Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (Page 2)

https://fwwa.org/2023/05/11/whats-that-plant-know-whats-in-your-water-garden/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whats-that-plant-know-whats-in-your-water-garden

Chris Acy

Total raised as a result of Go Green night at the Wisconsin Herd Game March 17, 2023

On: April 27, 2023

In: basketball, Event - FWWA, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Funding Opportunity, fundraising, oshkosh arena, sports, thank you, Winnebago County, Winnebago Waterways, Winnebago Waterways Program, wisconsin herd, wwp

Thank you to the Wisconsin Herd, Oshkosh Arena, and Winnebago County and the Winnebago Solid Waste Department for having the Winnebago Waterways Program as the non-profit of the night at the Wisconsin Herd Game on March 17, 2023. It was an exciting game and thanks to all who bid on the Go Green jerseys following the game, we raised $1650.57! These funds will be used to further our water quality restoration and protection efforts. Thank you for all your support!

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https://fwwa.org/2023/04/27/wisconsin-herd-march-17-result/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wisconsin-herd-march-17-result

Trash Free Waters & Oshkosh North Communities Students Partner for Litter Prevention

On: April 26, 2023

In: 2023, communities, fishing, fishing line, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, litter, Litter Prevention, oshkosh, Oshkosh North High School, Outreach and Education, project, receptacles, Students, trash, trash free waters, Upper Fox River, Urban Stormwater, Volunteer Spotlight, volunteers, Winnebago County

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance has partnered with Oshkosh North Communities students for several years. Our previous projects included a kayak cleanup of Miller’s Bay, shoreline restoration plant maintenance, and a cleanup of Asylum Point Park. When we were contacted earlier this year to continue this partnership, we jumped at the chance to work with students on a litter prevention effort. The plan was to have Communities students build and install fishing line receptacles at public fishing locations in the greater Oshkosh area.

Fishing line left as litter in our watershed has devastating effects on wildlife and can become entangled and difficult to remove. Fishing line receptacles offer anglers the opportunity to properly dispose of their used fishing line before it becomes a problem in the environment. These containers also bring awareness to a major litter issue in our lakes and rivers.

Seven students chose the Eco Pod consisting of three earth-friendly projects, including the pollution prevention project with Trash Free Waters. Kelly Reyer who runs the Trash Free Waters program at Fox-Wolf, met with the students several times throughout the semester, setting a project schedule and helping to coordinate with the Winnebago County Parks Department.

The students researched the best receptacle design, created a budget, submitted their budget request, and bought the needed supplies, and then worked together to built three receptacles. The three receptacles were installed at:

Asylum Point Park
Ken Robl Conservation Park
Butte des Morts Landing

The Trash Free Waters program at Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is proud to work with Oshkosh North High School Communities students on this litter prevention project. Thank you to the students, Sawyer, Blake, Shawn, Hammza, Katie, Keira, and Emily.

A quote from Katie Wetterau, Oshkosh North High School Communities Student:

“Fishing line is not biodegradable. When the monofilament is left in our waterways it stays there for hundreds of years harming the environment and its wildlife. For the future that I and many other children will grow up in, I am glad to have made an impact to help our earth with our partner Kelly Reyer from Trash Free Waters.”

A celebration of the project took place at Asylum Point Park on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in the afternoon. In attendance were school officials, family members, other Communities students, project partners, and local TV media. The students shared their experience working on this project and were interviewed about their experience by both WLUK Fox-11 and WBAY TV-2.

Here are links to both TV news stories:

Trash Free Waters is a program of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance that works to prevent and reduce trash and litter on our lands and in our waters through targeted campaigns, cleanup events, and outreach and education.

The mission of the Oshkosh North High School communities program is to create a better community through content, communication, collaboration, commitment, creative thinking, and critical thinking.

To learn more about our Fox-Wolf’s Trash Free Waters program, visit: www.trashfreewaters.org or contact Kelly Reyer – 920-915-1502 or kelly@fwwa.org.

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The Cornell Lab: All About Birds – American White Pelican

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/26/fishing-line-receptacle-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fishing-line-receptacle-project

Kelly Reyer

Species Spotlight: American White Pelican

On: April 26, 2023

In: aquatic, bird, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, fresh water, habitat, katie reed, lakes, Outreach and Education, pelican, species spotlight, Water quality, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) used to be a rare sight in Wisconsin, now these birds, with wingspans up to 9 feet, are frequently spotted in large numbers in the Winnebago System! The American White Pelican has an orange, long, pouched bill (beak) that can grow a protrusions during the breeding season. The tips of their bills have a small hook at the tip. Their necks are long, and their bodies are usually snowy white with black flight feathers. Their legs and feet are orange though younger birds’ can appear more gray-pink and darken with age, and their feet are webbed. Adult pelicans can weigh about 16 pounds, making them one of the heaviest flying bird species.

American White Pelicans are piscivorous, meaning they primarily eat fish. The American White Pelican forages for food mostly in shallow waters in open areas of marshes, lakes, rivers, and ponds but can forage in deeper water. American White Pelicans do not submerge or dive for food. Instead, they dip their bill into the water and scoop up prey into their pouch, then tip their bill above their head to swallow. A typical pelican can reach down to about 3 feet below the surface of the water, and can eat about 3 pounds of fish a day! In Wisconsin, pelicans have been recorded eating common carp, as well as other fish species. They can also eat amphibians like frogs and invertebrates like crayfish. Pelicans sometimes work together to forage for food. A group of pelicans can corral fish into shallow areas or to the center of a U formation or circle to more easily catch prey.

Adult American White Pelicans on Water (National Park Service)

Pelicans at a nesting colony (Winnebago Waterways User Submitted Photo)

Young Pelicans (USDA)

Pelicans start to breed when they reach about 3-6 years old and travel to their breeding colonies in March – May. These colonies are typically on islands. Nests are built on the ground in colonies with other pelicans, as well as other bird species like cormorants and gulls. Usually pelicans lay 2 eggs. The eggs and hatched young are vulnerable to predators like eagles, foxes, and raccoons. Studies show that pelicans can live up to 30 years.

Historically, American White Pelicans were found in Wisconsin but their population sharply declined in the late 1800s – 1900s due to hunting and habitat loss. In the last 20-25 years, their populations have grown tremendously in Wisconsin, prompted likely by loss of breeding grounds in the West but also due to habitat restoration projects and pollution cleanup. In the lower Green Bay area, the number of white pelicans grew from about 250 in 2005 to more than 3,000 in 2021. Protecting their habitat and water quality is important to their continued success in the Winnebago System.

Article written by Katie Reed, Winnebago Waterways Coordinator: katherine@fwwa.org

Featured Image Credit: Russ CC BY 2.0

Sources:

American White Pelican – EEK Wisconsin – Environmental Education for Kids

USDA – Tommy King – Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service – American White Pelicans

SeaGrant – University of Wisconsin – Researchers investigate the impact of water birds on Green Bay

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

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https://fwwa.org/2023/04/26/species-spotlight-american-white-pelican/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-american-white-pelican

Winnebago Waterways web page

Local Business Continues Support of Water Quality Initiatives

On: April 26, 2023

In: 1% for the planet, Appleton, business, donation, Donation Story, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Inc., Lake Winnebago, Motto, rob riley, Water quality, Winnebago Waterways

Lifetime Business Member of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

A huge thank you to Rob and his team at Motto Inc. (pictured above), a locally owned and operated business, for their continued support of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance’s water quality initiatives in the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Area. Last year, Motto Inc. donated $18,262 to Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. This year they beat their own record by donating $25,000! Their donation will have an even bigger impact because a percentage was matched by the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation’s Give Big Green Bay program.

In addition to their generous donation, Motto Inc. has volunteered with Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. Last winter, the Motto Inc. team volunteered to sow native plants and take care of them over the winter. These plants will be used in our shoreline restoration projects!

Motto Inc. is also a business member of 1% for the Planet, which connects businesses and individuals who pledge to give 1% of their sales back to the planet each year with approved environmental nonprofits around the world. This partnership will help Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance connect with more businesses who share the same values of promoting water quality and environmental stewardship.

Motto Inc. lives up to their commitment through quality branded products and their ongoing support of various causes that improve the community and environment. We invite you to learn more about this local business by visiting their website: www.mottoinc.com

Thank you to Rob and his Motto Inc. team for their continued support!

The Winnebago Waterways Program facilitates regional coordination and implementation of recovery efforts for the Winnebago Lakes and surrounding watersheds. Priority implementation projects are outlined in the Winnebago Waterways Lake Management Plan. Winnebago Waterways is a program of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent non-profit organization that works to protect and restore the water resources of the Fox-Wolf River Basin. We are focused on finding cost effective, science-based solutions. To meet our goals, we work with partners to maximize efficiencies, bringing resources to those who are already doing great work while utilizing our strengths to fill gaps when needed.

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. Through business and individual memberships, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. The organization advises on giving strategies, certifies donations and amplifies the impact of the network.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their members have given more than $250 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 3,000 business members, an expanding core of individual members and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 90 countries.

If you are interested in learning more about 1% for the Plant and how to become a business partner, please contact Korin at korin@fwwa.org.

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Questions? Comments? Send us an email at wwinfo@fwwa.org.

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on social media: Winnebago Waterways on Facebook and @WinnWaterways on Twitter!

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https://fwwa.org/2023/04/26/local-business-continues-support-of-water-quality-initiatives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=local-business-continues-support-of-water-quality-initiatives

Terrells Island & Samers Bay Restoration Project Webpage

Terrells Island Trails to Open on May 8, 2023

On: April 25, 2023

In: bay, breakwall, Butte des Morts, Butte des Morts Conservation Club, conservation, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, island, Lake Butte des Morts, rock, samers, Terrell Island, Terrell's Island, terrells, trail, TS restoration update, wall, Water quality, Watershed Project, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

Information from the Butte des Morts Conservation Club – original post here: Butte des Morts Conservation Club Facebook

Terrells Island Trails will be open to the public starting Monday, May 8th, 2023. Trails are open from sunrise until one hour before sunset, unless otherwise posted.

Please Note: Trail is no longer a loop. There is a turn around.

*Frank & Alice Kachur Trail is 2.1 miles one way

*Schoolhouse Trail is 1.5 miles one way

Please throw away all trash in receptacle at trail entrances
Pets should be leashed and remove/clean up all animal waste
Anglers – no fishing from bridge-leave no trash behind

Enjoy!

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Terrells Island Trails to Open on May 8, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/25/terrells-island-trails-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=terrells-island-trails-2023

Volunteers needed – Wetland Restoration Planting

On: April 19, 2023

In: Agriculture, ducks, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, habitat, harbor, kalbus, lwcd, planting, project, restoration, team snw, volunteer, volunteer opportunity, Water quality, wetland, Winnebago, Winnebago County, Winnebago Waterways, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, WWA

We are looking for 10-15 volunteers to help plant 2,720 plant plugs for a wetland restoration on the west side of Lake Winnebago.

Volunteers are needed May 5th, 6th, and possibly 7th at Kalbus Country Harbor in Oshkosh. Each day will start at 9:00 am. Volunteers are welcome to volunteer as much or as little as available.

To sign up, please contact John by May 1st at: 920-426-0062 (via text or call) or email kalbuscamping@gmail.com

We will have some tools available, but recommend bringing what you prefer to use with you, dress for the weather, and be prepared to get dirty. For those who sign-up, John will follow up with additional details.

Read more about the Kalbus restoration project: CLICK HERE

KALBUS PROJECT WEBSITE

Project site map

Project funding and partners:

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Volunteers needed – Wetland Restoration Planting appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/19/kalbus-wetland-project-volunteers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kalbus-wetland-project-volunteers

Korin Doering

Trash Free Waters program recognized for volunteer power

On: April 18, 2023

In: announcement, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an award-winning organization, doing work in Northeast Wisconsin to protect and restore our waters.

This April, our Trash Free Waters program received the Ed Thompson Liberty Award from the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin for the valuable work we do in the community. This award recognizes that Trash Free Waters inspires and empowers local volunteerism on a significant scale.

The Trash Free Waters program offers targeted campaigns, cleanup events, and education to help prevent and reduce litter. The annual Watershed Cleanup deploys over 1,500 volunteers at over 60 sites in the Fox-Wolf River basin. In 2022, volunteers at the Cleanup picked up over 8,400 pounds of trash.

Fox-Wolf is an independent non-profit organization, and our work relies on cultivating a broad base of partnerships. This collaboration allows us to take a holistic approach to watershed management, bringing together individuals, businesses, farmers, government agencies, and city/county staff.

The post Trash Free Waters program recognized for volunteer power appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.