Joan Kramer – Joan is a sweet lady who lives on the 14 Mile in an area that is very difficult for us to access for testing.  She believes in our work protecting the watershed and has given us access through her property so we can safely and effectively perform our monthly sampling.  We are among the few with permission to get beyond the no trespassing signs.  While we appreciate having access, we’ve also come to appreciate Joan and her love of the environment; a true friend of the 14 Mile!

Owen Rock Cranberries – Mark Mahoney, owner, and Jim Bielmeier, marsh manager, hosted a tour of their marsh this fall.  They have the same concerns with over-abundance of Nitrates in the water as we have.  Excess Nitrates in the water makes for leggy cranberry plants resulting in less growth of berries.  For us, it’s Blue-Green Algae.  So, they take steps to “settle out” the excess nutrients in their marsh ponds.  Nitrates in the marsh ponds will convert to harmless Nitrogen in the air, much as we are attempting to do in our experimental denitrification project in the Leola ditch on nearby DNR land.  While their marsh and beds are a “closed system”, we know that surface water and groundwater are connected, so what growers like Owen Rock do to filter out excess nutrients benefits us as well.  Friends of the 14 Mile watershed!

Heartland Farms – Jeremie and Alicia Pavelski help run one of the largest crop farms in Wisconsin. You’ve seen the signs all over our area. Jeremie and Alicia hosted us for a tour of their farm and operations facility this summer. They are the new generation, utilizing technology to farm more efficiently, economically, and eco-friendly. They employ 4 technology professionals developing software that utilizes satellites and sensor equipment to adjust fertilizer and irrigation use based on scientifically measured plant needs. They use cover crops and no-till wherever possible. They are active participants in Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association’s water task force and members of the newly created Big Roche-A-Cri producer-led watershed council. Friends of the 14 Mile Watershed! To learn more about the Heartland Farms and their operations please refer to our Newsletter of September 30, 2021.