The DMNA path committee, in conjunction with Friends of Lake Wingra (FoLW) will be weeding and planting along the bike-pedestrian path this spring and summer. Our goals are to promote the health of Lake Wingra, make the path more attractive, and reduce the volume of invasive plants and weeds along the path. This project marks the start of collaboration between DMNA and FoLW to accomplish a high-priority action included in FoLW's watershed management plans. The plans call for improving management of storm water, controlling invasive species, and restoring native habitat in a community public space. The City of Madison Engineering Department and MG&E are supporting this project.

We chose to start at the intersection of Glenway and the path because land management practices there are of strategic importance to the health of Lake Wingra. Lake Wingra's water quality is severely degraded by nutrient-containing soils and sediments that enter the lake via the City of Madison storm drains. The soils and sediments enter the storm drains via a large erosion gulley originating at the Glenway Golf Course and are deposited in the Ho-Nee-Um Pond and near the Wingra Boat house (ever notice that the lake is getting more shallow at the boat launch and wondered why?). Our goals are to start in a small area, have fun, and build on our success. If we have a sufficient number of volunteers, we will continue eastward.

We are meeting Saturday, March 19, at 10:00 A.M. at the intersection of Glenway and the path to walk over the site. Our first work day is Saturday, April 16, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. The dates of future work days will be posted on the calendar on the DMNA website. We welcome volunteers to attend the site preview on March 19th and to stop by to work anytime on the morning of April 16. We are starting as a small group and welcome the help of additional volunteers.

Knowledgeable volunteers will provide guidance on weed and plant identification and gardening practices. You do not need to have any particular knowledge or skills to help.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Robin Ryan by e-mail at lessie@chorus.net or by phone at 236-4145. Or, just show up on March 19th or April 16th. Please contact Robin if you would like to be advised by e-mail of future work dates.

http://www.dmna.org/bikepath/planting/volunteers_2005.shtml
Last Modified: 03-Feb-08 05:53 PM

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