2025 WI Stormwater Week Kicks off on Sept. 20th - Join a Local Clean Up, Workshop, or Webinar

September 16, 2025
Christal Campbell, 6082284493
Land & Water Resources

MADISON - Sept 16, 2025 - September 20th-28th is Wisconsin Stormwater Week. During this week, dedicated to all things stormwater, Dane County and the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP) are joining municipalities and organizations across Wisconsin to help raise awareness about stormwater, what it is, the problems it can cause and actions people can take to prevent stormwater pollution to our waters. 

Our actions on land have an impact on our local lakes, rivers, and streams; it’s all connected. Rain and snowmelt that runs off rooftops, lawns, and pavement travels through storm drains and ditches into our waterways carrying trash, chemicals, soil, pet waste, leaves and other debris with it. These pollutants can cause algae blooms, low oxygen levels, harm wildlife and make it difficult to enjoy our local waters. 

Unfortunately, we can’t curb stormwater pollution on our own, it’s a community problem that requires a community solution. Learn about local programs and resources that are available to help residents take actions to reduce stormwater pollution here in Dane County. Participate in one of the local events planned for WI Stormwater Week, purchase a low-cost rain barrel, or tune into one of the statewide webinars. 

Local Events: 

Sept. 20th, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Yahara River Fall Clean-Up
Hosted by the Friends of Yahara River Headwaters. Meet at Veteran's Memorial Park, DeForest. Refreshments provided. (Free)

Sept. 21st, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Native Garden Learning Hub Gathering
Learn how Rain Gardens and Downspout Gardens can prevent stormwater pollution, when they can be used, and how to install them. Planting plans and resources will be available and experts will be on hand to provide design help and answer questions ($5, registration required). 

Sept. 28th, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Lake Wingra Community Bike/Run/Walk + Clean-Up
Tables will be set up along the route with experts from various organizations providing information about the watershed and actions to protect Lake Wingra. Participants are encouraged to collect trash and clean storm drains along the way. Bags and gloves provided. (Free)

Rain Barrel Sale, All Week
Cost is $82. Order online and pick up in Middleton, DeForest, or Stoughton. Open to all Dane County residents. Additional reimbursements available to residents of MAMSWaP communities.  

Free Statewide Webinars:
All webinars are Noon - 1:00 p.m. (Registration Required): 

• Sept. 22nd - Clean-Up Event 101 (Jessica Schultz- Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance and Mike Aprill-Sheboygan South High School) 
• Sept. 23rd – Benefits of Shoreline Restoration (Keir Peckham-Natural Landscapes and CW Purpero, Katie Reed with Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance) 
• Sept. 24th – What’s an Illicit Discharge? (Adelle Keppers-City of Superior and Maureen McBroom, City of Watertown) 
• Sept. 25th – How to Engage the Community in Stormwater Education? (Paul Mech and Darius Jordan-Discovery World, Adam Bechle- WI Sea Grant, and Lisa Neeb-Reflo) 

Learn more or register for events/webinars at: https://ripple-effects.com/WI-stormwater-week 

Media Resources:

• Downspout Garden: https://flic.kr/p/2rtDK3F and https://flic.kr/p/2rtJ51X
• Rain Barrel: https://flic.kr/p/2rtKnvY
• Native Garden Learning Hub: https://flic.kr/p/2rjFQcK and https://flic.kr/p/2rjGrqx

Photos on our Flickr can be used as long as they include any photo attributions that are listed in the photo description.