Community
Rivers
Program
Community
Rivers
Program
The Need
NEW FOCUS
Pollution continues to be a serious concern in the Milwaukee River, with our friends at Milwaukee Riverkeeper only giving the overall health of the river a "D+" on their most recent report card. Amazing efforts are being made in Milwaukee's urban areas to improve the health of the river, but less attention has been paid to rural and suburban parts of the watershed. We know making a river that is swimmable, fishable, and liveable for all requires the cooperation and effort of all communities along its banks, and we want to help do just that
THE MISSION
Connecting rural and suburban communities with their watershed to inspire appreciation, educate, and enable positive land management changes.
THE VISION
How It Works
In each Healthy River Community, we're taking a three-pronged approach to transforming a community's relationship with the Milwaukee River. Ultimately, we hope to develop a model that is replicable across the region, creating long term sustainability in the health of the Milwaukee River watershed. In each participating community, we'll work to:



Where we're headed.
In 2017, we launched the Community Rivers Program with our neighbors in the Village of Newburg, the first Healthy River Community in the state. In 2018, we're so excited to have the Villages of Saukville and Grafton join Newburg in the Community Rivers family.
We won't be stopping there, however! Each year, the Community Rivers Program will work hand-in-hand with new towns, villages, or cities to become a Healthy River Community and to inspire new connections with and care for their stretch of the Milwaukee River.
Upcoming Events
Ready to join the excitement? Here's a sneak peak of some of the fun we have planned for our 2018 Healthy River Communities starting this summer. The best part? All activities are FREE to residents. We'll have more details and events as the summer approaches. Want to stay updated on all the fun? Sign up here for the Community Rivers email list and we'll share upcoming events!
In Newburg
May 30, 2018, 6 to 8 PM @ Riveredge: Community Rivers Project Town Hall Meeting (For Residents of Newburg, Saukville, and Grafton)
June 1, 2018, 5:30 to 7:30 PM @ TBD Location: Kayaking the Milwaukee River (Stay tuned for registration.)
June 2, 2018 @ the Newburg Fireman's Picnic: Fishing at Fireman's Park!
TBD in August @ Faulkner's Park: Volunteer Planting Day And Critter Catching (No registration needed, stay tuned for further details!)
September 23, 2018, 2 to 5:30 PM @ Riveredge: CRP Crawfish Catch & Boil Community Potluck (For residents of Newburg and Saukville- stay tuned for registration.)
In Saukville
May 30, 2018, 6 to 8 PM @ Riveredge: Community Rivers Project Town Hall Meeting (For Residents of Newburg, Saukville, and Grafton)
July 28, 2018, 9 AM to 12 PM @ Tendick Park or Ehler’s County Park: Milwaukee River Cleanup (No registration needed, stay tuned for further details!)
August 24, 2018, 5:30 to 7:30 PM @ TBD Location: Kayaking the Milwaukee River (Stay tuned for registration.)
September 23, 2018, 2 to 5:30 PM @ Riveredge: CRP Crawfish Catch & Boil Community Potluck (For residents of Newburg and Saukville- stay tuned for registration.)
In Grafton
May 30, 2018, 6 to 8 PM @ Riveredge: Community Rivers Project Town Hall Meeting (For Residents of Newburg, Saukville, and Grafton)
July 19, 2018, 4 to 7 PM @ Veterans Memorial Park: Family Fishing Afternoon (Stay tuned for registration.)
August 3, 2018, 5:30 to 7:30 PM @ Veterans Memorial Park: Kayak the Milwaukee River (Stay tuned for registration.)
August 25, 2018, 9 AM to 12 PM @ Veterans Memorial Park: Kayak the Milwaukee River (Stay tuned for registration.)
Let's work together
If you have any questions on the Community Rivers Program would like more information, or just want to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mandie Zopp, Riveredge's Director of Research and Conservation, at 262-375-2715, mzopp@riveredge.us, or through this contact form! We look forward to connecting with you!