By Fletcher Crone
Co-founder of the Whitewater Creek Coalition

The forecasted rain decided to hold off on Friday morning as over 30 volunteers worked to protect and preserve Whitewater Creek. The creek-which has its headwaters in the kettle moraine hills to the south of Whitewater-flows through downtown and to the north, eventually joining up with the Bark River. Along its journey, the creek suffers from ills such as littering and lack of Native habitat.

Volunteers from the Whitewater Creek Coalition led students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on their aptly named “Make a Difference Day,” as they sought to tackle those issues. 

At Whitewater Creek Nature Area, they were able to collect a half-dozen bags of trash, and two bags of metal recycling, along with tires and construction materials. Whitewater Creek Coalition treasurer Aubrey Thompson noted that “volunteers left with giant smiles” from such a successful cleanup.

Meanwhile, volunteers at Brewery Hill Park in downtown Whitewater planted dozens of Native species along the creek, building on the invasive species removal work of prior volunteers. Plants included Wild Bergamot, Goldenrod, Brown Eyed Susan, and many other bird, pollinator, and wildlife friendly flowers and shrubs. 

The Whitewater Creek Coalition organizes regular clean-ups, invasive species removal events, and supports education and awareness to ensure a healthy and resilient Whitewater Creek ecosystem. Those interested in learning more or getting involved can contact them via Facebook or Instagram.