Habitat Underwater Baskets (HUBs) along the Menomonee River
Spring is quickly approaching and a handful of Explore and Restore expeditions have already been scheduled for the month of May! If you are interested in attending one or would like more information you can register with the Urban Ecology Center HERE.
Sunday, May 5th Citizen-based Aesthetics Monitoring Program volunteer training 1:00-3:00 PM
Learn how to collect river quality data through your senses. Aesthetics monitoring volunteers look for items (trash, odd colored water or strange odors) that detract from the beauty and usability of Milwaukee’s rivers. In this ongoing project, volunteers monitor one of 6 sites along the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic, as well as the harbor and shorelines of Lake Michigan. Increase your knowledge of the rivers and connect with others through this unique opportunity.
Monday, May 6th Explore and Restore Expedition: Removing Barriers and Reconnecting Habitats with the Ozaukee County Fish Passage Program 4:00 – 6:00PM
The Ozaukee County Fish Passage Program has removed barriers and improved habitat for over 40 species of fish and wildlife. Join Matt Aho, Program Manager of the program, to tour the fishway at the Mequon Thiensville Dam on the Milwaukee River and the habitat improvement project at nearby Trinity Creek. Fish are now able to navigate upstream past the dam through a series of pools and riffles constructed in an 800 foot meandering stream channel. An underwater camera placed in the fishway has documented the passage of thousands of fish and wildlife, including over 43 individual species. Participants will learn how the efforts of the Ozaukee County Fish Passage Program has improved fisheries and access to available habitat in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. Participants will also tour smaller scale impediment removals, including small scale dam modifications and a combined stormwater retention/habitat improvement project and nearby Trinity Creek. Transportation from Riverside Park available.
Monday, May 13th Explore and Restore Expedition: Life Under a Rock 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Pick up a rock out of a river or stream, turn it over, and you will find it teeming with life. Discover what these amazing aquatic bottom dwellers are, how they survive underwater, and the important role they play in determining the health of our rivers. Come dressed for getting hands and feet wet! Transportation provided or meet us at Hubbard Park.
Saturday, May 18th Benthos: The BOTTOM Link in the Aquatic Food Chain 10:00-noon (Hart Park)
Algae eating, leaf decomposing, fish feeding, bottom dwelling benthic macro invertebrates – like worms, bugs, crayfish, snails, clams – are an amazing and important part of the aquatic community. Join U.S. Geological Survey benthos researcher Amanda Bell to view the benthos of the Menomonee River, discover how these creatures help us determine water quality, and see professional collection equipment. Transportation avaialble from Riverside Park to Hart Park.
Sunday, May 19th Explore and Restore Expedition: HUBs Help Fish 2:00 – 4:00
Come see what has been done to improve long-term fish spawning in the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers! Join Urban Ecology Center and Groundwork Milwaukee staff to view the HUBs (Hanging Underwater Baskets) installed in a potion of the Menomonee River and discover how this project provides quality habitat for fish in an area of the river where dredging and lack of vegetation has made survival nearly impossible for many native fish species.
