aquatic invasive species

https://fwwa.org/2026/06/01/back-breaking-from-buckthorn-use-plants-to-control-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=back-breaking-from-buckthorn-use-plants-to-control-it

We Need You To Go Fishing (It’s For Science, We Promise)

On: May 12, 2026

In: 2026, aquatic invasive species, Community & Events, fish, fisheries, fishing, For Fun and Recreation, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, goby, Habitat and Wildlife, reporting, round goby, Winnebago Waterways

Monitoring for Invasive Round Goby Best Done By Just Fishing We're in the midst of another Wisconsin spring where recreational activities on our waterways are plentiful! The sun is shining and we're dusting off our fishing gear and planning for warm days ahead. But if you're in need of another reason to go fishing, [...]

The post We Need You To Go Fishing (It’s For Science, We Promise) appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2026/05/12/we-need-you-to-go-fishing-its-for-science-we-promise/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-need-you-to-go-fishing-its-for-science-we-promise

College Student? Help Pet Welfare By Taking This Survey

On: May 6, 2026

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, fish, fish tank, Habitat and Wildlife, habittattitude, In your house, messaging, Outreach and Education, PET, pet welfare, survey

Research Project Study Looking For Input on Pet Welfare, Invasive Species Messaging Original Story: Wisconsin Sea Grant Wisconsin Sea Grant is doing a research project about messaging related to pet welfare and invasive species. As a college student in Wisconsin we are interested in your opinions about messaging on this topic since you may [...]

The post College Student? Help Pet Welfare By Taking This Survey appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2026/05/06/college-student-help-pet-welfare-by-taking-this-survey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=college-student-help-pet-welfare-by-taking-this-survey

Removing Invasive Species On Your Property? Stay Safe and Plan

On: March 27, 2026

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, control, habitat, invasive species, phragmites, purple loosestrife, shoreline, watershed recovery

Shovel Going Into The Ground? Make a Plan Whether starting to remove invasive plants, doing shoreline restoration, or even planting a new garden, it is always best to start with a plan. Make a sketch of the existing landscape including planting beds, permanent plants and structures. A plan helps save you time and money [...]

The post Removing Invasive Species On Your Property? Stay Safe and Plan appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2026/03/27/removing-invasive-species-on-your-property-stay-safe-and-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=removing-invasive-species-on-your-property-stay-safe-and-plan

Education Works: “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” Education Evokes Change in Behavior

On: March 25, 2026

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, Boating, clean drain dry, Education, Outreach and Education, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers, Winnebago Waterways

Boaters Who Know the ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’ Rules Are Doing Their Part to Stop Invasive Species Original Story: University of WI Sea Grant Millions of dollars are spent each year on programs that encourage recreational boaters to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and hydrilla. But do these programs, [...]

The post Education Works: “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” Education Evokes Change in Behavior appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2026/03/25/education-works-stop-aquatic-hitchhikers-education-evokes-change-in-behavior/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=education-works-stop-aquatic-hitchhikers-education-evokes-change-in-behavior

Education works: Boaters who know the ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’ rules are doing their part to stop AIS

On: February 18, 2026

In: aquatic invasive species, Bret Shaw, clean drain dry, recreational boating, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers, Tim Campbell, Todd Newman

Millions of dollars are spent each year on programs that encourage recreational boaters to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and hydrilla. But do these programs, like the national Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry brands, actually work?

Recently published research from a University of Wisconsin–Madison team shows — for the first time — that yes, they do.

“Before now, we only assumed these messages work,” said Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species outreach specialist and coauthor of the study. “This research shows, for sure, that Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry outreach help keep our lakes and rivers free of invasive species.”

A man in reflective sunglasses wearing a Stop Aquatic Hitchikers shirt points to a sign telling boaters to remove invasive species from their boats

Tim Campbell points to a common sight at boat launches: a Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! sign informing people about AIS. Photo by Tim Campbell / ASC

Campbell and coauthors Todd Newman and Bret Shaw of the UW–Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication worked with a national social science research firm to survey boaters about their actions related to invasive species prevention and their awareness of two invasive species prevention messages and brands, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry. The study found that boaters who were more aware of the brands reported that they removed plants from boats and drained water from live wells more often than people who were unaware of the programs.

Outreach materials from both brands are ready to use and available to anyone, often for free or at a nominal cost.

“What I like about this research is that it supports that there are some easy and effective things anyone can do, like using Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry,” said Campbell. He added that, while important, brand awareness is one of many factors that determine if and when boaters take action to prevent the spread of invasive species.

“These brands and messages are the foundation of our outreach and prevention tools,” said Campbell. “People that are already using these approaches can then layer additional prevention approaches like inspectors and cleaning stations to further protect our lakes and rivers from invasive species.”

***

The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center administers Wisconsin Sea Grant, the Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, and Water@UW–Madison. The center supports multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Wisconsin Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.

The post Education works: Boaters who know the ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’ rules are doing their part to stop AIS first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/education-works-boaters-who-know-the-stop-aquatic-hitchhikers-rules-are-doing-their-part-to-stop-ais/

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Winter Goby Watch During Battle on Bago, Sturgeon Spearing

On: February 13, 2026

In: 2026, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Habitat and Wildlife, ice, ice fishing, invasive species, Recreation, reporting, roby, round goby, spearing, sturgeon, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

Battle on Bago, Sturgeon Spearing Time on Winnebago Perfect Time to Check That Catch Thousands of folks are arriving on Lake Winnebago this week with big dreams. People are dreaming of spearing a mammoth sturgeon or maybe catching that perfect fish for Battle on Bago resulting in a new truck. Dreaming of creating those [...]

The post Winter Goby Watch During Battle on Bago, Sturgeon Spearing appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2026/02/13/winter-goby-watch-during-battle-on-bago-sturgeon-spearing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-goby-watch-during-battle-on-bago-sturgeon-spearing

Planning Your Garden? Check Your Online Plants Before Purchasing

On: January 28, 2026

In: 2026, aquatic invasive species, gardening, habitat, Habitat and Wildlife, honeysuckle, In your yard, invasive species, invasive species week, online purchase, Outreach and Education, Shoreline Restoration, streambank restoration, ticks

Help Stop the Introduction of Invasive Plants into Wisconsin Gardens Original Story By Melinda Myers “Defending our Health by Stopping the Spread” is this year’s focus for National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), Feb 23-27, 2026. This international event is designed to increase awareness about invasive species. Who better to enlist in this effort [...]

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Ice Fishing? Even Icy Wisconsin Waters Host Aquatic Invasive Species

On: December 10, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, auger, Bay of Green Bay, cold, conservation, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, fishing, For Fun and Recreation, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Green Bay, ice, ice fishing, icy, invasive species, Keepers of the Fox, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Lower Fox River, Outreach and Education, Projects and Programs, Recreation, shanty, spear, stary stonewort, Upper Fox River, watershed, WDNR, WI DNR, winter

Do you have your auger and shanty ready? The ice is firming up. It's calling anglers throughout Wisconsin. In fact, several folks are already getting out in our area! Be careful on that ice! Help protect our lakes and rivers this winter with a few easy steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive [...]

The post Ice Fishing? Even Icy Wisconsin Waters Host Aquatic Invasive Species appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/12/10/ice-fishing-even-icy-wisconsin-waters-host-aquatic-invasive-species/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-fishing-even-icy-wisconsin-waters-host-aquatic-invasive-species

Fishing on Frozen Habitats Free Webinar: Enhance Your Time on the Ice!

On: December 10, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Event - Non-FWWA, Habitat and Wildlife, ice fishing, Outreach and Education, Recreation, webinar, winter water talks

December 18th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Winter Water Talk Webinar Looking for something to do during your lunch break and interested in ice fishing? Check out this free webinar co-hosted by the Water Action Volunteers Program and the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network Program. Webinar Description Bundle up, grab your favorite hot drink, and join us [...]

The post Fishing on Frozen Habitats Free Webinar: Enhance Your Time on the Ice! appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/12/10/fishing-on-frozen-habitats-free-webinar-enhance-your-time-on-the-ice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fishing-on-frozen-habitats-free-webinar-enhance-your-time-on-the-ice

Show Me That Mussel!

On: November 13, 2025

In: 2025, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Fox-Wolf Basin, Habitat and Wildlife, invasive, Lake and River Management, Lake Winnebago, lakes, Lower Fox River, mussel, native, Outreach and Education, quagga mussel, Rivers, streams, Upper Fox River, Winnebago Waterways, zebra mussel

Invasive vs Native Mussels: What's the Difference? When you work in the realm of invasive species, your first thought when hearing the word mussel is "uh-oh". You start thinking, "Ok, which one? Zebra mussel or Quagga mussel?". But then you remember that there's a whole different kind of mussel; Wisconsin's native freshwater mussels. These [...]

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https://fwwa.org/2025/11/12/show-me-that-mussel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=show-me-that-mussel

Hunting Reminder: Phragmites Use

On: October 15, 2025

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, duck hunting, Hunting, Lower Fox River, phragmites, waterfowl hunting, Winnebago Waterways

With the 2025 migratory season underway in Wisconsin, waterfowl hunters have the perfect opportunity to achieve one of the most important habitat conservation efforts possible while out in the field - to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS put the health of Wisconsin’s waterbodies at risk. A few minutes of prevention [...]

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https://fwwa.org/2025/10/15/hunting-reminder-phragmites-use/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hunting-reminder-phragmites-use

Round Goby Discovery in Winnebago Update; Assessment Ramps Up

On: September 26, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bowen St. Fishing Pier, Community & Events, Event - Non-FWWA, fishing, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, goby, invasive species, Lake Winnebago, monitoring, Outreach and Education, round goby, WDNR, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

Fish Caught Off of Bowen St. Fishing Pier in Oshkosh In June, an angler caught a round goby in Lake Winnebago at the Bowen Street Fishing Pier in Oshkosh, the first known detection there. The invasive fish is about 3 to 6 inches long with bulging frog-like eyes and a fused fin on their [...]

The post Round Goby Discovery in Winnebago Update; Assessment Ramps Up appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/09/26/round-goby-discovery-in-winnebago-update-assessment-ramps-up/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=round-goby-discovery-in-winnebago-update-assessment-ramps-up

Waters Worth Protecting: Volunteers Unite for Snapshot Day 2025

On: September 18, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Campbellsport, Fond du Lac, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Outreach and Education, snapshot day

176 Volunteers Unite To Protect Wisconsin's Waters Original Story: Water Action Volunteers, Emily Heald On August 9, 2025, people who love Wisconsin’s waters came together for the 12th annual Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day—a statewide search for aquatic invasive species (AIS). From rivers and streams to lakes and wetlands, volunteers fanned out across 100 [...]

The post Waters Worth Protecting: Volunteers Unite for Snapshot Day 2025 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/09/18/waters-worth-protecting-volunteers-unite-for-snapshot-day-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waters-worth-protecting-volunteers-unite-for-snapshot-day-2025

How Zebra Mussels Are Changing Fish Contaminants

On: August 14, 2025

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, fish, fish contaniments, fish populations, fisheries, mercury, Outreach and Education, Water quality, Water Quality and Drinking Water, webinar, zebra mussel, zebra mussels

Another Impact of Zebra Mussels Zebra mussel cluster. Photo taken by D. Jude, Univ. of Michigan. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that can reshape entire lake ecosystems. Researchers have discovered that zebra mussels may be increasing mercury levels in popular game fish like walleye and yellow perch. Mercury is a potent [...]

The post How Zebra Mussels Are Changing Fish Contaminants appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/08/14/how-zebra-mussels-are-changing-fish-contaminants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-zebra-mussels-are-changing-fish-contaminants

Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day returns August 9

On: July 21, 2025

In: AIS, ais snapshot day, aquatic invasive species, Scott McComb, Tim Campbell

A Snapshot Day participant inspects an aquatic plant. Credit: University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension and Wisconsin Sea Grant invite nature lovers of all ages to participate in Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day on August 9, 2025. The statewide event will be held at over 20 locations across the state and invites volunteers to search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

“Snapshot Day is a great way to engage volunteers for a one-day event, and it helps people learn a lot about the streams and rivers close to their homes,” said Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s AIS outreach specialist. “It also creates a boatload of monitoring data that the state depends on. We’re happy to be a part of it.”

On the day of the event, volunteers will gather at local training sites hosted by community conservation partners. After a brief training on how to identify AIS and follow search protocols, participants will visit designated monitoring sites to search for invasive species. Any potential invasive species found will be cataloged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, supporting control and management efforts.

Scott McComb, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s southeast Wisconsin AIS outreach specialist, will be coordinating data collection throughout Milwaukee County. This is the fourth year he’s participated in Snapshot Day. “I like that it allows people to directly help the lakes and rivers in their community,” said McComb. “It’s also a great opportunity for folks to connect with others who share an interest in water and being outside.”

The event is free, and no prior experience or special equipment is needed. Register and see all event details at: https://wateractionvolunteers.org/events/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-2025/

Advance registration is preferred to help site leaders build monitoring plans but will remain open until August 8, 2025. This event is recommended for ages 8 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

***

The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center administers Wisconsin Sea Grant, the Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, and Water@UW. The center supports multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Wisconsin Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.

The post Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day returns August 9 first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/aquatic-invasive-species-snapshot-day-returns-august-9/

Jenna Mertz

Eyes on the Water: How Snapshot Day Is Turning Wisconsinites into Guardians of Our Waters

On: July 18, 2025

In: aquatic invasive species, Outreach and Education, volunteer opportunity

Original Story: Alicia Lopez, UW- Madison Extension Valerie collecting water hyacinth Winneconne resident Valerie Stabenow, an aquatic invasive species volunteer, has always been interested in doing things outside. A long-time UW–Madison Division of Extension Master Gardener, she once made a water garden out of an old animal stock tank and planted it [...]

The post Eyes on the Water: How Snapshot Day Is Turning Wisconsinites into Guardians of Our Waters appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/07/18/eyes-on-the-water-how-snapshot-day-is-turning-wisconsinites-into-guardians-of-our-waters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eyes-on-the-water-how-snapshot-day-is-turning-wisconsinites-into-guardians-of-our-waters

Adopt a Launch Flourishing in Northeast Wisconsin

On: July 16, 2025

In: 2025, Adopt-a-Launch, Appleton, aquatic invasive species, Fond du Lac, fox river, Green Bay, kaukauna, oshkosh, Outreach and Education, volunteer opportunity, Winnebago

24 Launches Adopted, More on the Way Have you heard of the Adopt a Launch Program at Fox-Wolf? Concerned local water lovers are volunteering to take care of their favorite boat launches. From individuals to groups to businesses, your friends and neighbors are stepping up to help out. In 2025, five new launches have [...]

The post Adopt a Launch Flourishing in Northeast Wisconsin appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/07/16/adopt-a-launch-flourishing-in-northeast-wisconsin/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=adopt-a-launch-flourishing-in-northeast-wisconsin

Reminder – Report Catches of Round Goby in Winnebago System

On: July 1, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, announcement, aquatic invasive species, oshkosh, Outreach and Education, round goby, Winnebago

Goby Reported By Angler near Bowen Street Fishing Pier in Oshkosh We need your help! We ask anglers to be on the lookout for any round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) in the Winnebago System and to report any catches or sightings of these invasive fish. Round gobies are an aggressive invasive fish that reproduces quickly and [...]

The post Reminder – Report Catches of Round Goby in Winnebago System appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/07/01/reminder-report-catches-of-round-goby-in-winnebago-system/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reminder-report-catches-of-round-goby-in-winnebago-system

Great Lakes Landing Blitz: Help Stop The Spread Of Aquatic Invasive Species

On: June 30, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, CBCW, Clean Boats Clean Waters, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Great Lakes Landing Blitz, Recreation, WDNR

Great Lakes Landing Blitz, June 30 – July 13 Original Story: WI DNR Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals this July 4th weekend as part of the Great Lakes Landing Blitz, June 30th - July 13th, 2025. Thousands of boaters and anglers will be out enjoying Wisconsin’s waters during the Independence [...]

The post Great Lakes Landing Blitz: Help Stop The Spread Of Aquatic Invasive Species appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/06/30/great-lakes-landing-blitz-help-stop-the-spread-of-aquatic-invasive-species/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=great-lakes-landing-blitz-help-stop-the-spread-of-aquatic-invasive-species

Annual Drain Campaign Returns This Weekend – Reminder to Drain All Water at the Launch

On: June 5, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Clean Boats Clean Waters, Drain Campaign, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, invasive species, Lake Winnebago, Outreach and Education, Recreation, WDNR, WI DNR, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

Join Fox-Wolf, WI-DNR, and More Partners Statewide To Protect Your Lakes Story Written In Partnership with WI DNR The annual Drain Campaign, June 6th-8th, focuses on the importance for boaters and anglers to always drain their livewells and fish buckets before leaving boat launches and fishing access points. Boat inspectors from Clean Boats, Clean [...]

The post Annual Drain Campaign Returns This Weekend – Reminder to Drain All Water at the Launch appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/06/05/annual-drain-campaign-returns-this-weekend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=annual-drain-campaign-returns-this-weekend

Volunteer Shoutout – Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol

On: May 16, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, biocontrol, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, invasive species, Outreach and Education, purple loosestrife, volunteer, Volunteer Spotlight, watershed

Volunteers Raising Beetles to Deal with Troublesome Plant There are so many ways that people are helping out our waters. People are picking up trash, planting rain gardens, and growing cover crops in their farm fields (just to name a few). This time of year, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is starting up the annual Purple [...]

The post Volunteer Shoutout – Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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When art and science join forces

On: April 28, 2025

In: aquatic invasive species, Art, art and science, Bonnie Willison, Introduced, podcast, Tim Campbell

When it comes to art, perhaps you feel like Wisconsin Sea Grant’s invasive species outreach specialist, Tim Campbell.

“My background is in science. I feel like I’ve always been a science-logic person,” he said. “I don’t make any art. I don’t feel like I have any artistic bones in my body.”

A giant, stuffed brown beetle sits on a wooden table outside

Astrid Hooper Lofton’s big, stuffed biocontrol beetle enjoys some sun. Photo: Astrid Hooper Lofton

But are science and art really that different, or can they be used to achieve common goals? This is one of the core questions driving the latest season of Introduced, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species podcast. Co-hosts Bonnie Willison and Jenna Mertz explore the relationship between science and art by talking with artists weaving AIS — both figuratively and literally — into their work.

“This season, we wanted to bring listeners stories about community and communication, and art bridges both those themes,” said Willison. “It’s really good at grabbing people’s interest who may otherwise never have thought about AIS before. It’s also a lot of fun, and the artists we interviewed are incredibly talented.”

This season features three artists creating AIS-inspired work:

Astrid Hooper Lofton, a student who sews a giant, stuffed, “huggable” biocontrol beetle;
Daniel Murray, the mastermind behind Deep Lake Future, a one-of-a-kind immersive art exhibit in Milwaukee; and
Kim Boustead, an artist whose stalwart pursuit of the perfect fish leather nearly ended with a jug of urine and some very (very!) bad smells.

Tim Campbell’s art (Crayons, marker; circa 2024). Credit: Tim Campbell

Campbell also appears on the podcast as a guest host and resident left-brainer. In addition to showcasing his own artistic endeavors, he reflects on how scientists can lean on art to better connect with audiences.

“We all think people are rational beings that collect data and facts — they weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that’s best for them. But there’s these things called emotions and feelings that get in the way and influence decision making. And I probably can’t make anyone feel anything with just data alone, except maybe bored,” laughed Campbell.

Art alongside science, however, can cast a wider net. Those not captivated by spreadsheets might gravitate towards a colorful mural or sculpture and learn something new about the issues impacting their community.

“And when everyone is engaged, good things can happen for invasive species management and the Great Lakes,” said Campbell.

Listen to the current season on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post When art and science join forces first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/when-art-and-science-join-forces/

Jenna Mertz

Plan Ahead: Know What to Do to Limit Invasive Plants this Spring

On: April 21, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, garlic mustard, invasive, invasive plants, Melinda Myers, Outreach and Education

Original story: Melinda Myers Invasive plants can escape the boundaries of our landscape, moving into natural spaces and waterways. They outcompete and displace native plants, degrading natural habitats, increasing the risk of soil erosion, negatively impacting water quality, and so much more. Invasive plants, like this garlic mustard, outcompete and displace native plants, [...]

The post Plan Ahead: Know What to Do to Limit Invasive Plants this Spring appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/04/21/plan-ahead-know-what-to-do-to-limit-invasive-plants-this-spring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=plan-ahead-know-what-to-do-to-limit-invasive-plants-this-spring

Early Season Invasive Plants To Watch For On Your Spring Walks

On: April 18, 2025

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, invasive species

Spring Is a Great Time to Thaw Out - And Be On the Lookout Spring is a favorite time for many Wisconsinites. Everyday something new sprouts through the ground, blooms appear, and leaves begin filling empty branches. As you enjoy spring and summer unfolding, keep a lookout for unwelcome plants in gardens, waterways, and [...]

The post Early Season Invasive Plants To Watch For On Your Spring Walks appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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Podcast shares the unexpected lessons of starry stonewort

On: March 25, 2025

In: aquatic invasive species, Bret Shaw, Little Muskego Lake, Paul Skawinski, starry stonewort, Tim Campbell, Tom Reck

Starry stonewort, and invasive aquatic algae, was first found in Wisconsin in 2014.

In 2014, Tom Reck was chairman of the Little Muskego Lake District when an invasive species made an unexpected appearance. It was the first time starry stonewort, an invasive macroalgae, had been found in Wisconsin.

“The problem was, we didn’t really know what was going to happen,” Reck recalled. At the time, little was known about how starry stonewort would behave — or how to control it. Media reports painted a dire picture, with one calling it the “start of the death of a lake.”

Ten years later, starry stonewort’s status in Little Muskego hasn’t changed: it remains at the bottom of the lake despite robust efforts to remove it. But what experts know about managing invasive species has changed.

In the newest season of “Introduced,” Wisconsin Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species podcast, we not only learn how those experts are tackling the stonewort problem but how language, fear and human responses play a role in managing aquatic invasives.

The power — and peril — of fear

Bret Shaw interviews for the Introduced podcast.

Bret Shaw discusses the risks of fear-based AIS messaging with Introduced. Photo: Wisconsin Sea Grant

Fear plays a major role in how people react to aquatic invasive species (AIS). Paul Skawinski, who was involved in the initial response to starry stonewort through his role at Extension Lakes, has since reflected on how AIS messaging has evolved.

“When I started working with AIS 20 years ago in 2004, people didn’t even know what an invasive species was,” said Skawinski. “[Natural resources professionals] really stressed how scary and damaging these species were.”

Fear-based AIS messaging is often based on an assumption that invasive species have devastating consequences in every lake, and aggressive action is necessary to eradicate or contain them. But research has proven that this isn’t always the case. Aquatic invasive species behave differently in different environments.

“Sometimes they’re very aggressive, but sometimes they’re just integrated into the community and they don’t cause any real big issues,” said Skawinski.

Bret Shaw, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, studies how communication influences environmental behavior. He recently collaborated with Wisconsin Sea Grant’s Tim Campbell to evaluate the effectiveness of fear-based AIS messaging, which often pushes lake management groups to consider aggressive herbicide use on their lake. Chemical treatment, however, carries its own risks and may harm native plants, disrupt ecosystems or possibly create better conditions for invasives.

“We want to avoid people creating ecological damage out of fear that’s not proportionate to the risk,” Shaw said.

The importance of waiting and watching

How should one respond when a new invasive species is found in their lake or river? Paul Skawinski now recommends the “wait and see” approach.

“Healthy, balanced lakes with a lot of healthy aquatic plants and healthy shorelines can often defend themselves pretty well against the invasion of a new species,” said Skawinski. “So waiting and watching is an important technique to try and has been pretty successful in Wisconsin.”

Tom Reck’s perspective has also shifted in the last 10 years. “Starry stonewort is a carpet on the bottom [of the lake], which is kind of nice when you’re boating or swimming instead of standing in muck,” said Reck. And although the future remains uncertain, he’s noticed that people around the lake have learned to live with it.

“I’m not sure if it’s as bad as we thought,” said Reck.

To learn more about the story of starry stonewort, the science behind how humans react to new invaders, the consequences of fear-based messaging and the power of waiting and watching, listen to Introduced — available here or on your favorite podcast app.

More resources

The post Podcast shares the unexpected lessons of starry stonewort first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/podcast-shares-the-unexpected-lessons-of-starry-stonewort/

Jenna Mertz

Plants Starting to Emerge! Know What’s In Your Backyard?

On: March 20, 2025

In: aquatic invasive species, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, ID, invasive plants, invasive species, management, Melinda Myers, spring

Spring Is A Perfect Time to Double-Check What Plants You're Growing As spring arrives in the Fox-Wolf watershed, our backyard plants start to emerge from their winter naps. Now is the perfect time to verify what plants you have growing in your own backyard. But don't take it from us! Horticulturist Melinda Myers will [...]

The post Plants Starting to Emerge! Know What’s In Your Backyard? appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/03/20/plants-starting-to-emerge-know-whats-in-your-backyard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=plants-starting-to-emerge-know-whats-in-your-backyard

Join us for “Students Ask Scientists” on April 2

On: March 3, 2025

In: Anne Moser, aquatic invasive species, effective communication, Ginny Carlton, language and communication about aquatic invasive species, middle school, Tim Campbell

Where language, communication, and Aquatic Invasive Species management meet

Invasive species in our lakes and rivers are often a result of human behavior. People accidentally and intentionally move species around and introduce them into new habitats, where they may cause both environmental and economic harm. Luckily, with thoughtful education, human behavior can be changed and the impacts of invasive species reduced. What if, though, the language invasive species managers use isn’t having the intended effect? What if the language backfires and perhaps hinders efforts to reduce environmental damage?

Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Join Tim Campbell, aquatic invasive species specialist for Wisconsin Sea Grant, to learn more about how we talk about invasive species and how the different message frames we use can impact effectiveness of efforts to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species. This work features interdisciplinary approaches and blends social and natural sciences to improve natural resource management.

Learn more about Tim and his work. Here is a link to his research products.

When: April 2, 2025, 11-12 Central Time
Target audience: Middle school students and up and their educators
Please pre-register for Zoom-based event
Learn more about the event

Questions? Contact Anne Moser or Ginny Carlton.

The post Join us for “Students Ask Scientists” on April 2 first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/join-us-for-students-ask-scientists-on-april-2/

Anne Moser

Battle on Bago & Beyond – Protect Your Waters from Invasive Species

On: February 14, 2025

In: AIS, angling, aquatic invasive species, battle on bago, fishing, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, habitat, ice fishing, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Outreach and Education, Recreation, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

No Matter the Time of Year, AIS Prevention Helps Your Waters Original Story: WI DNR The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and partners ask anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species while fishing this winter. Even in harsh winter conditions, anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species [...]

The post Battle on Bago & Beyond – Protect Your Waters from Invasive Species appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/02/14/battle-on-bago-beyond-protect-your-waters-from-invasive-species/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=battle-on-bago-beyond-protect-your-waters-from-invasive-species

Free Webinar: Strategies to Manage Invasive Species on Your Property

On: February 14, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Event, Event - Non-FWWA, Fox-Wolf Basin, habitat, invasive species, Melinda Myers, Outreach and Education, restoration, watershed recovery, webinar

Invasive Species? Horticultrist Melinda Myers Can Help! Managing invasive plants on your property can be overwhelming. We will discuss various strategies to help you manage these unwanted plants. Preventing their introduction into your landscape is the best place to start. Then slow the spread of those present by cutting back the plants or mowing [...]

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https://fwwa.org/2025/02/14/free-webinar-strategies-to-manage-invasive-species-on-your-property/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-webinar-strategies-to-manage-invasive-species-on-your-property

Water Hyacinth Instead of Plastic Bags? Invasive Species Used to Regrow Forests

On: January 17, 2025

In: 2025, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive, invasvie species, Lake Winneconne, Outreach and Education, water hyacinth, Winnebago Waterways

Startup Company Finding Ways to Deal with Invasive Plant Original Story: Tom Page, CNN Lake Naivasha, northwest of Nairobi, Kenya is becoming increasingly unnavigable. Water hyacinth, the world’s most widespread invasive species, is blanketing the lake, choking its fish and leaving people stranded. “Sometimes it becomes very serious,” says Simon Macharia, a local fisherman, [...]

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Re-Engineering the Great Lakes Ecosystem – Free Event to Glimpse Into the Great Lakes

On: January 10, 2025

In: AIS, All Too Clear, aquatic invasive species, documentary, Event - Non-FWWA, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, movie, Outreach and Education, quagga, quagga mussel, Video

All Too Clear - Award Winning Documentary Team To Hold Event in Our Backyard TVO Original, All Too Clear uses cutting-edge underwater drones to explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive mussels, known as quaggas, are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers. To capture this epic change, [...]

The post Re-Engineering the Great Lakes Ecosystem – Free Event to Glimpse Into the Great Lakes appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2025/01/10/re-engineering-the-great-lakes-ecosystem-free-event-to-see-beneath-the-waves/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=re-engineering-the-great-lakes-ecosystem-free-event-to-see-beneath-the-waves

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Freshwater Fans

On: November 26, 2024

In: 2024, Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, habitat, Halloween, monsters, Outreach and Education, pollution, runoff, sea lamprey, trash, Water quality, watershed

Celebrate Wisconsin’s Lakes and Rivers with These Thoughtful Gifts

Know someone whose heart belongs to Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers? Whether they’re paddling down the Wolf River, fishing on Lake Winnebago, or simply soaking up the peace of a quiet shoreline, this guide is packed with thoughtful, water-inspired gifts they’ll love. And the best part? Many of these ideas also support the health of the waterways we all treasure.

Let’s dive in!

For the Adventurer: Gifts for the Active and Outdoorsy

1. Underwater Drone

Let’s start off with the coolest (and most expensive) item on our list! Imagine exploring beneath the surface of Lake Winnebago or capturing the beauty of aquatic life in the Wolf River. An underwater drone lets the freshwater fan in your life see the water from an entirely new perspective, making their next trip to the water unforgettable.

2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

For the camper, hiker, or paddler, this lightweight filter is a lifesaver. It ensures access to clean drinking water anywhere—as long as there’s water nearby.

Pair the Lifestraw with a Wisconsin trails map for the ultimate adventurer’s gift!

3. Inflatable Kayak

Perfect for paddling enthusiasts who love exploring waterways like the Little Wolf River or Shawano Lake. Inflatable kayaks are easy to transport, set up, and store—ideal for spontaneous adventures.

Paddling Wisconsin: A Guide to the State’s Best Paddling Routes goes great with this gift!

a yellow inflatable kayak with oars in front of a light blue background

For the Home: Relaxation and Freshwater-Inspired Decor

a wisconsin lake candle in front of a blue background

4. Wisconsin Lakes Candle

Bring the outdoors inside with a candle inspired by the calming scents of Wisconsin’s iconic lakes. Whether they’re reminiscing about a peaceful day on the Waupaca Chain or a day at Bay Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan, this gift is sure to spark warm memories.

5. Wisconsin Lakes Depth Map

This intricate 3D map of your favorite Wisconsin lake is more than just decor—it’s a stunning celebration of Wisconsin’s freshwater connections. A perfect gift for someone who cherishes the beauty of Lake Winnebago, Wilson Lake, and beyond!

a custom lake sign sign reading lake Martin with coordinates

6. Custom Lake Name Sign

Celebrate a favorite lake with a beautifully crafted wood sign featuring its name and coordinates. Whether it’s Lake Butte des Morts or Partridge Lake, this keepsake is a heartfelt way to honor their connection to the water.

7. Personalized Wisconsin Fishing Journal

For anglers who love casting a line in the Fox River or Shawano Lake, this journal lets them log their best catches and memorable days on the water.

a leather journal in front of a blue background

For the Watershed: Eco-Friendly and Impactful Gifts

8. Donation to the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Give the gift of clean, thriving waters by donating to the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance in their name. This thoughtful gesture supports conservation efforts in beloved waterways like the Wolf River, Fox River, and Lake Winnebago.

Better yet – why not get them a Fox-Wolf membership?

9. Shower Flower

For the water lover who has everything – get them a show flower! Help them save water with this unique product that collects shower water while it warms up. Perfect for watering plants or household tasks, it’s an easy way to conserve and reduce waste!

a shower flower against a green background

Stocking Stuffers and Budget-Friendly Finds

10. Wisconsin Lake Map Coasters

11. Wisconsin Native Fish Species Poster

Brighten up their home with a colorful, educational print that highlights fish species found in Lake Winnebago and nearby waterways. It’s perfect for anglers or nature enthusiasts.

12. DIY Rain Barrel Kit

Help them make the most of nature’s resources with a rain barrel kit. Ideal for gardeners who want to collect rainwater, especially in areas near Oshkosh or Fond du Lac, close to Lake Winnebago.

Celebrate and Protect Wisconsin’s Waters

From the calm beauty of Lake Butte des Morts to the rushing currents of the Fox River, our waterways bring joy, adventure, and connection to so many. This holiday season, give gifts that reflect your loved one’s passion for freshwater—and support the critical work of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance in protecting these beautiful resources.

Get Involved!

What’s your favorite memory from Wisconsin’s lakes or rivers? Share it on social media using #FoxWolf #WorthProtecting. Let’s celebrate the places that bring us peace and joy—and work together to protect them for future generations.

Happy holidays, and thank you for making waves with your gift-giving this year!

The post The Ultimate Gift Guide for Freshwater Fans appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/11/26/freshwater-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=freshwater-gift-guide

Dan Beckwith

Trick or Treating in the Fox Valley & Green Bay: Beware the Monsters Threatening Our Watershed

On: October 18, 2024

In: 2024, Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, habitat, Halloween, monsters, Outreach and Education, pollution, runoff, sea lamprey, trash, Water quality, watershed

Meet the Monsters Haunting the Waters of the Fox Valley and Green Bay

Forget Michael Myers—the real monsters this Halloween are lurking beneath the surface of the Fox-Wolf Watershed! As you plan your spooky adventures, whether you’re trick-or-treating in the Fox Valley or Green Bay, meet the environmental threats that haunt our lakes and rivers. These villains won’t be defeated with a hockey mask or kitchen knife, but with a little teamwork, we can keep our waters monster-free and Halloween fun watershed-friendly.

Just as Michael Myers stalks Laurie Strode, these environmental villains silently threaten our waterways. From slimy algae to invasive zebra mussels, these monsters might be out of sight, but they’re dangerously real. Let’s meet them—and learn how to fight back!

The Phosphorist

“Possessing Waters, Spewing Green Goo!”

Where It Strikes: Fox River, Lake Winnebago, Green Bay

The Phosphorist is here—an evil force that takes control of lakes and rivers, just like a demonic possession in The Exorcist. It uses phosphorus from fertilizers, grass clippings, and animal waste as its unholy fuel, spreading thick, green algae blooms that choke the life out of every waterway it touches. Under the Phosphorist’s grip, fish gasp for oxygen, plants wilt, and the once-beautiful waters are transformed into slimy, stinking nightmares.

Like a possessed soul, the lake becomes corrupted—its clear waters replaced by murky, algae-filled sludge. And just like an exorcism gone wrong, the Phosphorist keeps returning after every storm, bringing new blooms and foul odors. Unless the right steps are taken, this toxic force will haunt our rivers and lakes forever.

How to Fight It:

Use fertilizers only when necessary, and keep grass clippings away from storm drains.
Support watershed-friendly practices with help from the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Clingers

The horde just keeps coming!

Where It Strikes: Lake Winnebago, Fox River, Wolf River

Clingers are like the Clickers from The Last of Us—unstoppable, relentless, and spreading wherever they can latch on. These zombie-like zebra mussels invade lakes and rivers, clinging to boats, docks, and water pipes with an iron grip. Once they infest a waterway, they multiply fast, draining the nutrients that fish and plants need to survive. With fewer native species thriving, the water becomes too clear—making the perfect environment for harmful algae to grow.

Just like in a post-apocalyptic world, the Clingers creep silently from lake to lake, hitching rides on boats and fishing gear. Their jagged shells litter beaches, cutting into bare feet, while colonies clog water pipes and infrastructure. Without action, the Clingers will spread through the Fox-Wolf Watershed, turning vibrant ecosystems into lifeless wastelands faster than a horde of Clickers on the move.

How to Fight It:

Always clean, drain, and dry boats after use to stop the spread.
Learn more about prevention from Wisconsin DNR: Clean Boats, Clean Waters.

Lampires

The Bloodsuckers of the Watershed

Where They Strike: Great Lakes, Rivers, and Streams near Green Bay

Beware the Lampire—a sea lamprey terror lurking in rivers and lakes, feeding on fish like a vampire of the deep. With its suction-cup mouth full of sharp teeth, it clamps onto its prey and drains their blood, leaving them too weak to survive. This invasive creature has slithered into the Great Lakes and waterways near Green Bay, turning once-thriving ecosystems into watery graveyards. Just like the infamous Nosferatu, it sneaks in silently, looking creepy and leaving destruction in its wake—making it harder for native fish to survive.

How to Fight It:

Back programs like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission that work to manage the sea lamprey invasion.
Follow fishing rules—some fish species help control the spread by feeding on lamprey larvae.
Get involved in watershed conservation efforts to stop these aquatic vampires from expanding their reach.

Floody Krueger

A Nightmare on Every Street!

Where It Strikes: Parking Lots, Streets, and Sidewalks

Freddy haunts dreams with terror, Floody haunts streets and waterways with polluted runoff. As rain pours down, stormwater gathers oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and trash, sweeping it all into nearby rivers and lakes. Fish and plants suffer in his toxic nightmare, while algae thrive on the chaos. If this waterborne slasher isn’t stopped, his sludge-filled trail will make rivers too dangerous for swimming and fishing—turning every trip to the lake into a horror story.

How to Fight It:

Plant rain gardens and install green spaces to absorb runoff before Floody can strike.
Pick up pet waste and keep storm drains clear to cut off his polluted supply.
Work with your local community on stormwater solutions—learn about the Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium.

Trashenstein

“It’s ALLLITTER!”

Where It Strikes: Beaches, Parks, and Shorelines

Like Frankenstein’s monster, Trashenstein is cobbled together from every discarded bottle, wrapper, and bag. With every piece of trash, it surges back to life—“It’s aliiive!”—growing larger and more destructive. Trashenstein clogs rivers, traps animals in plastic, and turns parks into horror scenes that even Victor Frankenstein would fear. The more litter left behind, the harder it is to stop this monster from rampaging across shorelines and waterways.

How to Fight It:

Don’t litter—cut off Trashenstein’s lifeline.
Join area clean-up efforts to dismantle the monster bit by bit.

Tips for Fox-Wolf Friendly Trick-or-Treating in the Fox Valley and Green Bay

Halloween is about more than costumes and candy—it’s also a chance to protect the environment! As you head out for trick-or-treating in Green Bay or the Fox Valley, follow these simple tips to keep the fun Fox-Wolf friendly.

1. Use Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags

Swap plastic bags for reusable ones that can hold more candy and last longer. Plus, no more worrying about your bag ripping halfway through the night! Using reusable bags also keeps stray plastic out of the environment. Win-win!

2. Stick to Neighborhood Routes

Staying close to home isn’t just more fun—it helps the environment, too! Driving less means fewer pollutants like oil, gas, and tire particles washing into rivers and lakes when it rains. Bonus: It’s a great way to meet neighbors and see more decorations!

3. Walk, Bike, or Scoot

Why take the car when you can stroll, pedal, or roll? Walking or biking with friends means fewer emissions, cleaner air, and more candy time! And the best part? The adventure is just as sweet as the treats.

4. Bring a Cleanup Bag for Litter

Keep the streets looking great by bringing along a small bag to pick up any stray wrappers or bottles you find. A cleaner neighborhood means less litter ending up in storm drains—and cleaner rivers and lakes for everyone to enjoy.

5. Spread the Word

Share these simple tips with friends, family, and neighbors. When everyone pitches in, the impact really adds up! A small effort from each of us makes our water cleaner and our Halloween so sustainable-it’s scary!

Keep Our Watershed Safe and Monster-Free This Halloween

Whether you’re trick-or-treating in the Fox Valley or Green Bay, Halloween can be about more than just spooky fun. Every action you take—from picking up trash to planting rain gardens—helps protect the Fox-Wolf Watershed from real environmental monsters.

Together, we can banish Flooddy Krueger, Trashenstein, and all the other monsters from our rivers and lakes. This Halloween, let’s enjoy the fun while making a difference for the environment.

Photo Credit: Yuliya Karshirina, Kelly Reyer, T. Lawrence (NOAA)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

This Halloween, let’s have fun while doing a little good for the watershed! With just a few small changes, you can enjoy trick-or-treating and help protect our beautiful rivers, lakes, and parks. Here’s how you and your friends can make a difference:

The post Trick or Treating in the Fox Valley & Green Bay: Beware the Monsters Threatening Our Watershed appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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Fall Water Garden Clean Up to Keep Our Lakes Healthy

On: October 17, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, fall celanup, Fox Wolf Watershed, fox-wolf, Garden, In your yard, invasive species, plants, water garden, water plants, watershed

Temps Cooling, Fall Cleanup Tips

As we approach the middle of autumn in Northeast Wisconsin, folks are starting to tackle outside projects to prepare for winter. You might be raking leaves, winterizing your spigots, and cleaning up your vegetable garden. Folks are also looking at their backyard ponds and starting to get things wrapped up for the year.

Want a few tips? Check out this short video with Melinda Myers. Melinda, a former Extension Master Gardener Educator herself, is well–known throughout the state and nationally as a gardening expert and trusted voice to bring education, including invasive species education, to gardeners!

Photo Credit:

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

Reporting invasive species is a first step in containing their spread. Maintaining and restoring our waters and landscapes can reduce the impacts even when we don’t have other management options to an invasive species.

The post Fall Water Garden Clean Up to Keep Our Lakes Healthy appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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Waterfowl Hunters: What You Need to Know about Invasive Species

On: September 28, 2024

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, ducks, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Hunting, invasive species, Outreach and Education, phragmites, waterfowl, waterfowl hunting, WI DNR

Help Stop The Spread Of Aquatic Invasive Species During Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons

Original Story: WI DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds migratory bird hunters that they are essential partners in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in hunting areas and Wisconsin’s waterways. The steps hunters take before leaving a boat launch or access point are vital for protecting hunting habitat.

Invasives can hide in some of the most unsuspected places. Mud on your anchor can hide seeds, eggs or the larvae of tiny species, such as spiny water fleas. Water that collects in boats and decoys can carry diseases, and insects, snails and seeds can also collect under the vests of a hunting dog. Consider giving your dog a rinse with a jug of clean water or scrubbing them off with a brush while they go for a quick swim to prevent invasive species from hitching a ride to the next hunting spot.

Of particular concern to hunters is the Faucet snail. These snails carry parasites that can kill ducks if they eat them. Learn more about how hunters can help prevent the spread of invasive species and minimize these risks on the DNR’s Invasive Species Prevention webpage or by visiting the “Hunter Resources” tab on the Waterfowl Hunting webpage.

Members of Wisconsin’s Aquatic Invasive Species Partnership may be available in your area to provide presentations and other outreach for hunt clubs and other organizations. They and your Regional DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist can answer specific questions about any aquatic invasive species where you plan to hunt.

Find your county Aquatic Invasive Species contact on the DNR’s website. Many of these folks will visit boat launches during the hunting season to provide on-the-spot education, boat towels and boot brushes.

Just a few minutes of preventative action can protect our hunting tradition for generations to come. Before launching into and leaving a water body, hunters should:

Inspect waders, boats, trailers, motors and hunting equipment, including boots, blinds and dogs, before leaving a boat launch or access point.
Remove all plants, animals and mud to the best of your ability. A special consideration for waterfowl hunters is to remove all seed heads and roots when using vegetation to conceal duck blinds. It is also important to note that it is illegal to use phragmites for camouflage in counties where the plant is prohibited by NR40. In general, these counties include the western half of the state.
Drain all water from decoys, boats, motors and other hunting equipment.
Never move plants or live fish away from a water body.

For more information about aquatic invasive species, including where they are prohibited and restricted in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s Invasive Species webpage.

Photo Credit: Chris Acy, Wisconsin DNR

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

The post Waterfowl Hunters: What You Need to Know about Invasive Species appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/09/28/waterfowl-hunters-what-you-need-to-know-about-invasive-species/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waterfowl-hunters-what-you-need-to-know-about-invasive-species

Water Hyacinth No More! Invasive Species Removal Success

On: September 26, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Butte des Morts, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive species, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, volunteer, water hyacinth, watershed recovery, WDNR, WI DNR, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Multi-Year Partnership Results in Water Hyacinth No Longer Seen on Lake Winneconne

A team from the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently monitored Lake Winneconne for the invasive species Water Hyacinth. The annual check for this invasive plant has been ongoing since October 2015 when water hyacinth was first found in the Winnebago System. After an extensive search, no hyacinth was found for the 5th consecutive year! According to the DNR, water hyacinth will no longer be listed as verified or observed on the System. While it’s very difficult to remove any invasive species completely from a lake or river, that has effectively been done for the Winnebago System with water hyacinth!

Water hyacinth has previously been found in local waterways in 8 Wisconsin counties, including in Lake Winneconne in Winnebago County. The plant was first reported to the DNR in October 2015 by a citizen volunteer. Due to its ability to quickly dominate a system, there is concern that the plant may be able to establish a population in the lake. With local partners, the DNR coordinated efforts in October and early November 2015 to remove all water hyacinth plants that were found. As a sub-tropical plant, there was hope that the cold Wisconsin winter would eliminate any plants that were potentially missed by the removal efforts. However, in September 2016, more water hyacinth plants were located in the same area of Lake Winneconne in residential channels and the Wolf River channel. Additional monitoring and removal occurred in September and October 2016, September and October 2017, July and October 2018, and September 2019.

Starting in 2020, no water hyacinth was found during the monitoring trips or by volunteer monitoring efforts. With each successive year, more support was given to the idea that the plant was being repetitively illegally released into the lake near the end of the growing season rather than fragments of plant surviving or seeds germinating each year.

Only with partnerships between WI DNR, local non-profits like Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, citizen volunteers is this story a success. From the first plant being found and reported by a concerned lake resident to the response and removal efforts, we at Fox-Wolf are proud to be part of the team that ensured our System remains free of waterd hyacinth!

Photo Credit: Chris Acy, Patrick Siwula

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

The post Water Hyacinth No More! Invasive Species Removal Success appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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Study offers key takeaways from long-term research on aquatic invasive species

On: August 30, 2024

In: Adam Hinterthuer, Alison Mikulyuk, aquatic invasive species, banded mystery snail, BioScience journal, Center for Limnology, Chinese mystery snail, Eurasian watermilfoil, Jake Vander Zanden, Madelyn Anderson, National Science Foundation, rusty crayfish, Spiny Waterflea, University of Wisconsin-Madison, zebra mussels

A rock covered with invasive zebra mussels taken from Lake Mendota. Photo: Adam Hinterthuer, University of Wisconsin-Madison

By Adam Hinterthuer and Madelyn Anderson, University of Wisconsin-Madison

A report on more than 40 years of research on Wisconsin lakes highlights lessons scientists have learned about aquatic invasive species. For example, far more ecosystems are playing host to non-native species than were previously thought. However, the authors write, those species aren’t necessarily detrimental to their new habitat and, in some cases, the negative “impacts of invasive species control [efforts] may be greater than the impacts of the invasive species” themselves.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned about different species moving into new ecosystems, said Jake Vander Zanden, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Limnology and lead author on the report. “There are many examples where an invasive species has remarkable ecosystem impacts. They can result in fisheries decline, water quality decrease, and more which negatively impacts humans and the environment,” he said. But ecological destruction is far from a foregone conclusion in invasive species stories.

In the article, published recently in the journal “BioScience,” Vander Zanden and his team, which includes Alison Mikulyuk, Sea Grant’s Water@UW Madison Research Program coordinator, highlight nine lessons learned through four decades of data collection, research and experiments conducted by the North Temperate Lakes Long-Term Ecological Research Program. Housed at the Center for Limnology, the NTL-LTER is one of 27 long-term research sites funded by the National Science Foundation.

Research grants are typically funded for three years, Vander Zanden explains, “But that would never allow you to detect these types of changes. It’s only through long-term research that we can get insights into these big questions like where invasive species are, how they are changing our ecosystems and how it all connects to things like climate change.”

One such insight is that the presence of non-native aquatic species in Wisconsin lakes is more widespread than scientists and resource managers initially thought. The NTL-LTER has helped inform Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources maps and datasets on six target species – Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, spiny waterfleas, rusty crayfish, Chinese mystery snail and the banded mystery snail – since the 1990s.

Combining long-term monitoring records on its 11 core study lakes with field-based research and community-based science on dozens of other water bodies, researchers revealed that existing estimates of about 8% of Wisconsin lakes containing one or more of the six species was way off. In fact, the number is closer to 39%.

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Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/study-offers-key-takeaways-from-long-term-research-on-aquatic-invasive-species/

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Landscape Plants, Gardens and Invasive Species

On: August 23, 2024

In: aquatic invasive species, Fox-Wolf Basin, Garden, gardeners, gardening, invasive plants, landscape plants, Melinda Myers, Outreach and Education

Gardeners Create Beautiful Landscapes Free of Invasive Plants

Original Story: Melina Myers

We are finding more and more people are interested in learning about invasive plants and you have an important role in sharing the information they need. This year with the support of the UW-Madison Extension Aquatic Invasive Outreach and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, we were able to connect with over 1,100 people in the two webinars they sponsored. To me, this indicates a significant interest in making a difference as it relates to managing invasive plants in our environment. For those of you who were able to attend, we appreciate you taking the time and your efforts to share your knowledge and passion on this subject.

If you missed the webinars, the recordings are still available to watch. Here is the link to the Helping Gardeners Create a Landscape Free of Invasive Plants webinar (enter Passcode: C4UKDz!y) and download the handout. Please share this information with other influencers in your group and other organizations that may be interested in learning more.

The second webinar recording Create a Beautiful Landscape Free of Invasive Plants is housed on the Milwaukee Public Library YouTube Channel and you can download the handout. This is geared toward the general public, so please feel free to share this with anyone who wants to learn more on this subject. You can also find links to both webinars and handouts on www.MelindaMyers.com by going to the On Demand Webinars page.

This increase in interest in invasive species provides us with an opportunity to reach new gardeners and those who are unfamiliar with this problem. Many of you, like me, have been talking about invasive species for years but as you know, like any subject, it may be new to people reaching out to you for gardening and environmental information.

A recent survey showed many new and young gardeners are shopping for plants online. Although regulations for the sale, purchase, and possession of invasive species are in place, some online sellers are not aware, up-to-date, or concerned with following existing state and federal regulations. Just because the plant can be purchased does not mean it is allowed in Wisconsin. We have an opportunity to help gardeners make informed purchases to avoid creating problems in their landscapes and our natural spaces and waterways here in Wisconsin. Encourage them to visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website before placing their online plant order.

When you meet with gardeners and discover any invasive plants in their landscape, start by making a connection. Keep in mind that many gardeners are not aware the plant is a problem. Let them know why management is important and how to properly dispose of the invasive plant.

Do the same when enjoying the outdoors. Watch for and report any invasive plant infestations you spot in public green spaces and natural areas to the Wisconsin DNR by emailing invasive.species@wisconsin.gov. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/report.html where you’ll find tips for documenting and reporting as well as links to other resources.

Thanks for all you do and together we can make a difference!

Photo Credit: Chris Acy

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

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Biocontrol Beetles Help Bump Invasive Plant

On: July 17, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, beetles, biocontrol, conservation, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive plants, invasive species, purple loosestrife biocontrol, volunteer opportunity, Volunteer Spotlight, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes

Volunteer Efforts Raising Beetles Help Reduce Invasive Purple Loosestrife

Mid-summer means long sunny days and memorable weekends on your favorite waters. But it also means the start of the blooming period of the invasive plant purple loosestrife. You might be seeing some of these plants along roadways with bright purple flowers. While a beautiful plant, purple loosestrife makes over 2.5 million seeds each year. Very quickly, these plants can start to dominate landscapes.

Luckily, there is a beetle that only eats purple loosestrife plants. These biological control beetles help to control the size and spread of purple loosestrife plants. To help increase the chances of a large beetle population each year, Fox-Wolf volunteers help to raise beetles away from predators. By the middle of summer, the raised beetles are then brought back into the wild places that are suffering from too many invasive purple loosestrife plants.

Recently, raised beetles were ready to be released! Check out some of the photos below of these beetles in action! Want to raise beetles next year? Learn more on our Volunteer page!

Photo Credit: Chris Acy

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways Facebook page or @WinnWaterways on Twitter! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance program. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

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Surely a Sea Lamprey….right?

On: July 17, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Butte des Morts, chestnut lamprey, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, lamprey, Outreach, Outreach and Education, sea lamprey, watershed, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Double Check Those Lamprey; Wisconsin has Native Lamprey Too

Many Wisconsin anglers are catching fish left, right, and center as we near mid-summer. But sometimes with those fish, there are reports of sea lamprey attached to fish. Even in places where the sea lamprey isn’t known to have reached, including Lake Winnebago. But anglers are often surprised to hear that Wisconsin waters play host to native lamprey. Take a minute to learn how to identify our native lamprey so next time you catch a fish with a lamprey, you’ll know if it’s native or invasive.

Native Lamprey vs. Sea Lamprey

There are four native freshwater lamprey that can be found in Wisconsin. Of these four, two are parasitic and might be on your next fish. Each species of lamprey have different physical characteristics that can help you figure the lamprey you’re seeing. Check out the chart below to see how our native species differ from the invasive sea lamprey.

Click the image to enlarge

If you’re looking for key characteristics to determine if you’ve caught a sea lamprey, take a look at the top fin of the lamprey. If the long fin on the back of the lamprey is split into two (two dorsal fins), there’s a good chance you’ve caught a sea lamprey.

The most common lamprey in the Winnbeago lake system is the native Chestnut Lamprey. To learn more about this native lamprey, check out this Fox-Wolf Species Spotlight article.

To learn more about the invasive sea lamprey, Fox-Wolf’s AIS Spotlight has the info you’ll need!

Photo Credit: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

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Menasha Lock Re-Opening Plans Put On Hold Indefinitely

On: July 2, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Boating, Butte des Morts, Fox River Navigational System Authority, invasive, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, little lake butte des morts, menasha lock, Outreach, round goby, watershed, WDNR, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Cost for Electric Fish Barrier Significant, Board Votes to Stop Project

Original Story: Fox River Navigation System Authority

The Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) board voted in late June to halt work on the Menasha lock re-opening project, with no set date for resuming development of an electric barrier in the lock channel.

The Menasha lock (located between Lake Winnebago and Little Lake Butte des Morts) had been the most-used lock in the system between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay. After the discovery of a round goby below the Neenah dam in 2015, FRNSA voluntarily closed the lock in an effort to keep the invasive fish out of Lake Winnebago. Since then, the round goby has become abundant in the Fox River and Little Lake Butte des Morts.

The FRNSA has spent more than $750,000 on a proposed electronic barrier which would have allowed boats to pass through the lock, but emit a DC current to repulse fish from entering the lock channel.

However, with an installation cost of $7 million, plus an annual operating cost of $300,000-$400,000, the FRNSA board voted to stop work on the project. Since 2015, FRNSA has been working with experts in aquatic ecosystem management to design a plan using a system of an electric deterrent barrier and water flow regulation at the Menasha lock. Board members indicated further work on the proposal was not within the organization’s budget.

Prior to closing the Menasha lock, it had been the busiest lock on the system; now the DePere lock is the busiest. The locks are the only way the Fox River is navigable—from Menasha to the Bay of Green Bay the river drops in elevation 168 feet. From the Menasha lock to the Rapide Croche lock the river has 17 miles of navigable water. On the northern end of the river from Rapide Croche to the Bay of Green Bay the river is navigable for 20 miles.

“Our goal has always been to restore navigation of the Fox River through the lock system, but we also want to ensure we are protecting the waterways,” Ramlet said. He added FRNSA has maintained a testing program for invasive species for years.

Photo Credit: FRNSA

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

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Landing Blitz: Protecting our Waters

On: July 2, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Butte des Morts, Clean Boats Clean Waters, Fond du Lac, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Great Lakes, Green Bay, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Lower Fox River, Outreach, Outreach and Education, Upper Fox River, watershed, WDNR, WI DNR, Winnebago Waterways

4th of July and Aquatic Invasive Species

Happy 4th of July!

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is joining the international effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species this July 4^th weekend! The annual Landing Blitz campaign runs June 26th – July 6th, 2024. Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) boat inspectors and educators will meet boaters at lake and river launches to remind them that by taking simple prevention steps, we all play a vital role stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) like zebra mussels.

Joining with the Great Lakes Landing Blitz, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance joins all the Great Lakes states and provinces to educate boaters that simple clean up steps and draining water from the boat and live wells can help to prevent the spread of AIS. Many boaters will be greeted at landings and access points by volunteers and regional aquatic invasive species prevention partners sharing the simple but powerful message: YOU can protect lakes and rivers form aquatic invasive species impacts.

“It only takes a minute to remove plants, animals, mud or debris from boats, trailers and equipment and to drain all water from bilges, livewells and bait buckets,” said Erin McFarlane, the Statewide CBCW Educator with Extension Lakes. “These simple steps help keep invasive species from hitching a ride from one lake or river to another.”

No matter where you launch, always remember before you leave the launch to:

Inspect boats, trailers and equipment for attached aquatic plants or animals.
Remove all attached plants or animals
Drain all water from boats, motors, livewells and other equipment
Never move live fish away from a waterbody (out of water = dead)
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash
Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer
Only use leftover minnows when either 1) fishing with them on the same body of water or 2) on other waters if no lake/river water or other fish have been added to the container.

Following these steps ensures boaters comply with Wisconsin state law, which prohibits the transport of aquatic invasive species.

Have a safe holiday weekend and thanks for helping protect our waterways!

Photo Credit: Sophia Koch

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

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Exotic Pet Surrender in Kimberly Gives Pet Owners Options

On: May 20, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Event - Non-FWWA, exotic pet surrender, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Green Bay, habitat, Habitattitude, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Outreach and Education, PET, pets, rehoming, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Over 70 Exotic Pets Surrendered, To Be Rehomed

Seventy animals were turned in at an exotic pet surrender event in Kimberly, Wisconsin, on Sunday. Thirty seven people attended and there was a Facebook Reach of 13,000 people. Included in the surrenders were a four parakeets, a ferret, three red eared sliders, and a 13 foot reticulated python!

The Exotic Pet Surrender Event was held March 18th, 2024 between 9 AM and 1 PM at the Kimberly Public Library. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue was accepting fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals, and plants — no questions asked.

In some areas, there are no rehoming options for exotic animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles. Some pet owners that are unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful for the animal and the environment.

This event brought together a collection of rehoming partners that provide responsible alternatives to release for exotic pet owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) hosted the event with help from another area organization; the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Questions regarding the Exotic Pet Surrender Event or about future surrenders or events can be directed to John Moyles of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. He can be reached at adoptions@jraar.org

For information on future pet surrender events happening across the state of Wisconsin, visit https://www.jraar.org/

Photo Credit: Chris Acy, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Exotic Pet Surrender in Kimberly Gives Pet Owners Options appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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How Lake Stewardship & Consumer Power Can Help Prevent the Spread of AIS

On: May 20, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Butte des Morts, Dock Service Providers, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Green Bay, invasive species, lake management planning, Lake Winnebago, Outreach and Education, Poygan, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways, Winneconne

Article provided by: Wisconsin AIS Partnership

One of the many challenges facing a healthy waterbody is how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) to protect the ecological, social, and economic benefits that we so greatly cherish in Wisconsin. Prevention of AIS is key to the long-term sustainability of ‘lake life’ and needs to be at the forefront of any protection strategy. Simply put, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But if only it were just that simple. The variables and situations that can impact a waterbody may seem so limitless that it can be daunting to know where to start. As a lake resident, you might consider questions such as:

Does the boat launch near my house have an AIS prevention sign?
What if a new AIS is documented in our lake?
What are people doing upstream that could impact our lake?
Do they follow AIS prevention laws?
Where will the next visiting boat come from and will they have taken prevention steps?
What if they didn’t? What then? What next?…

The problem can feel overwhelming. The important thing is that each of us can do something. Big or small. Simple or complex. New or old. Every action counts and every action matters. As a lake resident, you are in a unique stakeholder position to do something particularly powerful and that is to flex your consumer power when it comes to services that you might need as part of your lake life. These might be services such as dock and lift installation/maintenance, shoreline construction work, etc. Any activity that involves installing, removing, operating, and transporting water-related equipment, structures, and gear presents a high risk of inadvertently transporting and spreading AIS without proper decontamination. While everyone is required to “inspect, remove, and drain” per Wisconsin State Statutes NR40, these steps might not always be 100% effective especially for high-risk users such as service providers who are often working on multiple lakes in a single day and interacting with lake water and sediment in ways that recreational users are not. These kinds of service providers need to follow the same prevention steps that we all do, but they are not required to take the extended steps, such as spraying equipment with a bleach solution, making it all the more important for consumers to advocate for their lake.

To flex your consumer muscle, here are some simple ideas to consider –

• Ask your existing or prospective provider what AIS prevention steps they take.
• Build ‘decontamination’ into the service contract. Ask that the provider implement at least one decontamination option (see figure) and provide you with documentation such as a video, logbook, or arrange to witness it in-person.
• Talk with your neighbor or lake group to discuss the possibility of hiring the same provider to reduce the number of providers coming to the lake throughout the season.

Thank you for being a steward of your lake!

Photo Credit: Steph Boismenue, McGhiever

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

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Adopt a Launch Program Flourishes Early in 2024

On: May 1, 2024

In: 2024, Adopt, Adopt-a-Launch, AIS, aquatic invasive species, fox river, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Green Bay, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Outreach and Education, volunteer, volunteer opportunity, Volunteer Spotlight, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

April Ends with Four Additional Launches Adopted

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Adopt a Launch Program is off to its fastest start in years! As we end the month of April, we have had four new launches be adopted across the watershed.

Fred Miller Park Boat Launch, City of Omro – Girl Scout Troop 2147
Telulah Park Kayak Launch, City of Appleton – Valley New School
Lutz Park Boat Launch, City of Appleton – Fox River Academy
1000 Islands Kayak Launch, City of Kaukauna – Julie Eddy & Linda Olson

With several more launch adoptions underway, 2024 is shaping to be one of the largest increases in boat launches adopted in the Program’s history. The Fox-Wolf Adopt-a-Launch Program works to improve and clean up the lakes and rivers by engaging community members through volunteer efforts at boat launches. Volunteers are helping to identify new introductions of aquatic invasive species (AIS), prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plant and debris at launch sites, improve and protect habitat and water quality by removing garbage, help ensure recreational boating facilities are maintained by reporting issues, and develop a sense of pride and ownership for the waterways. Want to get involved? Here’s how to join our amazing volunteers!

Photo Credit: Chris Acy

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Adopt a Launch Program Flourishes Early in 2024 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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Examples of Sea Grant Efforts to Improve Aquatic Invasive Species Research, Outreach, and Management

Wisconsin Sea Grant staff contribute to special “Oceanography” journal issue

On: May 1, 2024

In: aquatic invasive species, Bonnie Willison, Emma Hauser, Jonathan Pennock, Julia Noordyk, Marie Zhuikov, Mona Behl, National Sea Grant College Program, oceanography, science communication, Sea Grant special issue, stormwater management at great lakes marinas, storytelling in the field, Tim Campbell

Sea Grant research and outreach projects took center stage in the latest issue of “Oceanography,” the official journal of The Oceanography Society. Published yesterday, the issue features 36 articles contributed by Sea Grant authors across 29 programs and the National Sea Grant Office.

“Sea Grant’s success and impact continues to rely on the power of collaboration,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of the National Sea Grant College Program. “This special issue showcases and celebrates the breadth of Sea Grant’s work.”

Articles cover a range of topics including aquaculture, marine debris research, green infrastructure, science communication and community partnerships, highlighting the wide scope of contributions Sea Grant makes to the environmental and marine sciences.

Tim Cambell, Julia Noordyk, Bonnie Willison and Marie Zhuikov with Wisconsin Sea Grant co-authored five articles with staff from other Sea Grant Programs across the country. Emma Hauser represented the Wisconsin program on the cover. Many other staff members helped review the articles, providing input and editing services.

Campbell, aquatic invasive species outreach specialist, contributed to two articles:

SPOTLIGHT • Alien Language: Reflections on the Rhetoric of Invasion Biology

Noordyk, water quality and coastal communities outreach specialist, contributed to:

SPOTLIGHT • Advancing Stormwater Management at Great Lakes Marinas with Green Infrastructure: Outreach, Implementation, and Applied Research

Willison, video and podcast producer; and Zhuikov, senior science communicator; contributed to:

Storytelling in the Field with Sea Grant’s Science Communicators

Hauser, aquaculture education and outreach specialist, is featured in one of the cover images holding a net over an aquaculture tank.

Ultimately, this special issue is a reflection of Sea Grant’s scientific contributions and a look toward what is to come. Mona Behl, associate director of Georgia Sea Grant and a contributor to the special issue, said she hopes this issue will inspire new opportunities.

“Sea Grant is just one of many organizations that is committed to increasing the usefulness of science for societal good,” Behl said. “We invite readers of this special issue to join us in envisioning new pathways for collaboration, impact and innovation to propel toward a future where scientific advancements are accessible, equitable and transformative.”

The post Wisconsin Sea Grant staff contribute to special “Oceanography” journal issue first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/wisconsin-sea-grant-staff-contribute-to-special-oceanography-journal-issue/

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Update: 2022 Spiny Waterflea Findings in Lake Winnebago

On: April 24, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, angling, aquatic invasive species, Boating, conservation, fishing, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, invasive, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Spiny Waterflea, waterflea, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Additional Monitoring Reveals No Other Spiny Waterfleas

Following up from a spiny water flea finding in Lake Winnebago in 2022, the WI Department of Natural Resources and local partners conducted extensive monitoring for spiny water fleas through the summer and fall of 2022. Biologists were searching for additional adult spiny waterfleas as well as eggs that would have been laid in the sediment of the lake. Following analysis of the samples collected, we are please to report that no evidence of spiny waterflea were found which includes not finding any eggs!

This is fantastic news for our waterways! Currently, there is no evidence that the spiny waterfleas found in 2022 were able to establish a population in Lake Winnebago. Ongoing monitoring by UW-Green Bay as part of the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) AIS Monitoring Program will continue to keep an eye out for spiny waterflea and other invasive species.

Remember- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s easy to help prevent the spread of all aquatic invasive species between lakes. No matter what lake or river you visit, follow these steps to protect your wild places:

Spiny waterflea on a fingertip

· Inspect equipment (boats, fishing line, etc.) for attached aquatic plant, animals, or mud

· Remove all attached plants or animals

· Drain all water from buckets and containers

· Never move live fish away from a waterbody (fish out of water = dead)

Photo Credit: Riley Schultz (UWGB), WI Sea Grant, Donn Brandstrator (UM-Duluth), Chris Acy

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Update: 2022 Spiny Waterflea Findings in Lake Winnebago appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

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Warming Weather? Help Volunteer to Protect Your Favorite Places

On: March 13, 2024

In: 2024, Adopt-a-Launch, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Butte des Morts, Citizen Lake Monitoring Network, Clean Boats Clean Waters, conservation, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Project RED, volunteer, volunteer opportunity, watershed

Opportunities Abound; Volunteer While Doing What You Love!

The warmer weather and open water is calling! When you’re out doing your favorite activities this spring and summer, you could be helping protect your lakes and rivers! Learn about some of the volunteer opportunities at Fox-Wolf below. Our volunteer opportunities give you the flexibility to do what you love while protecting your waters!

Adopt-a-Launch

Join community members in helping improve boat launches ! Interested individuals will adopt a local boat launch and help remove plants from the launch area, pick up litter, and report issues with the launch. Volunteers also help protect our lakes by searching for aquatic invasive species at their launch! Adopt-a-Launch program is a Fox-Wolf program that works to engage community members in taking ownership of their lakes by helping to search for aquatic invasive species and improve boat launches! Get involved today!

Project Riverine Early Detectors

Love to paddle, kayak, or canoe in rivers and streams? Help look for invasive species during this relaxing pastime! You will be trained on how to easily identify aquatic invasive species, some native look-a-likes, and how you can keep an eye out for them when you’re floating just around the riverbend!

Citizen Lake Monitoring Network

Join 1000+citizen volunteers statewide to collect high quality data on the lakes that you love! CLMN volunteers help monitor their lakes for a variety of things including water quality parameters, ice on/off, and aquatic invasive species! Volunteers help determine which topics they are interested in monitoring. The information gathered by volunteers is even used by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and university biologists and researchers, UW-Extension, and other interested individuals in projects that work to improve your lake! Help keep track of changes in your lake while being near your favorite Winnebago lake! This opportunity is easy to do from both the shoreline as well as your boat!

Purple loosestrife Biocontrol

Love to garden! This one’s for you! Help control harmful invasive species in our community! The invasive plant Purple loosestrife can quickly dominate a wetland and harm our native plants. You can help by raising a natural predator of Purple loosestrife (Galerucella beetles) on caged, potted, loosestrife plants in your backyard. Once released into local infested wetlands, the beetles only eat purple loosestrife, giving native plants a chance to re-establish. This DNR program, locally coordinated by Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, offers free supplies and does not require previous experience. Access to an outdoor space within reach of a garden hose is ideal, but we are also looking for volunteers to help with plant potting and beetle release events.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters

Love talking with people? Get involved in the effort to protect Wisconsin lakes and rivers by stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. As a volunteer watercraft inspector, you will take up the front line by conducting boater education at boat landings in your community. Inspectors perform boat and trailer checks for aquatic invasive species, educate boaters on how to stop the spread, and collect and report new infestations. Meet other anglers and boaters from across the Midwest!

AIS Statewide Snapshot Day

Want a single day event that’s fun for the whole family? During the statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day, join other water quality enthusiasts in searching for invasive species that harm our waterways. Learn how to search for invasive species that may affect the waters that are special to you. You can choose to search from the shore with binoculars and a rake or wade into friendly waters to get a better look! This event is fun for the whole family and really makes a difference in the fight against invasive species. AIS Snapshot Day occurs on August 10th, 2024.

How To Get Started

Give the greatest gift this year to your waters; your time! Whether you want a single day opportunity or want to help out throughout the summer, we will help you fuel your environmental passions at Fox-Wolf! View more of Fox-Wolf’s volunteer opportunities by visiting: https://fwwa.org/join-us/volunteer-with-fwwa/

Interested? Contact – Chris Acy, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance AIS Coordinator. chris@fwwa.org. (920) 460-3674

Photo Credit: Dan O’Connell, Chris Acy

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

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400+ Exotic Pets Rehomed, Mitigating Potential Releases Into Waterways

On: March 13, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Event - Non-FWWA, exotic pet surrender, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Habitattitude, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Outreach and Education, Winnebago Lakes

Oshkosh, Neenah Play Host Exotic Pet Surrender Events

Original Story: John Moyles, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue

In an effort to address the challenges of rehoming exotic pets and discourage the harmful practice of releasing them into the wild, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue hosted several successful Exotic Pet Surrender Events on January 13th and March 2nd, 2024. The event, held at the organization’s rescue center in Neenah, aimed to provide responsible alternatives and a judgement-free environment for pet owners who can no longer care for their exotic animals.

A staggering 460 animals, ranging from fish and reptiles to pet birds and small mammals, found their way to new beginnings through the event. Among the surrendered animals were fish, lizards, snakes, and even a colony of roaches, highlighting the diverse range of creatures in need of assistance.

The event was not only about surrendering pets but also about education and advocacy. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Animal Ambassadors and learn about their unique stories, reinforcing the message of responsible pet ownership. A photobooth with rescued pets allowed for cherished memories to be captured and shared, further fostering a sense of community and compassion.

Collaborating with regional rehoming partners such as Reptile Rescue of Wisconsin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, Pet Advocacy Network, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue facilitated the surrender of four animals, including fish, a tortoise, and birds. This collaborative effort ensures that these animals are given proper care and attention.

All surrendered pets undergo a brief quarantine and evaluation period to ensure their health and well-being before becoming available for adoption. This meticulous process reflects the commitment of the organizers to find suitable homes for these animals and prevent any negative impact on the local ecosystem.

For those who missed the event, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue reminds the public that they can surrender pets at their Rescue Center in Neenah or find information about upcoming Surrender Events on their website: https://www.jraar.org/exoticpetsurrenderevents. With 29 events planned for the year there are ample opportunities for pet owners to seek assistance in rehoming their animals.

The success of the Exotic Pet Surrender Event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Ship Your Reptiles, Chemipure, Jellyfish Art, Reef Aquaria Design, and Festival Foods. Their support enables J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue to continue providing valuable services to the community and promoting responsible exotic pet ownership.

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways Facebook page or @WinnWaterways on X! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

Winnebago Waterways and Keepers of the Fox are Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance programs. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization working to protect and restore water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

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