For those who work and play in the Upper Sugar River Watershed
The Staff & Board of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association acknowledge the Upper Sugar River Watershed as part of the homeland of the Ho-Chunk Nation. We recognize that our stewardship efforts are founded on the creation care of the indigenous people before us.
109K
Acres within the watershed
115 miles
Of Rivers and Streams
90+
Volunteers
1
Watershed for Us to Protect
About Upper Sugar River
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association’s mission is to provide leadership for continuous resource improvement through strategic partnerships that benefit the watershed’s land, water and people. We are a grassroots, self-sustaining, 501c3 non-profit conservation organization that serves all of those who live, work or play in the watershed. We have a board of directors, a paid membership and are able to complete many beneficial conservation projects with our own funds. We are considered to be a hands-on, project group that continues to rely on the outstanding dedication of our volunteers.
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The Upper Sugar River Watershed, with a drainage area of approximately 170 square miles (109,404 acres) and 115 stream miles, is located in Dane County in southern Wisconsin. It is rich in resources, including fisheries, wildlife habitat (including rare and endangered species), native plant communities (many in decline), and recreational opportunities.
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Volunteer With Us!
We are always looking for volunteers to help us with our exciting projects. We frequently have canoe outings, clear waterways, help restore habitat and perform field studies. We have lots of hands-on projects which are always fun and always benefit the communities. Give us a call to see how you can help!
A Fond Farewell and A Fresh Beginning!
It is with mixed emotions that we are announcing that our long-running Ramble event will not be taking place in 2025. The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association board of directors and staff made this joint decision after careful consideration.
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The main role of the Ramble had been to fundraise for public outreach and education, watershed restoration, water quality advocacy and land stewardship which are the primary goals of our non-profit organization. The Ramble was no longer functioning as a fundraiser for our group and therefore the capacity to facilitate this event was no longer sustainable. As an alternative to this one large community event, we at Upper Sugar will have the capacity to facilitate many events throughout the year that are more diverse in their focus and impact in our watershed community in 2025.
Please explore our brand new website or keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details on our upcoming 2025 events and fundraisers. Please also let me know if you have any idea or interest in a certain type of event that you would like to see or be involved with in our watershed. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these changes that will help to ensure that we can continue to do our work in helping to work in our watershed and beyond. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and to sharing many more memorable experiences in the Upper Sugar River watershed with you.