Take a Stake in the Lakes Week Links a New Name to a 20-Year Tradition

June 13, 2007
Contact: Sue Jones, 224-3764, jones.susan@co.dane.wi.us; Marcia Hartwig, 224-3746, hartwig@co.dane.wi.us
Land & Water Resources

(Madison, June 5, 2007) Yahara Lakes Week has been renamed Take a Stake in the Lakes Week, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Take a Stake in the Lakes clean-up event. Take a Stake in the Lakes Week, presented by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission, takes place June 9-17. The Week, now in its 13th year, is a series of fun and educational community events and activities that highlight the importance of protecting and preserving Dane County’s lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands so that they may be enjoyed for years to come. Sue Jones, Dane County Watershed Management Coordinator, said “This year’s celebration is full of fun, educational community activities that everyone can enjoy, and includes three new exciting events: the Mad City Ski Team’s Clean Lakes Festival, the release of the new Yahara Waterways Water Trail Guide, and the premiere of “Dane Waters: A Reflection of Us All.” The Take a Stake in the Lakes clean-up of Dane County lakes and streams will kick off the week June 9, and be held again on June 16. Visit www.takeastakeinthelakes.com for a complete listing of the more than 40 events during the week. Highlights include: Saturday, June 9 9 a.m.-noon. 20th Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up, NEW INFORMATION CENTER location at Warner Park. Volunteer shoreline cleanup of lakes Mendota and Kegonsa and other places across the county. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Clean Lakes Festival, sponsored by Mad-City Ski Team at Warner Park. Wednesday, June 13 5:30 p.m. “Dane Waters: A Reflection of Us All” DVD Release Party, Orpheum Stage Door Theatre, 216 State Street in Madison. Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership will show its new video, a fun way to learn how everyone can minimize the negative effects of stormwater runoff. Thursday, June 14 Paddle to Work Day, countywide. One flotilla paddles from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m., departing from Olbrich Park (3300 Atwood Avenue in Madison), ending at Law Park. Saturday, June 16 9:00 a.m. – noon. 20th Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up, Information Center at Law Park. Volunteer shoreline clean-up of lakes Monona, Waubesa and Wingra. Every Day Paddles featuring the new Yahara Waterways Water Trail Guide (www.danewaters.com/YaharaWaterTrail.aspx) NOTE: June 7 – Dane County Waters Champions Announced 5:30 p.m. at the Madison Club, Terrace Room The Dane County Waters Champion presentation and State of the Waters address on June 7th will unofficially kick off Take a Stake in the Lakes Week. For more information, visit www.takeastakeinthelakes.com. ###