You, our members. donors, and volunteers, the great people who have supported the organization in many capacities throughout the years have made these accomplishments possible. We have done great things with you, our supporters. Thank you for all that we have accomplished!
Please continue to share your time and resources. You can become a member, donate, volunteer, serve on a committee. Become an active participant in the watershed today. We will be able to accomplish more with your help! We have been protecting the Mukwonago River for 18 years!
You are not too late! The Mukwonago River watershed still needs your protection …
Our Accomplishments since the beginning:
2017
- Friends completed work on our WDNR Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant targeted at providing support to local landowners and communities to combat non-native species of plants and animals that have been introduced and are negatively affecting native species. This grant started with a focus on Corbicula Fluminea in the watershed, but includes awareness of any bad invaders. Anyone interested in becoming a citizen monitor can contact Friends at info@mukwonagoriver.org
- Friends completed the first and is working on the second WDNR Private Forest Weed Management Area grant focused on terrestrial invasive species. This grant expanded the number of landowners involved and acres treated. In addition to workshops that focus on terrestrial invasive species identification and control methods, we offered several on woodland and prairie restoration methods and will move some of our education offerings into the field, offering hands-on workshops so that attendees can try out basal barking, cutting and burning controls, working with experts. The programs under this grant will be specifically designed for landowners to manage and understand the invasive species on their land
- We hired Derek Sallmann as Outreach and Engagement Coordinator to help us renew our hikes and paddles to provide a focus on the gems of the watershed About Derek
- We mailed our 2017 Newsletter to over 5,000 landowners in the Mukwonago River watershed as part of our outreach and education about the things important to the protection and restoration of this pristine and valuable waterway
- We continue to appeal for volunteers who can further our mission and partners with whom we can leverage all that we do to ensure the watershed remains in great condition
2015-2016
- Friends continued work on our WDNR Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant targeted at providing support to local landowners and communities to combat non-native species of plants and animals that have been introduced and are negatively affecting native species. This grant started with a focus on Corbicula Fluminea in the watershed, but includes awareness of any bad invaders. Anyone interested in becoming a citizen monitor can contact Friends at info@mukwonagoriver.org
- Friends received a second WDNR Private Forest Weed Management Area grant focused on terrestrial invasive species. This grant expanded the number of landowners involved and acres treated. In addition to workshops that focus on terrestrial invasive species identification and control methods, we offered several on woodland and prairie restoration methods and will move some of our education offerings into the field, offering hands-on workshops so that attendees can try out basal barking, cutting and burning controls, working with experts. The programs under this grant will be specifically designed for landowners to manage and understand the invasive species on their land
- We hosted our fourth annual Watershed Awareness Pancake breakfast in June at Lake Beulah Yacht Club with our partners, the Lake Beulah Yacht Club and Lake Beulah Protective and Improvement Association
- We mailed our 2015-2016 Newsletter to over 8,500 landowners in the Mukwonago River watershed as part of our outreach and education about the things important to the protection and restoration of this pristine and valuable waterway
- We continue to appeal for volunteers who can further our mission and partners with whom we can leverage all that we do to ensure the watershed remains in great condition
2014
- Friends received a WDNR Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant targeted at providing support to local communities to combat non-native species of plants and animals that have been introduced and are negatively affecting native species. Anyone interested in becoming a citizen monitor can contact Friends at info@mukwonagoriver.org
- In November we added Natalie Dorrler, a local Environmental Educator with Nature’s Classroom, Inc., as our Invasive Species Coordinator to work on the two concurrent grants. She has proven to be a wonderful addition to our team, and we look forward to working with her on our many projects. Natalie has worked with the Education Consortium since its inception several years ago. Please welcome Natalie as you work with her.
- Friends received a WDNR Private Forest Weed Management Area grant focused on terrestrial invasive species. This grant will expand upon our successful, “Got Buckthorn?” workshop. In addition to workshops that focus on terrestrial invasive species identification and control methods, we will offer workshops on woodland and prairie restoration methods and will move some of our education offerings into the field, offering hands-on workshops so that attendees can try out basal barking, cutting and burning controls, working with experts. The programs under this grant will be specifically designed for landowners to manage and understand the invasive species on their land
- We had an incredibly successful calendar of paddles and hikes to open the possibilities in the watershed to those who want to experience its unique resources which we hope to continue each year
- Volunteers successfully raised corporate and individual donations to support a mailing to landowners in the watershed to raise their awareness of the watershed in which they live
- We hosted our third annual Watershed Awareness Pancake breakfast in June at Lake Beulah Yacht Club with our partners, the Lake Beulah Yacht Club and Lake Beulah Protective and Improvement Association
2013
- Friends successfully completed our WDNR River Protection Grant and our WEEB grant in December. Both grants helped us build capacity and bring more visibility to the Mukwonago River watershed and its special attributes
- Friends of the Mukwonago River continue to work with our committees to implement our strategic plan
- Talented volunteers successfully raise corporate and individual donations to support a mailing to 5,800 landowners in the watershed to announce the Watershed Awareness Weekend
- We hosted our second annual Watershed Awareness Pancake breakfast June 2 at Lake Beulah Yacht Club with our partners, the Lake Beulah Yacht Club and Lake Beulah Protective and Improvement Association, serving over 135 people
- Friends of the Mukwonago River, Inc. completed a WEEB grant of $9,990.The grant supports a Mukwonago River Watershed Camp Consortium that we envision will accomplish water management service projects as prioritized in the SEWRPC Mukwonago River Watershed Protection Plan.
- The Friends held several paddles on the river over the summer.
- We continue to welcome volunteers to help our protection efforts
- We continue our web focus and social marketing presence to reach a Facebook audience to distribute our message about the Mukwonago River
2012
- Friends of the Mukwonago River continue to work with our committees to implement our strategic plan
- Talented volunteers successfully raise corporate and individual donations to support a mailing of over 2,000 Friends’ brochures to landowners within 1,ooo’ of the lakes and rivers in the watershed to announce the Watershed Awareness Event
- We hosted our first annual Watershed Awareness Pancake breakfast June 3 at Lake Beulah Yacht Club with our partners, the Lake Beulah Yacht Club and Lake Beulah Protective and Improvement Association, serving over 135 people
- The Friends added four new members to its board of directors, bringing the number of members to six as outlined in the strategic plan
- The Friends of the Mukwonago River, Inc. received a WEEB grant of $9,990 effective July 1, 2012. The grant supports a Mukwonago River Watershed Camp Consortium that we envision will accomplish water management service projects as prioritized in the SEWRPC Mukwonago River Watershed Protection Plan.
- The Friends held a Member Appreciation Paddle to Lulu Lake on August 26 with ten participants in the rain
- We held a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in December with over 40 volunteers and announced our Watershed Champion awards
- We continue our web focus and social marketing presence to reach a Facebook audience to distribute our message about the Mukwonago River
2011
- Friends of the Mukwonago River completes its first ever strategic plan under a River Protection Grant
- Friends’ establishes five committees to support the strategic plan and talented volunteers rally to fill them
- Friends hosts a May 22 canoe trip event paddling down the Mukwonago River with over ten people and a Project RED (Riverine Early Detectors) monitoring workshop to target invasive species in August
- Friends establishes a prairie garden at the Eagleville school with the help of students and managed a garden project at the Phantom Lake YMCA Camp with 12-14 year olds to learn about their watershed
- We receive a second capacity building $10,000 DNR River Protection Grant to further our outreach activities in the watershed
- We continue our web focus and continue to reach a Facebook audience to distribute our message about the Mukwonago River
2010
- Friends of the Mukwonago River rolls out this web page and Facebook fan page with periodic updates and calendar of events
- Friends’ board attends the River Network’s River Rally for training
- Town of Mukwonago and SE Wisconsin Fox River Commission successfully complete Phantom Wood Roads project and mitigate stormwater runoff issues at the site
- SEWRPC finalizes the Mukwonago River Watershed Protection Plan which will move into the implementation phase for the Mukwonago River Initiative partners
- Friends participates with Waukesha County as it begins the process to update its 1984 Farmland Preservation Plan
- Rainbow Springs Golf Course closes in late October. WDNR begins process to remove buildings and start restoration of River corridor in Waukesha County
- Friends hire its first staff assistance, Cynthia Holt, as watershed coordinator in November
2009
- Friends’ board participates in the River Alliance Organizational Capacity Building training
- Town of Mukwonago and Southeastern Wisconsin Fox River Commission start work on Phantom Wood Roads project to mitigate stormwater runoff issues at the site
- DNR adds 136 acres to the Lulu Lake preserve
2008
- Rainbow Springs purchased by DNR and becomes the Mukwonago River Unit of the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest
- Jericho Creek landowners group organized under the Friends’ auspices
- Village of Mukwonago and the Southeastern Wisconsin Fox River Commission do a shoreline stabilization project at Indianhead Park
- Nature Conservancy removes two man-made dams to ensure the safety and quality of the River
- June flooding wreaks havoc throughout the watershed creating high groundwater conditions
- Flooding causes concerns at the Phantom River dam which potential failure could have devastated the fish spawning grounds and mussel beds in the lower reaches of the River
- Country Bliss subdivision flooding mitigation may have major impacts on the Jericho Creek
- Friends receives grant funding to invest in the organization’s long-term viability and sustainability
2007:
- Referendum in Town of Mukwonago relating to taxpayer funding for a Purchase of Development Rights program
- SEWRPC Watershed Study set to begin
- Nancy Gloe named chair of Village of Mukwonago Stormwater Committee
- Weighed in on proposed development of the Michaelis farm, Town of Eagle
- Worked with Parkview Middle School science teacher and class
2006:
- Fought against excessive development at Rainbow Springs in the Town of East Troy
- Proposal at Waukesha County Conservation Congress to place special, protective designation on entire Mukwonago River
- Began to work with Village of Mukwonago on stormwater ordinance
- Worked with developer of Jakober property in Town of Mukwonago to minimize impacts on Jericho Creek
- Statewide ban on harvest of mussels passed into law
- Mukwonago River Fish Committee urged DNR to stock native Brook Trout instead of non-native Brown Trout in the river
- Work party at Waukesha County Land Conservancy property in Town of Mukwonago
- Baker land near headwaters acquired by Nature Conservancy
- Ann and Newell Meyer donate 374 acres in the headwaters to the Nature Conservancy
2005:
- Friends incorporated under State of Wisconsin law as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation
- Became involved in Rainbow Springs owners’ redevelopment planning effort
- Town of Mukwonago Conservation Subdivision ordinance passed
2004:
- Worked with Home Depot, Super Wal-Mart, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and Village of Mukwonago on stormwater concerns
- Eagleville School granted charter school status
- Fixed fish passage under new Highway LO /Jericho Creek bridge
- Managed the Mukwonago forum in Genesee Depot
- Village of East Troy well near Lake Beulah fought by lake groups and Friends as to surface and ground water impacts
- Village of Mukwonago well proposed near Phantom Lake
- Joined Town of Mukwonago’s Conservation Subdivision Committee
- PBS’ Outdoor Wisconsin featured the Mukwonago River
2003:
- Challenged massive Rainbow Springs development proposal
- Joined Town of Mukwonago’s Purchase of Development Rights Committee
- 1500′ of frontage on the Meyer farm protected by conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy
- Worked with County DOT on Highway ES project
2002:
- Completion of the Glacial Refuge: The Phenomenally Diverse Mukwonago River video produced by Nancy Gloe of Friends, presented by Waukesha County Land Conservancy and DNR under a River Protection grant
- Worked on Lakewood Farm Preserve (former O’Bryan farm) development, Town of Mukwonago
- Worked on Minor & Deneen farm developments, Village of Mukwonago
- Town of Mukwonago Smart Growth survey
- Village of Eagle buys land near river in Town of Eagle for new wells
2001:
- Mukwonago River Watershed Initiative formed
- Highway 83 bypass construction
- Worked on Two Rivers subdivision development in Village of Mukwonago
- Watershed chosen for The Nature Conservancy’s Wetland Network
- Town of Mukwonago begins Smart Growth planning
2000:
- Worked with DNR and DOT on Highway 83 bypass plan
- Worked to have Longear Sunfish signs placed at road crossings with the help of WEAL, Waukesha County Environmental Action League
1999:
- Nancy Gloe organizes initial informational/exploratory meeting on the Mukwonago River
- Nancy Gloe and Ezra Meyer organize “Friends of the Mukwonago River”
Thank you for playing your role in supporting the mission of the Friends of the Mukwonago River! The challenge of protecting the outstanding resources of the Mukwonago River is one the watershed community is capable of meeting. We simply must put our minds to it and work together.