Help launch a floating wetland island into Tenney Park Lagoon as part of a community-led water quality research project. Volunteers will assist with the final steps of installing a Biohaven floating island designed to grow native wetland plants that help remove nutrients from the water.
Floating treatment wetlands are used around the world to improve water quality by allowing plant roots to absorb excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. This pilot project will test the effectiveness of a floating island planted with native species and monitored by volunteers throughout the season.
During this event, volunteers will help unload the island, position the anchor, and launch the floating island into the lagoon. After installation, participants are welcome to stay for a casual potluck picnic and celebration of the project.
This project is part of a broader effort that includes earlier preparation days and future citizen science monitoring opportunities throughout the summer.
Responsibilities
Assist with unloading the floating island from a vehicle.
Help carry and position materials needed for installation.
Assist with placing the anchor and preparing the island for launch.
Help guide the floating island into the lagoon and secure it to the anchor.
Support general event tasks as needed to ensure a smooth installation.
Optional: stay after the launch for a community potluck and informal celebration.
Qualifications
Comfortable working outdoors near water.
Able to assist with light lifting and moving materials.
Willing to follow instructions from project leads during installation.
Interest in water quality, native plants, and community science is welcome but not required.
Additional Notes
Wear outdoor clothes that can get dirty or wet.
Optional
items to bring:
Water shoes
Gardening gloves
Water bottle
Camera
Food item for potluck if you wish to participate
Earlier Project Workdays (contact organizers directly to participate since these do not take place at a park):
Floating
Island Planting Day
May 31, 10:00 am
212 Merry Street, Madison, WI 53704 (Red Pine Co-Op)
Preparing plant grow mix, weighing materials, and transplanting native plants
into the floating island structure.
Island
Anchor Build Day
June 7, 10:00 am
212 Merry Street, Madison, WI 53704 (Red Pine Co-Op)
Building the anchor system for the floating island using lumber and quick-set
concrete.
For questions or to participate in the earlier preparation days, please contact the project organizers directly:
Aaron –
608-422-3786 – collectiveclearwater@gmail.com
Elliott – 608-421-8876 – brainplate.grows@gmail.com
Additional community science monitoring outings may occur later this summer, with dates to be announced.
