Take a Stake in the Lakes 2008 - Dane County's Cleanup Event

May 30, 2008
Contact: Rhea Stangel-Maier, Adult Conservation Team Coordinator, 224-3601 Sue Jones, Watershed Management Coordinator, 224-3764
Land & Water Resources

A Take a Stake in the Lakes Days Event The 21st Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes volunteer cleanup of the Yahara Lakes and other area waters will be held on June 14th and June 21st, 2008. Call now to reserve your group’s favorite park, stream or stretch of shoreline, or to find out how you can help protect our beautiful lakes. Over the years, thousands of volunteers have removed hundreds of tons of waste from Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa and Wingra. During Take a Stake in the Lakes, groups, individuals and families adopt a beach or shoreline, collect litter and rake aquatic debris from the shoreline and shallow waters. Some adopt boat launches while others paddle their canoes or kayaks to pick up trash. Many groups then have a picnic in the park they’ve just cleaned up. Garbage bags, t-shirts and door prizes are provided. Volunteers can also mark storm drains in their neighborhoods using either stencil kits and spray paint or colorful disks that are glued to the curb. The message reminds folks to keep waste, leaves and grass clippings out of the gutters, which drain directly to our lakes and streams. “We really love our four lakes that are the heart of Dane County. That’s why every year, volunteers from all over the County give the lakes a great spring cleaning during Take A Stake in the Lakes. Please join us again this year,” said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. Lakes Mendota, Kegonsa and Wingra will be the focus on Saturday, June 14th, 9 a.m.- noon, with the information center at James Madison Park in Madison. Lakes Monona and Waubesa will be the focus on Saturday, June 21st, 9 a.m.- noon, with the information center at Law Park in Madison. Dane County Public Works barges will pickup aquatic trash and debris from Lake Mendota and Lake Kegonsa shoreline residents’ piers beginning on Monday, June 16 and on Lake Monona and Waubesa starting on Monday, June 23. Barges make ONE pass around the lake starting at 6 a.m. Aquatic debris must be on shoreline residents’ piers by 6 a.m. even though they may not get to everyone’s pier right that day. To participate or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Rhea Stangel-Maier at 608-224-3601 or stangel-maier@co.dane.wi.us. Volunteers may also come to the information centers, where stencil kits and garbage bags will be available. Sponsored by the Dane County Lakes & Watershed Commission, Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean Ups are part of Take a Stake in the Lakes Days, which celebrates and promotes public awareness of the Yahara Lakes and other water resources in Dane County. The event is held in cooperation with Dane County Parks, Dane County Public Works and Dane County UW-Extension, and is sponsored by many local businesses and organizations. More information on Take a Stake in the Lakes Days is available at www.takeastakeinthelakes.com