiing and mountain biking with any free time I could find. For most people in Colorado, the mountains are spiritual. Life anywhere else would not be fulfilling.

that can rival any city. We love our farmers’ market and our entertainment scene. But it’s the lakes that make Madison the spiritual place that it is. Bike rides along John Nolen Drive and trips to the UW Memorial Union mean much less without our waters.

When I moved back to Wisconsin, I traded the mountains for the lakes, and I returned to my annual duties at my grandparents’ cabin of putting in the pier each spring, and taking it out again every fall. In the time I was gone, our neighbor had grown older and developed health issues which prevented him from walking on his dock, much less enjoying his boat and the water. But every year, he would ask me to put in his boat and dock. I tied his fishing boat to a tree every spring, and untied that very knot every fall. Even though he was no longer capable, his soul needed that boat in the water.

We need to protect the lakes of Madison, and keep our waters clean for generations to come. Join Clean Lakes Alliance in their commitment to keeping our souls alive.

Three years ago, my wife and I bought a house on Lake Mendota from a couple who had lived there for 45 years. The gentleman was a Navy man, and his eyes welled up as he left the house for the final time, knowing the water would no longer be part of his life. Our new neighbor was 93, born and raised in that very house, but his health had declined in recent years. He was no longer capable of sailing and getting out on the water. But each spring his sailboat, dock, and mooring buoy would return to the water. Like our neighbor in northern Wisconsin, his soul needed to know that he could return to the water on his boat. It’s what kept both of them going. I have realized our lakes carry the same spiritual meaning to Madisonians as the mountains to those in the west. We are a college town, and a state capital. We have a food scene

Jeff Haupt is the publisher and co-owner of the Isthmus and Red Card Media. He is a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate who lives on Lake Mendota with his wife and two daughters.

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 47

48 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Sunset over Lake Mendota

CLEAN LAKES COMMUNITY AWARDS Presented by Town Bank

he Clean Lakes Community Awards recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of individuals, volunteers, businesses, farmers, and other groups working to protect and improve the lakes. The awards honor citizens making a difference in our community. In November 2018, the following groups and individuals received awards.

business Lake Leadership Award for their commitment to our lakes. NGL is a Clean Lakes Alliance sustaining partner and has been volunteering with the organization since 2015. They demonstrate their commitment to the community by offering employees eight paid hours per year to volunteer at a nonprofit – which oftentimes is Clean Lakes Alliance!

Naturalake Biosciences

Arlene and Jeff Koziol

Naturalake Biosciences received the New Lake Partner of the Year Award for going beyond a first-time financial contribution. This company demonstrated their commitment to supporting Clean Lakes Alliance by sponsoring a Yahara Lakes 101 talk, hosting a Lunch & Learn, and participating in a volunteer day at Warner Park. Located in Madison, this company works on developing natural and sustainable bio-technologies to address lake and pond problems.

Arlene and Jeff Koziol received the Volunteer of the Year Award for their valuable and selfless dedication to the Yahara lakes. They have been volunteering as lake monitors since 2016. Last summer, they were instrumental in reporting cyanobacteria blooms in the Spring Harbor area, and took gripping photos that appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal. Together, they continue to advocate for more lake testing to protect the public’s health.

Tyler Leeper

The Gialamas Company

Tyler Leeper from Madison Boats was presented our individual Lake Leadership Award for providing educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages on three different lakes. Leeper’s investment in these areas has helped transform blighted beaches into community gems, inspiring people to connect and care for the lakes.

The Gialamas Company received the Founders Award for supporting Clean Lakes Alliance since its founding in 2010. This family-run business generously provided Clean Lakes Alliance with inkind offices for its initial two years. Since then it has financially supported multiple events, and was instrumental in funding the initial Frozen Assets Festival, which now involves more than 6,000 attendees every year.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company National Company

Guardian Life Insurance (NGL) was awarded the

Dane County Dane County received the Project of the Year Award for “Suck the Muck.” This

initiative aims to reduce phosphorus as recommended in the Yahara CLEAN Strategic Action Plan for Phosphorus Reduction. The $12-million project will, over the next four years, remove phosphorus-laden sediment from the bottom of roughly 33 miles of streams that feed into the lakes. Dane County continues to work with Clean Lakes Alliance committees to identify innovative solutions that can be implemented in the watershed. Clean Lakes Alliance is lucky to have an entire community of businesses, organizations, government officials, and citizens working on behalf of the lakes. Thank you to all of the awardees and to all of YOU for making the lakes a top priority.

SAVE THE DATE! CLEAN LAKES COMMUNITY AWARDS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019.

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 49

13,000-15,000 years ago The melting of the glacier leaves behind Glacial Lake Yahara. The debris that dammed the lake eroded away, causing the water to fall into depressions which became todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lakes. Paleo-Indians thrive along the shores of the lakes.

1,000 years ago

Effigy mounds are built for ceremonial and burial purposes, with some still existing on the shores of the lakes today.

1882 Blooms of cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) first documented in Lake Mendota.

1930

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District is formed.

A Brief History of Our Yahara Lakes 1800s

European settlers begin entering Wisconsin. The lakes have white sand bottoms with clear water.

1880s

Madisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raw sewage is piped into Lake Monona.

1930s

The Dust Bowl prompts farm conservation practices that helped the lakes.

HISTORICAL LAKE PHOTO

1848

Wisconsin becomes a state.

1849 Tenney Park Dam is built, elevating lake levels.

1971

All Yahara lakes stop receiving raw or treated sewage.

1987

Center for Limnology and the Wisconsin DNR begin a biomanipulation project by manipulating food webs to improve water quality.

2000s

Invasive spiny water flea (2009) and zebra mussels (2015) infest the lakes.

2010

Clean Lakes Alliance is formed.

50 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society

CLEAN LAKES ALLIANCE AWARDS NEARLY $729,000 IN GRANTS T

he vision of Clean Lakes Alliance reads “We see a future in which everybody realizes the lakes are the center of our community.” In order to perpetuate that vision, Clean Lakes Alliance has made sure to invest in important lake improvement projects and educational programming. From 2014 to 2018, Clean Lakes Alliance awarded $728,800 in grants to support youth education and improve the water quality in the Yahara River Watershed. The grants were given to support efforts in the following areas: • Farmland Management: $611,650 • Urban Management & Innovative Practices: $84,000 • Youth Education: $33,150 This process was formalized in 2018 through a new Clean Lakes Grants Program that awarded $162,500 to eight different projects on water quality, outreach, and education. The goal of this grant program is to build support and capacity around shared community goals as defined in Clean Lakes Alliance’s strategic action plan, Plan 2020: A Clear Path Forward. The grants awarded in 2018 leveraged almost $350,000 toward Plan 2020 strategic goals. The majority of the funds went to projects that address phosphorus runoff, with about $1,250 to youth education. In 2019, Clean Lakes Alliance will evaluate the effectiveness and scope of the grant program and once again reach out to community groups for projects to consider for funding. Clean Lakes Alliance is excited to have grants available to enhance the many efforts the community is taking to improve and protect the water quality in the Yahara River Watershed.

Lake Kegonsa leaf vaccuum

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF CLEAN LAKES GRANTS • Contributed toward Partnership for Agricultural Resource Management to work with agricultural retailers to highlight the economic benefits of conservation practices to farmers. • Partnered with Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society on two projects. One grant supported the Towns of Dunn and Pleasant Springs to encourage good leaf management practices around Lake Kegonsa. Leaves are a major source of phosphorus in urban areas. The second grant supported incentive payments to anglers to remove carp, which disturb phosphorusladen sediment from the bottom of the lake. • Supported Dane County Land & Water Resources Department to increase inspections for construction projects. Construction erosion is a major source of phosphorus when it is not effectively managed. • Supported Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy in exploring the feasibility of a “bubble” barrier to exclude carp from the waterway. • Supported Madison Friends of Urban Nature in their monthly outings in lakeside parks and other natural areas in the city.

Bubble barrier pilot at Pheasant Branch Creek

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 51

YAHARA LAKE LEADERS Dane County residents go above and beyond for the Yahara River Watershed

Amy Zaremba

Ada Hazen

If you've noticed any colorful storm drain murals, you can thank Amy Zaremba and the team at Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) for making small parts of Dane County fun and educational. The project, which was commissioned by the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership, aimed to educate community members about the connections between stormwater and our lakes and waterways. More importantly, it encouraged community members to “Keep it Clean!” and remove leaves and waste from storm drains.

Clean Lakes Alliance has more than 70 volunteer water quality monitors on all five lakes in the Yahara Watershed. Citizen monitors commit to uploading their observations at least twice a week to lakeforecast.org to let the public know about water quality conditions. The group of volunteers covers a vast range of geographic locations, occupations, and even ages. Eleventh grader Ada Hazen is the youngest citizen monitor to track water quality in our lakes, and she has big plans to help improve the watershed.

“Every one of us should be a steward for our lakes, especially when our lives are so intertwined with the water. If we can take action as a community and educate ourselves on the simple, small steps that we can take to better conserve our resources, then together we can preserve and protect these vital resources for future generations.” Each storm drain mural started with an educational session for local students about keeping water where it lands. Students then submitted design ideas to local artists who designed the mural. Students and DAMA staff worked together to paint ten murals across Dane County. Each mural will last between one and three years, depending on traffic and weather conditions, with more planned for 2019. “While we painted, it was a joy to see how excited [the students] were to share their conservation knowledge with their friends, family, and community.” 52 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

“If at any point in my life I can confidently say that I helped conservation efforts, I will be satisfied.” In addition to monitoring water quality at Warner Beach for the past four years, she is an enthusiastic paddler, rower, and sailor. Someday, she hopes to have a career in marine science or aquatic biology to help protect water quality and aquatic wildlife. “Water is important to everyone, whether you live on a lake or not. Lakes are essential to all ecosystems, and people are a part of these ecosystems. We are all connected through the lakes whether you’re a fish who relies on clean, safe water, a bird who relies on the abundance of fish, or a person who likes watching the birds fly overhead.”

Panorama of James Madison Park

Charlie Baumann

Deborah Crabtree

In 2010, the same year Clean Lakes Alliance was founded, another group down the watershed created a fun, new way to engage with our lakes. Charlie Baumann and two friends, all who love fishing and golfing, created the Waubesa Surf ‘n Turf Challenge. Nine years later, the day-long golfing and fishing tournament has attracted nearly 60 golfers and anglers to Lake Waubesa annually. Baumann, who organized the event among friends, decided to bring it to Clean Lakes Alliance as a fundraising opportunity in 2018.

Education and community engagement are key avenues used by many organizations for achieving change. Deborah Crabtree decided to tackle both in one day. She organized an Earth Day clean up event in 2018 with Friends of Starkweather Creek and managed to engage students, government, and community groups alike. The event brought community members together to clean up Starkweather Creek, and also fostered fun in the lakes through canoe tours for new paddlers.

"Over the past couple years, I paid more attention to what Clean Lakes Alliance was doing and was impressed by the organization’s comprehensive and scientific approach to improving the quality of our lakes.” Greater Madison’s lakes have always been important to Baumann and his family as they’ve spent countless hours swimming and tubing over the years. He hopes everyone in the Greater Madison area has an opportunity to enjoy the lakes, and wants to help people get on the water. “I believe the lakes are Madison’s most defining feature. [They] truly set Madison apart from so many cities, making it vitally important for us to do everything we can to keep them as healthy as possible.”

“The lakes and waterways are such a great resource to teach our youngest citizens about the importance of stewardship and advocacy, instilling in them these values at a young age.” Through her role as an afterschool teacher at Goodman Community Center and a board member with Friends of Starkweather Creek, Crabtree saw a unique opportunity to connect many different organizations for a bigger purpose. The event has grown over the years and now includes collaboration from Friends of Starkweather Creek, Goodman Community Center, Madison Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, and Fit Youth Initiative. It takes a unique person and dedicated lake advocate to bring them all together. “Our lakes are such an important resource for all in our community and we have to work together to preserve them for future generations.”

Thank you Amy, Ada, Charlie, and Deborah for being leaders for the lakes! Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 53

13 THINGS S

ometimes it feels like summer is the shortest season of the year. Living in the Greater Madison area comes with countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This summer, why not make the lakes a part of your plans with this Yahara Lakes Bucket List?

Hop on a log Not for the meek, log rolling is a fun activity for anyone looking to burst their fitness bubble and try something new. This wet and wild activity is the result of friendly competition between loggers back in the 1800s. Madison Log Rolling decided to rekindle that spirit and teach lessons on Lake Wingra. Summon your inner lumberjack and see if you have what it takes to stand on the log.

Paddle to a restaurant on the water Canoe, kayak, or even paddle board to one of the popular restaurants that line the shores of the Yahara Lakes (see pages 63-64 for a list of lakeside restaurants). These spots are a hit whether you are looking for burgers, oysters, or a good ol’ fish fry. This is a great way to take in the sunshine and still grab some good grub – not to mention the calories you burn paddling there!

Bike around scenic Lake Monona Hop on the Lake Loop around Lake Monona and enjoy gorgeous views of the water. This trail is dotted with pubs, ice cream, and coffee shops making it so much more than just a bike route. It’s easy to spend an afternoon munching as you pedal this path. You can join Clean Lakes Alliance on the Lake Loop on Saturday, June 15th for the 7th Annual Loop the Lake Bike Ride!

Paddle under the moon Mark your calendars for Full Moon Paddles at Wingra Boats and Brittingham Boats (see pages 34-35). Don’t worry, there won’t be any werewolves lurking around, but there will be a live band, snacks, and plenty of fun! Try to get a reservation, because this event often sells out.

Paint a masterpiece lakeside Get in touch with your artistic side when you take a painting class at the UW Memorial Union. No supplies? Wheelhouse at the Union has you covered. Terrace ArtZone takes place Wednesday evenings (June 12, 19, 26, and July 10, 17, 24) from 5-7 p.m. on the Memorial Union Terrace Plinth. Wheelhouse will also host a Terrace Art Takeover with Allen Centennial Gardens on the Memorial Union Terrace Stage from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on July 30th. 54 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

TO ADD TO YOUR

YAHARA LAKES BUCKET LIST Find your zen on the lake So much of our time on the water is spent with others, but every once in a while, it’s nice to find a new pace. Try yoga or meditation on paddle boards, and become one with the motion of the water. Even relaxing on a kayak or boat with your favorite book is a great way to unwind.

Camp in Lake Kegonsa State Park

Realize your sailing potential with Wisconsin Hoofers Dream about sailing the high seas like Captain Jack Sparrow? You may have some unrealized sailing skills. It’s never too late to pick up a new summer hobby and Wisconsin Hoofers is a great place to start!

Volunteer to clean the lakes

Pitch a tent and spend a weekend swimming, hiking, and soaking up the summertime sunshine. Lake Kegonsa State Park makes a perfect staycation for the entire family. The soothing waters of the lake and quiet forest backdrop are perfect for a stress-free adventure.

Grab breakfast to go and savor it on The Monona Terrace Early bird gets the worm…or is it a pastry? Put some pep in your step before the Dane County Farmers’ Market or your other morning activities with a stop at a local bakery. How many bakeries can you visit before the summer is over?

One of the best feel-good activities people can do is volunteer. Whether it’s an organized volunteer program, or simply wrangling a group of friends to pick up trash along the shoreline, anything helps. In addition to Clean Lakes Alliance, other great volunteer opportunities are 1,000 Rain Gardens, River Alliance of Wisconsin, or Clean Boats, Clean Water.

See an expanded list with links online at cleanlakesalliance.org/summer-bucket-list

Get certified to dive With multiple cars, boats, and unique features on the bottom of our lakes, it’s another world below the water’s surface. It only takes a few hours to first try diving in one of our local pools. If you decide to get certified, you will be certified to dive all over the world!

Watch Mad-City Ski

ALUMNI PARK WISCONSIN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

DESTINATION:

ALUMNI PARK

The Cirque du Soleil of the water—the MadCity water skiers are a sight to see! Watch human pyramids several tiers high whiz by and see jumpers take to new heights on the water, all while staying comfortable and dry at Law Park in Madison.

Cruise the lakes in style If you’re not a captain on the high seas of the Yahara Watershed, have no fear. You can still enjoy the perks of the water on a Betty Lou Cruise, Pontoon Porch, or Midnight Splash. From champagne brunches, to Sunday family barbeques, to moonlight cruises, there is something for everyone.

Photo: Joe Leute

EXPERIENCE THE NEW LANDMARK ON THE LAKE. ARTFUL EXHIBITS, INVITING LAKESHORE PIER, AND MORE. UW–Madison, between Memorial Union and the Red Gym

Proud supporter of the Clean Lakes Alliance

ALUMNIPARK.COM

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 55

CLEAN LAKES ALLIANCE DIRECTORY TO GREATER MADISON'S LAKE-RELATED BUSINESSES Apartments LakeEdge Apartments (715) 574-1677 4033 Monona Dr Monona, WI 53716 lakeedgemonona.com Lakeshore Apartments LAKE PARTNER (608) 256-8525 122 E Gilman St Madison, WI 53703 Lakeshore Apartments offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments close to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus with affordable rates and spacious floor plans! Laketowne Apartments (608) 255-6550 22 Langdon St, Suite 101 Madison, WI 53703 laketowne.com Mendota Lakeshore Apartments (608) 257-1561 620 N Carroll St Madison, WI 53703 mendotalakeshore.com Monona Lakeview Apartments (608) 222-6911 3819 Monona Dr Monona, WI 53714 Mullins Apartments (608) 257-2127 222 E Lakelawn Pl Madison, WI 53703 mullinsapartments.com LAKE PARTNER The New Monona Shores Apartments (608) 224-1788 2 Waunona Woods Ct #102 Madison, WI 53713 bmcmadison.com/the-new-monona-shores Moments away from Lake Monona, our homes blend the romance of lake living with the convenience and affordability of apartment living. 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

56 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

The Surf LAKE PARTNER (608) 213-6908 661 Mendota Ct Madison, WI 53703 The Surf is a Lake Mendota waterfront property thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locally family owned and managed. We offer beautiful and affordable studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments steps from The Union Terrace and State Street. The Waterfront Apartments (608) 442-4200 633 N Henry St Madison, WI 53703 mendotawaterfront.com Treysta on the Water LAKE PARTNER (608) 222-3900 320 W Broadway Monona, WI 53716 treystaonthewater.com Luxury apartment community. 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms with loft or den. Featuring a contemporary open floor plan. Included: free internet, no pet restrictions, pet spa, outdoor patio and courtyard, public pier, and welcome center. Watermark Lofts (608) 575-1018 960 John Nolen Dr Madison, WI 53713 twallenterprises.com/watermark-lofts Associations Association of State LAKE PARTNER Floodplain Managers (608) 274-0123 575 D'Onofrio Dr, Ste 200 Madison, WI 53719 floods.org Madison-based ASFPM is the world's leading voice for floodplain management, science and policy with 37 chapters and 19,000+ members. Home to the certified floodplain manager certification (CFM), Flood Science Center, and flood research library.

Black Earth Creek Watershed Association (608) 320-3243 4296 County P Cross Plains, WI 53528 becwa.org Capitol Water Trails (608) 223-0995 3806 Atwood Ave Madison, WI 53714 capitolwatertrails.org

LAKE PARTNER

Lake Waubesa Conservation Association PO Box 6521 Monona, WI 53716 waubesa.org North American Stormwater & Erosion Control Association of WI (NASECA) PO Box 70714 Madison, WI 53707 nasecawi.org Token Creek Watershed Association (608) 334-8941 PO Box 366 Windsor, WI 53598 tokencreek.org Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (608) 437-7707 PO Box 314 Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Wisconsin Alumni LAKE PARTNER Association (888) WIS-ALUM 650 N Lake St Madison, WI 53703 uwalumni.com The Wisconsin Alumni Assocation (WAA) supports UW-Madison and provides life long connections to the University. WAA's Alumni Park on Lake Mendota features exhibits about UW Alumni and traditions.

DIRECTORY

Yahara Lakes LAKE PARTNER Association PO Box 22 Waunakee, WI 53597 yaharalakes.org The Yahara Lakes Association is a nonprofit representing waterfront property owners and advocating for the vitality of the Yahara lakes and shorelines.

Harleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liquor & Bait (608) 222-7941 3838 Atwood Ave Madison, WI 53714 harleysliquorandbait.com

Bait & Tackle

Monona Bait & Ice Cream Shop (608) 222-1944 4516 Winnequah Rd Monona, WI 53716 mononabaiticecream.yolasite.com

Bait Rigs Tackle Co (608) 845-8431 PO Box 44153 Madison, WI 53744 baitrigs.com D&S Bait, Tackle & Archery (608) 241-4225 1411 Northport Dr Madison, WI 53704 dsbait.com Dorn Outdoor Pro Shop LAKE PARTNER (608) 274-2511 1348 S Midvale Blvd Madison, WI 53711 dornhardware.com A complete fishing tackle outfitter. Rods, reels; lures for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish; and live bait! We service Minn Kota trolling motors and put line on your reel! Facebook: DornOutdoorProShop

LAKE PARTNER

J&B Liquor and Bait (608) 838-8458 5714 US-51 McFarland, WI 53558 jbliquorandbait.com

Boat Launch Sites - Kegonsa Amundson Landing & Park Quam Dr Stoughton, WI 53589 Fish Camp Launch 3383 County Rd McFarland, WI 53558 Lake Kegonsa State Park Boat Ramp 2405 Door Creek Rd Stoughton, WI 53589 Town of Pleasant Springs Boat Launch 2267 Williams Point Dr Stoughton, WI 53589

Boat Launch Sites - Mendota Governor Nelson State Park Boat Launch 5140 County Highway M Waunakee, WI 53597 Governor's Island Boat Launch Governors Island Pkwy Madison, WI 53704 Lake Street Boat Launch 6000 Lake St Middleton, WI 53562 Marshall Park - Boat Launch 2101 Allen Blvd Middleton, WI 53562 Mendota County Park Boat Launch 5133 County Highway M Middleton, WI 53562 Spring Harbor Boat Launch 5218 Lake Mendota Dr Madison, WI 53705 Tenney Park - Boat Launch 1414 E Johnson St Madison, WI 53703 Veith Avenue Boat Launch 4106 Veith Ave Madison, WI 53704 Warner Park - Boat Launch 2930 N Sherman Ave Madison, WI 53704

The Lake Partner program recognizes businesses and organizations that support Clean Lakes Alliance through donations made independent of events, sponsorships, or programs, directly benefiting our efforts to reduce phosphorus loading to our lakes by 50 percent by 2025. Additionally, Lake Partners demonstrate their organizational commitment to clean lakes through one or all of the following avenues: making improvements on their properties, educating staff on watershed sustainability, and participating in volunteer opportunities. Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 57

DIRECTORY Willow Drive Boat Launch Willow Dr (Howard Temin Lakeshore Path) Madison, WI 53705

Lottes Park Boat Launch 400 W Broadway Madison, WI 53716

Boat Launch Sites - Monona

Boat Sales, Rental, Repair, Storage

Law Park 410 S Blair St Madison, WI 53703

ARA Leisure Services (608) 244-2458 1831 E Washington Ave Madison, WI 53704 araofmadison.com

Olbrich Park - Boat Launch 3527 Atwood Ave Madison, WI 53714 Olin Park Boat Ramp 1156 Olin-Turville Ct Madison, WI 53715 Tonyawatha Park and Boat Launch 4600 Tonyawatha Tr Monona, WI 53716 Winnequah Trail Boat Launch 5898 Winnequah Tr Monona, WI 53716 Boat Launch Sites - Waubesa Babcock County Park Boat Launch 4601 Burma Rd McFarland, WI 53558 Goodland Park - Boat Launch 2862 Waubesa Ave Madison, WI 53711 Lake Farm Park Boat Launch 4286 Libby Rd Madison, WI 53711 McConnell Street Boat Launch 4348-4398 McConnell St Madison, WI 53711 Boat Launch Sites - Wingra Vilas (Henry) Park Boat Launch 1602 Vilas Park Dr Madison, WI 53715 Wingra Boats 824 Knickerbocker St Madison, WI 53711 Boat Launch Sites - Yahara River Cherokee Marsh South Boat Launch 5002 School Rd Madison, WI 53704

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Barr's Resort (608) 838-9917 6002 Lake Edge Rd McFarland, WI 53558 Brightwork Boats (608) 849-9200 madisonboathouse.com Brittingham Boats LAKE PARTNER (608) 250-2555 701 W Brittingham Pl Madison, WI 53715 brittinghamboats.com Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier paddle destination. Walk-in rentals of stand up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and rowboats. Special events including group paddles and Full Moon Paddles make it a Madison must. Capitol Boat Club (608) 320-4354 1213 N Sherman Ave, Ste #328 Madison, WI 53704 capitolboatclub.com D.L. Anderson Marine LAKE PARTNER Contractors (608) 249-3100 5440 Blue Bill Park Rd Madison, WI 53704 piers-lifts.com/home.aspx With 30+ years of experience, we are the boatlift and dock professionals specializing in the sales/service of new and used boat lifts, piers, and more. Not only do we carry the best brands in the business, we strive to make your time on the water trouble free. Deano Dock & Lift LLC (608) 850-4424 210 Knightsbridge Rd Waunakee, WI 53597 deanodock.com

Decks Docks & More (262) 593-2216 W1204 Concord Center Dr Sullivan, WI 53178 LAKE PARTNER Don's Marine, LLC (608) 592-4705 N1401 Hwy 113 Lodi, WI 53555 donsmarine.com Family owned and operated since 1936. Dealer of Alumacraft and SmokerCraft Fishing Boats, Bennington Pontoon Boats, NauticStar Pleasure Boats, Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats, and Hobie Kayaks, as well as new and used boats and motors. Endres Manufacturing Company (608) 849-4143 PO Box 217 Waunakee, WI 53597 endresmfg.com Gervasi Marine & Trailer Service (608) 271-4239 or (800) 240-8425 2295 South Syene Rd Madison, WI 53711 trailerrepairandpartsmadison.com Gill's Marine Crane Service (608) 630-5506 PO Box 234 McFarland, WI 53558 gillsmarinecraneservice.com Harbor Recreation LAKE PARTNER (608) 884-6007 807 Harbor Rd Milton, WI 53563 harborrec.com Full-service marine dealer. New and used boats, motors, trailers, docks, and lifts. Service and repair. Located in Newville. JD Hellenbrand Blue LAKE PARTNER Crane Boatworks (608) 513-0690 N1792 Ryan Rd Lodi, WI 53555 bluecraneboatworks.com; jdhellenbrand.com We sell, install, adjust, and remove old or new docks, piers, and boat lifts in Central Wisconsin. Focusing on the Lake Wisconsin, Kegonsa, Waubesa, Monona, and Mendota Area.

DIRECTORY JNT's Marine Pros (262) 473-5960 N8066 County Hwy P Whitewater, WI 53190 jntsmarinepros.com

Newville Marine (608) 220-7918 541 Lake Drive Rd Edgerton, WI 53534 newvillemarine.com

LAKE PARTNER Kegonsa Cove Resort (608) 838-6494 2466 City Rd AB McFarland, WI 53558 kegonsacove.com RV resort. Seasonal only. Gas on the lake. Pontoon rental, kayaks and canoe rentals. Convenience store. Bar and grill.

Outdoor UW LAKE PARTNER (608) 262-1630 800 Langdon St Madison, WI 53706 union.wisc.edu/outdoor-uw Outdoor UW is UW’s gateway to outdoor recreation and education. Outdoor UW offers seasonal paddling and camping rental equipment, hosts programs/workshops, and is home to the storied Wisconsin Hoofer Clubs.

Mad City Marine/RV Sales (608) 846-9329 N827 Hwy 51 Arlington, WI 53911 madcitymarinervsales.com Manke Enterprises LAKE PARTNER (608) 592-4022 N1558 Sunset Dr Lodi, WI 53555 manke.com Manke Enterprises, the Midwest's largest ShoreStation, has a new retail location at the Lodi exit off I90/94. Sales, service, and recovery of docks, hoists, and rails. Marshall Boats LAKE PARTNER (608) 228-8333 2101 Allen Blvd Madison, WI 53562 madisonboats.com From a quiet paddle to the entire family on a pontoon boat, this is your destination for summer memories. Access Lake Mendota from this west side location with kayaks, SUPs, canoes, and pontoon boats for rent, and a lakeside café! Mazanet Marina LAKE PARTNER (608) 249-9316 5320 Blue Bill Park Dr Madison, WI 53704 mazanetmarine.com Full service marina on Lake Mendota for 60 years. Services include gas on the pier, wet boat slips, dry dock spaces, food concessions, boat accessories, service mechanics, and winter storage.

Peters Exteriors And Services (608) 220-8654 530 S Academy St Stoughton, WI 53589 manta.com/c/mr4q8nr/peters-exteriorsand-services Pharo Marine LAKE PARTNER (608) 849-5950 5341 W River Rd Waunakee, WI 53597 pharomarine.com Premium marine sales and service center. Making your dreams reality. Quam's Marine & LAKE PARTNER Motor Sports (608) 873-3366 1896 Barber Dr Stoughton, WI 53589 quamsmotorsports.com Full service dealership on Lake Kegonsa for over 50 years. Services include wet slips, winter storage, service, sales, parts, and accessories. Redline Watersports (608) 838-0838 4805 Voges Rd Madison, WI 53718 redlinewatersports.com Rock River Marina (608) 884-9415 520 Richardson Springs Rd Edgerton, WI 53534 rockrivermarina.com

Rutabaga Rentals LAKE PARTNER Olbrich Park (608) 513-1308 3527 Atwood Ave Madison, WI 53714 rutabaga.com Rutabaga Paddlesport’s Olbrich Boat Rentals opened in 2017, the only canoe and kayak rental that serves the east side of Madison and Monona. Explore the shores of Lake Monona or Starkweather Creek. SkipperBud's LAKE PARTNER (608) 246-2628 5381 Westport Rd Madison, WI 53704 skipperbuds.com Full service marina and boat dealership. 20 brands of new boats. Service, drystack, wet slips, winter storage. Fully stocked dock store. The Undercover Shop (608) 868-4089 305 E Madison Ave Milton, WI 53563 Wickcraft LAKE PARTNER (608) 244-9177 2317 Daniels St Madison, WI 53718 wickcraft.com Wickcraft docks are designed to give you a lifetime of waterfront enjoyment, guaranteed. Known for ease of installation and removal, our docks will let you spend more time enjoying your waterfront than managing it. Wingra Boats LAKE PARTNER (608) 233-5332 824 Knickerbocker St Madison, WI 53711 wingraboats.com Up-north beauty in downtown Madison. Surrounded by nature, this quiet lake is a mecca for paddling and the perfect place for the whole family to SUP, kayak, canoe, row, or paddle boat. Fish, paddle, and play.

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DIRECTORY Boat Tours, Group Rental LAKE PARTNER Badger Pontoon Rentals (608) 421-2355 badgerpontoon.com Book your bachelorette, bachelor, birthday, wedding, or family party on the wildest party boat on Lake Mendota! We can accommodate up to 25 guests and we include a captain for your party on the lake! Betty Lou Cruises LAKE PARTNER (608) 246-3138 Mariner's Inn on Lake Mendota and Machinery Row on Lake Monona Waunakee, WI 53597 bettyloucruises.com Madison’s Premier Cruise line, cruising Lake Monona and Mendota since 1998. Enjoy a Public or Private charter aboard one of our four motor yachts while our experienced crew and captain make your event one to remember. Jet Ski Madison (608) 259-6007 jetskimadison.com Madison School and LAKE PARTNER Community Recreation (MSCR) (608) 204-3000 3802 Regent St Madison, WI 53705 mscr.org/our-programs/outdooradventures/pontoon-programs Offers a variety of recreation programs for all ages including arts, camps, fitness, sports, swimming, and more. Check out paddling and pontoon boat drop-in rides, specialty trips, and group rentals at www.mscr.org. Midnight Splash LAKE PARTNER Lake Mendota Charter (608) 628-0730 midnightsplash.com A 56’x16’ houseboat built in 2002 with capacity for 40! 2 baths, 4 bedrooms, full kitchen, and living room. Features coolers, gas grill, front, and rear decks with partial covered party deck, water tubes & water slide. Bring food & beverages of choice. Find us on Facebook.

60 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Pontoon Porch (608) 284-8727 1 John Nolen Dr Madison, WI 53703 pontoonporch.com Community & Convention Centers Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center (608) 261-4000 1 John Nolen Dr Madison, WI 53703 MononaTerrace.com Fishing Guides A Big Fish Guide Service (414) 779-0479 wibigfish.com Blue Ribbon Outdoors (608) 698-3332 blueribbonoutdoors.com Finseekers Guide Service (847) 707-1827 finseekers.com Fishing Guide Service with Lee Tauchen (608) 444-2180 leetauchen.com Fishing Thrills Guide Service (608) 921-8980 fishingthrills.com Get the Net LLC (608) 220-3406 Klus Fishing & Hunting Guide Service (608) 469-1867 klusfishandhunt.com Madison Angling Guide Service (608) 210-9350 madisonangling.com Madison Fishing Charters (608) 575-8597 Madison, WI 53711 joeokada.com Madison Musky Guide Service (608) 848-3906 madisonmuskyguide.com Millenium Guide Service (608) 685-9703 milleniumguideservice.com

Pike Pole Fishing Guide Service (608) 290-3929 pikepolefishing.com Spring Creek Specialties (608) 206-5951 springcreekspecialties.com Friends Groups Friends of Badfish Creek Watershed (920) 650-0966 rockrivercoalition.org/chapters/badfish Friends of Capitol Spring Recreational Area friendsofcapitalsprings.org Friends of Cherokee LAKE PARTNER Marsh (608) 215-0426 PO Box 3390 Madison, WI 53704 cherokeemarsh.org We work to protect, preserve, and restore the beauty, value, and health of Cherokee Marsh, Dane County's largest wetland located at the head of the Yahara chain of lakes. Friends of Edna Taylor Conservation Park facebook.com/friendsofetcp Friends of Hoyt Park PO Box 5542 Madison, WI 53705 hoytpark.org Friends of Lake Kegonsa LAKE PARTNER Society (FOLKS) PO Box 173 Stoughton, WI 53589 kegonsa.org FOLKS is a nonprofit organization established to provide the manpower and financial resources to improve the ecology, water quality, fishing, and recreational use of Lake Kegonsa. Friends of Lake Mendota uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/ Pages/organizations/lakelist/default. aspx?wbic=805400 Friends of Lake View Hill Park (608) 249-9449 PO Box 3272 Madison, WI 53704 lakeviewhill.org

DIRECTORY Friends of Lake Wingra LAKE PARTNER PO Box 45071 Madison, WI 53744 lakewingra.org Friends of Lake Wingra has been dedicated to the health of the Wingra Watershed since 1998. Through community outreach and research, we have cultivated our programs based on local stewardship. Friends of Monona Bay friendsofmononabay.blogspot.com Friends of Olin Turville (608) 239-4299 olin-turville.org Friends of Pheasant LAKE PARTNER Branch Conservancy PO Box 628242 Middleton, WI 53562 pheasantbranch.org The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy's mission is to restore, preserve, and promote the value of conservancy lands and habitats in the Pheasant Branch Watershed. Our Board oversees restoration and education activities in the Conservancy. Friends of Starkweather Creek PO Box 8442 Madison, WI 53708 starkweatherfriends.org Friends of Stricker's Pond (608) 836-5898 Friends of the Kettle Ponds kettleponds.org Friends of the Lakeshore LAKE PARTNER Nature Preserve PO Box 5534 Madison, WI 53705 friendslakeshorepreserve.com The Friends inspire people to connect to and care for the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Open to the public, this beautiful 300-acre UW-Madison natural area includes Picnic Point and the LAKE PARTNER

Lakeshore Path. Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (608) 575-0325 PO Box 614 Spring Green, WI 53588 wisconsinriverfriends.org Friends of the UW Arboretum (608) 571-5362 1207 Seminole Hwy Madison, WI 53711 arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/friends Friends of the Yahara River Headwaters PO Box 139 DeForest, WI 53532 yaharariver.org Friends of the Yahara River Parkway (608) 241-1711 facebook.com/Friends-of-the-YaharaRiver-Parkway-284831311757 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks PO Box 2271 Madison, WI 53701 friendswiparks.blogspot.com Stewards of the Southwest Pathway (608) 255-4195 Gasoline Four Lakes Yacht Club LAKE PARTNER (608) 222-1401 6312 Metropolitan Ln Monona, WI 53713 4lyc.com The Four Lakes Yacht Club is a boating club located on the Yahara River promoting boating safety for all boaters. Our private clubhouse is available for our members along with unlimited use of the boat ramp and a discount per gallon savings on gasoline. Our gas pumps are open to the general public.

Kegonsa Cove Resort LAKE PARTNER (608) 838-6494 2466 City Rd AB McFarland, WI 53558 kegonsacove.com RV resort. Seasonal only. Gas on the lake. Pontoon rental, kayaks and canoe rentals. Convenience store. Bar and grill. Mazanet Marina LAKE PARTNER (608) 249-9316 5320 Blue Bill Park Dr Madison, WI 53704 mazanetmarine.com Full service marina on Lake Mendota for 60 years. Services include gas on the pier, wet boat slips, dry dock spaces, food concessions, boat accessories, service mechanics, and winter storage. Lake Sports & Recreation-Retail Cabela's (608) 478-4100 1350 Cabela Dr Sun Prairie, WI 53590 cabelas.com Dick's Sporting Goods (608) 829-1313 237 West Towne Mall Madison, WI 53719 dickssportinggoods.com Fontana Sports (608) 833-9191 231 Junction Rd Madison, WI 53717 fontanasports.com Isthmus Sailboards 5495 Catfish Ct Westport, WI 53597 isthmussailboards.com Machinery Row (608) 442-5974 601 Williamson St Madison, WI 53704 machineryrowbicycles.com

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DIRECTORY Madison Log Rolling (608) 305-4564 madisonlogrolling.com REI (608) 833-6680 7483 W Towne Way Madison, WI 53719 rei.com Rutabaga Paddlesports LAKE PARTNER LLC (608) 223-9300 220 W Broadway Madison, WI 53716 rutabaga.com We sell the best brands of kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, along with the gear you need to use them. 40 years of experience and passion for being on the water guarantees a great experience. Rentals and classes are available at two locations: Broadway and Monona Drive, or at Olbrich Park on Lake Monona. West Marine (608) 221-8708 2455 W Broadway St Madison, WI 53713 westmarine.com Lodging Crown Point Resort LAKE PARTNER (608) 873-7833 2030 Barber Dr Stoughton, WI 53589 crownpointresort.com We have 6 modern, year-round cedar cottages on Lake Kegonsa. Located 15 minutes SE of Madison. Offering kayaks, SUPs, fishing boats with 10hp, and pontoon rentals to our guests. Five star Trip Advisor & VRBO rating. Hilton Madison Monona Terrace (608) 255-5100 9 E Wilson St Madison, WI 53703 www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/wisconsin/ hilton-madison-monona-terraceMSNMHHF/index.html Mendota Lake House Inn (608) 620-3760 704 E Gorham St Madison, WI 53703 mendotalakehouse.com 62 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

The Edgewater LAKE PARTNER (608) 535-8200 1001 Wisconsin Pl Madison, WI 53703 theedgewater.com Located in the heart of downtown on beautiful Lake Mendota! Award-winning resort with 202 guest rooms, public pier, and 40 boat slips, Grand Plaza with free community programming, several dining outlets, full-service spa, and winter ice skating. The Livingston Inn (608) 238-6317 752 E Gorham St Madison, WI 53703 livingstoninnmadison.com Mooring/Slips LAKE PARTNER Brittingham Boats (608) 250-2555 701 W Brittingham Pl Madison, WI 53715 brittinghamboats.com Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier paddle destination. Walk-in rentals of SUPs, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and rowboats. Special events including group paddles and Full Moon Paddles make it a Madison must. LAKE PARTNER Goodspeed Family Pier 650 N Lake St Madison, WI 53706 uwalumni.com/goodspeed-family-pier Hoofer Sailing Club (608) 262-1630 800 Langdon St Madison, WI 53706 hoofersailing.org LAKE PARTNER Kegonsa Cove Resort (608) 838-6494 2466 City Rd AB McFarland, WI 53558 kegonsacove.com RV resort. Seasonal only. Gas on the lake. Pontoon rental, kayaks and canoe rentals. Convenience store. Bar and grill.

Lake Monona LAKE PARTNER Sailing Club lakemononasailingclub.org We manage two piers for sailboats on Lake Monona: one at Olin Park in Madison and one at Stonebridge Park in Monona. Please see website for details, pricing, and membership information. Maple Bluff Marina (608) 244-3048 1321 Farwell Dr Madison, WI 53704 villageofmaplebluff.com/ourneighborhood/marina Marshall Park 2101 Allen Blvd Madison, WI 53562 Mazanet Marina LAKE PARTNER (608) 249-9316 5320 Blue Bill Park Dr Madison, WI 53704 mazanetmarine.com Full service marina on Lake Mendota for 60 years. Services include gas on the pier, wet boat slips, dry dock spaces, food concessions, boat accessories, service mechanics, and winter storage. McKenna Park Boathouse (608) 267-2680 3400 Lake Mendota Dr Madison, WI 53705 shorewood-hills.org/marina Quam's Marine & LAKE PARTNER Motor Sports (608) 873-3366 1896 Barber Dr Stoughton, WI 53589 quamsmotorsports.com Full service dealership on Lake Kegonsa for over 50 years. Services include wet slips, winter storage, service, sales, parts, and accessories. Shorewood Hills Marina (608) 267-2680 3700 Lake Mendota Dr Madison, WI 53705 shorewood-hills.org/marina

DIRECTORY SkipperBud's LAKE PARTNER (608) 246-2628 5381 Westport Rd Madison, WI 53704 skipperbuds.com Full service marina and boat dealership. 20 brands of new boats. Service, drystack, wet slips, winter storage. Fully stocked dock store. Westport Marine (608) 850-4774 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr Madison, WI 53704 westportmarinemadison.com

LAKE PARTNER

Wingra Boats LAKE PARTNER (608) 233-5332 824 Knickerbocker St Madison, WI 53711 wingraboats.com Up-north beauty in downtown Madison. Surrounded by nature this quiet, lake is a mecca for paddling and the perfect place for the whole family to SUP, kayak, canoe, row, or paddle boat. Fish, paddle, and play. Restaurants Betty Lou Cruises LAKE PARTNER (608) 246-3138 Mariner's Inn on Lake Mendota and Machinery Row on Lake Monona Waunakee, WI 53597 bettyloucruises.com Madison’s Premier Cruise line, cruising Lake Monona and Mendota since 1998. Enjoy a Public or Private charter aboard one of our four motor yachts while our experienced crew and captain make your event one to remember. Bishops Bay Country Club (608) 232-4201 3500 Bishops Dr Middleton, WI 53562 bishopsbay.com Breakwater (608) 416-5388 6308 Metropolitan Ln Monona, WI 53713 facebook.com/BreakwaterMonona

Buck & Honey's 800 West Broadway Monona, WI 53716 buckandhoneys.com/monona Captain Bill’s (608) 831-7327 2701 Century Harbor Rd Middleton, WI 53562 capbills.com Christy's Landing LAKE PARTNER (608) 222-5391 2952 Waubesa Ave Madison, WI 53711 christyslanding.com Located on beautiful Lake Waubesa featuring lakeside dining, tiki bar, live music, banquet facilities, and volleyball. East Side Club (608) 222-9131 3735 Monona Dr Madison, WI 53714 escmadison.com Green Lantern (608) 838-4730 4412 Siggelkow Rd McFarland, WI 53558 thegreenlanternrestaurant.com Kegonsa Cove Resort LAKE PARTNER (608) 838-6494 2466 City Rd AB McFarland, WI 53558 kegonsacove.com RV resort. Seasonal only. Gas on the lake. Pontoon rental, kayaks and canoe rentals. Convenience store. Bar and grill. Lake Vista Cafe (608) 261-4000 1 John Nolen Dr Madison, WI 53703 mononaterrace.com/experiencemonona-terrace/shop-and-dine

Madison Elks Lodge (608) 255-1644 711 Jenifer St Madison, WI 53703 madisonelkslodge.org Nau-Ti-Gal (608) 246-3130 5360 Westport Rd Madison, WI 53704 nautigal.com Paisan's (608) 257-3832 131 W Wilson St Madison, WI 53703 paisansrestaurant.com Sardine (608) 441-1600 617 Williamson St Madison, WI 53703 sardinemadison.com Springers of Lake Kegonsa (608) 205-9300 3097 Sunnyside St Stoughton, WI 53589 springersonthelake.com

LAKE PARTNER

The Barge Restaurant (608) 669-8422 The Biergarten at LAKE PARTNER Olbrich Park (608) 237-3548 3527 Atwood Ave Madison, WI 53714 olbrichbiergarten.com Enjoy a view of Lake Monona and the downtown skyline with friends and family all around. Join us at the Biergarten for food, drink, and good feelings of gemütlichkeit—friendliness and good cheer.

Lakeside St. Coffee House (608) 441-7599 402 W Lakeside St Madison, WI 53715 lakesidestcoffeehouse.com

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 63

DIRECTORY The Boathouse LAKE PARTNER The Edgewater (608) 535-8232 1001 Wisconsin Pl Madison, WI 53703 theedgewater.com/dining-at-theedgewater/the-boathouse A Madison favorite offering casual lakeside dining like burgers, brats, the best cheese curds in town, craft beer, and ice cold margaritas. Accessible by land or by water. Open 11am-11pm daily for boaters, guests, and locals alike. The Mariner’s Inn (608) 246-3120 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr Madison, WI 53704 marinersmadison.com The Statehouse LAKE PARTNER The Edgewater (608) 535-8320 1001 Wisconsin Pl Madison, WI 53703 theedgewater.com/dining-at-theedgewater/the-statehouse Modern midwestern-inspired restaurant overlooking Lake Mendota offering a little something for everyone—tavern fare, steaks, pasta, and seasonal specials. Features thoughtfully sourced ingredients and creative twists on the classics—and— sunset seating offering incredible views and a casual atmosphere both indoors and out on the lakeside terrace. Waypoint Public House LAKE PARTNER (608) 222-0224 320 W Broadway Monona, WI 53716 waypointonthewater.com Serving quality American pub fare, strong cocktails, and cold craft beer. We are boat and canoe accessible. LAKE PARTNER Wisconsin Memorial Union (608) 265-3000 800 Langdon St Madison, WI 53706 union.wisc.edu/visit/memorial-union Known as the "living room" of the UWMadison campus, the Wisconsin Union connects students, faculty/staff, members and visitors through shared cultural, social and recreational events and experiences at Memorial Union and Union South. 64 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Shoreline Landscaping & Ecological Restoration Adaptive Restoration LLC (608) 554-0411 1882 State Road 92 Mount Horeb, WI 53572 adaptiverestoration.com Dixon Shoreline / LAKE PARTNER Landscaping (608) 742-5657 or (608) 432-0078 N6780 Hwy U Portage, WI 53901 dixonshoreline.com At Dixon Shoreline/Landscaping, we are professionally certified in rainwater harvesting, rain exchange, pondless waterfalls, and fountain scapes. We also specialize in storm water runoff issues dealing with sediment and erosion control, hillside restoration along with native upland and wetland plantings. EC3 Environmental Consulting Group, Inc. (608) 497-0955 PO Box 44281 Madison, WI 53744 ec3grp.com Ecological Restoration Services LLC (608) 335-7250 5110 Juneau Rd Madison, WI 53705 restorewisconsin.com Good Oak LLC (608) 250-0513 4606 Pflaum Rd, Ste A Madison, WI 53718 goodoak.com Meister's K&M Tree LAKE PARTNER and Landscaping Inc. (608) 592-5244 W 11924 County Rd V Lodi, WI 53555 meisterskandm.com Meister’s K&M Tree and Landscaping specializes in shoreline restoration, landscaping, and tree services. Free estimates insured. Email: info@meisterskandm.com.

Olson Toon Landscaping, Inc. (608) 827-9401 3570 Pioneer Rd Verona, WI 53593 olsontoon.com SCS Engineers (608) 224-2830 2830 Dairy Dr Madison, WI 53718 scsengineers.com Strand Associates, Inc. LAKE PARTNER (608) 251-4843 910 W Wingra Dr Madison, WI 53715 strand.com For more than 70 years, Strand Associates, Inc., continues to prove itself as a high quality, full service engineering firm dedicated to helping our clients succeed through excellence in engineering. LAKE PARTNER Weed Man (608) 824-0043 2211 Eagle Dr Middleton, WI 53562 madison.weedmanusa.com Weed Man Lawn Care has been a strong advocate of clean water and reducing sediment runoff since the inception of the company. In creating high quality turf, we are reducing urban sediment runoff while creating beneficial filtering to our lakes and the Yahara Watershed. Sporting Outlets & Clubs 4 Lakes Bassmasters (608) 695-7595 Badger Flyfishers (608) 233-7480 badgerflyfishers.com Badger State Boating Society bsbs.org Camp Randall Rowing Club PO Box 258160 Madison, WI 53725 camprandallrc.org Fishing Has No Boundaries Madison Chapter (262) 644-7940 fhnbmadison.com

DIRECTORY Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club (608) 347-3513 iceboat.org LAKE PARTNER Four Lakes Yacht Club (608) 222-1401 6312 Metropolitan Ln Monona, WI 53713 4lyc.com The Four Lakes Yacht Club is a boating club located on the Yahara River promoting boating safety for all boaters. Our private clubhouse is available for our members along with unlimited use of the boat ramp and a discount per gallon savings on gasoline. Our gas pumps are open to the general public. Hoofer Sailing Club (608) 262-1630 800 Langdon St Madison, WI 53706 hoofersailing.org Lake Kegonsa Sailing Club PO Box 75 Stoughton, WI 53589 lksc.org Lake Monona Sailing Club LAKE PARTNER lakemononasailingclub.org Founded in 1969, LMSC supports four major fleets with races on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and holidays throughout the summer. The Club maintains two piers with low-cost slips available to members, and works to make sailing as easy, fun, and affordable as possible for all skill levels. Mad City Paddlers (608) 833-1734 madcitypaddlers.org

Mad-City Ski Team LAKE PARTNER (608) 212-9137 6516 Monona Dr #193 Madison, WI 53716 madcityskiteam.com Come visit us Sunday evenings at 6pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Law Park for FREE, on-water entertainment. Also check us out online or find us on Facebook.

Trout Unlimited - Southern Wisconsin Chapter (262) 470-1775 swtu.org

Madison Area Antique & Classic Boat Society Glacier Lakes Chapter www.glacbs.org

Wisconsin Bowfishing Association wibfa.com

LAKE PARTNER

Waubesa Sailing Club 2867 Bible Camp Rd McFarland, WI 53558 Wisconsin Bass Federation wisconsinbass.com

Wisconsin Fishing Team (612) 747-0933 wisconsinfishingteam.com

Madison Bass Club madisonbassclub.org

Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance, Ltd. PO Box 45555 Madison, WI 53744 wisconsinsmallmouth.com

Madison Fishing Expo (262) 305-1907 wifishingexpo.com Madison Sail and Power Squadron madisonsquadron.com Madison Sailing Center madisonsailingcenter.com

Yahara Fishing Club (608) 212-2506 yaharafishingclub.org

Madison Youth Sailing Foundation PO Box 7624 Madison, WI 53707 madisonyouthsailing.com Mendota Rowing Club (608) 257-2739 PO Box 646 Madison, WI 53701 mendotarowingclub.com

LAKE PARTNER

Mendota Yacht Club PO Box 2062 Madison, WI 53701 mendotayc.org Muskies, Inc. - Capital City Chapter (608) 576-0697 PO Box 8862 Madison, WI 53708 capitalcitymuskiesinc.org

LAKE PARTNER

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 65

WATER IN THE WOODS By JOHN ROACH

he construction noise was coming from the other side of the park. I wandered over to find out what was happening and discovered some serious excavation. A few questions later I knew that stormwater from a new housing development was being directed into the woods behind our home. The little forest in question is actually a kettle woods, a rare and beautiful geologic formation gifted to our community from the last wave of glaciers. It is a quiet glen, nestled among the homes of our neighborhood, filled with bur oak, hickory, and ash trees. Not only do the families in our neighborhood enjoy the woods, but so do hawks, owls, turkeys, deer, possum, raccoons, and a variety of other critters. The kettle is the kind of magical place that attracts dog walkers, bird watchers, and kids building forts, digging for dinosaur bones, and hunting for arrowheads. We live right on the woods so I wrote a letter to the city engineer asking him what was going on with the storm water plan and what effect it would have on the wondrous copse of trees in the hollow. The gentleman from our municipality assured me that the issue had been studied and that the new runoff plans would not affect the trees, ground cover, or critters of the woods. He was either misinformed or dodging the question. The first rains of last spring flooded the woods to a depth of twelve feet. Worse yet, the waters took weeks to subside. It was a level of flooding we hadn’t seen in our three decades of observing the forest. My brother-in-law has made a living making sure that forests were healthy. He took one look at the flooding and pronounced, “If this keeps happening none of these trees will survive.” The trees he was talking about were old, big, trophy trees. The kind that grow in a kettle woods, protected by damaging winds and lightning strikes. And then came the floods of August, when Cross Plains and Middleton had Bible rains, affecting all of Dane County. And once again our forest was inundated.

66 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Woods behind John Roach's home

The waters of our lakes rose, flooding the isthmus and the buildings occupying downtown Madison. It became vividly apparent just how vulnerable Madison is to the extremes of weather triggered by climate change. All along there has been the sense that our water problem has been the cleanliness of our lakes. But it’s more complicated. We also have an issue with managing storm water. The folks in our neighborhood, as well as Middleton and Cross Plains, don’t live by the lakes. But the ecosystem linked to the Yahara chain affects us all, no matter where we live. The August rains meant more damage for our kettle woods. Trees fell. Ground cover washed away. A ravine was gouged into the small ditch that ran into the woods. With the prospect of a sublime neighborhood asset becoming a swamp filled with stagnant rainwater and mosquitoes, the neighbors rumbled into action. The reality that a few seemingly mundane acts by the city combined with a rainy summer could destroy a neighborhood woods was compelling motivation. One of the first realizations was that the city did not have its storm water affairs in order. Better plans had to be made. Smarter studies had to be done. No city will do the extra work, triggering extra cost, without citizen encouragement. And that is what our neighborhood has done. We hope we have acted in time. The lesson of it all is that the waters of Madison are more than just lakes and the Yahara River. It’s all of us in all of our communities. Without proper storm water management practices that allow for more green space and infiltration areas, we will continue to be vulnerable to the millions of dollars of damage created by the floods of August. Which means every community in Dane County has to be open to ways to reduce runoff. It’s not just farmers. It’s all of us. We have to understand that when we talk about the Madison lakes, we are really talking about the collective waters of Dane County in all its forms. And those waters affect us all no matter where we live in Dane County; our businesses, basements, and the woods behind our house.

Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019 67

BOAT

LAND

Join us in the heart of downtown Madison on The Edgewater Grand Plaza and Pier, a waterfront destination offering one of the only public access points on beautiful Lake Mendota. Cruise up and enjoy a casual lakeside menu and sunset dining at The Boathouse. Or, pop up to The Statehouse Terrace for the best view in town. At Madison’s Place, you’ll find 40 public boat slips, pop-up pier parties, live music, customized boating excursions, boat rentals and complimentary boat ride nights. MADISON’S PLACE

The Edgewater 1001 Wisconsin Place Madison, WI I 608.535.8200 I theedgewater.com 68 Greater Madison Lake Guide | Summer 2019

Greater Madison Lake Guide

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