15th Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Days Scheduled for June 6 - 21, 2009
June 05, 2009
Sue Jones, (608-224-3764, cell 608-469-9280
Land & Water Resources
Celebrate our Waters during the Month of June
(Madison, WI…June 5, 2009) Take a Stake in the Lakes Days, presented by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission, will run from June 6 -21, 2009. Highlighting the importance of safeguarding and preserving Dane County’s lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, Take a Stake in the Lakes Days will feature a series of events and activities (www.takeastakeinthelakes.com) .
“This annual celebration of our beautiful lakes is a reminder of the many joys those blue waters bring to Dane County citizens year-round,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “Our lakes contribute to the high-quality of life we enjoy here and offer bountiful opportunities for both recreation and relaxation.”
“Now, in our 15th year, we realize more than ever, the importance of continuing to protect our waterways,” explained Sue Jones, Dane County Watershed Management Coordinator. “We have come a long way, and continue to make strides in raising awareness of the issues that affect our waters; and, in turn, continue to garner community support and involvement. This year’s event will mark the birth of several new and creative alliances that have been formed as a means to continue to protect our lakes for years to come,” Jones concluded.
Kicking off on June 6 at 8 a.m. with the Clean Lakes Festival sponsored by the Mad-City Ski Team, much of the month of June will feature a series of fun, eco-conscious, community events. Featuring paddles, clean-up events and more, highlights include:
Saturday, June 6
8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Clean Lakes Festival, sponsored by Mad-City Ski Team at Olin Park. An all-day celebration of Dane County’s waters featuring music, races, boat rides, water ski clinics, educational exhibits, food and fun for the whole family! (www.cleanlakesfestival.com).
Thursday, June 11
6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Paddle to Work Day, departing from Olin Park and ending at Law Park, with times varying at additional locations. Register your participation and secure a spot in a 25-foot voyageur canoe at www.takeastakeinthelakes.com/events/PaddleToWork.aspx
Saturday, June 13
9 a.m.-noon 22nd annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up, Information Center Memorial Union - Alumni Pier located between Red Gym and Memorial Union on Lake Mendota: Volunteer shoreline cleanup of Lakes Mendota and Kegonsa, along with other places across the county.
Sunday, June 14
All-day Lower Wisconsin Riverway 20th Anniversary Paddle from Prairie du Sac to Arena. Paddle in a replica voyageur canoe along the 14-mile stretch that makes up Dane County’s northwestern border. Mark Cupp, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board Executive Director, will share information about the Riverway’s achievements over the past 20 years and other interesting Wisconsin River facts along the way. For more information or to register, go to www.danewaters.com/events/anniversary_paddle.aspx.
Thursday, June 18
5:30 p.m. at the Madison Club, Terrace Room, Dane County Waters Champions Awards Ceremony. Recognizing how groups and individuals are working to protect and enhance Dane County’s water resources. For more information, contact Marcia Hartwig at (608) 224-3746.
Saturday, June 20
9:00 a.m. – noon 22nd annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up, Information Center at Law Park: Volunteer shoreline clean-up of Lakes Monona, Waubesa and Wingra.
For more information, and a full schedule of events, visit www.takeastakeinthelakes.com.