June 2014

What's Inside
Events Around the Watershed
Paddle & Pig-Out and Pedal & Paddle on August 23
Sugar River Clean-up Days
Whalen Pond Laboratory open in Verona
Generous Donation
Opening on Board of Directors
 
Events Around the Watershed

USRWA Sugar River Clean-up Day
Saturday June 21
9am-1pm
Meet at Paoli Park in Paoli 15 minutes prior

USRWA Board of Directors Meeting (public welcome!)
Monday July 14
7pm-8:30pm
USRWA Office
207 E. Main Street
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572

USRWA Sugar River Clean-up Day
Saturday July 12
9am-1pm
Meet at Paoli Park in Paoli 15 minutes prior
 

Save the Date: Annual Paddle & Pig-Out and new Pedal & Paddle on Saturday August 23

Mark your calendars for Saturday August 23rd, but this year we are offering two events for you to pick from.  
 
Our famous Paddle & Pig-Out, offering 45-minute canoe rides down the Sugar River into Paoli, hasn't changed.  This is a free event providing the canoe, transportation to the start point and every thing else you need to have a great trip down the Sugar River.  The event starts at Paoli Park in Paoli, WI with canoe trips leaving at 9am, Noon and 3pm.  Arrive early to reserve your spot!  It's great way for adults and children alike to experience what the Sugar River has to offer.  Lunch from Paoli Local Foods will be provided free for USRWA members, and $10 for non-members.
 
If you're looking for more of a challenge, perhaps our new Pedal & Paddle
event is right for you.  Beginning in Mt. Horeb, this event combines a terrific 20-mile bicycle ride through the watershed along with a 4.4 mile paddle down the Sugar River.  Transportation and lunch are included all for only $35.  Registration is now open and is limited to the first 50 participants.  Learn more about the event, including a route map and link to our online registration, please visit 
www.usrwa.org/pedalpaddle
 
Also, raffle tickets for the event are now available!  Our raffle includes over 20 items, including a brand-new kayak.  Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, and can be purchased on event day or by calling 608-437-7707.  The raffle will be drawn on August 23rd and you do not need to be present to win. 
Join us for Upcoming Sugar River Clean-up Events

Trash found in the Sugar River on April 19, 2014. Buckets and tires and tools, oh my!
Our next scheduled volunteer clean-up days are Saturday June 21 and Saturday July 12 from 9:00am-1:00pm.  All interested volunteers can meet at Paoli Park around 8:45am to register and have a bagel to get you going.  
 
Volunteers can expect to get a little dirty, so a pair of old shoes and quick drying clothes are recommended.  If you haven't participated in the past, give it a shot!
 
For our next clean-up day, we are looking to attack the stretch of Sugar River from Paoli south to County Road A.  If you're interested in volunteering for future clean-up days please email usrwa@usrwa.org
 
View pictures from the clean-up day on our Facebook page.
New Whalen Pond Outdoor Laboratory Now Open in Verona

With the help of USRWA Board President Marty Cieslik, the City of Verona is now home to a new outdoor classroom for area students. Read about the project on our USRWA News/Blog Page.

Screening of "Plastic Paradise" Inspires

 

On Tuesday June 10, USRWA and New Century School in Verona host a free screening of "Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch."  This documentary highlights the everlasting effects of plastic and the environmental implications attached to it.

 

Watch a trailer of Plastic Paradise here

 

One person who attended the screening became so inspired she began a 20-day challenge to avoid using disposable items.  She is capturing her challenge through an interesting blog called Nondisposable Living.  Follow her progress and maybe you'll become inspired yourself!

 

Nondisposable Living blog

Thanks for the Waders!
 
Unexpected gifts are always the best, aren't they?  
 
Last month a like-new pair of waders were donated to us by a USRWA member out of the blue.  This will be extremely useful during river clean-up days and water quality monitoring, and we are extremely grateful for the generous (and tax deductible!) donation.
 
Currently we are looking for a large bookcase or plastic shelving to hold our ever expanding office supplies and water quality monitoring equipment.  If anyone has a solution to our problem and is willing to make a donation, please contact Wade at usrwa@usrwa.org or call 608-437-7707. Thanks!
Volunteer Help Wanted: Opening on USRWA Board of Directors

Currently there is still an opening on the USRWA Board of Directors and we are accepting applications.  Being on the Board allows you to have a part in shaping the organization first hand and help to carry out the mission of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association.  

Board members are required to attend board meetings once per month, participate on a committee(s) and be a current member of USRWA.  If you are interested in filling out an application or would like to learn more, please contact Wade Moder at usrwa@usrwa.org or call 608-437-7707.
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