Three Combined Sessions

Speakers: Tracy Hames and Katie Beilfuss

How Can Wetlands Help Your Lake, and How Can You Help Wetlands?

You may know that 3% of Wisconsin’s land area (nearly 1 million acres) is lakes. Did you know that wetlands once comprised a full one third of Wisconsin’s land area, or 10 million acres? We’ve lost half of these wetlands to agricultural production and development, but even with that loss, 15% of Wisconsin’s land area is wetlands. Both lakes and wetlands are part of the natural water cycle in our watersheds, and a good way to keep your lake healthy is to protect wetlands both on and upstream from your lake. Find out how lakes and wetlands interact with and depend upon one another. Learn about the work the Wisconsin Wetlands Association does to help people and communities care for wetlands all across the state, how caring for wetlands can help your lake, and how you can get involved with protecting wetlands in your community and around the state. 

Speakers: Jayne Jenks
Your Actions Matter - Waukesha Adopt a Drain Program 

Waukesha County created an Adopt A Drain program that blends citizen science,  engagement and volunteering.  Volunteers in the adopt a drain program are asked to log drain cleanings and the materials removed.  At the end of the year, we can report not only how much material was removed from drains, but what the material contained from plastics to organics....even cigarette butts.   Volunteers are encouraged to name their storm drains and submit pictures for use in the quarterly newsletter.  This naturally socially distanced program has been very popular during COVID-19! 

Speaker: Maranda Miller
Cigarette Butt Litter – Environmental Impacts, Behavioral Factors, and Reduction Implications

Improperly discarded cigarette butts are a substantial environmental problem. We conducted a study to explore cigarette butt discarding behavior on a public beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA. This presentation will share factors that influenced improper cigarette butt discarding behavior as well as litter-reducing implications gleaned from the study. Attendees will leave with strategies they may apply to their watershed in an effort to reduce cigarette butt litter.