Invasive Mussels Threaten Great Lakes but New Methods Offer Hope

by Will DeFour, age 15

As invasive mussels devastate the Great Lakes, scientists are looking into new ways to combat the threat and protect important parts of the local ecosystem, such as spawning grounds for native fish.

Ten years ago, a group of divers led by Harvey Bootsma researched algae growth and its connection to the invasive zebra and quagga mussels. In their study, they scraped the mussels off a portion of the lakebed near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan. As the scientists returned over the years, they noticed something odd: the mussels did not grow back. After a decade, there are still a few mussels that have been able to regrow. The mussels struggle to return because an invasive fish, the Round Goby, eats the mussels before they grow big enough to become a problem.

With the help of the Round Goby, marine biologists across the Midwest are trying to push back against the mussel invasion. A team led by Bootsma has cleared a 540-square-foot area by towing a 1,100-pound plate behind a boat to destroy the mussels. Last year, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), one of the key players in the fight against the mussels, created a tank-like machine to crawl across the lake bed and clear mussels in a 2,000-square-foot area. These projects, if targeted in spawning grounds and other important areas, can greatly benefit native species. However, this federally funded project is facing new threats as the Trump administration's budget cuts are taking funding away from marine organizations, including NOAA. [Read More]

Pheasant Branch Project Aims to Tame Madison’s Floodwaters

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

Since Madison experienced large floods in 2018, city leaders have been searching for a solution. They’ve landed on the Pheasant Branch Project, a series of improvements to solve the flooding events on the far west side of Madison. Engineers and planners have put immense work into the project, and construction is just beginning.

The $8.6 million project started in January of this year. It will include reconstructing a pond, rerouting a sewer and a street, and replanting 200 trees and 370 shrubs to strengthen the ecosystem. It is scheduled to be completed by November 2026 and will lower the 100-year storm flood elevation by four and a half feet. There will also be a larger stormwater channel and a multi-use path with a bridge. The project will enlarge stormwater pipes and channels to grow Madison’s water capacity.

Invasive plants have taken over parts of the watershed, making it harder for water to infiltrate the ground. Deeply rooted native species can infiltrate water better. The purpose of reconstruction is to enhance the waterway’s flood resilience and the preservation of important species. Enabling erosion control with plants will make the ecosystem more stable. [Read More]

Invasive Mussels Threaten Lake Ecosystems

by Will DeFour, age 15

A close relative of the highly invasive zebra mussel, known as the quagga mussel, has spread across the Great Lakes, removed valuable nutrients from the water, and even begun moving into smaller lakes across Wisconsin.

The quagga mussel was discovered in 1897 but was ignored for decades until it entered the Great Lakes in 1989. Quaggas can live deeper below water than zebra mussels — up to 130 meters below surface. They can also survive greater temperature extremes and, most alarmingly, can grow and thrive on soft surfaces on the lakebed. Zebra mussels can only grow on piers, rocks, and other hard surfaces. Lakes have few hard surfaces and are mostly covered by soft bottoms. Lake Mendota, for example, is 95% soft bottom. That’s what stopped zebra mussels from destroying the Yahara lakes. However, quaggas dont have the same limits.

Quagga mussels harm lake ecosystems by filtering nutrients that fish and other crustaceans need to survive. The mussels also take in pollutants that are dumped into the lake, and quagga predators are harmed by those chemicals. Lake Erie’s dead zone may be the result of this endless filtration. These mussels harm more than their surrounding environment; quaggas can also build up on piers, beaches, and boats. These mussels also clog pipelines and water treatment plants, which cost millions of dollars to fix annually. [Read More]

Wisconsin State Parks Celebrate 125 Years of Natural Beauty

by Moore Vang, age 16

From vibrant forests and towering rock formations, to picturesque lakes and flourishing wildlife, Wisconsin has preserved some of its natural areas for 125 years. To celebrate this milestone, staff of the parks system are hosting a year-long event to encourage people to enjoy the land and learn about the parks’ history. There are 50 state parks, 44 state trails, 15 state forests, nine state recreation areas, and eight rivers and resource areas. In total, the state park system covers around 307,000 acres.

The first iteration of a state park in Wisconsin came in 1870 when the Legislature set aside 50,000 acres of land in Vilas and Oneida counties known as The State Park. However, the land was sold and did not become official as it was only meant to preserve a piece of land for a limited amount of time.

Following this, citizens of Minnesota and Wisconsin pursued an idea from Harry Baker and George Hazard, residents of St. Croix Falls, were dedicated to preserving the St. Croix River on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The park was approved by Minnesota in 1895, followed by Wisconsin in 1900. This state park would be officially named Interstate State Park. Today, it remains the oldest state park in Wisconsin, containing various attractions such as distinct geology, hiking trails, cliff-top views, canoeing, and kayaking. [Read More]

Why Wisconsin’s State Fish Is Called the Fish of 10,000 Casts

by Joseph Zheng, age 10

The muskellunge is the state fish of Wisconsin. This massive fish can grow up to around three feet and weigh about 67 pounds. The scientific name for the muskellunge is Esox masquinongy. However, it has earn the nickname “the fish of 10,000 casts,” because tends to avoid fishing lures and can be unpredictable.

The usual color for the muskellunge is a blend of green to dark green, although it can also be slightly gray. The muskellunge can swim up to 30 miles per hour. Its lifespan is typically about 12 to 18 years, but it can live up to 30 years.

From mid-April to mid-May, the female muskellunge gives birth to between 20,000 to 250,000 eggs. These eggs can stick to woody debris on rocks and sandy bottoms. Parents do not protect the eggs, so most eggs get eaten. [Read More]

Plan to Reroute Water from Badger Mill Creek Sparks Concern

by Sedona Afeworki, age 16

Some Dane County residents are displeased that Badger Mill Creek will lose most of its water flow. The Madison Metro Sewerage District (MMSD) plans to reroute the water to Badfish Creek because of high phosphorus levels.

Phosphorus is a chemical element, it is naturally present in our bodies, food, and environment. While it is a necessary element, too much phosphorus can cause problems such as hyperphosphatemia, an electrolyte disorder caused by high intakes of phosphorus in a short amount of time. Badger Mill Creek was previously an area for people to come to enjoy the outdoors and a class II trout stream. Unfortunately, phosphorus levels in the water have exceeded legal limits in Wisconsin, posing risks for surrounding communities.

The legal phosphorus level in Wisconsin is 0.075 trillion parts per gallon of water, yet the level right now in Badger Mill Creek is 0.3. Currently, this water flows to areas such as Madison, Verona, and Upper Sugar River. To protect other waterways and communities, the Madison Metro Sewerage District wants to cut off the creek’s water supply and redirect it into Badfish Creek. While the sewerage district hasn’t finalized this plan, community members are displeased and worried that the Badger Mill Creek will dry up. [Read More]

Winter Finches Are Taking Their Time to Migrate

By John Agbo, age 14

This year’s Winter Finch Forecast released by the Finch Research Network suggests a slower year for migratory birds arriving in Wisconsin.

During the winter, many species of Wisconsin’s migratory songbirds fly South, searching for food sources and warmer temperatures. This season also usually attracts birds from farther north, from Canada, for the same reasons. The number of birds flying to Wisconsin and other states varies every year, depending on the availability of crops and berries. However, recent patterns indicate that many birds hesitate to make this journey. They have remained in their northern habitats longer than usual.

The migration patterns of finches help predict the migratory patterns of other birds and are connected to the availability of food sources in their homes in the boreal forests in Canada. The Finch Research Network has cone crop reporters on the ground who monitor the abundance of cone crops and berries in Canada. Based on their reports, the Winter Finch Forecast is created, analyzing bird movement patterns and preparing residents for roughly how many and which birds to expect. The forecast generally pertains to Ontario and nearby areas, including Wisconsin. [Read More]

American Martens Find Unexpected Refuge in Wisconsin's Apostle Islands

by Samuel Garduño Martínez, age 17

The American marten, a state-endangered species, has taken refuge in the Apostle Islands of northern Wisconsin. With a geographic range spanning from Alaska and Canada to the mountains of northern New Mexico, the American marten's presence is a testament to its adaptability in various ecosystems.

The American marten, colloquially known as the "pine" marten, roams as a nocturnal member of the weasel family in the dense forests of northern North America. Preferring the shelter of pine or fir trees, these small, slender mammals exhibit a unique habitat reliance, often crafting their dens inside the hollows of trees. Wisconsin, particularly the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, has become a focal point for the conservation of this species.

Since 1975, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has had various American marten reintroductions in efforts to safeguard the species. Being Wisconsin's only state-endangered mammal, martens faced the threat of extermination in the 1920s, primarily due to unregulated trapping and habitat loss. Despite the reintroduction of martens within the national forest, it’s being determined whether there has been consistency in the mammal population. [Read More]

Deadly Parasite Found in Northern Wisconsin Trout Streams

by Daniel Garduno, age 12

In northern Wisconsin streams, where salmon and trout abound, there is a new and dangerous parasite. Myxobolus cerebralis can be harmful to these fish and perhaps more. The appearance of this parasite has led to new research in Wisconsin.

Myxobolus is an organism found in trout and salmon, is a parasite that is capable of damaging the cartilage and the nervous system of the fish. This results in fish swimming aimlessly around lakes, streams, and rivers. Fish with the parasite have difficulty feeding or avoiding predators. Usually this makes them easy prey, giving them an even lower chance of survival.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that fishermen clean their fishing gear, equipment, and boats when leaving one body of water for another. They renewed these guidelines after the parasite was discovered in northern Wisconsin’s Elton Creek. [Read More]

Dane County Plans Solar Project at Former Landfill in Verona

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 16

Dane County is looking for help developing a solar energy project located near a former landfill in Verona. The site is on land owned by the county.

Dane County plans to install a solar array in the landfill near a site that includes a nursing home, food pantry, and a food service facility.

During the 1990s, natural gas methane from the landfill was used to generate large amounts of electricity. But today, the methane is declining prompting officials to find a better way to repurpose the area. [Read More]

The Fox River Cleanup, A Battle Against Decades of Pollution

by Sofia Zapata, age 14

The Fox River flows across central and east-central Wisconsin to Green Bay and was contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals during the mid-20th century It took almost 17 years to clean the entire river.

Between the 1950s and 1970s, the Fox River began to be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, created by seven Fox River Valley paper companies. This chemical compound causes various harmful effects such as cancer and other health conditions. In addition, this substance can cause liver damage, acne-like skin, and neurobehavioral and immunological abnormalities in children.

There were many debates around the cleanup of the Fox River. One of them was about who would pay for the cleanup. Environmental activists said that the seven companies should pay to clean the river because they were the ones who contaminated it. However, the seven companies argued that taxpayers should also have to pay some of the cost. At the end of this argument, everyone decided that the seven paper companies responsible had to pay all the costs with a total estimated $1.3 billion. [Read More]

Learn How to Help Wisconsin Pollinator Populations for a Blooming Ecosystem

by Camila Cruz, age 15

Many people undervalue our pollinators, but about 87% of flowering plants worldwide depend on them. And there are many ways we can help support them, from letting lawns grow to avoiding pesticides.

Pollinators are creatures that go from plant to plant to consume nectar and pollen. In doing this, they spread the pollen, helping plants reproduce. Pollen is necessary to fertilize plants. Some of the most popular pollinators in North America are hummingbirds, moths, flower flies, beetles, bees, butterflies, and, in the southwestern parts of the U.S. and Mexico, nectar-feeding bats.

Pollinators are very important to the environment and ecosystem. In the U.S., around 150 food crops depend on pollinators. Unfortunately, the population of pollinators is decreasing because of habitat loss, pests, nutritional deficiency, insecticides, and extreme weather events. [Read More]

Endangered Bird Species Makes a Comeback in Wisconsin

by Sofia Zapata, age 13

The Kirtland’s Warbler was one of the first birds that were on the endangered species list, created in 1973. This type of bird is a gray and yellow songbird, they are a beautiful and unique species.

The habitat of the Kirtland’s Warbler is in forests and grassy areas located in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada. During winter, these birds migrate to sunny places like the Bahamas. When they fly back to the U.S., they stop to rest in forests and marshes.

The primary conservation concerns are habitat loss or degradation and parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Partners in Flight, a conservation organization for birds, estimates the global breeding population at 4,800 individuals and rates the species a 16 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, which is a rating given to endangered species. The group lists Kirtland's Warbler on the Yellow Watch List for species with restricted ranges. [Read More]

Children of Color in Wisconsin More Likely to Test Positive for Lead Poisoning

by Hanna Eyobed, age 18

Low-income communities and children of color in Milwaukee are disproportionately harmed by lead poisoning. Affecting one of eight children across most regions of Milwaukee, lead poisoning is a prevalent problem with serious health effects that raise concerns.

Black children are four times more likely to be victims of lead poisoning than white children, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. With lead poisoning rates of 6.5%, Black children lead in the city of Milwaukee, followed by: Native American (3.2%), Asian American & Pacific Islander (3%), Hispanic (2.6%), and white (1.6%) children. The city has the highest lead poisoning rate for children under the age of six in Wisconsin. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain and nervous system along with halting development and growth in children. Fortunately, the percentage of children found with hazardous amounts of lead in their blood (5mgc/dl) has gradually decreased since 2001.

“Lead poisoning is an issue where there are disparities by both socioeconomic status and race and ethnicity,” DHS epidemiologist Maeve Pell stated. [Read More]

Invasive Carp Enter the Wisconsin River

by Sofia Zapata, age 13

An invasive carp species that originates from Europe and Asia has been affecting many rivers in the United States, including our own Wisconsin River. If scientists don't resolve this issue or find ways to control the populations, this could be very dangerous for the existing 98 different species that reside in the Wisconsin River.

For over 100 years, the Asian carp has invaded the United States. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says that the carp are traveling from Asia to the Mississippi River and followed by the Wisconsin River. This carp can be very dangerous for our rivers because they are really aggressive hunters, which initiates competition for other species.

Asian carp may live up to 20 years and as they grow, they mature between four to eight years in their life. They are an interesting species because of their jumping ability, however this can be dangerous to boaters. Specifically, adult Asian carp weighing 40-60 pounds can jump up to 10 feet above the water’s surface, unlike any other common species. [Read More]

Gray Wolf Walks from Minnesota to Wisconsin

by Aissata Bah, age 13

R2L, a gray wolf, started his long journey from a forest in northern Minnesota to Wisconsin, ultimately walking 264 miles at the age of one and a half.

His journey is worth acknowledging because it highlights the steps it takes for the gray wolf to reach Wisconsin. R2L’s adventure started in 2021, walking for miles to reach his destination. His journey was not uncommon as many male wolves tend to leave their habitat.

His journey was actually more challenging than expected, going through Minnesota for seven weeks to finally reach southeast Wisconsin. Some researchers have been tracking R2L, other wolves, and even other animals with the common goal of checking dens for reproduction and other activities. [Read More]

Scientists Say Invasive Species of Crayfish Might Leave Wisconsin on its Own

by Lah’Nylah Bivens, age 15

The rusty crayfish appeared in Wisconsin 50 years ago. Since this crayfish is not native to Wisconsin it is considered an invasive species. The rusty crayfish pushed native crayfish out of their dens and ate the native aquatic plants, causing harm to the lakes. This harmed the local spawning grounds, leaving fish unprotected.

Rusty crayfish may have found their way to Wisconsin by traveling in buckets to be used as bait. These crayfish are native to Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and the streams of the Ohio River Basin states. They also can be found in New Mexico, Northeastern states, areas in Ontario, Canada, and states surrounding Wisconsin.

Crayfish reproduce at alarming rates due to the female rusty crayfish laying around 80 to 575 eggs at a time. It takes about three to six weeks, depending on the temperature of the water, for the eggs to hatch. Scientists have studied these crayfish over the years and have found that the population can die off naturally. Due to destroying their own habitats and fungal diseases, recent studies have shown that the rusty crayfish population has dropped to zero. [Read More]

The Story Behind These Mysterious Murals Popping Up in Wisconsin Neighborhoods

by Josepha Da Costa

It's Stormwater Week in Wisconsin. Did you know that when rainwater runs off the land and enters a storm drain, it often empties into a nearby body of water and remains untreated?

This poses a problem because increased urbanization in Dane County is creating more runoff. Many surfaces in urban areas are either impervious or absorb very little water, like roads and traditional lawns. Stormwater Week is dedicated to raising awareness about stormwater, and these dangers.

Before heavy development, natural land absorbed 80-100% of rainwater. Currently, in urbanized areas, anywhere from 40-100% of water does not get absorbed. All of the leftover water flows over the land to the nearest drain, picking up pollutants and sediment along the way. Since the stormwater drains to local lakes and streams, so do the contaminants. Nutrients in the runoff, like phosphorus, can cause massive algae blooms that wreak havoc on our natural bodies of water. [Read More]

Bald Eagle Shot Near Milwaukee Dies During Surgery

by Sol Saray, age 11

A bald eagle, America's symbol of pride, was shot on December 7, 2022, in southwest Milwaukee County. The Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center tried to save the eagle, however, it died during surgery.

The bald eagle had a broken beak, fractured humerus, and a wound in the muscle as well as other sensitive parts of its wing. The Humane Society tried CPR but failed. The center in Milwaukee called the surgery “a complex and specialized surgery to stabilize his fracture and further treat his injuries.”

Authorities are searching for who shot the eagle. That person could be fined $100,000 and serve up to one year in prison: the punishment for a first offense. On the second offense, killing a bald eagle is considered a felony and comes with heavier punishments. Eagles are protected by law under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as well as The Migratory Bird Treaty Act. [Read More]

Wisconsin DNR Drafts New Plan for Wolf Hunt

by Zayn Khalid, age 12

Hunters and animal rights advocates are frustrated with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) because they did not set a standard for wolf hunting. Animal rights advocates want wolf hunting to be illegal, but hunters want to hunt. What will the DNR do?

In the past, it was legal to hunt wolves in Wisconsin. In 2012, former Governor Scott Walker established an annual fall wolf hunt in the state. This hunt has become the biggest argument between animal rights advocates and hunters. Animal rights advocates say that “wolves are too majestic to slaughter,” but hunters say wolves kill farmers' livestock. The DNR paid out more than $3 million from 1985 to 2021 to provide for the loss of farmers’ livestock.

A group called Hunter Nation won a court case forcing the DNR to hold the month of February 2021 for hunting. The outcomes were chaotic as hunters killed 218 wolves in four days, going way past their 119-animal quota. Animal advocates worried that the February hunt decimated the population of wolves, which convinced a Dane County judge to hold off on the annual fall hunt. [Read More]

Should Farmers Switch to Solar?

by Camila Cruz, age 15

Solar panels are going to require millions of acres of land to be a viable solution against climate change. In particular, these acres are owned by farmers. Scientists are on a mission to make it work for both parties by putting solar panels in the same location as crops.

Crop land is an ideal place for different types of solar development. It’s large, flat land that recieves plentiful amounts of sunlight and contains good drainage. Crops on the land are not a problem because it’s easy to build the solar panels above the crops.

The Department of Energy report in 2021 said that by 2050, a maximum of 0.5% of land in the United States would be required for solar growth. This would help us get closer to climate change goals. 0.5% doesn’t seem like much, but when translated into surface area, this would be around 9.5 million acres. [Read More]

Dane County Students Gather to Discuss Climate Change at Second Annual Conference

by Desteny Alvarez, age 17

For the second year in row, students from around Dane County will gather to address climate change issues. The second annual Dane County high school climate action conference will take place at the Alliant Energy Center on Saturday, November 12.

The title for this year’s event is Gen Z: Meeting the challenge of Our Changing Environment. Local student members of the Dane County Youth Environmental Committee are helping plan the conference. A range of speakers and climate experts will make presentations and address topics of particular interest to young people.

“I learned a lot at last year’s conference” said Devika Pal, a student at Madison’s Memorial High School. “Now, I want to know more. I’m interested in learning what actions we can take to make a difference.” [Read More]

Wisconsin Rolls-Out PFAS Testing

by Sandy Flores Ruíz, age 16

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are a family of synthetic chemicals. They are used in everyday household products, such clothes, carpets, nonstick cookware, packaging, and firefighting foam due to their ability to repel water and stains. The PFAS family of approximately 5,000 chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they last for a long period of time in the environment and human body. Research suggests that these chemicals can cause various types of cancers, decrease birth weights, damage the immune and reproductive systems, impact hormone regulation, and alter thyroid hormones.

Since 2019, the DNR has been working to develop standards for two of the better known PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, to determine safe levels of these two chemicals in public water systems. Beginning this fall, Wisconsin communities will be required to test their water to ensure that the PFOA and PFOS do not exceed limits set by the State of Wisconsin.[Read More]

Scientists Look for Ways to Protect Wisconsin Walleyes

by Julian Medina Ruiz, age 14

Wisconsin lakes are facing a sharp decline in the walleye populations. This trend is most apparent in the northern part of the state.

As lake temperatures continue to rise, Wisconsin has been working to bolster fish populations, especially for walleye. With higher temperatures, warm-water species such as bass and bluegill are now overpopulated and dominate cool-water species, including walleyes, trout, and whitefish. [Read More]

Barn Owl Sightings Increase in Wisconsin, but the Future Remains in Doubt

by Juanes Palma, age 9

In 2018, a unique species of barn owls were reported for the first time in over two decades in Wisconsin by The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The owls were spotted in September of 2018 as a pair of these birds were found in the cavity of a dead tree. Recently, there has been an increase in barn owl sightings in Wisconsin and other near states.

These creatures usually live in the dark and are known for their white heart-shaped faces. There are about 46 different known species of barn owls around the world. Scientists have studied these barn owls through the small pellets that are coughed up after they eat their prey. These pellets contain indigestible parts of the owl’s foods such as skulls, bones, and fur. Using owl pellets, researchers have learned a lot about their diets and the ecosystems they belong to.

The chests of male and female barn owls are a distinguishing feature. Female owls have a faint red patch on their chest. The patches might reflect the female's quality of health. Females with darker red patches tend to catch fewer catch parasitic flies and have a more resistant immune system. [read more]

When Exploring Dane County’s Sugar River, Keep and Eye Out for Invasive Species

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 14

The Sugar River, also known as The Upper Sugar River Watershed, is located in Dane County and flows all the way down to the Rock River.

The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association works to protect the river from invasive species that can harm or push out native species and damage the ecosystem. Many rare and endangered native plants found in the river and its nearby wetlands are threatened. Most wetland animals depend on these native plants for food and shelter. [Read More]