|
Sugar River
From Madison to Mt. Horeb to Belleville, and everywhere inbetween...
"The USRWA serves as a forum for the preservation and enhancement of the watershed resources through an impartial partnership among diverse community interests"
We are a grassroots, self-sustaining, 501c3 non-profit conservation organization. The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association consists of those who live, work or play in the watershed. We have a board of directors, have a paid membership and are able to complete many beneficial conservation projects with our own funds. We are considered to be a hands-on, project group.
The Upper Sugar River Watershed, with a drainage area of approximately 170 square miles (109,404 acres) and 115 stream miles, is located in Dane County in southern Wisconsin. It is rich in resources, including fisheries, wildlife habitat (including rare and endangered species), native plant communities (many in decline), and recreational opportunities
We are always looking for volunteers to help us with our exciting projects. We frequently have canoe outings, clear waterways, help restore habitat and perform field studies. We have lots of hands-on projects which are always fun and always benefit the communities. Give us a call to see how you can help!
|
|
|
Please contribute to the USRWA Endowment Fund! |
 |
 |
|
At the Annual Meeting & Open House on Sunday Lisa & Bill Keen announced that the first $5,000 donated to the USRWA endowment fund in 2012 will be matched. Please consider investing in the future of the organization by sending a check of any amount to:
Natural Resources Foundation attn: Upper Sugar River Watershed Fund
at PO Box 2317, Madison, WI 53701
Please write "Upper Sugar River Watershed Fund" on the memo line of your check.
Thank you for ensuring that your river will be taken care of for generations to come. |
|
Annual Meeting & Open House THIS WEEKEND! |
|
|
|
Don't forget that the USRWA Annual Meeting and Open House is happening THIS Sunday!
When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 1-4pm
Where: Epic Systems (Verona, WI)
1979 Milky Way Drive
Andromeda Building, Delphi Room
The program will begin with the USRWA Executive Director giving a brief overview of the organization's work and achievements in 2011, as well as goals for 2012. Following her presentation, USRWA President Pat Downing will present the Candle on the Water Award to an individual who has done extraordinary work in our watershed this past year. This year's program will feature a FREE screening of the acclaimed film "Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time." After the film, we will lead a facilitated discussion about the land ethic idea and how we can uitlize it in our everyday lives. There will be an opportunity to sign for various volunteer projects in the lobby after the program, so please stick around and find out what you can do for your watershed in 2012. A big thank you to the Aldo Leopold Foundation for donating 5 copies of A Sand County Almanac for our event!! They will be given away as door prizes on Sunday.
Call 437-7707 with any questions/comments. We hope to see you there on Sunday!! |
|
Plant some natives this spring! |
|
|
|
Now in its 8th year, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides native plants for less than half of retail prices to establish rain gardens and flower beds.
New for 2012: plants will now be delivered May 19! This is over a full month earlier than plants have been delivered in previous years. There are also nine new species for 2012, including nodding pink onion, silky aster, harebell, mistflower, prairie smoke, rough blazing star, marsh blazing star, royal catch fly and side oats grama. A seed mix covering 20-25 square feet for only $5 is also new for 2012. Ordering instructions are online at www.myfairlakes.com/plantdane.aspx <http://www.myfairlakes.com/plantdane.aspx>. Orders and payment must be received by April 20, 2012.
A workshop on rain gardens and rain barrels is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2012. The workshop will explain how rain gardens and rain barrels work, how to plan for and install them. These simple yet effective tools help conserve water and help rain soak into the ground instead of becoming pollution-carrying stormwater on its way to our lakes and streams. The cost for the workshop is $5. The registration form is available online at www.myfairlakes.com/plantdane.aspx <http://www.myfairlakes.com/plantdane.aspx>.Rain gardens are an attractive way to reduce lawn maintenance time and costs, beautify your yard and help your lakes, rivers and streams all at the same time. Many find replacing turf and exotic ornamentals with plants native to Wisconsin a rewarding landscape alternative. Once established, natives do not require the maintenance inputs that turf and ornamentals need. Yet, native wildflowers provide blooms from spring through fall and provide habitat for beneficial insects and birds. The program is possible through funding from the Graham-Martin Foundation.
|
|
Beekeeping Classes |
|
|
|
Please join us this Spring for 3 experiential beekeeping workshops. The class is designed for a small group so that there is plenty of time and space for hands on activities. You will learn how to put together the equipment, set up, manage and handle bees. All inclusive class includes bees and all the equipment you need to get started as well as membership in the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association and the Dane County Beekeepers Association. You may also choose to just attend the classes and buy or make your own equipment. Class size is limited to 15 so sign up today! Registration deadline is March 1st. Registration flier is attached.
Dates: March 10, April 21, May 19.
Time: 12-4 p.m.
Place: Troy Community Farm, Madison, WI
Cost: $450- Full workshop, hive equipment, protective clothing, book, and bees
$260- 2nd Hive with bees
$180- Workshop, protective clothing, book
$150- Youth rate for workshop, protective clothing, and book
|
|
|
|
|
