By Topf Wells
… deterred SWTU from having quite possibly its most productive work day ever, really as in ever.
The productivity resulted from the combined efforts of some great local conservation organizations: the SW WI Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts, the Sauk Empire TPE Chapter, the Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter of TU, the Badger Fly Fishers and SWTU (plus some nice folks who heard about the project and showed up. On the day that started with the weather gods playing a cruel April Fool’s prank, 31 (!!!, WOW) showed up to clear box elders and honeysuckle off the banks of Whitford Creek and what will one day be a lovely wet prairie. The site was TPE’s Sylvan Road Prairie Area, which features Whtiford, the Dodge Branch, oak covered hillsides, one of Wisconsin’s finest sedge meadows, and prairies. Plus, lots of box elders. Read More
Newscasts – April 2023
Last Updated: May 3, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
This issue is filled with great information, including:
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Last Updated: April 7, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Protecting Black Earth Creek
Our Tuesday, April 11, Chapter Meeting
By Topf Wells
Tony Abate is the Conservation Director for Groundswell Conservancy. Over the past 22 years Groundswell has protected over 1,200 acres in the Black Earth Creek valley. SWTU has contributed to a couple of these projects. Tony will discuss some of those purchases, plans for those lands, and Groundswell’s current and future interest in Black Earth Creek and its watershed.
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Secure Your Spot Now! Our Second Annual Spring Fair Fundraiser
Last Updated: May 3, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
** GET TICKETS HERE **
Remaining Tickets are Limited!
Saturday, April 22, 2023 | 4 – 8 p.m.
East Side Club in Madison on the shores of Lake Monona!
Featuring fantastic silent auction items including guided trips from Musky Fool, Black Earth Angling Co, and Madison Fly Fishing Company. And here’s a sneak peek into the overflowing raffle buckets:
Don’t delay in buying your ticket – event likely to sell out and day of ticket sales start at the Silver $100 level (Bronze $65 level is only available ahead of time). Read More
Last Updated: April 5, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Make a Difference and Some New Friends – Join Our Board
By Don Golembiewski
We are looking for a President and two new directors (thank you, Mark Maffit, Pat Hasburgh and Curt Riedl) and a new Treasurer as Nick Jackson has admirably served the chapter but will roll off the board. Elections will be held in May. If you have questions, are interested or know of someone who is, please contact any officer or board member.
Posted: April 5, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Save Badger Mill Creek
Badger Mill Creek faces a severe threat. A big part of the stream’s flow (35-60% depending on conditions) is highly treated, aerated effluent from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). MMSD started sending this water to the creek about 25 years ago to compensate for the groundwater being pumped out of the creek’s watershed and to help the creek. This water is one reason Badger Mill has steadily improved as a trout stream. Read More
Posted: April 5, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Free Casting Lessons and More at the Riversmith Fly Casting Clinic
In conjunction with Cross Plains “Trout Days”, this FREE fly casting clinic is open to anyone ages 6 and up! Beginners are especially encouraged to attend. Equipment will be provided for those who don’t have a fly rod. Learn about equipment, how to cast a fly rod, how to read the water, what trout eat (aquatic etymology) and any other questions you might have!
Please join us and also pass the word along to anyone you know who is interested in learning about our sport. You can show up to learn or help teach or provide encouragement. It’s part of the larger “Trout Days” event so lots going on.
Workday update: Neither Rain nor Sleet nor Snow …
Posted: April 5, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
By Topf Wells
… deterred SWTU from having quite possibly its most productive work day ever, really as in ever.
The productivity resulted from the combined efforts of some great local conservation organizations: the SW WI Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts, the Sauk Empire TPE Chapter, the Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter of TU, the Badger Fly Fishers and SWTU (plus some nice folks who heard about the project and showed up. On the day that started with the weather gods playing a cruel April Fool’s prank, 31 (!!!, WOW) showed up to clear box elders and honeysuckle off the banks of Whitford Creek and what will one day be a lovely wet prairie. The site was TPE’s Sylvan Road Prairie Area, which features Whtiford, the Dodge Branch, oak covered hillsides, one of Wisconsin’s finest sedge meadows, and prairies. Plus, lots of box elders. Read More
Join Our Splendid Series of Spring 2023 Workdays
Last Updated: June 8, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
By Jim Hess, Conservation Chair
Spring is about here (knock on wood!) and I wanted to update everyone on our spring workdays. We still need to finalize some details, but the locations and dates have been determined. For now, please hold these dates open, if you can. Read More
Posted: April 5, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Support our Wisconsin Women’s Fly Fishing Clinics
By Tina Murray
Our Wisconsin Women’s Fly Fishing Clinics are again full for 2023 with a few women on a wait list should a spot open up. These clinics are the largest in the Midwest and the most diverse. SWTU is proud to be offering these clinics for the past 13 years! We need 20-25 volunteers to take women out on the water to mentor them to advance their skills. Read More
Posted: April 5, 2023 by Drew Kasel Leave a Comment
Help out Project Green Teen (PGT)
PGT is still looking for SWTU guides to work with our terrific young people during our fly casting clinics in April (at Shabazz High School in Madison) as well as our week trip in May (to Avalanche, WI leading students for a few hours each night fishing the West Fork of the Kickapoo). Read More
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