Conservation Goats and Sheep Presentation

by the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association

Thursay, February 25, 6:30 p.m., on Zoom

Join Upper Sugar Invasive Species Program Coordinator Matt Wallrath as he discusses a partnership to use a herd of goats and sheep to control invasive species. This emerging land management style allows for low cost and high quality selective clearing of rugged land. Paired with a community of volunteers and many different public lands and conservation easements, the Goat Guardians of Vernon County continue to expand. Original project visionary Ben Wojahn (Director of Vernon County Land and Water Conservation Department) will be on hand to share his success in shepherding this cooperative project from idea to working paddocks.

VSN Presentation

Wetlands, Watershed, and Cold Water Resources

March 16, 7:00 p.m., on Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83809443760?pwd=VTlrQUJSdkNrMGp4KzFMMFhqZ2R4QT09

In this presentation by Tracy Hames, you’ll learn about what wetlands are and how they help manage the water that flows through our watersheds.  Historically viewed as wastelands, wetland loss was rampant in Wisconsin for many decades.  The legacy of wetland loss has contributed to many of our current natural resource and societal problems, such as increased flooding, decreased water quality, and accelerated loss of fish and wildlife habitat.  Hames will present wetlands from a new perspective, showing how we can use them as solutions to the water-related issues we face, especially flooding. 

Tracy Hames was raised in Arden Hills, Minnesota.  He developed a love and appreciation for nature and the environment at a young age through many years of hunting, fishing, and camping.  Tracy obtained a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies from Macalester College in 1984 and an MS in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 1990.  He is currently the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association.

About Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA)
WWA is a non-partisan, science-based, statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of Wisconsin’s wetlands.  We envision a state where wetlands are healthy, plentiful, and support ecological and societal needs, and where citizens care for, appreciate, and interact with these natural treasures.  As a membership-based non-profit, our ability to work for wetlands throughout Wisconsin is dependent on the generous support of our members.  Please become a wetland supporter by joining Wisconsin Wetlands Association today!

Watershed Maps for Sale

Created by Local Artist Thomas Wyse

Thomas has artistically reinterpreted the local watersheds!  He enjoys playing around with maps because they give him a new appreciation for the landscape.

The first map is an antiqued map showing Valley Stewardship Networks’ priority watersheds. 

The second map shows the Tainter Creek watershed popping out in relief from the map.

The third map shows how the Kickapoo River has moved around in its river bed over time, with the colors indicating different depths.

The fourth map is of the Coon Creek watershed altered to look as if it had been crafted out of felt.

The fifth map shows different views of the Bad Axe watershed.

These beautiful posters could be yours for only $50 ea.! 

Posters of these artistic portrayals of the local watersheds are available as 20″ x 30″ posters for only $50 ea.  Please contact us at info@valleystewardshipnetwork.org if you are interested in purchasing one. 

Each piece is accompanied by a description of the artwork from the artist.

Local Pickup Only!  

Connect to Protect Your Watershed!

These shirts make ideal gifts!  They were designed by local artists and depict local watersheds.  They are 100% organic cotton!

Visit our online shop to take a look at all five of our Valley Stewardship Network Watershed T-shirts!

We’re encouraging everyone to get to know their own watershed and all the people, plants and animals that are a part of it.

We have T-shirts for the Kickapoo, Bad Axe, Tainter Creek, Coon Creek, and West Fork of the Kickapoo watersheds.

Don’t know which watershed you’re in?  Try finding yourself on this map, or contact us at info@valleystewardshipnetwork.org.

Benefits of Membership at

Valley Stewardship Network

Why VSN? Benefits of membership include:

• Contributing to healthy soil and clean water in the Driftless region of southwest WI
• Helping to build a resilient community
• Attending educational events & workshops
• Receiving updates on the latest watershed happenings
• Access to regular publications of impactful happenings in the area

Contact us about becoming a member at info@valleystewardshipnetwork.org or click on the Join Us button above!