SWTU, P.O. Box 45555, Madison, WI 53744-5555 president@swtu.org

Fall stream workday schedule

workday

By Jim Hess

While indoor in-person meetings are still being figured out, we will build on the tremendous success of our spring workdays with a fabulous fall schedule Being outside significantly reduces any risks, and we may ask that people have their shots and/or wear masks. Here are the dates and locations as they stand right now. Of course, there is always a possibility of changes and more detailed information will follow.

September 18 – Davidson Property on the Sugar River, just south of Verona on Hwy 69 at 1855 Hwy 69.  Turn right (west) on Oak Grove Rd and go about 600 feet to the end of the road, you will see an old stone building on the right. Cut honeysuckles and other invasive woodies and use the waste materials to build brush bundles in the river.

October 9 – Joint workday with the Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter on the Smith Conley Creek at 2800 Cty Rd H, south of Barneveld – clearing box elders and invasive woodies on a new easement. This is a beautiful stretch of Smith Conley, connecting to several easements upstream.

October 23 – Sawmill Creek, Severson Easement (another new DNR easement) at N8490 Hay Hollow Road, Blanchardville – clearing box elders, invasive woodies, and two large trees that have fallen into the stream. I am reaching out to the Blackhawk Chapter and Pecatonica Pride to see if they want to join us.

November 6 – Badger Mill Creek, at the Old PB Park and Ride – mainly clearing large box elders and some honeysuckles along Badger Mill Creek. We are coordinating this project with Lars Higdon, Dane Co Land and Water Resources Department, in their efforts to create a native area along this section of the stream.

December 4 – Back up date.

Never attended before? The work is easy and not at all complicated … can you carry a stick and put it on a pile of other sticks? It’s really about that simple, and there is work for anyone of any skill level or ability. Plus, you’ll meet some great people and probably learn of a new place or two to drift a fly through.

If you have questions, contact Jim Hess, Workday Chair.