Root-Pike WIN in the News
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November 21st, 2024 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network and the City of Kenosha are partnering to transform areas of Pike Creek with “pollinator patches” at Washington Park beginning in the spring. With $56,465 from the Daybreak Fund and a $5,000 We Energies Foundation grant the restoration program will convert roughly a half-acre of unused turf grass to native wetland plants that will improve water quality, boost native pollinator habitat, and enhance park aesthetics.
September 19th, 2024 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network now owns the entirety of Campbell Woods, following its purchase of the remaining seven acres of the forest. In 2023, Root-Pike WIN bought 13 acres of Campbell Woods, according to Executive Director Dave Giordano. It purchased the remaining seven acres Aug. 30 for $65,000.
June 19th, 2024 - Dignitaries and volunteers gathered for the kickoff of a private-public partnership that is meant to restore native vegetation to reduce flooding and improve water quality, pollinator habitat, and outdoor education in the Bradford and Bullen area. The 35-acre restoration presents a significant opportunity for the City of Kenosha to transform a low-performing mono-culture landscape to an ecologically vibrant Kenosha destination.
June 14th, 2024 - Root-Pike WIN’s Executive Director Dave Giordano visits the Gateway’s WGTD Morning Show to talk about the removal of the Racine Horlick Dam.
May 9th, 2024 - The tech company Microsoft has teamed up with the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative to restore the Lamparek Creek. The creek, a tributary of the Pike River which feeds Lake Michigan and runs through the development, has been “used and abused” for decades, Dave Giordano, Root-Pike WIN executive director, said. Restoring the creek will not only improve water quality for the area, but the group hopes it will also bring the brook trout back to the creek.
March 1st, 2024 - The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is teaming up with the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network to breathe new life into the university’s cross-country trail. Jason Guaderrama is a senior on UW-Parkside’s wrestling team. He and his teammates are helping plant native plant species along the trail. Guaderrama said he takes pride in helping protect the environment and has learned a lot through this. Watch the video by clicking the heading link.
January 4th, 2024 - In the coming year, two critical southeastern Wisconsin watershed corridors will again become a welcoming habitat for coastal Lake Michigan’s imperiled native species—and accessible natural space for the public. Root-Pike WIN and Microsoft are joining forces to restore prairie and wetland habitats in Racine County: Cliffside Park along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lamparek Creek in Mt Pleasant, WI.
November 1st, 2023 - An effort is underway to turn parts of Cliffside Park in Racine County back into a wetland. Dave Giordano, executive director of Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, said this is a part of the Wind Point Watershed Restoration plan and that Southeastern Wisconsin lost a majority of its wetland to settlements. This former farmland was one of the few areas that could be restored.
October 31st, 2023 - The Kenosha Sportfishing & Conservation Association is creating a proposal for a new multi-million dollar Pike Creek fish hatchery building, which it will put before the city in the coming months. Kreuser said the group plans to work with the non-profit Root-Pike WIN and the county on the project. He said the new building would be a “flourishing center” for research and education related to Kenosha’s fishery, which Kreuser has previously said brings in thousands of fishing tourists every year.
October 31st, 2023 - Kenosha Community Media visited the first annual Kenosha County Parks “Halloween in Petrifying Springs” event complete with trick or treating at attending nonprofit booths, painting pumpkins, and watching “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on the big screen! Root-Pike WIN was there with their pet waste display to share the terrifying truth about pet waste and how it harms water quality. Root-Pike WIN’s video segment can be found between 1:24 - 2:47.
October 17th, 2023 - Wetlands are more than just interesting scenery for hikers. Wetlands can filter pollution, store floodwaters to reduce erosion along shorelines, store carbon, and provide habitat for diverse and sometimes endangered species. There are 10 new acres of wetlands at Cliffside Park. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) spent the summer transforming former farmland to open-water wetlands.
August 24th, 2023 - A resident discovered a bee nest near the Pike River in Somers. After contacting Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, it was soon discovered it was a nest for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, an endangered species whose population has declined by an estimated 87 percent in recent years.
August 11th, 2023 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network started work to create open-water wetlands at Cliffside Park on Thursday, following permitting delays. The project aims to rehabilitate the area by bolstering native vegetation and removing invasive species. The converted wetland area will serve as a habitat for wildlife populations, including migratory birds and pollinators. Upon completion, improvements to the land are expected to limit runoff to the eroding bluffs.
August 4th, 2023 - The state’s first Stormwater Week takes place through Aug. 13 thanks to a partnership with the Wisconsin Stormwater Collaborative that includes municipalities, stormwater entities and non-profits focused on raising just such awareness.
July 26th, 2023 - If you took a look at a map of the section of the Root River where we went kayaking you’d see it is literally in the middle of downtown Racine. Before we embarked I thought, how natural can this setting be? But, as the pictures that follow will prove, except for the bridge crossings, there was hardly a clue that we were in an urban area, let alone smack in the heart of downtown.
June 16th, 2023 - Grant from the Racine Community Foundation awarded to Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network to help fund the Pollinator Patch Program at Goodland and Olympia Brown schools.
June 16th, 2023 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network and Racine County have partnered to create open-water wetlands in Cliffside Park. The area will support habitat for migratory birds, pollinators, and amphibians along the Lake Michigan River flyway.
June 12th, 2023 - Thanks to a new partnership with Microsoft, Root-Pike WIN will continue restoring the Lamparek Creek corridor to complete the 1.5 miles / 100+ acres of planned restoration in Mount Pleasant and Racine County. The restoration of Lamparek Creek is recommended in the 2014 EPA/DNR-approved Pike River Watershed Restoration Plan. More details here!
June 8th, 2023 - Hear from Root-Pike WIN Executive Director about the acquisition of Campbell Woods in Mount Pleasant in Racine County.
June 7th, 2023 - Gov. Tony Evers visited Samuel Myers Park on Wednesday, after an announcement that the City of Racine would receive a grant from the state Department of Administration’s Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network also received a grant — $28,127 to transform the Meachem stormwater pond in Racine County into a constructed wetland.
May 24th, 2023 - The Pollinator Patch Program looks to make a difference in the local environment and help feed endangered pollinators. Program Manager Kristi Heuser guided students as they planted their patch. “These plants are all native to Wisconsin. Many of them have very deep root systems, much deeper than turf grass, so putting these in the grass infiltrates more stormwater runoff, preventing it from getting into local rivers and Lake Michigan,” said Heuser.
May 9th, 2023 - Bose Elementary kindergarten, first and second grade students recently traded their classrooms for the Parkside library to learn more about the university’s pollinator patch, what it can do for the environment and why it’s important.
March 20th, 2023 - World Water Day is Wednesday, March 22, and Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network is celebrating with the relaunch of the Respect Our Waters website. Created by local nonprofits Root-Pike and Sweet Water, this website includes easy-to-access data for all things water quality. The public is invited to visit the updated website on March 22 after 10 a.m. to learn how to help protect local freshwater resources at www.respectourwaters.org.
February 20th, 2023 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network has announced it has secured $10,000 in grants toward restoring 2,000 square feet of native prairie at Somers Elementary School. Partnering together, Somers Elementary School and Root-Pike WIN will restore an unused area on the southwest corner of the campus suffering from stormwater runoff issues, creating a new learning environment for students, reducing mowing costs and increasing habitats for endangered pollinators.
January 23rd, 2023 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network and its affiliates through the Wisconsin Salt Wise Partnership are spotlighting the threats that road salt poses to rivers, lakes and drinking water as part of Wisconsin Salt Awareness Week running Jan. 23-27. Winter salt and deicers are common water pollutants. Once extracted from its original pockets within the earth and then connected with water, chlorides persist indefinitely.
January 19th, 2023 - Hear from Respect Our Waters Program Manager Laura Buska discuss the issues of salt in freshwater and where individuals can learn more about how to do their part to protect local freshwater resources including Lake Michigan. Tune into Salt Awareness Week from January 23rd - 27th from 12:30 - 1 pm daily for 30-minute live streams from experts that address the environmental toll of deicers, the effects on our bodies of these salts in our drinking water, actions being taken to address this issue and how individuals can practice winter maintenance in a way that protects public safety as well as our local environment. Watch here or register for updates here.
December 29th, 2022 - In Kenosha, salmon are the basis of a significant fishing tourism industry, with people coming from across the region and even the country to go fishing along Kenosha’s shores and riversides. But issues concerning the outlet of the Pike River could put future fishing seasons at risk. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network Executive Director Dave Giordano has been working with local leaders on keeping Kenosha’s fishery healthy.
December 20th, 2022 - Wisconsin Salt Awareness Week aims to educate citizens on the salt pollution issue: how salt impacts freshwater ecosystems, the role of water softening, ideas for teaching kids about salt pollution, and other ways to get involved. Speakers will stream live over YouTube from 12:30-1 p.m. Monday through Friday to share their knowledge and field questions. Watch on the WI Salt Wise YouTube channel or register at wisaltwise.com.
November 5th, 2022 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) is partnering with the University of Wisconsin Parkside and the Fund for Lake Michigan to reduce the stormwater runoff to the Pike River with a regenerative stormwater conveyance system. This month, the Fund for Lake Michigan awarded Root-Pike WIN a $70,000 grant to help build an RSC along University Drive on the UW-Parkside campus.
October 26th, 2022 - A unique Wisconsin-based partnership under the Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) program today announced $1.8 million in conservation grant funding. The grants support eight projects that will restore and preserve natural areas and biodiversity in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan watershed. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network will restore 44 acres within the Shagbark Recreational Area in the City of Kenosha to support habitat for endangered species such as the monarch butterfly, rusty-patched bumble bee, and Blanding’s turtle, as well as increase stormwater storage and develop outdoor classroom activities.
October 11th, 2022 - Scientists with KCI Technologies Inc. flew a drone over the Meachem Wetland Preserve dropping off an unusual payload. “The news is always full of drones for evil; well here’s a drone for good,” said Dave Giordano, executive director of Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network.
September 19th, 2022 - Bose Elementary School students began planting their school pollinator patch today in partnership with Root-Pike WIN with plants from Johnson's Nursery, Inc. Each class will have a chance to plant native plants throughout the week.
August 11th, 2022 - Root-Pike WIN is honored to work alongside Kenosha's own @Koerri Elijah in spreading the word about water quality and some of the current projects happening locally! 🐟🌊
August 2nd, 2022 - Why plant native you ask? Because native plants are not only more resilient and require less maintenance over time, they also provide flood and erosion control and are needed habitat for our native pollinators! That's what we call a WIN-WIN solution! See Root-Pike WIN in action and learn how you can help native pollinators and protect water quality by going native!
July 1st, 2022 - Good things are growing at the Racine Public Library thanks to a partnership with Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network. Dozens of volunteers came to the library on Friday, June 24 to start a pollinator patch. 700 native plants are now taking root off Library Drive by the outdoor book drops. "They have deeper root systems so they infiltrate more stormwater -- ultimately improving water quality," Kristi Heuser, a Stormwater Resource Consultant with Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, says. "Any little bit of turf that you convert to a native prairie is going to benefit the waterway.”
June 13th, 2022 - Nan Calvert, program director for Root-Pike WIN’s “Pollinator Patch Program”, says native plants have numerous benefits for the local ecology. “They provide habitat for other native species. That can be birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They’re the key to life, essentially. The root systems create a “highway” for water to travel into underground aquifers, which also helps filter the water. And as opposed to water that flows off impervious surfaces like roads, roofs and parking lots, the water is retained in the ground, rather than flooding stormwater sewer systems.
June 11th, 2022 - Being adjacent to Lake Michigan is good news for the local community, however, it also comes with the major responsibility to preserve and protect this iconic and imperative freshwater source. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network offers the following list that includes the most common water pollutants from individual actions, along with simple tips to help protect water quality. These tips have been proven effective in minimizing illicit discharge and toxic chemicals from entering local waterways.
May 5th, 2022 - The Milwaukee Brewers, SC Johnson, and environment-focused nonprofit EarthEcho International partnered to create the Waste-Free Crew initiative as part of the long-term collaboration between the Brewers and SC Johnson to build awareness and educate fans about the importance of sustainability efforts in everyday aspects of life. Laura Buska, Communications Coordinator and Respect Our Waters Program Manager for Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, which had a table at the event, said she hoped students are engaged and having fun during her group’s presentation. “What happens to the land, happens to the water,” Buska said. “We hope to send the messages of less lawn, more native plants.
May 3rd, 2022 - Earth Day and Arbor Day are in the rearview mirror, however, the time to take action for the planet never ends. The Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (Root-Pike WIN), is working to keep the focus on restoring, protecting, and sustaining all watersheds within the Root-Pike basin. Given their dynamic, the non-profit aims to provide education, events and services to the surrounding southeastern Wisconsin area. They help serve municipalities, private landowners, citizens of the basin, government agencies and other nonprofits through their resources and outreach.
April 19th, 2022 - The reason Americans idealize a well-manicured, tightly trimmed lawn of green grass is largely “marketing,” according to Nan Calvert, a program manager with the nonprofit Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network. There is no actual benefit to it other than subjective appearance. “Lawn or turf or sod, whatever you want to call it, it represents absolute zero habitat, the way we take care of them,” Calvert said in an interview. “They provide essentially nothing for species that depend on plants. It doesn’t provide them with anything. There’s no pollen. There’s no nectar. There’s no diversity. It’s ridiculously resource-consumptive.
March 14th, 2022 - Crafted by the dedicated individuals of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC), the Oak Creek Watershed Restoration Plan provides specific, targeted recommendations to address four major focus areas: water quality, recreational use and access, habitat conditions, and flooding. Root-Pike WIN is assisting SEWRPC and local leaders with this process, as well as working with municipalities and landowners to advance the goals and recommendations of the completed Plan.
December 6th, 2021 - Root-Pike WIN has received a $45,000 grant from the Fund for Lake Michigan to help the Kenosha Sport Fishing and Conservation Association and the City of Kenosha improve the natural area around the salmon and trout rearing pond near the mouth of the Pike River. When complete, the Pike River mouth will have a fortified stream bank that stops the erosion threatening the rearing ponds stability, a replanted native buffer that stabilizes the bank and provides a habitat for threatened pollinators, and a stormwater management feature to mitigate runoff pollutants before they enter the river.
December 1st, 2021 - Root-Pike WIN is pleased to announce it has received a $5,600 grant from SC Johnson to fund the design and installation of a 1000 sq. ft. living outdoor classroom. This project is scheduled to begin in March of 2022 and will include coordination, site preparation, planting, and working with Bose educators on curriculum implementation. The final Pollinator Patch will offer educational opportunities for over 400 students, as well as provide a diverse and functional neighborhood green space.
November 16th, 2021 - Root-Pike WIN Executive Director, Dave Giordano, has won the “Land and Water Conservationist of the Year” award from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation! Presented on Aug. 21, this prestigious award honors individuals for outstanding contributions to the conservation of land and water within the fields of watershed management, soil conservation measures, wetlands conservation, wild rivers protection, and protection of surface or groundwater water quality.
October 15th, 2021 - Root-Pike WIN secures a grant from the Army Corps of Engineers for $10 Million to begin work on the South Branch, or “headwaters”, of the Pike River. Creating a stormwater infrastructure corridor where people want to live, work, play and invest in is a county commitment to a resilient future. Now is the time to turn a very unhealthy south branch into a healthy ecological, economic and recreational resource that enhances the brand for the local city, county, town and village.
September 24th, 2021 - “Buzzed for Bees” attendees had a BLAST at Public Craft Brewery in support of Wisconsin native pollinators! These critical creatures were celebrated in style with lots of dancing, taking photos in the “Bee-come a Bee” photo booth, drinking handcrafted “Bombus Brew”, and helping to raise funds for the Pollinator Patch Program which aims to restore habitat for Wisconsin’s native pollinators! 🐝
August 27th, 2021 - The Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County, and Root-Pike WIN, broke ground today on the first phase of restoring the Lamparek Creek – a highly impaired Lake Michigan tributary. The goals of this public-private partnership mirror the Environmental Protection Agency’s “triple benefits” in that the project will have substantial environmental, economic, and wellness upsides. With the design complete, site work will begin in August with substantial completion expected this fall.
June 10th, 2021 - Our Pollinator Patch Program is gaining momentum, and we have been building a “buzz” with local schools, municipalities, and individuals. However, we know it’s important to bee sure we practice what we preach! That said, we are proud to share our new Office Pollinator Patch! 🐝🌼
April 22, 2021 - Celebrating Earth Day with the Planting of 44,000 Trees at the “Meachem Preserve” in Mount Pleasant! Restoration work so far has included the removal of agricultural drain tiles and invasive species, general site clean-up, reseeding and is now focusing on planting 44,000 trees in a variety of over 20 species in an effort to restore natural functions at this historic wetland site.
August 20, 2020 - It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a year since 35 species of native plants were seeded into the fallow farmland within Smolenski Park in the Village of Mount Pleasant. We now have a first-year prairie with scattered blooms, small native plants, and yes, some unwanted non-natives. The black-eyed Susan’s, partridge pea, and a few hoary vervain started blooming a few weeks ago.
August `18, 2020 - This fall, Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, will begin Phase One of the Pollinator Patch Program, a native re-vegetation effort focused on restoring the federally endangered Rusty-Patch Bumble Bee habitat. Funding for the 20-acre project is being provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Brico Fund. Future phases and improvements are also being planned.
August 17, 2020 - The restoration of Gitzlaff Park, a 24-acre property donated to the village of Somers by Larry Gitzlaff in 2007, is scheduled to start this fall in cooperation with the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN). Planned improvements will reduce flooding, curb erosion and mitigate pollutants to the Somers branch. The project will also add a trail system open to the public, boost pollinator and vegetation diversity and improve the native oak savanna habitat at the park, located on the north side of the Somers branch of the Pike River.
August 2, 2020 - "The long awaited restoration of Gitzlaff Park is scheduled to start this fall. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) will restore the north half of Gitzlaff Park in collaboration with the Village of Somers. The parcel is located on the north side of the Somers Branch of the Pike River."
May 15, 2020 - Have you used video to share your organization’s story and accomplishments? Local group Root-Pike WIN created a video using drone footage from partners to show the restoration work that the Village of Mt. Pleasant accomplished along the North Branch of the Pike River. Root-Pike WIN stated, “In addition to controlling flooding, the project restored natural stream features, enhanced the aquatic habitat, improved water quality, and reversed the progressive deterioration of this urbanizing stream.”
March 1, 2020 - The new office will be in the former “University House,” 4116 12th St. It is located within the UW-Parkside Wayne E. Dannehl Cross Country Course parcel on Highway E. The house provides more space, functionality and resources.
February 11, 2020 - In this episode of Parkside Today, John is joined by Dave Giordano, executive director of Root-Pike WIN (Watershed Initiative Network), a local nonprofit organization that restores, protects, and sustains over 320 square miles of southeastern Wisconsin’s Root-Pike basin. John and Dave talk about Root-Pike WIN’s plans for the future, the historic high water levels, the Path to Wisconn Valley, the Pollinator Patch Program, and other topics.
February 2, 2020 - Dave Giordano is tired of hearing about how environmental advocates want to block business growth. Not only does that label get in the way of his work as executive director of the nonprofit Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, Giordano also believes it’s untrue. “Years ago, we viewed this as an either-or situation … you can have economic growth or environmental protection,” said Giordano, who has led Root-Pike WIN for four years. That’s not the way it should be, he thinks. “We’re not an anti-development nonprofit. We look at smart development.”…
January 14, 2020 - Root-Pike Waterhed Initiative Network (WIN), the Village of Mount Pleasant and Racine County announced today a unique partnership aimed at restoring the impaired Lamparek Ditch – a critical Lake Michigan tributary. The restored environmental corridor will extend approximately 1.2 miles from Foxconn’s “Area One” at County Highway H, east through Foxconn’s “Area Three,” and connect to the restored North Branch of the Pike River. The project, called “The Path to Wisconn Valley,” will include approximately 135 acres of restored wetlands, riparian buffers, prairie uplands and a multi-purpose trail…
January 2, 2020 - One of the most prevalent concerns related to the Foxconn project has been its impact on the local environment. But a new partnership hopes to curb some of that concern. The Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, the Fund for Lake Michigan, Kenosha County and Stormwater Solutions Engineering, LLC to limit the amount of storm water pollutants that flow into the river system along the Highway KR expansion.
December 13, 2019 - Its hard to image walking over a bridge inside Smolenski Park in December and seeing a prairie rich in plant diversity and teaming with pollinators. Yet four years ago, we embarked on a partnership with the Village of Mount Pleasant with a clear vision to restore 15 acres inside the park. The vision was to create a pollinator paradise that would also filter and slow runoff to the North Branch of the Pike River. At the time, Root-Pike WIN had just overcome some significant operational challenges and began embracing a new approach – different from any other in our 20-year history. This new “seed idea” needed a win, and Mount Pleasant gave us a chance.
December 9, 2019 - "Kenosha native Dave Giordano has many fond memories of the Driftless Area, a region in southwestern Wisconsin known for its unique mix of ridges, valleys, rivers and streams. When his visits became less frequent, Giordano envisioned ways of bringing portions of that area to Kenosha..."
November 20, 2019 - Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network has created a new bee-themed watershed restoration leadership award. The award goes to an individual that practices persistence in improving the Lake Michigan tributaries in southeastern Wisconsin – benefiting bees, other pollinators and beyond. The award recognizes life-long watershed work that improves water quality and increases our sense of place. This year’s BEE Positive Award goes to Dr. Julie Kinzelman, the Laboratory Director for the City of Racine’s Public Health Department.
August 20, 2019 - You have probably heard about the benefits of invasive species removal, but don’t often get to see the results happen so quickly. Today, we are stoked to share with you the visible proof of success. This spring, Racine County began removing the buckthorn from a nine-acre woodland inside Pritchard Park with a piece of equipment called a “brush hog”. It didn’t take long for a diverse mix of native plants to spring back.
July 7, 2019 - The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program announced the recipients of a total of $1.5 million to local, state and tribal governments, regional planning commissions, universities and nonprofit organizations all along the state’s coastline. The funds allocated for Racine and Kenosha Counties were distributed as five grants, two of which went to the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network.
June 28, 2019 - ATC is working with Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) to help restore a portion of the Lamparek Ditch, a critical tributary of the impaired North Branch of the Pike River in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. Restoration efforts along this historically degraded and mostly cultivated riparian corridor will aim to promote regional clean water and ecosystem goals.
June 25, 2019 - Standing together on the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course, one of the most iconic cross country venues in the nation, representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) announced a new initiative to develop a land enhancement plan. The goal of the plan is to create more habitat for a bumble bee – the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, to bee exact.
June 25, 2019 - “A partnership to enhance the natural habitat near the University of Wisconsin Parkside generated a lot of buzz Tuesday…”
March 7, 2019 - Salt application is a delicate balance for many reasons. Watershed protection, cost-effectiveness and public safety all enter the picture. To add to the balancing act, there are individual specifications for equipment of various kinds. The question begs asking - is a particular truck and salting unit depositing what it says it is? On that front, we have some excellent information for you courtesy of Mary Jo Lange, Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the City of Cudahy. It echoes Connie Fortin's presentation on salting that many of you attended in 2018.
March 5, 2019 - We love wild rivers. The process of meandering, making habitat and moving sediment are a marvel. When put under decades worth of highly-urbanized runoff pressure in the form of flashy stormwater volume and velocity, Wildcat Creek lost its original “wildness”. The stream banks became more under-cut and the riparian buffer was lost to turf and invasive vegetation.
March 3, 2019 - This time a year, very few people are thinking about wetlands. Yet, they are there, waiting for spring when they erupt with an astounding diversity of life, ideal for the development of conditions that form the base of the food web for myriad native species of all kinds. It’s showy and exciting. But there are essential functions that wetlands perform that are subtler and equally as important — if not more so.
January 29, 2019 - With Kenosha County as the lead and fiscal sponsor, Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) has worked cooperatively with County leaders, local stakeholders and various funders to encourage the South Branch of the Pike River’s renewal. Initially based on the “critical” recommendation in the DNR/EPA-approved Nine Key Element Pike River Watershed Restoration Plan, the first phase of planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun.
January 28, 2019 - With Kenosha County as the lead and fiscal sponsor, Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) has worked cooperatively with County leaders, local stakeholders and various funders to encourage the South Branch of the Pike River’s renewal. Initially based on the “critical” recommendation in the DNR/EPA-approved Nine Key Element Pike River Watershed Restoration Plan , the first phase of planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun. Planning includes the assessment of approximately five miles of potential stream restoration and upland revitalization to include more habitat for native species – even the endangered Rusty-Patched bumble bee.
January 3, 2019 - Neumiller Woods Park could serve as ground zero for a more ambitious restoration project, if the efforts of a group of local organizers come to fruition. As is the case with many areas along the Pike River watershed, portions of the Neumiller site in Somers, 8128 12th St., have been altered over time at the hands of humans and population growth. But grassroots groups, such as the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, are hoping to not only put an end to the degradation of the wetlands like the Pike River, but also to bring some of the altered areas back to their former glory.
November 21, 2018 - The Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network is exciting to announce that there is an old member of our team now working with Root-Pike WIN in a new capacity. William D. “Bill” Sasse has been a member of the Root-Pike WIN organization for nearly 20 years, including being a member on the Executive Board and a past Board President.
November 20, 2018 - Laura was appointed to the Board in August. She brings with her a wealth of environmental knowledge and experience along with a passionate network of college students, professors, and young adults.
October 29, 2018 - No park in the greater Racine area has seen more change than the 79-acre Pritchard Park has experienced over the past year, and its transformation has only started. Beyond those man-made, recreational enhancements, plans for the park also will include numerous improvements in the natural domain. Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network is working with Racine County, with contributions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Fund for Lake Michigan.
September 15, 2018 - “It was wonderful,” said volunteer Dan Meyer, a board member of the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network. “We kicked it off in the morning and talked to everyone about what we were doing and assigned people to different areas. We had crews all over. We pretty much covered the entire river.”
October 12, 2018 - "For 20 years, Root-Pike WIN has brought together municipalities, residents, donors and experts to improve the environment in southeastern Wisconsin and Racine County. That spirit of cooperation has protected the watersheds in our region, improved water quality and made Racine County a better place. I am grateful to recognize Root-Pike WIN with a Community Impact Award for creating places where people want to live, work, and invest." - Jonathan Delagrave, County Executive, Racine County
July 22, 2018 - The Village of Mount Pleasant and Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network have partnered and secured grant funds for the restoration of 15 acres of prairie to improve an area on the north side of Smolenski Park by removing invasive species and creating a new trail. Thirty-five native prairie plant species will be planted in the invasive species’ place.
July 19, 2018 - A new food pantry in Racine called A Place of Provision aims to be a multi-faceted asset to the community. The inner city property sits on high ground with a bluff on the east face and holds the potential to be an environmentally sustainable and functional community green space. The area will also be demonstration area for stormwater runoff solutions that can reduce runoff and erosion, create habitat for butterflies and birds, and provide natural beauty for the surrounding community. Root-Pike WIN partnered with A Place of Provision to create a landscape plan for the site to help accomplish these goals.
July 6, 2018 - The Pike River watershed will experience significant changes in the next decade. We will see a dramatic conversion of agricultural land to commercial, industrial and residential developments. As keepers of the watershed, Root-Pike WIN has partnered with the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps (GLCCC) to begin monitoring the water quality of four tributaries likely to receive the most impacts. Our goal is to work with the developers, landowners and municipalities in their planning to ultimately and measurably improve the water quality of these tributaries.
June 15, 2018 - During an interview with WGTD's Greg Berg, David Giordano, Executive Director of Root-Pike WIN, said he's had "a number" of conversations with Foxconn representatives. "I'm optimistic about what might happen," he said, cautioning that it was too early to discuss details. Giordano made it clear that the Network's first preference is to leave things in their natural state, but that removing 1,500 acres of farmland will mean fewer pollutants running off of farm fields and into area rivers and streams.
June 7, 2018 - Construction of the Phase I Pike River Streambank and Wetland Restoration project in Petrifying Springs Park will begin Friday, June 8, Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today. “This project will restore and preserve the Pike River watershed, which, in turn, will feed cleaner water into Lake Michigan,” Kreuser said. “This is a win-win for our environment and our quality of life, which is enhanced so much by the natural resources around us."
April 23, 2018 - Root-Pike WIN helped Racine County secure a $590,000DNR grant through the Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust to fully fund the restoration of the wetlands inside Cliffside Park, 7320 Michna Road in Caledonia. According to county officials, the project plans to restore the wetlands inside Cliffside Park to “pre-settlement conditions” by providing “an improved natural area for public recreation, slow soil erosion, remove invasive species, provide habitat for unique species and improve water quality to Lake Michigan.”
April 18, 2018 - Racine County and Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) have announced a partnership to restore wetlands inside Cliffside Park to near pre-settlement conditions as part of a DNR grant program. Cliffside Park is a County-owned park with a unique coastal environment located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Caledonia. The restoration of this wetland inside Cliffside Park will provide an improved natural area for public recreation, slow soil erosion, remove invasive species, provide habitat for unique species and improve water quality to Lake Michigan.
March 27, 2018 - Racine County and Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network have announced a partnership to restore wetlands and other natural areas in Pritchard Park. Racine County will provide $25,000 to restore a four-acre wetland that was overrun with invasive buckthorn in the southeast corner of the park. Along with the removal this winter of hundreds of dead or dying trees affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, the area will become a better-functioning wetland, with thriving and diverse plant communities to help reduce flooding and runoff pollution, improve and expand habitats, and create places where people want to be.
December 11, 2017 - Root-Pike WI is focused on five watersheds in the Root-Pike basin, all of which are on the DNR’s proposed 2018 list of impaired waterways. The organization’s primary goal is to get those waterways off the list, but it’s going to take a lot of time and money to get there. Giordano said they prioritize projects that will reduce pollution — such as nitrogen, phosphorus, road salt and animal waste — from getting reaching our waters.
December 4, 2017 - SC Johnson announced a donation of $35,000 to Root-Pike WIN to support the organization’s restoration projects, with the goal of significantly reducing runoff pollution, flooding issues, and habitat degradation that threaten area streams and Lake Michigan. “Issues like soil erosion and storm water runoff have to be addressed because clean water is essential so communities and the environment can thrive,” said Kelly M. Semrau, Senior Vice President – Global Corporate Affairs, Communication & Sustainability at SC Johnson. “We partner with Root-Pike WIN to ensure that the health our area’s major watersheds will continue to improve.”
August 3, 2017 - By providing clean water, communities, businesses and the environment can all thrive, Dave Giordano told a group of people at Kenosha’s Northside Public Library Thursday evening. But Root-Pike WIN can’t do it alone. Protecting major watersheds takes a cooperative effort and WIN aims to bring diverse groups together on projects to restore wetlands, plant native vegetation and reduce pollution.
July 31, 2017 - Local environmental experts, including Dave Giordano, executive director of the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, refrained from knee-jerk reactions opposing the proposal and instead suggested parties come together to ensure a rational, balanced approach that minimizes environmental damage through planning and foresight.
June 25, 2017 - The Village Board of Somers authorized Root-Pike WIN to serve as agent to find grant funds for the restoration of Somers' Neumiller and Gitzlaff Parks because local funding is not readily available. In Neumiller Woods, a trail creation and restoration project will provide better, long-term access to an area of Somers that has rare, pre-settlement conditions to experience. In Gitzlaff Park, there is a unique opportunity to bring back some of the pre-settlement wetlands, which help minimize the effects of fast-moving, erosive, and polluted storm water.
June 22, 2017 - Sparkles the Water Spaniel has been spotted all over southeastern Wisconsin lately! Along with his hostess, Katie Knoff, he not only participated in, but led the annual Wind Point Pet Parade. Following the parade, Sparkles was honored to be the celebrity judge for Wind Point pets entered for best costume, best talent and best grooming.
May 31, 2017 - Root-Pike WIN has a new “life size” clean water mascot, “Sparkles the Water Spaniel”. Sparkles was created as part of the Respect Our Waters program, which began in 2012 as a new way to educate residents of Southeastern Wisconsin on ways to reduce stormwater runoff pollution through better homeowner land management practices. Sparkles will make his first appearance at the Kenosha HarborMarket on June 3, 2017, to meet area residents and encourage people of all ages and interest levels to enjoy WIN’s “The Mystery of Pike Creek” event at Kenosha Public Museum.
May 21, 2017 - 200 middle school students visited the mouth of the Pike River in Kenosha to understand watershed connectivity and the basic principles of what happens on land ultimately ends up in the storm sewers, rivers and lakes. Dave Giordano shared his thoughts on the importance of educating youth on watershed issues and solutions.
May 19, 2017 - Allison Thielen, Program Manager of Root-Pike WIN, joined Nan Calvert on her monthly environmental program featured on WGTD's Morning Show. What is a watershed? What can municipalities do to reduce stormwater runoff issues? What can homeowners and business owners do on their own properties to help hold back stormwater and reduce the pollutant load entering our streams and Lake Michigan? All of these questions (and more) were answered on the radio show.
May 17, 2017 - Root-Pike WIN Executive Director, Dave Giordano, outlined the issues the restoration project is looking to address and the expected outcomes and impact on water quality in the Root River and Lake Michigan. Improving the ravine and wetland will help minimize the future deposition of excess sediment and nutrients. The project will bring other benefits to the community as well, as Colonial Park represents a rare opportunity for Racine residents to enjoy a beautiful, quiet natural area in the middle of the city.
May 17, 2017 - During a press conference, Root-Pike WIN, along with the City of Racine and Weed Out! Racine, announced plans for the ravine and wetland restoration project in Racine's urban Colonial Park. The project is currently in the design and engineering phase and is expected to move into implementation in 2018.
May 17, 2017 - Root-Pike WIN Executive Director Dave Giordano, along with City of Racine's Mayor John Dickert and Melissa Warner of Weed Out! Racine, announced on Wednesday a restoration project aimed at restoring a ravine and wetland as well as removing invasive species in Colonial Park. The project could create spawning habitat for Northern Pike that currently doesn't exist between the mouth of the Root River and the Horlick Dam.
May 11, 2017 - Dave Giordano shares about Root-Pike WIN's history, mission, current projects and objectives, challenges and ways you can get involved. He discusses upcoming events, such as the Mystery of Pike Creek event to be held at the Kenosha Public Museum on Saturday, June 3rd, as well as WIN's outreach efforts through the Respect Our Waters campaign.
May 8, 2017 - As Racine County prepares to spend $2.25 million to transform Pritchard Park into an outdoor youth sports complex, it has asked the Root-Pike WIN to help it return the park’s natural areas to a more native habitat. In a step toward that effort, the group organized more than a dozen volunteers who were on hand beating back two invasive species that continue to crowd out native forest plants in the park.
May 2017 - Wind Point Living Magazine - During a downpour at a typical home, water gushes out of downspouts, across lawns treated with pesticides and fertilizers, into an oily street and, finally, down a storm drain that dumps that pollution along with the water into a stream or Lake Michigan. By building a rain garden, you can divert your gutter water into an attractive planting bed that works like a sponge and natural filter to clean the water and lets it percolate slowly into the surrounding soil.
April 22, 2017 - On the Saturday closest to Earth Day in April, Gateway celebrates our environment with displays, workshops, hands-on activities for people of all ages, and other environment-related activities. Hundreds of community members visit the Gateway campuses each year to learn and show their support for our environment. The 2017 Celebrate Earth Day event was held on April 22--the actual Earth Day.
March 2, 2017 - Have you noticed? Whenever it snows, the beautiful pristine white piles of cottony looking snow morph quickly into dirty, unsightly mounds of who knows what. Well, that gray icing is runoff pollution that you normally don’t see when it rains. Root-Pike WIN discusses how dirty snow gives us the uncomfortable reminder that pollution exists in forms we can see and others we cannot.
February 27, 2017 - Community Connection is a weekly feature of the Kenosha News helping people learn about organizations making a difference in Kenosha County’s communities and sharing ways to get involved. Root-Pike WIN was featured in February 2017 and Dave Giordano discussed the origin and mission of our organization, our current work and how we can best be supported by the community.
December 2016 - Root-Pike WIN's executive director shares information to make it easy to strike a balance between safely clearing snow and ice from your property this winter and reducing impacts to the environment, human health, and pet health. Salt less, salt smarter. See better results and cleaner water!
October 2016 - We created “Riffles” to give you a snapshot of what’s happening with the Plans for the Root-Pike Basin. Much like riffles add oxygen to water and increase habitat, these bits of progress we are sharing add energy and enthusiasm to what we are trying to accomplish. It’s exciting, and together, we’re making progress. The value we are providing to the communities in which we live, work and play is clear. We’re the catalyst for awareness… and action. Please support us and stay involved.
August 15, 2016 - Jacob Kittilstad of CBS 58 explores a section of the Pike River in Mt. Pleasant that has undergone a major transition thanks to many dedicated individuals and the Village of Mount Pleasant. Tony Beyer and Sonny Havn from the Village of Mount Pleasant are interviewed in the tour.
July 14, 2016 - Dave Giordano, Root-Pike WIN's Executive is interviewed by Greg Berg on 91.1 FM WGTDs Morning Show. Dave, along with Nan Calvert of the SENO/Kenosha-Racine Land Trust, discuss the condition of the Root-Pike basin watersheds and Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network's strategy to improve land management and water quality in Southeastern Wisconsin.
June 14, 2016 - Root-Pike WIN has been caring for downtown Racine's Sixth Street Stormwater Planters since May of 2013. Recently, program manager Allison Thielen assisted city staff with soil sampling of the planters to determine nutrient losses and the effects of road salt on the engineered soil in the planters, which contain native plant species.
May 18, 2016 - Root-Pike WIN is excited to announce the return of Allison Thielen to the program manager position for the organization. Allison previously held the same title for the organization from 2013 to 2015. She will primarily be responsible for managing the Respect Our Waters campaign, working with the Southeastern Wisconsin Clean Water Network, office management and some grantwriting and watershed plan implementation work.
April 20, 2016 - Letter to the Editor by Dave Giordano, executive director of Root-Pike WIN:
Championed by County Executive Jim Kreuser, Kenosha County’s enthusiastic support for the Pike RIver Watershed Restoration Plan began in 2012 with active participation in the planning meetings. In 2014, the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors agreed to adopt the plan after it received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency. Today, Kenosha County, among other municipalities in the Pike River watershed, has been working to advance the recommendations, while introducing new ideas to make the plan even better.
April 13, 2016 - Executive director Dave Giordano and Root-Pike WIN board member Lori Artiomow describe the current conditions and needs of the Pike River watershed, for which a 9-element restoration plan was completed in September 2013. The organization has a new focus on implementation of the Pike River Plan along with the Root River and Wind Point Watershed Restoration Plans.
April 7, 2016 - Root-Pike WIN participates in the annual free kids fishing clinic organized by Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Racine County parks system. During the clinic, held at Quarry Lake Park of Racine in the Root River watershed, members of the Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network will be on hand to talk about protecting water resources.
March 15, 2016 - The Respect Our Waters Campaign by Root-Pike WIN along with over 40 other vendors to participate in the first EcoFest Racine, co-organized by Greening Greater Racine and Gateway Technical College. Visitors to the Respect Our Waters booth can collect bookmarks, stickers, buttons, pet waste bags and other items and information designed to teach local residents things they can do on their own property to help reduce stormwater runoff pollution. Respect Our Waters will also raffle off a free rain barrel.
February 26, 2016 - Root-Pike WIN and Weed Out! Racine is seeking volunteers to assist with managing the stormwater planters at Sixth Street and College Avenue in downtown Racine. Volunteers would weed the planters, remove last year's dead foliage, plant replacement plants and come back to weed again as needed.
January 2, 2016 - The Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network has named Dave Giordano as their executive director. A former board member and current resource group member since 2011, Giordano’s new duties include leading fundraising efforts, day-to-day operations and communications. “The impaired watersheds in Southeastern Wisconsin are in a fragile state, and I couldn’t be more excited to take on a leadership role in an organization that can affect significant improvement”, Giordano said.
October 12, 2015 - Funded in part by Root-Pike WIN's watershed-based grants program, the WATERshed program teaches 4th grade and 7th grade students about the area’s system of streams, rivers and lakes. Students are also taught the importance of keeping that system healthy and safe for plants, animals and people, according to Nancy Carlson, program coordinator and naturalist at River Bend Nature Center.
July 13, 2015 - After more than two years of planning, Root-Pike WIN will introduce its plan to restore the Wind Point watershed at a meeting Thursday evening. The Wind Point Watershed Restoration plan will include 10 projects most critical to complete a restoration of the watershed, which includes portions of Racine and Milwaukee counties. Officials with Root-Pike WIN will present the plan at a public meeting Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wind Point Lighthouse, 4725 Lighthouse Drive.
May 29, 2014 - (Fox 6 video) A couple of weeks ago, a quiet neighborhood in Franklin was taken over with lights, microphones and camera crews as an every day house was transformed into a stage. Chip and Chris were able to crash the set to bring us a behind the scenes look at just what was going on. Interviewed by the reporters were Allison Thielen of Root-Pike WIN and Sparkles the Water Spaniel himself.
September 26, 2013 - A new plan calls for restoration of the Pike River and its watershed area in part to reduce pollutants, like nitrogen and phosphorous, found in the water. The plan, to be formally presented today, comes from the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, a nonprofit that tries to protect and restore the Root and Pike river watersheds. The plan includes 10 “critical” recommendations. Five of those are in the Somers area of Kenosha County, and five are in the Mount Pleasant area of Racine County.
August 27, 2013 - Alternatives for the Horlick Dam will be the focus of the Root River Planning meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at River Bend Nature Center, 3600 N. Green Bay Road. The dam has inadequate spillway capacity to safely pass the 500-year flood level, and the state Department of Natural Resources is expected to require Racine County to improve the safety of the dam by increasing its spillway capacity or removing it. Staff from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will present four conceptual alternatives for the dam.