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This is an exciting opportunity to help bring back lake sturgeon to the Milwaukee River. See bottom of page for up and coming training events.
History of the Project
Lake sturgeon were once abundant in Lake Michigan, with spawning populations in many of its tributaries. They disappeared from the Milwaukee River over 100 years ago due to habitat loss, over fishing, pollution, and the installation of dams. They are the oldest and largest native fish to the lakes and are important to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Goal of the Project
Over the next 25 years, Riveredge volunteers will help to raise approximately 1,000 lake sturgeon per year, totaling roughly 25,000 fish by 2031.
The sturgeon are raised in a streamside rearing facility where water from the Milwaukee River is circulated through rearing tanks. This allows the fish to imprint on the water as they grow. Once the sturgeon are released, they have a better chance of returning to the river to spawn when they are mature.
Volunteer Job Description
Volunteers are needed to make this program a success. A variety of daily tasks need to be performed to maximize the sturgeon’s chances of survival. Volunteers track the number of sturgeon, provide feedings, perform water quality tests and monitor the daily operations of the streamside rearing facility.
Volunteers are asked to make a two to three hour, one-day a week commitment. Training sessions are scheduled once per month from April through July but can be arranged on a one-on-one basis if needed.
Don't Miss the Sturgeon Volunteer Training Event
Sturgeon Project Volunteer Training
Adult Program
Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 9am – Noon
Life offers few opportunities to change history and rectify mistakes of the past. Volunteer for the Lake Sturgeon Restoration Project and do just that! Join a group of dedicated volunteers who feed the fish, maintain the tanks, monitor systems and verify water quality in the stream-side rearing facility. Volunteers commit to one-half day per week after being trained. If you can’t attend this training but would still like to volunteer, a one-on-one training date can be arranged for you. Call Mary Holleback, Adult Programs Coordinator, at 262-375-2715 to register. Fee: Free
Sturgeon Monitor - Volunteer Job Description:
Life offers few opportunities to change history, and rectify mistakes of the past. Volunteer for the Lake Sturgeon Restoration project and do just that. Join a group of dedicated volunteers feeding the fish, maintaining the tanks, monitoring systems and verifying water quality. Volunteers commit to one day a week after being trained and become part of one of the inspiring projects at Riveredge.
Qualifications of Volunteer: Able to work independently; very dependable and trustworthy.
This position is appropriate for: Adult
Minimum Age: 18
Location of Volunteer Job: Riveredge Nature Center
Time Commitment requested: Flexible
Number needed: 20
Day(s) Volunteer Is Needed: Mon. thru Sun.
Hours: Flexible
Volunteer position is for: Ongoing through the months of May - October
Is training provided? Yes (Required)*
Will there be supervision? Yes
Benefits you provide: Be a part of History!
* Training is required. If none of these days work, contact us and we will arrange for another training day for you.
Contact Mary Holleback if interested at 375-2715
Back to the Volunteer page!
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