
ABOUT
UPPER SUGAR
Oak savanna at Prairie Moraine County Park
VISION & MISSION
About Upper Sugar
We are a grassroots, self-sustaining, 501c3 non-profit conservation organization. The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association consists of those who live, work or play in the watershed. We have a board of directors, an annual membership and are able to complete many beneficial conservation projects with funds we raise from grants, individual and corporate donors, municipalities and events. We are a hands-on project group, and disseminate information about watershed issues through our connections in local schools and numerous community partners.
More specific information about Upper Sugar can be found in our bylaws.
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, Wisconsin. It is rich in resources, including fisheries, wildlife habitat (including rare and endangered species), native plant communities (many in decline), and recreational opportunities.
The Upper Sugar’s vision describes its desired future. The mission summarizes how Upper Sugar will usher the vision into reality.
Vision
We envision a community that is inspired to take collective action to ensure a healthy watershed for all, now and in the future.
Mission
We protect and restore natural resources in the Upper Sugar River Watershed and surrounding areas by cultivating relationships, advocating for conservation, and bolstering environmental literacy.
Values
Many values characterize the culture and principles that drive Upper Sugar’s efforts. Succinctly, top values include:
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Stewardship: We empower individuals to see the land, water, and wildlife as their own, encouraging responsibility to care for it well.
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Diversity: We are driven to develop a community of advocates who collaborate to advance equity, access, and diversity.
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Cooperation: We are committed to collective efforts and collaborative partnerships focused on short-term actions and long-term aspirations.
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Adventure: We cultivate tangible experiences that tap into a spirit of curiosity and exploration so all can experience nature in new ways through the watershed.
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Science: We are guided by evidence-based research and informed decision-making.
Organizational Goals
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Diversity
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Board Development
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Volunteer Engagement
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Capacity Building
Program Priorities
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Education and outreach
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Citizen Science
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Invasive Species Detection and Management
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Agriculture
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Restoration
Contact
If you would like more information, have questions, or would like to volunteer, please contact us!
By Email: info@uppersugar.org
By Phone: (608) 437-7707
By Mail:
Upper Sugar River Watershed Association
P.O. Box 314
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572
Office Hours: We work remotely a large percentage of the time, so it’s recommended to call ahead or make an appointment. Our office is located at:
207 E. Main Street, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572.
Follow Upper Sugar on Facebook and Instagram for the latest program updates, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.
PARTNERS.
Our partnerships are crucial for our continued success as an organization. Together we can collectively have a much greater impact on the health of our watershed than we can individually. We proud to call the following organizations our partners.
Corporate Partners








Governmental Partners
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Mount Horeb Wastewater Utility
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University of Wisconsin Extension Water Education
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University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Geography & Geology Department
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Village of Belleville
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Wisconsin DNR – Fish Advisories
Non-Profit Partners




Mt. Horeb Community Foundation