In Southeastern Wisconsin, our rivers and Lake Michigan are THE REAL WATER PARK...

Want to do more?

There are more ways to join in!  Events are held throughout the region that give us a chance to connect to our rivers and Lake Michigan. Some events celebrate their place in our lives; others give us an opportunity to be stewards of this valuable resource.  Some of events are hosted by municipalities; other by water organizations.  Visit your municipality’s website to learn about events in your home town.  Or visit Sweet Water’s website for news of other events.

Here’s a sampling of a few annual events with links to the sponsoring organizations.

Spring River Clean-up – Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s Spring River Cleanup takes placeat over 50 sites throughout the Milwaukee River Basin in mid-April.  Volunteers from all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are welcome!  Last year, 3,000 people took part in the cleanups. Good spirits abound.

More information at Milwaukee Riverkeeper    www.milwaukeeriverkeeper.org

Gathering Waters Festival – An urban outdoor adventure on Milwaukee’s Lakefront at Lakeshore State Park celebrates our great good fortune to live on the shores of Lake Michigan. You’ll find activities for all ages from rock wall climbing, performances, canoe and kayak demonstrations, and fishing lessons.

More information at Friends of Lakeshore State Park    www.friendslsp.org

Moonlight Paddle – Paddlers from across the state converge on the Milwaukee River to paddle from river to Lake Michigan and back again under the light of the full moon. The event is co-hosted by the River Alliance of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Riverkeeper, is in its sixth consecutive year.  You’ll see the river with fresh eyes.

More information at River Alliance of Wisconsin    www.wisconsinrivers.org

Sturgeon Fest – This festival celebrates the release of young sturgeon into the Milwaukee River. The event includes live animal and amphibian presentations, children’s crafts, and an arts and craft fair as well as food vendors. Event is part of the Return the Sturgeon initiative at RiverEdge. Hold the future in your hands.

More information at RiverEdge Nature Center    www.riveredge.us

Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference – An annual conference that promotes new approaches to protection and restoration of our rivers and Lake Michigan.  Presentations feature innovations in science and practices that address the challenges facing water resources.

More information at Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust (Sweet Water)    www.swwtwater.org

Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup – Volunteers throughout the Great Lakes take part in cleanups along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and its tributaries. With so many beaches and miles of shoreline, there’s a lot of work. Join a team or form a team.  You’ll be in good company.

More information at Alliance for the Great Lakes    www.greatlakes.org