On September 13, 2025, volunteers and Rock River Coalition staff will come together to install phase two of a creekside restoration project along Riverside Park Creek (Watertown, WI) using a diversity of native plants. The creek side restoration in Riverside Park seeks to model shoreland-improvement actions that can benefit water quality and native habitat. Phase 1 was completed in 2024, with riprap installation and invasive species removal at locations identified in the plans developed by Dodge County Conservation Department.
We’re excited to announce phase two of this project, where over 2,000 square feet of existing turf will be replaced with 27 species of native wildflowers, grasses. In total, including the 2023 planting as part of phase one, 2,400 square feet of native plants will get added to this iconic park. The resulting native plant gardens will showcase how such improvements help filter runoff, enhance pollinator habitat, prevent erosion and promote the type of natural scenic beauty that makes Wisconsin’s waters so special.
This project is a partnership between Rock River Coalition and The City of Watertown and funded by Quirk Foundation, Rock River Stormwater Group, We Energies Foundation, and The City of Watertown.
We need your help! Join us on Saturday, September 13th from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at Riverside Park to help install the planting. Registration is not required but encouraged.
https://rockrivercoalition.org/event/creekside-restoration-planting-in-riverside-park-phase-ii/