Village to Kick-off Water Project Events, Educating Residents on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee River

Over the next 11 weeks, Shorewood will hold 15 events aimed at educating village residents about the two water sources that are right in their backyard — the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan.

The village recently started an education campaign, , which seeks to address “non-point” sources of pollution or harmful substances that mix with storm water on its way to the river and lake.

Kae DonLevy was hired by the village to lead the charge and hopes not only to get people out and enjoying the river and lake, but also thinking about ways they can help keep them clean.

“We want to create a sense of pride about how we’re working to protect water quality,” she said in a previous interview with Patch.

Over the roughly two-month initiative, Shorewood will partner with organizations like Urban Ecology Center, the Milwaukee Yacht Club, Laacke & Joys, Milwaukee Riverkeeper and the Friends of Atwater Beach, on events focused on empowering residents to protect and connect with the river and lake.

The first event, a “Water Concert” at the Marcus Center Uihlein Hall, 929 N. Water St., kicks-off the 11-week program on Saturday at 7 p.m. Other events include a duck birding workshop at the Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl., a tour of Lake Michigan courtesy of the Milwaukee Yacht Club and a kayaking course at the Urban Ecology Center with the Milwaukee Rowing Club.

“We want to get residents out to enjoy fun activities on these waterways and educate them on how to protect them," said Shorewood Department of Public Works Director Leeann Butschlick.

The fall project will wrap-up on Oct. 25 when Milwaukee author and historian John Gurda speaks about the history of Shorewood and how its relates to the unique bodies of water that border it, at 6 p.m. in , 3565 N. Morris Blvd.

For a list of the events or more information on the Shorewood Water Project find the PDF above, visit the village's website or contact Kae DonLevy at 414-588-0617.